4 Worst Superhero Movies (and 5 That Just Get A Bad Rap)

Well, I’ve been a film enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and I’ve seen my fair share of both masterpieces and duds in my time. After watching these films and reflecting on my experiences with them, here are my thoughts:

1. “Iron Man 3” – This movie was a breath of fresh air when it first came out, and I still remember the excitement that surrounded its release. While I can understand why some might find the humor over-the-top, I found myself laughing along with the rest of the theater. The action sequences were thrilling, and the twist at the end was a nice touch.
2. “Captain Marvel” – As a woman in the tech industry, I was excited to see a female superhero get her own standalone film. Brie Larson’s performance was strong, and the action was well-choreographed. However, the movie felt a bit formulaic at times, and the de-aging effects on Samuel L. Jackson were a bit distracting.
3. “Avengers: Endgame” – This movie was a love letter to fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I couldn’t help but get emotional during the final battle. The way the plot tied together all of the previous films was impressive, and it was satisfying to see the Avengers come together to defeat Thanos.
4. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” – As a fan of the original Ant-Man movies, I had high hopes for this one, but I left the theater feeling underwhelmed. The humor fell flat, and the plot was convoluted and hard to follow. However, I did appreciate the introduction of Kang the Conqueror as a villain for future installments.
5. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” – This movie was a love letter to fans of the Spider-Man franchise, and it delivered on all fronts. The action sequences were thrilling, the humor was spot-on, and the cameos from previous Spider-Man actors were a nice touch. It’s definitely worth seeing on the big screen.
6. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” – This movie was a bit too dark for my taste, but I can appreciate the complexity of the plot and the visual effects. The use of the multiverse was an interesting twist, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out in future films.
7. “Thor: Love and Thunder” – As a fan of the Thor movies, I was disappointed by this one. The humor was over-the-top, and the plot felt disjointed and confusing. The inclusion of Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher was a nice touch, but it wasn’t enough to save the movie for me.
8. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” – This movie was a fitting tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who played T’Challa in the first Black Panther film. The action sequences were well-choreographed, and the performances were strong across the board. However, the plot felt a bit disjointed at times, and I missed the chemistry between T’Challa and Shuri.
9. “The Batman” – This movie was a dark, gritty take on the Batman franchise, and it was a nice change of pace from the lighter, more action-packed movies that have come before. Robert Pattinson’s performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman was excellent, and the cinematography was stunning.
10. “The Flash” – I haven’t seen this movie yet, but I’m looking forward to it. The trailers look promising, and I’m excited to see how they handle the time travel aspect of the plot.
11. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” – I’ve always been a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, and I have high hopes for this one. The cast is fantastic, and the humor is spot-on. Plus, it’s the final installment in the trilogy, so I’m excited to see how it wraps up the story.
12. “Captain Carter” – I haven’t seen this movie yet, but I’m looking forward to it. It’s always great to see more representation on screen, and I’m curious to see how they handle Peggy Carter as a superhero.
13. “Black Adam” – This movie has had a bit of a rocky road to release, but I’m hoping it will be worth the wait. Dwayne Johnson is always a great action star, and I’m excited to see him in the role of Black Adam.
14. “The New Mutants” – This movie has been delayed multiple times, but it’s finally set to release this year. I haven’t seen any trailers yet, but I’m intrigued by the horror/superhero mash-up concept.
15. “Thunderbolts” – I don’t know much about this movie yet, but I’m excited to see what they do with the team of villains turned antiheroes. It could be a nice change of pace from the usual superhero movies.

Overall, I think the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still going strong, and I’m looking forward to seeing where they take the story in future installments. There have been some ups and downs, but I’m excited to see what’s next!

Smaller comic book publishers have produced some remarkable films from their literature, such as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World by Oni Press and The Crow, Wanted, and Kick-Ass from Image. However, just as excellent movies can arise from vast literary collections, so too can disappointing ones – films even worse than the mediocre 2024 remake of The Crow. Although the latest portrayal of Eric Draven’s revenge isn’t particularly impressive, it doesn’t rank among the worst superhero (or anti-hero) movies ever screened. Instead, it seems to be undeservedly maligned.

As a cinephile, I often find myself pondering about movies that have garnered an undeserved amount of criticism. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that some films truly deserve the backlash they’ve received. In this exploration, we will discern which ones fall into each category, but there is a common thread that ties many, though not all, of these movies: they are ideal for dedicated superhero film enthusiasts.

