48. Fantastic Four (2015 reboot)
The Marvel universe is vaster than just a team of Avengers. We've taken the liberty of ranking every single Marvel movie in the universe (including those outside the MCU) according to Metacritic's unique score system.
Let's start with one we'd rather forget. Shackled by horrible reviews, bad dialogue and lackluster action scenes, 2015's Fantastic Four reboot is the lowest-rated Marvel movie ever.
The film received a 27 on Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
47. Punisher: War Zone
The 2008 reboot of The Punisher is filled with a bunch of gratuitous violence, but little else. Punisher: War Zone is still the worst-performing Marvel film at the box office, with a worldwide gross of $10.1 million.
War Zone earned a 30 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Lionsgate)
46. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
In this 2012 entry, Nicolas Cage reprised his role as Johnny Blaze, the devil’s bounty hunter. The sequel to 2007's Ghost Rider was largely panned by critics, but it was a box-office success nevertheless. In 2013, Cage said that he is finished playing the role of Ghost Rider, and a second sequel was subsequently canceled.
Spirit of Vengeance received a 32 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
45. The Punisher
Back in 2004, the unstoppable vigilante known as The Punisher emerged following the brutal murder of his family. After Thomas Jane, the original Punisher, left for creative reasons, the planned sequel was scrapped for the previously mentioned 2008 reboot, Punisher: War Zone.
Jane's Punisher earned a 33 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Lionsgate)
44. Elektra
In this Daredevil spin-off, Jennifer Garner reprised her role as the assassin Elektra. The film was so unpopular that a companion video game was never released because developers feared it would fail. Ouch.
Garner's Elektra was panned, with a mark of 34 on Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
43. Ghost Rider
Aside from the stellar special effects and usual greatness of Nicolas Cage, this movie a mess, littered with bad jokes and hammy dialogue. That didn’t stop Ghost Rider from being a success as the box office, however.
Cage's Ghost Rider drew a 35 in Metacritic's rankings.
(Photo: Sony Pictures Entertainment)
42. Blade: Trinity
The third entry in the Blade saga is also the most unwatchable. Even with a decent cast that includes Wesley Snipes, Jessica Biel and Ryan Reynolds, Blade: Trinity lacks a much-needed narrative direction.
The worst entry in the trilogy earned a 38 on Metacritic.
(Photo: New Line Cinema)
40. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (tie)
For years, fans of the adamantium-clawed Wolverine were clamoring for a stand-alone film. They finally got one, but this 2009 prequel did not live up to the immense hype. Although Hugh Jackman turned in another top-notch performance as James “Logan” Howlett, the actor expressed how unhappy he was with the film’s final product.
Wolverine's first solo film was awarded a 40, per Metacritic's score.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
40. Fantastic Four (tie)
The first feature about Marvel’s famed superhero team, released in 2005, to actually get a theatrical release had rousing action scenes, but little else.
The 31st-ranked Marvel film scored a 40, per Metacritic's rankings.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
39. Daredevil
This 2003 feature stars Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights for justice as the masked vigilante Daredevil. Despite Daredevil's success at the box office, the superhero film was filled with generic dialogue and a lack of character development. But we did get one stellar performance from the late Michael Clarke Duncan.
According to Metacritic, Affleck's first superhero film scored a 42.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
37. Blade (tie)
In 1998, Blade became the first Marvel comic-book hero adapted to the big screen. The success of this film also helped popularize both superhero and vampire films, which are two of the most successful movie genres today.
Wesley Snipes' first turn as the quasi-vampire earned a 45 on Metacritic.
(Photo: New Line Cinema)
37. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (tie)
Rise of the Silver Surfer is one of the rare sequels that’s actually (slightly) better than the original, according to critics. This film still suffers from a failure to maximize the potential of its talented cast, including Laurence Fishburne as the voice of the Silver Surfer. While the film had some box-office success, a follow-up was canceled in lieu of a franchise reboot.
According to Metacritic's scores, this flick scored a 45.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
35. Blade II (tie)
Here's another sequel that critics believe is better than the original. And moviegoers agree, as Blade II is both the best-reviewed and the highest-grossing film in the saga. What’s more, this flick helped introduce Americans to the talents of director Guillermo del Toro, who would go on to helm Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy.
Blade II received a 52 on Metacritic.
(Photo: New Line Cinema)
35. X-Men: Apocalypse (tie)
Following the critically-acclaimed Days of Future Past, Apocalypse disappointed many critics and moviegoers.
RogerEbert.com called the film a “confused, bloated mess.”
It received a 52 on Metacritic.
Photo: 20th Century Fox
34. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
While this 2014 film might have been a bit overstuffed with plot lines, set pieces and villains, Amazing Spider-Man 2 was still a commercial success. The movie was originally envisioned as a springboard for a shared universe, but it performed below expectations and all subsequent installments were canceled. Spider-Man will instead join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The final Amazing Spider-Man movie earned a 53 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
32. Hulk (tie)
Ang Lee’s 2003 art-house rendition of the Hulk is one of the most ambitious Marvel films, with its poignant themes and beautiful cinematography. But it wasn't a good match for the source material. Ultimately, this film just needed more HULK SMASHES!
