If you flick through the pages of a film magazine or head down to any cinema, you are likely to be bombarded with superheroes. As Marvel threatens to take over the world and everyone else tries to catch up, the obvious question is, will audiences ever get fed up of superhero films?

Up until the turn of the century, the superhero genre was generally viewed with a certain disdain. There were exceptions of course (Adam West’s glorious turn as Batman comes to mind), but it wasn’t until the success of the X-Men films, and the early Spider-Man films (let’s not mention 'Spider-Man 3') that superhero films really started to gain both big box office returns and positive critical responses.

Marvel's rivals in the superhero genre, DC Comics, fought back with Christopher Nolan’s excellent Batman trilogy. Nolan is an exceptional filmmaker and added his own spin to the caped crusader. He added complex themes as well as importantly assembling an outstanding cast. Christian Bale was a menacing, brooding presence throughout, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman happily played their part in the supporting cast and who can forget the terrifying performance that Nolan got out of the late, great Heath Ledger. Nolan had seemingly created the blueprint for modern superhero films and had in turn eradicated memories of the comically bad Batman & Robin.

However the goalposts were moved again as Marvel launched their plan for global domination. They brought more humour into their films, and having started with the success of 'Iron Man', they never looked back. After a number of films setting it all up, Marvel brought their battery of superheroes together for the hugely successful 'Avengers Assemble'. Not that they’re resting on their laurels. Endless sequels will be hitting cinemas soon, culminating of course in 'The Avengers 2'.

With Marvel’s huge success, everyone else is now playing catch-up. DC have reacted in an extremely bold way, by putting together their own two biggest superheroes on the same billing in the much anticipated Batman and Superman film (not the actual title, but as the real title is yet to be announced that’s what I’m sticking with). They are building up to taking on Marvel with their own team of superheroes, The Justice League.

Ever since the global recession in 2008, studios have been increasingly churning out films that they feel will be sure fire hits. Superhero films are now part of a list of 'safe' films. Don’t get me wrong, generally I like superhero films, but I think it’s getting to the point where there’s simply too many of them. For every Dark Knight there’s a Daredevil and sooner down the line the bubble is going to burst.

It’s not just superhero films though that are starting to grate. The endless cycle of re-boots and naff sequels is increasingly frustrating for cinema lovers. Michael Caine once said that ‘only bad movies should be remade.’ He certainly has a point, as anyone who had the misfortune of witnessing the dreadful remake of 'The Italian Job' will agree.

Perhaps what film studios need to realise is that you can have too much of a good thing, otherwise it surely will just be a matter of time before it’s not just me who is getting sick of superhero films.