Genuinely Terrible — Howard the Duck (1986)

Similar to Barb Wire, starring Pamela Anderson a decade later, Howard the Duck can be described as an overly sexualized film with inconsistent tone. It was also a rather unexpected and undignified first big-screen, full-length adaptation for Marvel Comics. If not for George Lucas serving as producer, it’s unlikely that Howard the Duck would have been produced at all.

In one aspect, “Howard the Duck” is often considered a cult classic – this isn’t too unexpected given its fitting association with movies such as “The Garbage Pail Kids Movie” from 1987 and the double whammy of “Hobgoblins” and “Mac and Me” in 1988. However, when a film’s most generous accolade is that it’s best enjoyed while being a slightly intoxicated twenty-something, Marvel would undoubtedly prefer to expunge such praise from their cinematic history books.

Genuinely Terrible — Catwoman (2004)

2004’s movie “Catwoman” seems to have been more focused on showcasing Halle Berry in latex rather than staying true to the DC comic book character. Instead of Selina Kyle, the main character is portrayed as a timid graphic designer for a cosmetics company, which is only somewhat similar to the original character. It appears that the filmmakers may not have taken the source material seriously or aimed to please fans of the comics. Given that it was the comic book fans who would be purchasing tickets, one has to wonder who the intended audience for this film was.

As a woman who has spent my fair share of time navigating through the corporate world, I found myself eagerly anticipating “Catwoman” as a representation of strong female leadership in big business. However, I left the theater disappointed and disillusioned by a movie that lacked a clear identity or meaningful commentary on women’s experiences in this realm. It felt like a half-baked attempt to capitalize on the success of early 2000s superhero movies without offering anything new or insightful.

But what really struck me was the obvious influence of those films, with the requisite montage of its title character jumping from building to building reminiscent of “Spider-Man” and “Daredevil.” It felt like someone had taken a few cues from the superhero genre but failed to understand the nuances that make these characters compelling.

Despite this, I have to give Halle Berry credit for her good humor about the film’s failures over the years. She even accepted her Razzie Award in person, which shows a level of grace and self-awareness that not many would possess in such a situation. Overall, “Catwoman” was a missed opportunity to create a meaningful and impactful representation of women in big business, but at least Berry has handled its failures with class.

Gets a Bad Rap — Spider-Man 3 (2007)

In the movie Spider-Man 3 from way back in 2007, there are still moments that are tough to stomach, just like they were during its initial release. For instance, Peter Parker’s dance scene down the street is still difficult to bear, and some of James Franco’s lines (“My best friends”) can accidentally trigger laughter. However, over time, these disappointing aspects have become less harsh on the trilogy’s final installment.

The reason Spider-Man 3 appeared to be a chaotic mess back then was because it followed in the footsteps of Sam Raimi’s initial blockbuster hit, and the critically acclaimed Spider-Man 2, which is still considered a pinnacle of superhero films. It seems that if Spider-Man 3 had shed some excess storylines, it could have been a more streamlined, serious sequel. However, this was not Sam Raimi’s intention; the studio, Sony, prevented him from doing so. Even without studio interference, it probably wouldn’t have equaled the second film. Nonetheless, Spider-Man 3 does contain elements of what could have been, particularly in almost every scene involving Sandman. Sandman, similar to Doc Ock and Green Goblin before him, showcases Raimi’s ability to create intricate and captivating villains just as effectively as he creates endearing heroes.

Gets a Bad Rap — Iron Man 2 (2010)

Although it may not be considered one of the best in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man 2 has aged well, particularly compared to some later entries from different phases that received mixed reviews at best. The film often delves into universe-building, but this was more a necessity than a lack of focus on the part of Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr., given that they were introducing S.H.I.E.L.D. and Black Widow to the storyline. Iron Man 2 served as an excellent Phase One movie, setting up the introduction of these key characters.

As a longtime Marvel fan with years of invested time and emotions into these characters, I must admit that Iron Man 2 is a film that has a special place in my heart, even if it may not be the best of the franchise. Having grown up watching Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of Whiplash, I can’t help but feel a certain nostalgic affection for his cookie-cutter caricature of a vengeful Russian archetype. However, when paired with Sam Rockwell’s flamboyant character, the scenes between them are truly unforgettable and make it hard to complain too much.

