10 ‘Terrible’ Superhero Movies That Are Actually Underrated Gems

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There are numerous superhero films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), DC Universe (DCU), and other sources that are generally more highly regarded than their critical reviews might indicate. In fact, even before the MCU films became a cultural phenomenon, superhero movies were a fairly consistent element in Hollywood productions. The translation of comic book superheroes’ extraordinary tales to the big screen has consistently been attractive to both studios and audiences, although the outcomes have varied somewhat over time.

As a passionate film enthusiast, especially when it comes to superheroes, I must admit that it’s disheartening to see many of these films not receiving the praise they deserve from critics. The genre, while thriving today, hasn’t always been this successful. Yet, there are some gems hidden among the reviews that suggest mediocrity. These movies, initially dismissed or misunderstood, have since proven their worth, with qualities that were either overlooked at first or that have grown more apparent over time after their release. Here’s my list of 10 superhero films that weren’t nearly as ‘rotten’ as the reviews suggested.

10. Spawn (1997)

Director: Mark A.Z. Dippé

Looking back at the late ’90s superhero cinema landscape, 1997’s Spawn stands out as a title often overlooked. Initially panned by critics upon release, the film has since garnered a cult following for being so poorly reviewed that it somehow became enjoyable. Yet, upon rewatching, I found that Spawn is far from the disaster its initial reception suggested. Despite its flaws, it offers an engaging viewing experience.

Critics found fault with Spawn’s excessive violence and predictable plotline. However, it appears that formulaic storytelling has become one of the genre’s most successful elements over time. Furthermore, the violent sequences in Spawn have since received more positive feedback. While the movie may not be a classic, it surpasses the initial reviews’ expectations, and Spawn has evolved into something akin to a cult favorite.

9. Green Lantern (2011)

Director: Martin Campbell

2011 was a year that brought the long-awaited live-action introduction of one of DC Comics’ most iconic and electrifying heroes – Green Lantern – into the spotlight, with me, a devoted cinema enthusiast, eagerly anticipating its release. Starring Ryan Reynolds, this movie served as the origin tale for the Hal Jordan version of our hero, stirring whispers about its potential connection to a shared DC Universe that further stoked fan excitement. Regrettably, the reception from critics was less than favorable, labeling it a massive flop. Over time, both the film and its lead actor have distanced themselves from this production, with it now being remembered as one of the most excruciatingly unenjoyable superhero movies ever created.

Contrary to popular belief, Green Lantern isn’t quite as terrible as people make it out to be. Although there are some moments with underwhelming CGI and minor storyline flaws, the movie offers an enjoyable science fiction superhero experience with visually impressive set pieces. As a film that tries to bring the character to life, it falls short somewhat, but as a vehicle for Ryan Reynolds’ charisma, it doesn’t live up to the negative reviews it received nearly as much as they suggest.

8. The Marvels (2023)

Director: Nia DaCosta

Among the Marvel Cinatic Universe (MCU) films, The Marvels is often considered one of the poorest performers at the box office. Despite its financial struggles, the movie has received a fair share of less-than-stellar reviews, most of which were penned by fans rather than professional film critics. This negative reception has tarnished The Marvels‘ image and prospects for success, but it’s important to note that the film is not nearly as poor as its reviews might suggest.

While it’s true that “The Marvels” may not rank among the top MCU films according to many, it does offer a unique blend by assembling three intriguing female superheroes from the franchise. These characters share an authentic camaraderie and the storyline, though not the best in the series, is still engaging. Considering its contribution to the MCU’s grand narrative and the commendable performances of its cast, “The Marvels” arguably did not deserve the less-than-favorable reviews it received.

7. Ghost Rider (2007)

Director: Mark Steven Johnson

2007’s “Ghost Rider” is frequently written off as one of Marvel’s less successful films before the MCU perfected its superhero formula. Its Rotten Tomatoes ratings seem to back this up, with a disappointingly low average review score and comments describing it as “a blend of grim, gloomy performances.” However, despite these criticisms, it is far from the dismal film that reviews suggest.

Featuring Nicolas Cage as the bone-riding titular character, Ghost Rider isn’t exactly revolutionary cinema, but it’s an entertaining watch. Although its visual effects aren’t always up to par, this film is visually captivating and effectively brings one of Marvel’s most intriguing characters to life on the big screen. Despite a few flaws, Ghost Rider is a movie that, despite critical reviews, simply isn’t as poor as it’s often made out to be.

