Join us as we shine a spotlight on the MCU’s darkest corners, exploring the misfires and blunders that have shaped its legacy. From forgotten relics to notorious failures, these films serve as cautionary tales and reminders of the challenges inherent in bringing beloved comic book characters to life on the silver screen.
Prepare to embark on a cinematic odyssey filled with disappointment, frustration, and perhaps even a glimmer of redemption as we count down the top 20 worst Marvel movies of all time. Welcome to Part 1 of our journey into the depths of Marvel’s most regrettable offerings.
20. The New Mutants (2020)
Directed by Josh Boone and stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt, and Henry Zaga. The film follows a group of young mutants held in a secret facility as they discover their abilities and fight to escape their past sins and save themselves. Each character faces their own inner demons and fears, which manifest in terrifying ways as they navigate the dangers of the facility.
“The New Mutants” attempted to take the superhero genre in a different direction by incorporating horror elements, but its execution fell short of expectations for many viewers. While some appreciated its unique approach to the superhero genre and the performances of the cast, others felt that it fell short in terms of character development and storytelling.
19. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
Produced by Columbia Pictures in association with Marvel and Tencent Pictures. It serves as a sequel to the 2018 film “Venom” and is directed by Andy Serkis. The film stars Tom Hardy reprising his role as Eddie Brock/Venom, alongside Woody Harrelson as Cletus Kasady/Carnage.
The story follows Eddie Brock, a journalist who bonds with an alien symbiote called Venom, giving him superhuman abilities. In the sequel, Eddie struggles to balance his life with Venom’s chaotic presence. Meanwhile, Cletus Kasady, a dangerous serial killer, escapes from prison and bonds with another symbiote, creating the monstrous Carnage.
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage” received mixed reviews from critics but was generally praised for its humor, action sequences, and the dynamic between Eddie Brock and Venom. However, some critics found fault with the pacing and the treatment of certain characters.
Despite mixed critical reception, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $500 million worldwide. It further expanded Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, setting the stage for future installments and potential crossover events with other Marvel properties.
18. Blade: Trinity (2004)
Directed by David S. Goyer and is the third installment in the Blade film series, following “Blade” (1998) and “Blade II” (2002). The film stars Wesley Snipes as the titular character, Blade, a half-vampire, half-mortal vampire hunter who is on a mission to eradicate vampires from the world.
Despite the star power of Wesley Snipes and the addition of new cast members like Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel, “Blade: Trinity” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. As the third film in the Blade series, “Blade: Trinity” was inevitably compared to its predecessors. Some critics felt that it failed to live up to the quality and impact of the earlier films, particularly the first “Blade” movie, which was well-received for its innovative approach to the superhero genre.
17. The Punisher: War Zone (2008)
Directed by Lexi Alexander. In “Punisher: War Zone,” the role of Frank Castle/The Punisher is portrayed by Ray Stevenson. The film follows Castle as he continues his one-man war against crime and corruption after the murder of his family. In this installment, Castle faces off against a ruthless mob boss named Billy Russoti, who later becomes the disfigured and vengeful Jigsaw (played by Dominic West) after a confrontation with Castle goes awry.
Some appreciated its unapologetic approach to violence and its comic book-inspired visuals, while others criticized its thin plot and lack of character development. Many felt that the story was overly simplistic and failed to explore the complexities of the Punisher character beyond his thirst for vengeance.
Also, some critics pointed to issues with the film’s direction and execution, citing uneven pacing, choppy editing, and inconsistent tone as detractors from the overall viewing experience. Director Lexi Alexander’s stylized approach divided audiences, with some praising her visual flair while others found it distracting.
16. Daredevil (2003)
Directed by Mark Steven Johnson and starring Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights crime in the courtroom by day and as the masked vigilante Daredevil by night.
Many critics and viewers found fault with the film’s script and dialogue, citing clichéd or cheesy lines that detracted from the seriousness of the story. Some of the dialogue was seen as overly melodramatic or lacking in depth, making it difficult for audiences to connect with the characters on an emotional level.
