The 10 Worst Superhero Movies of the Last 10 Years

At ScreenCrush, we’ve got a soft spot for superhero films! Nearly every day, you’ll find us penning articles about them, and on our YouTube channel, you’ll find numerous videos dedicated to these cinematic marvels. You could argue that they’re our own version of Kryptonite – we just can’t resist them. Whether it’s Marvel or DC, as long as it’s superhero-related, we’re all in!

Okay, maybe not all.

Over the past decade, comic books have provided us with numerous timeless stories. However, while many superhero films don’t quite reach those heights, they remain an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours in a dimly-lit theater, munching on popcorn and sipping a Coke-flavored slushie. Unfortunately, some comic book adaptations have fallen flat, earning a spot among the worst films ever produced. In our latest compilation, we’ve showcased the ten most dismal releases from the past decade.

Is the phenomenon of superhero movie fatigue genuine? If you’re a frequent viewer, you might find yourself growing tired of it. These 10 movies don’t seem to possess the incredible strength of a locomotive or match the breakneck speed of a bullet. Frankly, I doubt they could even clear a tall building in a single leap. If only we could eject their digital cinema projector drives with a cannon – an idea that might not be entirely misguided in some cases.

The 10 Worst Superhero Movies of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)

10. Eternals (2021)

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must admit that while Marvel’s recent releases might not match the consistency of their early films, they still manage to deliver enjoyable movies such as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” However, I was taken aback by a Marvel production directed by an Academy Award winner that didn’t quite live up to expectations – “Eternals.”

Adapted from Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking comics, “Eternals” falls short of being an essential addition to Marvel’s collection. The film stays true to the core concepts but makes a few regrettable alterations, like turning the villainous Deviants into generic creatures with no clear purpose or motives.

The ensemble cast boasts commendable performances from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, yet the leads, Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris, struggle to convey their centuries-long romance convincingly. Their connection spans 6,000 years, yet they portray a couple on their first date who are clearly not enjoying themselves.

The script promises intriguing explorations of the connections between superheroes, mythology, and religion but frequently abandons these ideas for predictable fight sequences against uninteresting monsters. It’s hard to imagine a more dull film about immortal alien robots attempting to prevent global destruction than this one.

9. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

In a stark contrast, while the initial Venom film was a grim body horror movie with an overly broad and occasionally silly comedic performance at its core, Let There Be Carnage is more like a romantic comedy between Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock and Venom. They bicker over their incompatible living arrangements and even ponder separating to explore other options (or perhaps indulge in some brain-eating). Unlike Venom, which was weighed down by subplots and convoluted tales of evil Life Foundations, Let There Be Carnage is stripped down so drastically that essential story questions remain unanswered, and key characters don’t appear until an hour into the movie. The plot is riddled with holes, and the incomprehensible action scenes don’t help; it seems there might have been some editing room chaos at Sony Studios. (It appears that this issue is common with Sony’s Spider-Man “spinoffs” from recent years.)

8. The New Mutants (2020)

After numerous postponements and whispers, the finale to Fox’s X-Men series, “The New Mutants,” struggled to debut in cinemas during the summer of 2020 marked by Covid-19. At that time, it was challenging to find anything fresh about these mutants – except for some peculiar decisions made by director Josh Boone while adapting an influential ’80s Marvel comic.

The film remained true to the characters of “New Mutants,” such as the shy werewolf Rahne Sinclair (played by Maisie Williams) and the cocky Bobby da Costa (Henry Zaga), but it significantly mishandled its concept. Rather than a narrative about the emerging group of heroes, it was entirely set within a vast mutant hospital staffed by just one doctor. The connections to the broader X-Men universe only added to the perplexity. (Where is Colossus, and why does he appear content with his sister receiving treatment from this questionable doctor?)

7. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

Transforming Oscar Isaac into a character obscured under 60 pounds of hideous blue makeup and having him speak in an amusing, goofy voice while performing embarrassing acts like placing his hand on a TV screen and saying “Lleeeeearniiiiing,” is just one of the missteps in X-Men: Apocalypse. The film also started off with a humorous yet odd opening credits sequence and failed to capitalize on all the positive impact and goodwill built up by its highly acclaimed predecessor, X-Men: Days of Future Past. At this point, it seems that the glory days of the X-Men franchise have been left behind in the past.

