Ranking the Fantastic Four movies from worst to best, including First Steps

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A fresh group of Fantastic Four has arrived, and as they embark on their initial journey this week, we are examining how the latest film measures up to its predecessors.

Initially, the Fantastic Four struggled to find their footing, with an initial movie produced in the early ’90s. This film was put on hold as Marvel felt a cost-effective adaptation might interfere with their plans for high-budget blockbusters they had lined up. Here’s the scoop on the less authentic Fantastic Four version instead.

20th Century Fox had an opportunity to join the franchise in the early 2000s and they introduced two films with a more playful take on the characters. A 2015 movie, however, presented a much grimmer atmosphere for the F4 series.

So here’s how they measure up, and compare with the Fantastic Four’s first MCU flick.

4. Fantastic Four (2015)

  • Director: Josh Trank
  • Cast: Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell
  • Release date: August 7, 2015
  • Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes

In a different realm, four researchers acquire extraordinary capabilities. Upon their return to Earth, these individuals need to put aside personal conflicts to confront their old acquaintance, Victor Don Doom, who has likewise mastered formidable powers.

Our opinion: The 2025 Fantastic Four attempted something fresh by adopting a more somber tone, but unfortunately, their casting choices and pace fell flat, and the visuals were dull, making it challenging to engage. Consequently, this film consistently falls short of its potential, ultimately disappointing Marvel’s original team of superheroes.

3. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

  • Director: Tim Story
  • Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis
  • Release date: June 15, 2007
  • Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes

Key Points: The Fantastic Four encounter a fresh cosmic peril as the Silver Surfer announces the arrival of Galactus, a world-devouring entity. To make matters worse, Victor Von Doom reappears, causing further chaos and destruction.

Our Thought: Two years after laying strong groundwork for the Fantastic Four, Rise missed its chance to further develop it. The lackluster introduction of Silver Surfer was disappointing, while portraying Galactus as just a large cloud was inexcusable.

2. Fantastic Four (2005)

  • Director: Tim Story
  • Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis
  • Release date: July 8, 2005
  • Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes

Overview: During an exploration with a teleportation gadget, four researchers acquire supernatural abilities in a celestial tempest. As they struggle to manage their freshly acquired talents, they are compelled to face their old acquaintance Victor Von Doom, who now wields powers and has malicious intentions of his own.

The 2005 Fantastic Four movie is a somewhat amusing, occasionally entertaining film based on the comic book that falls short in terms of depth but offers plenty of enjoyable action scenes. Chris Evans does a great job playing the Human Torch, while Michael Chiklis delivers an impressive performance as the Thing. If you’re a fan of over-the-top villains, then Julian McMahon’s portrayal of Doctor Doom should not be missed.

1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

  • Director: Matt Shakman
  • Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
  • Release date: July 25, 2025
  • Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes

In a nutshell: The Fantastic Four, a group of superhumans, encounter their most formidable test when the Silver Surfer arrives on Earth with word that Galactus, a cosmic being capable of destruction, is about to arrive.

The first “F4” movie, titled “First Steps,” stands out among its counterparts due to its immediate launch with the heroes already empowered as Earth’s defenders. This allows the story to start strong from the get-go. The actors portray their roles flawlessly, and the introduction of Silver Surfer and Galactus leaves audiences awestruck. Moreover, a baby’s arrival significantly escalates the tension. As our review for “First Steps” stated, this film is “terrific, making it the best MCU movie since ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3.’

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2025-07-23 15:18