Blue Beetle (2023)

In Blue Beetle, struggling college grad Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña from Cobra Kai and Parenthood) unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armour capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny.

Blue Beetle was up for Best Superhero Movie at both the 2024 Critics Choice Super Awards and the Saturn Awards, where Maridueña won Best Younger Actor. He also cracked a nom for Best Actor in a Superhero Movie at the Critics Choice Super Awards, and won the Rising Star Award at their annual Celebration of Cinema & Television.

Not only does the Warner Bros. picture mark the DC character’s first time on the big screen, he’s also the DC Extended Universe’s first Latino superhero. And, as Common Sense Media notes in their 4/5-star review, “he’s also the first movie superhero to show that while his physical power comes from his super-enhancements, his fortitude comes from a loving family.” Recommending the film for ages 12+, and listing it among the Best Movies of the Year: 2023, Common Sense Media calls it, “a breath of fresh air in a packed superhero market,” saying, “A Latino superhero is long overdue in the DCEU, and this warm, funny adventure makes it worth the wait.”

Blue Beetle also stars Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza (Thor, Dora and the Lost City of Gold), Emmy-winning comedian George Lopez, and Critics Choice nominees Raoul Max Trujillo (Mayans M.C., Riddick) and Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows), as well as Oscar winner Susan Sarandon. Singer Becky G voices Khaji-Da.