6. Kraven the Hunter (2024)

Have you ever pondered the origin of Kraven’s leonine jacket? If so, I have just the movie for you! Unfortunately, if your enthusiasm for this secondary Spider-Man antagonist’s wardrobe doesn’t run deep, you might find little to appreciate in Kraven, an excessively lengthy and meandering spinoff (without any Spidey) focusing on a human hunter (portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), whose main defining feature is his muscular physique. He engages in combat with his father (a flamboyant and heavily Russian-accented Russell Crowe) and the Rhino (Alessandro Nivola), who in this universe is a bumbling Russian criminal, carrying around a backpack-sized supply of medicine to prevent him from transforming into a large, gray-skinned monster. And yes, they do dedicate quite a bit of time to Kraven’s signature lion-faced vest. Finally, the enigma is unraveled.

5. Justice League (2017)

The Justice League film was supposed to be the climactic finale to a connected series of tales. Regrettably, it turned out to be an overly hurried ending to an incomprehensible narrative, leading to the disintegration of what had initially been a promising cinematic world. This outcome feels more like a product of the sudden change in directors – Zack Snyder departed due to personal issues, and Joss Whedon stepped in – rather than something either creator would have produced. The editing was haphazard, the tone was inconsistent, and the main antagonist was a generic CGI villain with no character or purpose whatsoever. (Did you know he aims to conquer the world? Yes, indeed!) Although Snyder’s director’s cut is available on Max, the original version of Justice League will forever be remembered as one of the weakest DC films ever produced.

4. Fantastic Four (2015)

As a fan, I can’t help but compare the production of Josh Trank’s controversial “Fantastic Four” to the storyline itself. Initially, it seems like a group of talented young filmmakers have created a unique take on popular characters, only to find their creativity stifled by forces more interested in profits than artistry.

The movie oscillates between a grim horror tale and an action-packed superhero flick, leaving viewers with a jumbled mess rather than a cohesive narrative. Picture a salad consisting of lettuce, gummy worms, and carpet samples, drizzled with some Mike’s Hard Lemonade – that’s the feeling you get from this movie.

And as for the Thing’s constant nudity throughout the film…it’s definitely unusual! It seems nobody else is bothered by it, but I can’t help but wonder if there was a missed opportunity to address this aspect of his character more effectively.

3. Suicide Squad (2016)

In this movie, the Suicide Squad plays a pivotal role as both the source and the resolution to all the story’s conflicts. Originally conceived by director David Ayer, the final version of Suicide Squad that hit the screens was more like shredded cabbage than an original piece of work. Be warned: The extended cut won’t improve the film. In fact, it needed to be shorter. The Suicide Squad in this movie is similar to how Homer Simpson describes alcohol – it’s both the cause and the cure for the story’s problems. This was arguably the lowest point of the DC Extended Universe (Rest in Peace). However, James Gunn’s Suicide Squad was a noticeable improvement.

In this film, the Suicide Squad serves as both the origin and solution to all the plot issues. Although David Ayer had a clear idea of the Squad initially, the final product released in cinemas felt more like finely chopped vegetables than an original piece. Be cautious, the extended cut won’t make it any better – it actually needed to be shorter. The Suicide Squad in this movie is like Homer Simpson’s description of alcohol – it’s both the problem and the solution for the story’s problems. This was probably the worst moment of the DC Extended Universe, but James Gunn’s Suicide Squad showed improvement.)

2. Madame Web (2024)

In contrast to not having her own continuous Marvel comic series, Sony hastily produced a prequel featuring Madame Web, with Dakota Johnson in the lead role. Despite appearing miserable throughout, the film centers around an EMT who survives a life-threatening incident, gaining precognitive abilities as a result. Sensing a need to protect three women marked by a villain possessing spider-like powers, this storyline underwent significant changes in post-production and editing, resulting in subpar visual effects, questionable costume designs, and poor overall quality. Regrettably, the film struggles to escape the shadow of ‘Morbius’, which has already claimed the title of the worst superhero movie from the last decade.