Some reviews noted that the director’s cut of the film was much better than the theatrical release, with added scenes that improved the overall story and character development. Despite the mixed reception, “Daredevil” performed reasonably well at the box office and has since gained a cult following among fans of the character and superhero genre.
15. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to 2012’s “The Avengers” and the eleventh film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The plot of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” follows the Avengers as they attempt to stop Ultron, an artificial intelligence program created by Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Bruce Banner (Hulk), from destroying humanity.
Despite its box office success “Avengers: Age of Ultron” did receive some criticism. Some critics and viewers found the plot of “Age of Ultron” to be overly convoluted and complex, with numerous subplots and character arcs competing for screen time. This resulted in a film that felt overstuffed and rushed at times, with certain storylines not receiving adequate development.
14. Iron Man 3 (2013)
The film was directed by Shane Black and stars Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. The plot of “Iron Man 3” picks up after the events of “The Avengers” (2012), where Tony Stark is dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the Battle of New York. As Stark struggles with anxiety and insomnia, a new threat emerges in the form of the Mandarin, a mysterious terrorist who launches a series of devastating attacks.
“Iron Man 3” did receive criticism, particularly regarding its treatment of the Mandarin character. Fans of the comics were disappointed by the deviation from the source material. Many fans of the comics were eager to see a faithful adaptation of the Mandarin character and his iconic Ten Rings organization, and felt let down by the film’s interpretation.
Additionally, some viewers and critics found fault with the film’s pacing and tonal shifts, particularly in the second half. The transition from the more serious and intense first act to the lighter and more comedic tone of the latter half of the film was seen as jarring by some, detracting from the overall coherence of the narrative.
13. The Marvels (2023)
Critics have given “The Marvels”, Directed by Nia DaCosta, unfavorable reviews; some have even dubbed it the worst Marvel Cinematic Universe movie to date. The movie’s uninteresting premise, flimsy villains, and disjointed narration have all drawn criticism. Like earlier Marvel films, the film’s effort at comedy has been criticized for being forced and depending too much on lighthearted humor. The rambling plot and the addition of an extended, inappropriate musical number have further diminished the picture’s overall quality. Some reviewers have pointed out that the film is one that is best avoided due to its shallow character development and uninteresting plot.
Furthermore, the female-led movie, which features a number of women of color, has been criticized by certain right-wing commentators for being “woke”.
12. Eternals (2021)
Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film features an ensemble cast including Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.
The plot of “Eternals” follows a group of immortal beings known as the Eternals, who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, protecting humanity from the Deviants, their ancient enemies.
One common criticism of “Eternals” was its pacing and lengthy runtime. Some viewers felt that the film’s slow pacing and extended runtime made it feel bloated and dragged out, with certain scenes and subplots overstaying their welcome.
While “Eternals” features several action sequences showcasing the characters’ powers and abilities, critics found these scenes to be underwhelming or poorly choreographed compared to other Marvel Studios films. The scale and intensity of the action were seen as lacking, especially given the stakes of the story.
11. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Directed by Sam Raimi and is the third installment in the original “Spider-Man” film series starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The plot of “Spider-Man 3” revolves around Peter Parker’s continued struggles with his dual identity as Spider-Man and the personal challenges he faces in his relationships with Mary Jane and Harry Osborn. Meanwhile, new threats emerge in the form of the Sandman and Venom, both of whom present formidable challenges for Spider-Man.
“Spider-Man 3” was a commercial success, grossing over $890 million worldwide, it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.
Fans felt that the characterization of certain characters, particularly Venom and the Sandman, was lacking depth and development. Venom, in particular, was criticized for feeling rushed and shoehorned into the story, with his character arc receiving less attention than other elements of the film.
Another common criticism of “Spider-Man 3” is its tonal inconsistency, with shifts between dramatic, emotional moments and more lighthearted or comedic scenes feeling abrupt and disjointed. Viewers found the film’s attempts at humor and melodrama to be at odds with the darker themes explored in the story.
Despite its flaws, “Spider-Man 3” remains a notable entry in the “Spider-Man” film series and has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years.
