7 “Bad” Superhero Movies You Should Actually Watch Once in Your Life (Including Two MCU Movies)

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In simpler terms, some superhero movies received unfavorable critic reviews yet raked in big bucks at the box office, such as David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. Despite its financial success, the movie wasn’t widely appreciated by audiences either, due to a sense of compromise in its production. However, there is one aspect of Suicide Squad that merits a watch, even if it isn’t particularly entertaining. In contrast, movies like Venom, which also had poor reviews but strong box office returns, were generally enjoyed by fans. Yet, Venom doesn’t have many distinctive elements, except for being relatively true to the comic book character’s physical appearance. The significance of Suicide Squad lies in its contribution to boosting Margot Robbie’s star status and setting up the dynamic between Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag and Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress, which is referenced in James Gunn’s new DCU.

Some films, like “Howard the Duck,” are so flawed that they somehow become enjoyable. However, being entertainingly bad isn’t enough for our list. It’s a plus, but it doesn’t quite cut it on its own. To warrant a spot on this list, a “bad” superhero movie needs an additional compelling factor to make it worth watching. As we explore further, we’ll discuss what those factors are and why these problematic films still manage to captivate audiences. The movies on the list are organized chronologically.

1) Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is just as bizarre as Howard the Duck, if not more so. This film swings between moments that are overly dramatic and scenes where a man resembling a rockstar from the hair metal era fires electricity with his hands.

Due to its unique tonal difference, streaming the last film of the original Superman series is indeed worthwhile. This movie, unfortunately, marked one of the final financial downfalls for The Cannon Group, which had been struggling financially with numerous films. Additionally, this movie showcases Gene Hackman’s exceptional acting skills – he never gave a subpar performance, even in this film, which adds a certain level of merit to it.

Stream Superman IV: The Quest for Peace on HBO Max.

2) Batman & Robin

Viewing the movie “Batman & Robin” is certainly an entertaining choice, offering a glimpse into the humor that George Clooney has often poked fun at throughout his career. Interestingly enough, despite its significant imperfections, these very imperfections give the film an enjoyable twist.

The “Batman & Robin” movie is undeniably known for being so bad it’s good, but at the same time, it showcases Uma Thurman’s talent, despite her having to deliver over-the-top lines due to a weak script. Furthermore, this film holds significance because it transformed a cultural iconic franchise that had been around for eight years earlier into something unrecognizable for another eight.

Stream Batman & Robin on HBO Max.

3) Hulk

In the early 2000s, Hulk stood apart due to its unique feel compared to X-Men and Spider-Man. This difference has grown even more pronounced as time passed, making it an intriguing series to revisit.

The film is brimming with stylistic elements such as freeze frames and comic book-like visuals, which are likely to captivate those who appreciate director Ang Lee’s vision. Although it doesn’t match the enjoyment or rhythm of any Marvel Cinematic Universe movie centered around the character, this unique blockbuster still manages to hold an unexpected level of allure.

Stream Hulk on Netflix.

4) Fantastic Four

Indeed, Josh Trank’s “Fant4stic” isn’t really a recommended watch, as it seems to showcase its production challenges at every turn. While some might find value in observing such struggles, Tim Story’s 2005 version of “Fantastic Four” is the one worth checking out if you’re looking for something pre-MCU.

The explanation is straightforward: Chris Evans stands out, playing a superhero character distinct from Captain America. This role showcased a lesser-known aspect of his captivating appeal. Moreover, it’s worth noting that this high-profile film marked the late Julian McMahon’s most prominent appearance as Doctor Doom, even though his part was underdeveloped. Although the movie moves at a brisk pace that might be too fast for its own benefit, it’s refreshing to see a superhero film with a light-hearted tone, considering how somber many of these films have become over time.

Stream Fantastic Four on Disney+.

5) Punisher: War Zone

2004’s “The Punisher” starring Thomas Jane was a worthy attempt, and the Dolph Lundgren portrayal is enjoyable enough, but it’s “Punisher: War Zone” that truly captured the essence of the character. However, in 2008, audiences didn’t seem to share the same enthusiasm.

Despite negative reviews criticizing its harshness, the film “War Zone” unfortunately flopped at the box office, managing to recover only about a third of its initial budget of $35 million. However, it’s an entertaining movie, albeit a rather grim one. Additionally, it was one of the rare productions in which Ray Stevenson took on a main role, making it worth giving it a watch for that reason alone.

Stream Punisher: War Zone for free with ads on The Roku Channel.

6) Thor: Love and Thunder

Watching Thor: Love and Thunder is recommended if you’re intrigued by the idea that lightning (not intending a pun) can’t be captured in a bottle twice with the same intensity. The elements that made Thor: Ragnarok great are taken to a new level here, creating a film that’s humorously chaotic.

Despite the apparent quality issues discussed earlier, there’s another compelling reason to watch “Love and Thunder”. This factor is the stellar performance of Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher, though his screen time could have been expanded for a more impactful presence.

Stream Thor: Love and Thunder on Disney+.

7) Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

The movie “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” appears to be a notable departure in quality compared to the first two films, yet it might hold significant importance within the trilogy. Unlike its predecessors, this installment seems more like an unrelated addition rather than a natural continuation, or even the supposed final chapter.

The primary objective of “Quantumania” was to officially introduce the main antagonist for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Kang the Conqueror. However, due to Jonathan Majors’ legal issues at the time, this didn’t occur as planned. Therefore, watching “Quantumania” can provide an intriguing glimpse into how the story might have unfolded if things had gone differently.

Stream Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania on Disney+.

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2025-09-12 00:11