In terms of rewatchability, Iron Man 2 is definitely a film that I find myself going back to again and again. While it may not be as impressive or groundbreaking as the first Iron Man movie, it certainly serves as a crowd-pleaser and offers a fun and entertaining experience for Marvel fans. Compared to Iron Man 3, I found Iron Man 2 to be more enjoyable overall, despite its flaws. It’s a film that I can appreciate for its flaws and enjoy for the nostalgia it brings me.

Genuinely Terrible — Hellboy (2019)

Looking back, there were many elements in place to spark optimism for the Hellboy reboot. However, despite Neil Marshall of Dog Soldiers and The Descent fame directing it, the movie seems more suited for a streaming release, much like the upcoming 2024 film Hellboy: The Crooked Man which appears to have a similar budget. Another aspect that didn’t quite work out as planned was casting David Harbour in the lead role. Despite his charming screen presence, this time around he found himself in an unlikeable film rather than the likable characters we’ve come to know him for.

With Guillermo del Toro not directing, the series lacks its unique, fantastical, and thrilling aspects, leaving audiences with a gloomy atmosphere, grim visuals, and unsuccessful attempts at comedy to lighten the mood. Despite some cast members’ valiant efforts (particularly Harbour and Jovovich), it seems this reboot struggled from the start.

Gets a Bad Wrap — Birds of Prey (2020)

It’s clear that certain films in the DCEU, such as Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey, garnered less criticism compared to others like Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman 1984, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and even Man of Steel. However, Birds of Prey didn’t stir up much controversy; it was mostly overlooked by audiences. This observation is made regardless of the impact of COVID-19, which didn’t significantly affect Birds of Prey in terms of viewership since it had already left theaters by the time the pandemic took hold.

It’s unfortunate, but among the DCEU films, “Birds of Prey” stands out as its most dynamic and enjoyable installment. Unlike typical superhero/supervillain movies, it offers something fresh and that’s quite beneficial. The film boasts impressive set design, a rich visual aesthetic, and outstanding supporting performances by Ewan McGregor and Rosie Perez, in addition to Margot Robbie’s expectedly excellent leading role. In essence, “Birds of Prey” is a clear triumph.

Genuinely Terrible — Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Initially, it seemed as though Thor: The Dark World might be the poorest entry in the Thor series. However, Taika Waititi outdid himself by presenting an MCU film follow-up that has been unparalleled so far with Thor: Love and Thunder. Every element that made Thor: Ragnarok successful was amplified in Love and Thunder, turning what was previously an enjoyable experience into a spoiled feast.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself grappling with an issue that was particularly noticeable in the humor department of “Thor: Love and Thunder.” This challenge is intensified by the movie’s contrasting elements, such as a cancer subplot, a grieving father portraying a villain, and humor. The same predicament could be seen in the previous year’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” though it was slightly less pronounced due to the absence of frequent screaming goats. Unfortunately, “Love and Thunder” seemed to attempt too many roles simultaneously, which ultimately diminished the impact of its most heartfelt moments, making them feel forced and insincere.

Gets a Bad Wrap — The Marvels (2023)

Despite The Marvels being a movie that initially struggled with audiences upon its release, one might anticipate it to be subpar. Contrarily, its main flaw lies in its familiarity – it’s a case of “Seen-it-before-paid-to-watch-this”. The film lacks originality or any groundbreaking elements that could propel the MCU in an engaging direction, but it stands out as one of the most effortless films within the series so far.

The strength of this movie lies in Iman Vellani’s portrayal of Ms. Marvel. While Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, continues to deliver stellar performances, it’s Vellani’s enthusiasm and her character’s wonder that make the film captivating. Fingers crossed that her initial movie appearance won’t prevent her from being part of future Marvel Cinematic Universe films in the future.

Gets a Bad Wrap — Kraven the Hunter (2024)

Despite lagging significantly behind Madame Web in box office sales, Kraven the Hunter isn’t the most disappointing installment within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. In contrast to Madame Web, Kraven the Hunter seems almost like a decent film. Granted, it has its issues, such as portrayals of characters that are significantly different from their source material, but at least it offers some enjoyable moments here and there.

A different critique applies to Madame Web; her highly-compensated main actress seems to long for a surgery instead. Overall, the Spider-Man Universe (SSU) has earned its poor reputation and quick downfall, but singling out Kraven for most of the blame may not be entirely fair.

Kraven the Hunter is now showing in cinemas. Other movies on the list are available for streaming on Disney+, Max, and various other platforms.

2025-01-01 03:11