1. Morbius (2022)

Released on April 1st, 2022, Morbius seemed like an elaborate April Fool’s Day joke to the movie-going audience. The final product was hardly recognizable from its trailers, with entire scenes and plotlines absent, and it appeared that during post-production, the entire film had been reedited to ensure it was obvious that it wasn’t part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Unfortunately, clarity was one of the few things that could be found in Morbius, a vampire movie that felt like it was assembled by Dr. Frankenstein – pieced together from fragments of different narratives and characters that didn’t quite fit, then brought to life in a chaotic, disjointed manner. Sony has produced some exceptional Spider-Man films, both live-action and animated. However, their attempts at Spidey spin-offs have been the most disappointing development in superhero cinema over the past decade.

Recognized” Films: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Black Adam, The Crow Reboot, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Joker’s Sequel – Folie a Deux, The Marvel Project, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Venom: The Final Act, Wonder Woman 1984.

The Most Underrated Superhero Movies

1. The Adventures of Captain Marvel

The origin of comic-book movies can be traced back to one word: “Shazam!” The first superhero to transition from the comic strip to the silver screen was Captain Marvel, starring in the action-packed serial “The Adventures of Captain Marvel.” Though its script may not have been a contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature or even an Eisner Award, the series’ dynamic direction by William Witney and John English skillfully captures the energetic essence of early comic books. If you appreciate the evolution of this genre, it’s worth watching its humble beginnings.

2. Big Hero 6

In a thrilling mix of Disney and Marvel elements, Big Hero 6 stands out with its adorable robot companion in the midst of intense sci-fi sequences. Although the plot becomes chaotic due to a villain stealing a teen genius’ microbots technology, causing it to overshadow the heartfelt themes of grief and loss, the soft-hearted robot Baymax (Scott Adsit) proves that squishy robots are undeniably the best.

Big Hero 6 is a blend of Disney and Marvel action with a cute robot sidekick. Despite the plot getting confusing due to a villain stealing technology, Baymax, the soft-hearted squishy robot, remains the best robot ever!

3. The Dark Knight Rises

The movie “The Dark Knight Rises” served as the thrilling yet somewhat overblown finale of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. In its efforts to surpass “The Dark Knight,” it seems that Nolan may have bitten off more than he could chew, which could explain its less-than-favorable reception among dedicated Nolan fans. However, if more comic book films aimed for something greater than mere entertainment, we would all benefit as a result.

4. Hellboy II: The Golden Army

The sequel, “The Golden Army,” significantly surpassed the original “Hellboy” film in nearly every aspect. Gone were the dull characters from the initial movie, with Hellboy himself getting rid of his uninspiring sidekick character and sent to Antarctica as a joke. In contrast, the antagonists in this installment are far more captivating. Given their motivation, “Humanity is wretched,” they can be seen as tragic heroes. The visual effects are more refined, the creature designs are distinctly Del Toro-esque, and all characters have higher personal stakes at play. Even minor character Abe Sapien gets a developed arc and a romantic interest! This film should have earned Guillermo del Toro his Oscar over “The Shape of Water.

5. The Mask of Zorro

The movie that sparked the surge of modern superhero films was designed as a continuation (legacyquel) of a non-existent film, where the original Zorro, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, handed over his mantle and skills to Antonio Banderas. This film, directed by Martin Campbell (later known for Casino Royale), boasted thrilling action scenes and witty humor from Hopkins. Furthermore, it showcased Catherine Zeta-Jones in her debut role as the daughter of the first Zorro.

Or more informally:

The original Zorro movie that kicked off the superhero film boom was actually a continuation (legacyquel) of an unmade film. Anthony Hopkins played the original Zorro, passed on his mask and skills to Antonio Banderas, and Martin Campbell directed it (he later made Casino Royale). The movie was full of action, had some great humor from Hopkins, and featured Catherine Zeta-Jones in her first big role as the daughter of the original Zorro.

6. The Phantom

Whenever The Phantom appears online (not too frequently), it’s typically to poke fun at Billy Zane’s vibrant costume, reminiscent of the original Lee Falk comics, or its catchphrase “Slam evil!”. However, there are some impressive action sequences in The Phantom, and Billy Zane does a commendable job as the Phantom. Additionally, Catherine Zeta-Jones, in her youthful beauty, plays an immoral pirate with charm. I don’t particularly enjoy the climactic and puzzling laser fight between Zane and Treat Williams, and the movie seems truncated from a more elaborate story (or perhaps multiple stories by Falk). Despite these flaws, The Phantom has a horse and a wolf as his companions, and in one scene they communicate through barks and growls. That’s hard to top, Batman.

