All 81 movies based on Marvel comics, ranked according to critics

Gabbi ShawFeb 17, 2024, 03:03 IST

Dakota Johnson as Cassie Webb in "Madame Web."Jessica Kourkounis/Sony

There have been 81 movies based on Marvel comic property to date.
From "Howard the Duck" to "Madame Web" the quality has ebbed and flowed.

The worst-reviewed film ever based on a Marvel comic is the 2015 reboot of "Fantastic Four," which has a measly 9% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

"Fantastic Four."20th Century Fox

In second-to-last place is the 2005 "Daredevil" spin-off, "Elektra."

"Elektra."20th Century Fox

The very first Marvel film was 1986's "Howard the Duck," which was poorly received.

"Howard the Duck."Universal

The first Marvel movie of 2024 is "Madame Web" — we're already off to a rough start.

"Madame Web."Sony

After years of delays, "Morbius" was released in 2022 to negative reviews.

"Morbius."Courtesy of Sony Pictures

"Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance," the 2011 sequel to "Ghost Rider," was marginally worse than its predecessor.

"Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance."Columbia Pictures

"Dark Phoenix" (2019) was most likely the last X-Men movie we're going to get with this cast. Too bad it was such a bummer.

"Dark Phoenix."Fox

The most recent "Men in Black" film, 2019's "Men in Black: International," was unable to recapture the magic of the original.

"Men in Black: International."Sony Pictures

The final "Blade" film (for now), 2004's "Blade: Trinity," is also the worst "Blade" film.

"Blade: Trinity."New Line Cinema

The first "Ghost Rider" film, released in 2007, introduced audiences to Nicolas Cage's take on a superhero.

"Ghost Rider."Columbia Pictures

The first "Fantastic Four" film, released in 2005, wasn't much better than the 2015 reboot.

"Fantastic Four."20th Century Fox

In 2004's "The Punisher" viewers saw the first take on the ruthless vigilante Frank Castle, aka the Punisher.

"The Punisher."Lions Gate Films

Its 2008 reboot "Punisher: War Zone" didn't fare any better with critics.

"Punisher: War Zone."Lionsgate

"Venom" might've been a hit with audiences when it was released in 2018, but critics didn't feel the same way.

"Venom."Sony Pictures

"Kick-Ass 2," the 2013 sequel to "Kick-Ass," wasn't as big of a hit as the original.

"Kick-Ass 2."Universal Pictures

"The New Mutants" was finally released in 2020, and was the 13th and final installment in the "X-Men" franchise at Fox.

"The New Mutants."Fox

The 2007 "Fantastic Four" sequel, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," was a slight improvement on its predecessor.

"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer."20th Century Fox

With a name like "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," you can assume that the 2009 prequel was supposed to start a whole new series of prequels. They never materialized.

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine."20th Century Fox

The 2002 sequel "Men in Black II" wasn't as critically beloved as the first film.

"Men in Black II."Sony Pictures Releasing

"The King's Man" is the 2021 prequel to the "Kingsman" franchise.

"The King's Man."Twentieth Century Fox

Ben Affleck took his first turn at the vigilante lifestyle in 2003's "Daredevil."

"Daredevil."20th Century Fox

2023's "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" has the distinction of being the lowest-rated film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania."Marvel Studios

"X-Men: Apocalypse" was released in 2016 and stars an unrecognizable Oscar Isaac as an ancient mutant bent on destroying the world.

"X-Men: Apocalypse."20th Century Fox

2021's "Eternals" introduced a whole new team of heroes to the MCU — and yes, that is Harry Styles.

"Eternals."Disney/Marvel Studios

The first "Kingsman" sequel, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," was released in 2017.

"Kingsman: The Golden Circle."20th Century Fox

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (2014) is the worst Spider-Man movie to date, according to critics.

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2."Sony / Columbia Pictures

"X-Men: The Last Stand," released in 2006, was imagined as a potential final film for the X-Men.

"X-Men: The Last Stand."Twentieth Century Fox

"Blade II" wasn't critically adored when it was released in 2002, but has become a cult film since then.

"Blade II."New Line

"Venom: Let There Be Carnage" took everything we liked about the 2018 original and enhanced it when it was released in 2021.

"Venom: Let There Be Carnage."Sony

"Blade" (1998) has been ruled the best "Blade" film by critics.

"Blade."New Line Cinema

In 2023, Captain Marvel returned in "The Marvels," alongside some new friends.

"The Marvels."Laura Radford/Marvel Studios

The first big-screen adaptation of Bruce Banner's green transformation, the 2003 film "Hulk," received mixed-to-positive reviews.

