Every 2025 Comic Book Movie, Ranked Worst To Best

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In 2025, comic book movie enthusiasts were treated to a feast of high-quality films, despite box office numbers that might not immediately suggest it. The DCU debuted with a captivating and charming Superman, while the MCU expanded with three new installments. Even some Marvel Comics movies went under the radar as they weren’t immediately recognized as such. However, there were concerns about the industry’s bubble bursting and box office contraction, especially in the comic book genre. Yet, it’s important to note that we’re still dealing with a billion-dollar industry here. And contrary to what you might have heard, the quality of films hasn’t dipped as dramatically as one might assume, given some remarkable creative moments seen this year.

Instead of slowing down, it seems like the pace is accelerating: Marvel’s 2026 lineup boasts a remarkable seven releases, while DC fans can anticipate not just one but two exciting projects – Supergirl and Clayface. As for the live-action comic book movies in 2025, this has been quite an eventful year, and we’re eager to find out which of the top two will claim the ultimate honor.

5. The Toxic Avenger

In simpler terms, the film “The Toxic Avenger,” released in 2025, often faced challenges due to its unique and unconventional nature compared to mainstream comic book movies. However, this was part of its appeal, as the character Toxie (voiced by Peter Dinklage and physically portrayed by Luisa Guerreiro) isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. This reboot captures that essence. Despite being silly, gory, and embracing its peculiarity, it doesn’t quite push boundaries as much as one might anticipate from an unrated movie, but it still offers some entertaining moments.

In simpler terms, I’ve enjoyed several films produced by Troma over the years, and part of their appeal lies in their modest budgets – much like the early days of Doctor Who, where the shaky sets added a unique charm. The original Toxic Avenger was a prime example of Lloyd Kaufman’s exploitation style, with a raw, makeshift feel. However, the reboot has a more polished and higher budget appearance, which although watchable, strays from what classic Troma fans have come to expect. And for those who might argue that this isn’t a comic book movie because the Marvel Comics series came after the original film, perhaps it’s best to take a moment and appreciate the entertainment value for what it is.

4. Captain America: Brave New World

To cut straight to the point, “Brave New World” surpasses the questionable rating given by Rotten Tomatoes critics. I find it hard to explain this disparity except by suggesting that there was some mass folly among the critics or perhaps an unexpected surge of Red Hulk frenzy. However, I am prepared to debate its merits. While “Brave New World” isn’t flawless and you can notice reshoots and excised plot points more than in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it remains an enjoyable watch.

Anthony Mackie, known for his heroic roles, could be an excellent choice for a significant part in future Avengers films, and his battle against Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk is certainly worth the anticipation. The storyline also provides engaging resolutions to various Marvel Cinematic Universe plotlines in a way that seems more natural than expected. Although I may find the connection of the stinger to Incursions and Doom’s invasion of the main timeline confusing, there are still many enjoyable aspects to this production.

3. The Fantastic Four: First Steps

As a dedicated movie critic, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles in bringing Marvel’s First Family to life on the big screen, with at least two out of the three major Fantastic Four films falling short of expectations (disregarding the unreleased one). However, after watching Matt Shakman’s captivating and imaginative retro-futuristic spectacle, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, I find myself questioning why there was ever any doubt. This film is a testament to the power of an exceptional ensemble cast, offering a compelling narrative that is both charming and brimming with adventure spirit.

Pedro Pascal seems to have faced a rough time in promoting his role, due to fans’ unruly online behavior, but his portrayal of Reed Richards is highly promising as a potential MCU leader following Robert Downey Jr’s departure. Both characters share traits of being intelligent yet vulnerable individuals with big hearts. The main quartet – Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn – are already shining in the MCU, and I’m excited to see them again in Doomsday. I hope the CGI baby will be less jarring by then. Also, kudos to Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson for bringing back Marvel characters from Fox with grace and skill, who were previously considered subpar.

2. Superman

Under the heavy burden of high public expectations, James Gunn found himself undertaking what was widely perceived as Hollywood’s most challenging project: “Superman.” However, if one looks beyond the sensationalized online narratives, creating an exceptional Superman film isn’t necessarily a Herculean task. All it takes is nailing the casting, crafting a compelling story, maintaining a balance of elements, delivering top-notch special effects, and capturing the intangible essence of hope – factors that might indeed make the pressure feel justified.

Remarkably well, Gunn successfully juggled a richly detailed universe with familiar characters like Superman, Lois Lane, and others. The story focused on Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s intimate narrative, making it feel personal yet expansive. David Corenswet shines as the third convincing Superman, while Rachel Brosnahan delivers an exceptional Lois Lane. Noteworthy performances include Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor and Nathan Fillion’s role as Guy Gardner. The plot moves swiftly, the world-building is outstanding, and overall, Superman established a promising atmosphere for the growing DCU.

1. Thunderbolts*

In contrast to Superman’s optimistic narrative, the less celebrated Thunderbolts team appeared to delve deeper into complex mental health themes, offering a more somber perspective than typically seen in Marvel productions. The flashy marketing tactics and New Avengers moniker didn’t manage to disguise a darker tale about personal hardships, complete with heart-wrenching scenes that truly tugged at the heartstrings.

Or:

Superman embodied hope, while the Thunderbolts, less celebrated in comparison, took on a grittier tone by tackling mental health issues with a depth that few Marvel productions have achieved. Despite the attempt to attract audiences through stunt marketing and the New Avengers title, the story’s raw, personal struggles were ultimately hidden beneath a veil of distraction, featuring poignant moments that brought tears to many eyes.

The Thunderbolts movie has standout performances from Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman, but it’s an ensemble piece that benefits from collaboration. The film creatively handles two MCU characters that were previously mishandled – US Agent (Wyatt Russell) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). Although there are some areas for improvement, such as Taskmaster and more screen time for Bucky, it’s a fun movie that deserves more recognition than its box office performance suggests.

It could be debatable to rank “Thunderbolts*” over “Superman”, as context plays a significant role here. The high stakes involved in “Superman” necessitate careful handling to avoid exaggeration, while “Thunderbolts*” carried the hefty responsibility of being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and needed to break free from that burden. However, “Thunderbolts*” left a deeper impression on me and its performances were more impactful. This experience might differ for many others, but watching flawed characters save the world holds a unique charm, even surpassing the allure of a god-like figure like Superman.

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2025-09-01 23:12