7. The Punisher

In this reinterpretation, Frank Castle dwells in an underground hideout akin to that of Ninja Turtles, engages in underwater combat with ninjas (much like the Ninja Turtles), speaks in a manner reminiscent of Dolph Lundgren, confronts the Yakuza within a vintage amusement park filled with chaos – multiple villains sliding down large water slides while shooting guns simultaneously. A notable scene involves Frank detonating a mobster’s residence, prompting a journalist to exclaim, “Good heavens, that’s the Punisher!” This film adaptation of The Punisher may not be the most renowned portrayal of the character, but I personally find it to be the most captivating.

8. Sky High

Before Disney acquired Marvel, they attempted to establish their own comic book universe through “Sky High,” a concept loosely inspired by both “X-Men” and “Harry Potter.” This story revolves around a high school catering to future superhumans. At Sky High, students are categorized into heroes (representing jocks) and sidekicks (akin to nerds). The series cleverly employs this allegory and is backed by a generous amount of heart, boasting a well-rounded cast of adults featuring Kurt Russell, Lynda Carter, Cloris Leachman, and Bruce Campbell. Despite not earning enough revenue for a sequel, “Sky High” holds its ground against any of the popular Marvel movies available today.

9. Spider-Man 3

As a devoted admirer, I’ve always felt that Sam Raimi’s last Spider-Man film has been undeservedly criticized – even by Raimi himself, who once stated in an interview that it “didn’t work particularly well.” Granted, not every aspect of the movie shines, but there are numerous moments that truly excel, such as the nail-biting mid-air rescue of Gwen Stacy from a construction accident, which ranks among the best action sequences in the Maguire trilogy.

However, the portrayal of Venom is often the main point of contention for many viewers. Raimi’s treatment of the black suit as an extended joke, particularly the scene where a “villainous” Peter under the influence of his alien costume dances through New York City streets, was undeniably out of sync with the darker, grittier tone that was becoming popular in superhero films.

But when you consider Spider-Man 3 as Raimi using Venom to satirically critique the concept of a “dark” comic book movie, the entire experience feels a lot more coherent and enjoyable.

10. Superman III

In an era when every superhero film needs to save the universe with grandiose stakes and stunning visuals, it’s refreshing to appreciate a movie as quaint and comically odd as “Superman III.” At times, it feels like a Tati-inspired comedy where Superman happens to be passing through, much like an adaptation of a peculiar Metropolis comic book issue. On the other hand, there are segments that offer subtle yet impactful critiques of capitalism – a system that Superman has been battling since his early days in “Action Comics.” Moreover, it’s challenging to write off a film where Superman transforms into an antagonist and his first act is straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa, apparently just to annoy a modest souvenir vendor. Oh, what a jerk Superman can be!

11. Swamp Thing

The trailers loudly proclaimed, “The legend of the comic book lives on!” Two years before “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Wes Craven directed this adaptation of DC’s well-known horror creature. Ray Wise portrays a scientist who becomes a sentient sludge heap due to a terrible lab accident in this film. Despite the fact that Craven’s aspirations surpassed his budget (the Swamp Thing costume is said to be more impressive in the less successful sequel), his “Swamp Thing” offers an appealing blend of fright, humor, and a touch of poetry about nature. This movie has largely been forgotten now, but before Swampy makes his comeback in a new film (rumored to be directed by James Mangold of “Logan”), it’s worth revisiting the origins of his cinematic life.

12. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies

For enthusiasts of meta-comedy: Pay attention! The live-action adaptation of the lengthy Cartoon Network series featuring DC’s teen sidekicks could potentially question the concept of superhero films even more ruthlessly than The LEGO Batman Movie. (It also features Will Arnett voicing the villain, Slade.) When Robin complains about every other DC hero except him getting a movie (which is true!), the Titans venture to Hollywood, where they’re informed that their spinoff will only happen if no other heroes are around. They do what any exceptional superheroes would do in such a situation: They travel back in time to prevent Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League from ever wearing a cape or mask. Additionally, Nicolas Cage is portraying Superman! Teen Titans Go! to the Movies isn’t just an underappreciated film; it’s one that can be enjoyed multiple times, especially for parents with children who love slapstick humor.

2025-04-15 18:56