"Hulk."Universal

"Spider-Man 3," released in 2007, capped off the original "Spider-Man" trilogy, and is considered the weakest of the three.

"Spider-Man 3."Columbia Pictures

"Thor: Love and Thunder" became the lowest-rated "Thor" movie upon its release in 2022 ...

"Thor: Love and Thunder."Marvel Studios

... which is impressive because "Thor: The Dark World," released in 2013, was the lowest-rated movie in the MCU until "Eternals."

"Thor: The Dark World."Disney / Marvel

"The Incredible Hulk," the MCU's reboot of Hulk, was released in 2008.

"The Incredible Hulk."Marvel

The third "Men in Black" film seemed to recapture some of the original's magic when it was released in 2012.

"Men in Black 3.""Men in Black 3"

2013's standalone sequel "The Wolverine" proved why Logan/Wolverine has remained the most beloved member of the X-Men, cinematically speaking.

"The Wolverine."Fox

Andrew Garfield's first turn at playing Spider-Man, 2012's "The Amazing Spider-Man," is a solid origin story.

"The Amazing Spider-Man."Columbia Pictures

"Iron Man 2" is the 2010 follow-up to the smash success "Iron Man."

"Iron Man 2."Marvel

The 2022 film "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" was filled with cameos from across the larger Marvel universe.

"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."Marvel Studios

The original "Kingsman" movie, "Kingsman: The Secret Service," was released in 2014.

"Kingsman: The Secret Service.""Kingsman"

The sequel to "Marvel's The Avengers," 2015's "Avengers: Age of Ultron," was a mixed bag.

"Avengers: Age of Ultron."Marvel

We wouldn't have ultra-violent, ultra-profane shows and movies like "Deadpool," "The Boys," "Kingsman," and "Invincible" without 2010's "Kick-Ass."

"Kick-Ass."Lionsgate

Chris Hemsworth made his debut as Thor in the 2011 film of the same name.

"Thor."Marvel Studios

The final solo film for Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark, "Iron Man 3," was released in 2013.

"Iron Man 3."Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

"Captain Marvel," the first film in the MCU to focus on a female superhero, is tied with "Iron Man 3." It was released in 2019.

"Captain Marvel."Marvel Studios

The second female-focused MCU movie, 2021's "Black Widow," also has a 79%.

"Black Widow."Marvel Studios

"Captain America: The First Avenger" was also released in 2011, and took viewers back in time to the 1940s.

"Captain America: The First Avenger."Paramount Pictures

Arguably one of, if not the first modern Marvel movie, 2000's "X-Men" set the stage for movies in the 21st century.

"X-Men."Fox

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," released in 2023, was a fitting conclusion to the "Guardians" franchise.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3."Marvel Studios

Paul Rudd joined the MCU in 2015's "Ant-Man."

"Ant-Man."Marvel Studios

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" was equal parts tragic and joyful.

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."Marvel Studios

Ryan Reynolds returned as the merc with a mouth in 2018's "Deadpool 2."

"Deadpool 2."20th Century Fox

"X2: X-Men United" was released three years after its predecessor, in 2003.

"X2: X-Men United."Fox

Ryan Reynolds brought Wade Wilson to life (technically for the second time) in 2016's "Deadpool."

"Deadpool."David Dolson/20th Century Fox

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," released in 2017, also has an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."Disney/Marvel

2018's "Avengers: Infinity War" also has an 85%.

"Avengers: Infinity War."Marvel

"X-Men: First Class" (2011) was a soft reboot of the "X-Men" franchise, introducing younger versions of some of our favorite characters.

"X-Men: First Class."20th Century Fox

The 2018 "Ant-Man" sequel, "Ant-Man and the Wasp," was ruled an improvement upon the original.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp."Marvel Studios

Benedict Cumberbatch's 2016 entry into the MCU, "Doctor Strange" has dazzling visuals meant to be seen on the big screen.

"Doctor Strange."Marvel Studios

"Spider-Man" was released in 2002, shattering all expectations of what a comic-book movie could be.

"Spider-Man."Columbia Pictures

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014) is tied with "Spider-Man" at 90%.

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier."Disney/Marvel

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" was also released in 2014, and also has a 90% critics score.

"X-Men: Days of Future Past."Fox

Those weren't the only 2014 comic-book movies that received a 90%: Pixar's "Big Hero 6" also fits that bill.

"Big Hero 6."Disney/Marvel

Yet another Marvel movie with a 90% score is 2016's "Captain America: Civil War."

"Captain America: Civil War."Marvel Studios

And the final Marvel film to share a 90% score is 2019's "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

"Spider-Man: Far From Home."Marvel Studios

The first "Men in Black," released in 1997, set the bar high for the rest of the franchise.