6. Fantastic Four (2005)

Director: Tim Story

2005 marked the first cinematic appearance of Marvel’s Fantastic Four heroes. With a high-profile cast and the aim of providing a straightforward character introduction for newcomers, Fantastic Four appeared poised for success. Unfortunately, negative critiques dented its popularity, earning it a reputation as an underwhelming and lackluster addition to the superhero film genre. While it’s not as poorly received as the reviews suggested, there’s no denying that it falls short of expectations.

Despite some predictable storylines, the visual effects in the 2005 film “Fantastic Four” were truly outstanding and have held up exceptionally well over time. This film capitalized on the superhero movie craze of the early 2000s, delivering an enjoyable, if somewhat straightforward, interpretation of the Marvel Comics characters. Despite receiving mixed reviews, “Fantastic Four” (2005) is by no means a poor movie.

5. Daredevil (2003)

Director: Mark Steven Johnson

The 2003 movie titled “Daredevil” is frequently listed as one of the poorest superhero films ever produced. Upon release, it received considerable criticism and was generally disliked by audiences, with numerous reviews pointing out its lack of originality and failure to introduce fresh concepts within the genre. However, revisiting these reviews from a more contemporary standpoint, they appear rather unjust towards “Daredevil” in several aspects.

Although the 2003 movie version of “Man Without Fear” may not be the ultimate adaptation, it still offers several captivating scenes that showcased the character’s potential on the big screen. While the film’s gritty and somewhat aimless approach to storytelling could have been improved, it certainly played a role in setting the stage for the cinematic future of this iconic superhero. Despite receiving numerous harsh reviews, 2003’s “Daredevil” is far from being as terrible as its detractors suggest.

4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

Director: Jonathan Liebesman

On various instances, the characters of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been brought to life on screen, through numerous TV series and several films over time. In 2014, their story was transformed into live-action for the big screen, featuring computer-generated imagery (CGI) to portray the main characters. Despite receiving generally negative reviews, the 2014 film “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is not a terribly made movie.

The creative changes made to the characters in the film might not have been perfect, but they were at least thoughtfully original. Despite the large and muscular representations of the heroes in the movie being a point of criticism, many overlooked how effectively it captured their personalities. While there’s certainly room for improvement, 2014’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was not as poor an adaptation as the reviews might have suggested.

3. Batman Forever (1995)

Director: Joel Schumacher

Among the actors who’ve portrayed Batman on the big screen, I believe Val Kilmer is often underrated. In 1995, I stepped into the cape and cowl for the film Batman Forever, which could be seen as a continuation of sorts from Tim Burton’s Batman films. My co-stars included Chris O’Donnell, Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones, Nicole Kidman, and myself in an ensemble cast that was nothing short of stellar. However, despite our collective star power, the movie didn’t quite live up to expectations with critics. As a result, Batman Forever received unfavorable reviews, which unfortunately tarnished its reputation.

In contrast to Burton’s Batman films, “Batman Forever” is undeniably less impressive. However, the film’s purpose and narrative are straightforward, and it has several commendable aspects hidden beneath its eccentricity. Despite the movie appearing rough around the edges in terms of storytelling, “Batman Forever” offers an enjoyable viewing experience that some reviews may have underestimated or even missed entirely when evaluating the film.

2. The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Director: Stephen Norrington

2003 saw the release of “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”, a film adaptation based on the comic book by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill. This movie presented a unique visual experience by depicting a team made up of characters from classic literature. Unfortunately, critics were less than impressed with this film, labeling it as one of the worst comic book movies ever made.

The movie, “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” might not be as dreadful as its reviews suggest. Despite some puzzling aspects in the storyline, this film offers a distinct and stylish interpretation of its original content. It boasts some impressive action sequences and an overall engaging plot, making it an entertaining blockbuster that isn’t nearly as poor as the reviews would have you believe.

1. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)

Director: Zack Snyder

Initially, upon its premiere, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” was generally viewed as a significant letdown by critics. The movie’s reviews could be described as somewhat split, with numerous elements of the DCEU’s second installment receiving harsh criticism. Contrarily, as more positive assessments of the film suggest, “Batman v Superman” might not be as poor as its initial reviews may lead one to believe. In reality, it stands out as one of the DCEU’s strongest sequels.

The movie titled Batman v Superman continues and deepens the themes presented in its precursor, Man of Steel. Moreover, it thoughtfully integrates Batman into the DCEU, offering a fresh yet believable portrayal, which also dared to push some narrative boundaries. Despite not appealing to everyone’s preferences, Batman v Superman remains one of those superhero films from franchises such as the MCU and DCU that surpasses the criticisms leveled against it in reviews.

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2025-04-26 19:59