Hulk scored a 54, per its Metacritic score.
(Photo: Universal Pictures)
32. Thor: Dark World (tie)
Poor Thor. The second installment in the god of thunder’s saga sits toward the bottom of the Marvel Universe in terms of critical reception. Despite the fact that most of the characters in The Dark World merely seem to be going through the motions of saving the cosmos, when it comes to entertainment value, it could be much, much worse.
Metascore: 54
(Photo: Disney)
30. Iron Man 2 (tie)
Following the breakout critical and commercial hit Iron Man, this sequel left much to be desired. Mickey Rourke’s Whiplash couldn’t quite reach the level of Jeff Bridges’ Obadiah Stane.
The second Iron Man installment received a mark of 57 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Paramount Pictures)
30. Thor (tie)
This film is quite the rousing action-fest, notable for its imaginative take on the breathtaking world of Asgard. However, Thor is slightly flawed, with a plot bogged down in backstory. But it’s worth a watch for fans of the Norse, hammer-wielding god.
The first Thor film notched a 57, per Metacritic.
(Photo: Paramount Pictures)
29. X-Men: The Last Stand
The final chapter in the original X-Men trilogy is also the worst-reviewed in the saga. The action scenes in The Last Stand were impressive, but the flick was too absurd even for a superhero film.
The third X-Men film received a 58 rating, per Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
28. Spider-Man 3
Yes, Spider-Man 3 featured everyone’s "favorite" character: Emo Peter Parker. But this film was still somewhat entertaining. Tobey Maguire’s final appearance as Spidey was the most successful in the franchise’s history, with more than $890 million grossed worldwide.
According to Metacritic, the third Spider-Man film earned a score of 59.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
27. The Wolverine
Wolverine’s second stand-alone film moved at a glacial pace, but it was still a critical and commercial success. The sixth film in the X-Men saga, and the first without the name “X-Men” in the title, ultimately couldn't live up to its immense potential.
The Wolverine notched a 60, per its Metacritic score.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
26. The Incredible Hulk
This reboot came out just five years after Ang Lee’s rendition of the Hulk. The new entry did a considerably better job at depicting the spirit of the green Goliath, and, at the time, its visual effects were unrivaled.
The 18th-ranked Marvel movie received a 61, according to Metacritic.
(Photo: Universal Pictures)
25. Iron Man 3
Following the disappointing Iron Man 2, Marvel bounced back with the third film in Tony Stark’s saga. While this movie never quite reached the heights of the original, it definitely injected some much-needed heart that was missing from the previous entry. Robert Downey Jr. has floated the idea that he might reprise his role for a fourth Iron Man film.
The third Iron Man movie scored a 62, per Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
23. Ant-Man (tie)
Yes, he's Marvel’s smallest superhero, but Ant-Man more than makes up for it with his big heart and super strength. Ant-Man, and the affable Paul Rudd, were easy to root for in this fun popcorn flick.
The 2015 film scored a 64 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
23. X-Men (tie)
This 2000 film gave the world its first live-action X-Men flick, and it did not disappoint. Director Bryan Singer’s first choice to play Wolverine was Russell Crowe. The actor turned Singer down, but Crowe then suggested his friend, Hugh Jackman, for the role. And the rest is history.
The inaugural X-Men movie received a 64, per Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
21. Deadpool (itie)
The fourth-wall-breaking antihero has been a sensation ever since his film, Deadpool, was released. The foul-mouthed film has set a number of box-office records en route to becoming the highest-grossing R-rated comic book film of all time. And a sequel is already on the way.
The Ryan Reynolds-starring movie notched a 65, according to Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
21. X-Men: First Class (tie)
First Class represented a fresh revival for a franchise that desperately needed some new blood. The 2011 prequel brought together a perfect combination of stylish directing, a strong script, and powerful performances to create one of the best origin stories in any comic book feature.
First Class kicked off a fresh franchise with a score of 65, per Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
18. The Amazing Spider-Man (tie)
The reboot of the popular Spider-Man franchise was met with generally favorable reviews from top critics. However, many reviewers believed that The Amazing Spider-Man reused the same plot points from 2002’s Spider-Man. Nevertheless, Andrew Garfield's witty one-liners made this one of Marvel's more entertaining films.
Garfield's first turn as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man scored a 66 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
18. Avengers: Age of Ultron (tie)
While the second Avengers adventure couldn't quite top their first film, its genuine sense of fun and camaraderie helped make Age of Ultron one of the better Marvel movies.
According to Metacritic, the second ensemble Avengers movie scored a 66.
(Photo: Disney)
18. Captain America: The First Avenger (tie)
This movie absolutely scratches the itch for those looking for a classic World War II comic-book tale. With a pulpy style similar to Indiana Jones, The First Avenger finds that healthy balance between action thrills and nostalgia.