"Men in Black."Columbia Pictures

"Marvel's The Avengers," released in 2012, proved that Marvel was doing something that no other franchise could compete with (for the first time).

"Marvel's The Avengers."Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

2014's "Guardians of the Galaxy" has a 92%.

"Guardians of the Galaxy."Disney

Tom Holland's first solo movie, 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming," also has a 92%.

"Spider-Man: Homecoming."Chuck Zlotnick/Sony Pictures Entertainment

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" introduced the MCU's first Asian superhero when it was released in 2021.

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

"Spider-Man 2" remains a high point for Marvel movies 20 years after its release.

"Spider-Man 2."Sony

"Thor: Ragnarok" (2017) breathed new life into the "Thor" franchise.

"Thor: Ragnarok."Disney/Marvel

Hugh Jackman's swan song as Wolverine, 2017's "Logan," is the best of the "X-Men" franchise. It was even nominated for an Academy Award for its screenplay, a first for a superhero movie.

"Logan."Fox

Hugh Jackman's swan song as Wolverine, 2017's "Logan," is the best of the "X-Men" franchise. It was even nominated for an Academy Award for its screenplay, a first for a superhero movie.

The most recent live-action "Spider-Man" film, 2021's "Spider-Man: No Way Home" was the biggest movie of the year, box-office wise.

"Spider-Man: No Way Home."Sony Pictures

For much of the last two decades, the first entry into the MCU, 2008's "Iron Man," was the best-reviewed Marvel movie.

"Iron Man."Marvel Studios

"Avengers: Endgame," released in 2019, is tied with "Iron Man."

"Avengers: Endgame."Disney/Marvel

"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" was an eye-popping visual feast, even if the 2023 sequel didn't fully live up to the original.

"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."Sony

However, the best MCU movie remains 2018's "Black Panther."

"Black Panther"Disney/Marvel Studios

But, the reigning No. 1 Marvel movie of all time is the animated "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," released in 2018.

"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"Sony

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All 81 movies based on Marvel comics, ranked according to critics

The worst-reviewed film ever based on a Marvel comic is the 2015 reboot of "Fantastic Four," which has a measly 9% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In second-to-last place is the 2005 "Daredevil" spin-off, "Elektra."

The very first Marvel film was 1986's "Howard the Duck," which was poorly received.

The first Marvel movie of 2024 is "Madame Web" — we're already off to a rough start.

After years of delays, "Morbius" was released in 2022 to negative reviews.

"Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance," the 2011 sequel to "Ghost Rider," was marginally worse than its predecessor.

"Dark Phoenix" (2019) was most likely the last X-Men movie we're going to get with this cast. Too bad it was such a bummer.

The most recent "Men in Black" film, 2019's "Men in Black: International," was unable to recapture the magic of the original.

The final "Blade" film (for now), 2004's "Blade: Trinity," is also the worst "Blade" film.

The first "Ghost Rider" film, released in 2007, introduced audiences to Nicolas Cage's take on a superhero.

The first "Fantastic Four" film, released in 2005, wasn't much better than the 2015 reboot.

In 2004's "The Punisher" viewers saw the first take on the ruthless vigilante Frank Castle, aka the Punisher.

Its 2008 reboot "Punisher: War Zone" didn't fare any better with critics.

"Venom" might've been a hit with audiences when it was released in 2018, but critics didn't feel the same way.

"Kick-Ass 2," the 2013 sequel to "Kick-Ass," wasn't as big of a hit as the original.

"The New Mutants" was finally released in 2020, and was the 13th and final installment in the "X-Men" franchise at Fox.

The 2007 "Fantastic Four" sequel, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," was a slight improvement on its predecessor.

With a name like "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," you can assume that the 2009 prequel was supposed to start a whole new series of prequels. They never materialized.

The 2002 sequel "Men in Black II" wasn't as critically beloved as the first film.

"The King's Man" is the 2021 prequel to the "Kingsman" franchise.

Ben Affleck took his first turn at the vigilante lifestyle in 2003's "Daredevil."

2023's "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" has the distinction of being the lowest-rated film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

"X-Men: Apocalypse" was released in 2016 and stars an unrecognizable Oscar Isaac as an ancient mutant bent on destroying the world.

2021's "Eternals" introduced a whole new team of heroes to the MCU — and yes, that is Harry Styles.

The first "Kingsman" sequel, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," was released in 2017.

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (2014) is the worst Spider-Man movie to date, according to critics.

"X-Men: The Last Stand," released in 2006, was imagined as a potential final film for the X-Men.

"Blade II" wasn't critically adored when it was released in 2002, but has become a cult film since then.

