A superhero movie famously disliked by critics – but surprisingly enjoyed by Roger Ebert – is now available to stream for free. While comic book movies are hugely popular today, they were still gaining traction when this unique blend of action and horror was released in 1997. Despite mostly negative reviews, the film did well in theaters, likely because people were curious to see what it was about.
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The action movie Spawn, based on the popular Image Comics series by Todd McFarlane, first came out in theaters on August 1, 1997. Starring John Leguizamo as the villain The Violator, it earned nearly $90 million despite costing $40 million to make. For a long time, it hasn’t been available for streaming, but that’s changing on May 1st when it becomes available to watch for free on Tubi.
Roger Ebert Called ‘Spawn’ an “Unforgettable” Movie
Critics overwhelmingly disliked the movie Spawn, giving it a low 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many felt it didn’t live up to the potential of the original comic book, prioritizing flashy visuals over a strong story. However, renowned film critic Roger Ebert was a notable exception.
A renowned critic described the 1997 film Spawn as an experimental art film, giving it 3.5 out of 4 stars. While acknowledging the story was somewhat sentimental, he praised Michael Jai White’s compelling performance as Spawn, noting his ability to be both intimidating and sympathetic. He also highlighted the villain, Clown, as brilliantly conceived, full of memorable and clever lines. Ultimately, the critic deemed the comic book movie ‘unforgettable.’
I believe the best way to approach this movie is to see the story as simply a setup for the incredible visual effects. While the plot is there, it’s really the effects that take center stage, and they’re some of the most impressive I’ve ever witnessed. Ultimately, Spawn is a visually stunning and unforgettable experience.
HBO’s ‘Spawn’ Adaptation Is Far Superior to the Movie
Although the Spawn movie released in August 1997 didn’t perform well, the animated TV series was quite successful. The show premiered on HBO a few months prior and ran for three seasons, with many fans considering it the best interpretation of the character.
The difference in quality is clear when you look at their Rotten Tomatoes scores. The live-action movie only received a 37% rating, while the animated series is highly praised with a 96% score.
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2026-04-21 20:04