Superhero movies in Indonesia in recent years have become increasingly popular, with a wide range of storylines and characters that appeal to audiences of all ages. From action-packed superhero tales to heartwarming stories of ordinary people with extraordinary abilities, these movies have captured the imagination of viewers across the country.

In this blog post, we will be exploring the top fiction superhero movies in Indonesia from 2017-2022. We will take a look at the themes, characters, and plotlines of these movies, as well as their cultural and societal impact. Whether you are a fan of the genre or just curious about the latest trends in Indonesian cinema, this post is sure to have something for you.

1. Valentine: The Dark Avenger (2017)

Netflix’s Marvel series taught us that street vigilantes are the solution to a lack of production funds. Valentine as an adaptation of a comic published by Skylar Comics takes a similar path. The movie has no aliens, gods, or monsters, only a young girl who is good at martial arts who is forced to fight crime to make a living in the middle of a corrupt city rampant with crime, Batavia City.

The girl is Srimaya (Estelle Linden), who works as a cafe waitress while trying her luck as an actress, attending audition after audition. Armed with the teachings of her late father, Sri’s martial arts skills attract the attention of Bono (Matthew Settle), a director struggling to persuade producers to produce his superhero movie. Assisted by Wawan (Arie Dagienkz), the make-up artist, Bono asks Sri to play Valentine and record his actions against criminals. 

Bono’s goal is for the public to like Valentine, thus attracting the attention of producers. But it’s not easy to be a hero in Batavia City, especially since Shadow is spreading terror and often playing tricks on the police. Written by Agus Pestol, the movie stars Estelle Linden, Arie Dagienkz, Indra Birowo, and Hollywood artist Matthew Settle, the characters give a strong impact to the movie.

2. “Satria Heroes: Revenge of Darkness” (2017)

“Satria Heroes: Revenge of Darkness” is a superhero movie that was released in Indonesia in 2017. The story centers around a team of four young people who each have their unique abilities and have to come together to defeat an ancient evil entity that has returned to threaten the world. The team is composed of a telekinetic, a shape-shifter, a time traveler, and a person with the ability to manipulate the elements.

The movie explores the themes of teamwork, friendship, and sacrifice. The characters have to overcome their issues and trust each other to defeat the common enemy. As they face the darkness and its minions, they also have to confront their fears, doubts, and insecurities. The movie also highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, and the importance of being able to accept help from others.

The characters in the movie are well-developed, each with their unique abilities, personalities, and motivations. The team dynamic is well-crafted, with the characters complementing each other and showing growth throughout the movie. The movie also presents a balanced representation of male and female characters and characters of diverse backgrounds, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indonesian society.

“Satria Heroes: Revenge of Darkness” was praised for its action sequences, special effects, and a well-written script that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The movie was a commercial success and helped to establish the superhero genre in Indonesian cinema. 

3. Gundala (2019)

“Gundala” is a superhero movie based on the iconic Indonesian comic book character of the same name. The story follows the origin story of Sancaka, a young man who gains superhuman powers after being struck by lightning. As he struggles to come to terms with his new abilities and the responsibility that comes with them, he must also confront the corruption and injustice that plagues his city.

The movie explores themes of social justice, corruption, and the power of one person to effect change. Sancaka’s character embodies the idea of an ordinary person rising to become a hero, and his struggles and triumphs resonate with audiences. The film also presents commentary on the current political and social climate in Indonesia.

The characters in the movie are well-developed, with Sancaka’s character being relatable and likable. His journey is one of self-discovery and growth as he learns to control his powers and uses them for good. He also faces his own moral dilemmas as he navigates between his desire to be a hero and the potential harm that comes with his abilities.

“Gundala” was praised by critics and audiences alike for its exciting action sequences, compelling story, and relatable characters. It also sparked a renewed interest in the Gundala comics and helped to introduce the character to a new generation of fans. The movie also set the bar for future of superhero movies in Indonesia, establishing the standard of the quality of the special effects and production values.

4. Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca (2021)

“Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca” is a fantasy action movie based on the Javanese mythology of the same name. The story follows the journey of Gatotkaca, the legendary son of Bima, who gains superhuman strength and invulnerability after being blessed by the god of war. As he battles demons and monsters, he must also confront the darkness within himself and the moral dilemmas that come with his immense power.

The movie explores themes of destiny, responsibility, and the balance between good and evil. Gatotkaca’s character must reconcile his duty as a protector of humanity with the destructive nature of his abilities, and his journey is one of self-discovery and growth. The film also presents commentary on the balance of power and the consequences that come with its misuse.

The characters in the movie are well-developed, with Gatotkaca’s character being relatable and likable. He is an honorable and brave warrior but also struggles with his demons and the weight of his responsibility. The film also showcases the supporting cast of characters and the family bond between Bima and Gatotkaca.

“Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca” was praised by critics and audiences alike for its exciting action sequences, compelling story, and relatable characters, mostly the incorporation of Javanese mythology in the film. It was a huge commercial success and became one of the most successful Indonesian movies that year, bringing back the interest of the local audience in Javanese mythology.

5. Sri Asih (2022)

Sri Asih is a 2022 Indonesian superhero action movie directed by Upi. The movie is adapted from the classic Indonesian comic book series Sri Asih by R. A. Kosasih. This film is the second film from the Bumi Langit Cinematic Universe after Gundala which was released in 2019 and will be followed by Virgo and The Sparklings, which is planned to be released in 2023.

Sri Asih tells the story of Alana (Pevita Pearce) who was born at the same time as a volcanic eruption. The natural disaster separated Alana from her parents. Over time, Alana grows into an adult woman with growing physical strength.

One day, Alana learned that she was not an ordinary human being, but the reincarnation of Dewi Asih, known as Sri Asih. Therefore, Alana is expected to help humans to fight injustice and eliminate evil. 

The movie explores themes of female empowerment, leadership, and the importance of protecting one’s community. Sri Asih’s character is strong-willed, determined, and not afraid to challenge the status quo. As she faces discrimination and prejudice, she must learn to trust her own abilities and not be afraid to speak up for what is right. The movie also presents commentary on how society views and treats women, especially those from rural and less developed areas.

Indonesian Superhero Movie is Here to Stay

In the past five years, people have seen a surge in the production and popularity of fictional superhero movies in Indonesia. Beginning in 2015 with the release of “Gundala,” the genre has continued to evolve and expand, with movies such as “Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca,” “Satria Heroes: Revenge of Darkness,” and “Sri Asih” being released in the following years.

These movies have not only been successful at the box office, but they have also been praised for their strong storytelling, relatable characters, themes of social justice, and empowerment. The emergence of these movies reflects the changing tastes and expectations of the Indonesian audience, who are looking for more than just the traditional love story. Superhero movies in Indonesia are now seen as a legitimate genre that can deliver not only entertainment but also a powerful message.

In conclusion, superhero movies in Indonesia cinema are here to stay and have the potential to bring more diversity to the industry. The movies are not only entertaining, but also inspiring and thought-provoking, and provide an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the country. As long as they continue to be well-made and resonate with audiences, they will continue to be valuable addition to the Indonesian film landscape.