This film earned a 66, per Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
17. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Bigger and brighter than the original, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 packs a ton of action and witty one-liners in the worthy sequel. Don’t miss out on the five (!) post-credit scenes.
The film earned a 67 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
14. Deadpool 2 (tie)
The meta jokes in this sequel are hilarious -- as is the movie's star, Ryan Reynolds. And GameSpot's own Michael Rogueau praised its action as a "stylish blast to watch" in his review. That said, Rogueau notes that Deadpool 2 relies too much on clichéd tropes, especially in its opening moments.
The film scored a 68 on Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
14. X2: X-Men United (tie)
Here’s one sequel that is definitely bigger and better than its predecessor. The follow-up to X-Men features a tight script, solid acting, and the best cliffhanger in any comic-book movie.
X2: X-Men United received a 68 on Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
14. Avengers: Infinity War (tie)
Says GameSpot's Michael Rougeau in his review: "Marvel has accomplished something truly incredible here, although at this point it's no more than the absurdly high quality bar Marvel fans have come to expect. It's been a long road getting here, but it was worth it."
The film scored a 68 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
13. The Avengers
Director Joss Whedon brings together an all-star cast of fan favorite Marvel characters in this raucous adventure. Not surprisingly, The Avengers is one of the most entertaining Marvel movies to date, with its witty script and playful acting.
Marvel's first Avengers soared to a 69 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
12. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The second entry in the Captain America saga barely edges out The Avengers in a surprising upset. The Winter Soldier also has huge ramifications on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the dismantling of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Winter Soldier scored highly, with a 70 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
11. Doctor Strange
Marvel took a big risk in green-lighting this psychedelic movie about one of its lesser-known heroes, a doctor-turned-sorcerer. But the risk definitely paid off: The feature took in $85 million in its opening weekend.
Critics loved the film, too, giving it a strong score of 72 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
9. Spider-Man (tie)
This 2002 film signaled the beginning of the avalanche of superhero films, which are ubiquitous today. At the time of its release, Spider-Man had the highest-grossing opening weekend ever; it was the only film to eclipse $100 million in its first weekend. And that upside-down kiss between Spidey and Mary Jane Watson is one of the most iconic smooches in recent memory.
The sixth-highest ranked Marvel film scored a 73, per Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming (tie)
After returning to Queens following the events of Civil War, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) struggles to maintain his school life and deal with the Vulture (Michael Keaton).
The Marvel film also features cameos by Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Jon Favreau, who reprises his role from the Iron Man series.
Homecoming scored a 73 on MetaCritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
7. Thor: Ragnarok (tie)
In the Thor franchise's third (and best) film, the god of thunder must escape the planet of Sakaar before Hela (Cate Blanchett) wipes out Asgard.
This movie smashed its way to a 74 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (tie)
It's the best-reviewed X-Men film in the series and one of the rare movies to actually make time travel work. Days of Future Past also has the distinct honor of being the only X-Men film in the series to be nominated for an Academy Award (Best Visual Effects). On top of that, the sequel to First Class serves as a resolution to the original trilogy’s messy storyline.
The time-traveling feature notched a 74 on Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
6. Captain America: Civil War
An adorable new Spider-Man and a wickedly suited-up Black Panther freshen the MCU lineup, but the fight scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
Captain America: Civil War soared to a score of 75 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
This fun film delivers a breath of fresh air to the overly serious universe of comic-book franchises. Guardians of the Galaxy features a bevy of lovable losers, along with an upbeat soundtrack that will get your nostalgia juices flowing. This rousing film is simply a Marvel classic.
Guardians earned a score of 76, according to Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
4. Logan
In his final appearance as the Wolverine, a grizzled Hugh Jackman delivers one of his finest performance as the adamantium-clad mutant.
RogerEbert.com said of the film, “Logan is the rare blockbuster that could be a game-changer. It will certainly change the way we look at other superhero movies.”
Logan clawed its way to a 77 on Metacritic.
Photo: 20th Century Fox
3. Iron Man
Surprise, surprise: The film that kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes up slightly short of the top spot on this list. The first Iron Man simultaneously resuscitated Robert Downey Jr.’s career while helping to make comic book movies super cool once again.
The inaugural Iron Man blasted its way to a 79 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Paramount Pictures)
2. Spider-Man 2
All the big players from the original film reprise their roles in Spider-Man 2, but what elevates this feature is Alfred Molina’s brilliantly complex portrayal of Doctor Octopus.
This Marvel film scored big with an 83 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
1. Black Panther
More than just a stunningly beautiful superhero movie filled with incredible action scenes, a killer score, complicated characters and a compelling setting, Black Panther is a full-fledged cultural event that asks -- and answers -- some tough but important questions.
It's not just the best Marvel movie in years -- it's the best Marvel movie of all time.
The film scored an 87 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
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