"Venom: Let There Be Carnage" took everything we liked about the 2018 original and enhanced it when it was released in 2021.

"Blade" (1998) has been ruled the best "Blade" film by critics.

In 2023, Captain Marvel returned in "The Marvels," alongside some new friends.

The first big-screen adaptation of Bruce Banner's green transformation, the 2003 film "Hulk," received mixed-to-positive reviews.

"Spider-Man 3," released in 2007, capped off the original "Spider-Man" trilogy, and is considered the weakest of the three.

"Thor: Love and Thunder" became the lowest-rated "Thor" movie upon its release in 2022 ...

... which is impressive because "Thor: The Dark World," released in 2013, was the lowest-rated movie in the MCU until "Eternals."

"The Incredible Hulk," the MCU's reboot of Hulk, was released in 2008.

The third "Men in Black" film seemed to recapture some of the original's magic when it was released in 2012.

2013's standalone sequel "The Wolverine" proved why Logan/Wolverine has remained the most beloved member of the X-Men, cinematically speaking.

Andrew Garfield's first turn at playing Spider-Man, 2012's "The Amazing Spider-Man," is a solid origin story.

"Iron Man 2" is the 2010 follow-up to the smash success "Iron Man."

The 2022 film "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" was filled with cameos from across the larger Marvel universe.

The original "Kingsman" movie, "Kingsman: The Secret Service," was released in 2014.

The sequel to "Marvel's The Avengers," 2015's "Avengers: Age of Ultron," was a mixed bag.

We wouldn't have ultra-violent, ultra-profane shows and movies like "Deadpool," "The Boys," "Kingsman," and "Invincible" without 2010's "Kick-Ass."

Chris Hemsworth made his debut as Thor in the 2011 film of the same name.

The final solo film for Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark, "Iron Man 3," was released in 2013.

"Captain Marvel," the first film in the MCU to focus on a female superhero, is tied with "Iron Man 3." It was released in 2019.

The second female-focused MCU movie, 2021's "Black Widow," also has a 79%.

"Captain America: The First Avenger" was also released in 2011, and took viewers back in time to the 1940s.

Arguably one of, if not the first modern Marvel movie, 2000's "X-Men" set the stage for movies in the 21st century.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," released in 2023, was a fitting conclusion to the "Guardians" franchise.

Paul Rudd joined the MCU in 2015's "Ant-Man."

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" was equal parts tragic and joyful.

Ryan Reynolds returned as the merc with a mouth in 2018's "Deadpool 2."

"X2: X-Men United" was released three years after its predecessor, in 2003.

Ryan Reynolds brought Wade Wilson to life (technically for the second time) in 2016's "Deadpool."

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," released in 2017, also has an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.

2018's "Avengers: Infinity War" also has an 85%.

"X-Men: First Class" (2011) was a soft reboot of the "X-Men" franchise, introducing younger versions of some of our favorite characters.

The 2018 "Ant-Man" sequel, "Ant-Man and the Wasp," was ruled an improvement upon the original.

Benedict Cumberbatch's 2016 entry into the MCU, "Doctor Strange" has dazzling visuals meant to be seen on the big screen.

"Spider-Man" was released in 2002, shattering all expectations of what a comic-book movie could be.

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014) is tied with "Spider-Man" at 90%.

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" was also released in 2014, and also has a 90% critics score.

Those weren't the only 2014 comic-book movies that received a 90%: Pixar's "Big Hero 6" also fits that bill.

Yet another Marvel movie with a 90% score is 2016's "Captain America: Civil War."

And the final Marvel film to share a 90% score is 2019's "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

The first "Men in Black," released in 1997, set the bar high for the rest of the franchise.

"Marvel's The Avengers," released in 2012, proved that Marvel was doing something that no other franchise could compete with (for the first time).

2014's "Guardians of the Galaxy" has a 92%.

Tom Holland's first solo movie, 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming," also has a 92%.

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" introduced the MCU's first Asian superhero when it was released in 2021.

"Spider-Man 2" remains a high point for Marvel movies 20 years after its release.

"Thor: Ragnarok" (2017) breathed new life into the "Thor" franchise.

Hugh Jackman's swan song as Wolverine, 2017's "Logan," is the best of the "X-Men" franchise. It was even nominated for an Academy Award for its screenplay, a first for a superhero movie.

The most recent live-action "Spider-Man" film, 2021's "Spider-Man: No Way Home" was the biggest movie of the year, box-office wise.

For much of the last two decades, the first entry into the MCU, 2008's "Iron Man," was the best-reviewed Marvel movie.

"Avengers: Endgame," released in 2019, is tied with "Iron Man."