Marvel enthusiasts, gather around—because Thunderbolts has finally arrived in cinemas, and it’s the injection of adrenaline the MCU was crying out for. Following a series of disappointing box office figures and lukewarm criticism, Marvel’s newest anti-hero roster-up isn’t merely a new release—it’s a sign of a much-needed creative renaissance.
Thunderbolts opened to a stunning $76 million domestically, beating out the entire U.S. box office for The Marvels and coming in just under Captain America: Brave New World’s $88.8 million opening. Those figures might not be on par with the MCU’s Endgame highs, but they’re a healthy, much-needed comeback. Internationally, Thunderbolts pulled in another $86 million, giving it an opening weekend haul of $162 million—a good foundation compared to its $180 million production budget.
But more than the numbers, the true victory here is the energy shift. Critics and fans are already calling Thunderbolts a standout, not only in Phase 5 but in the MCU overall. The movie sits right now with an 88% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes—the highest rated MCU film since Spider-Man: No Way Home. That places it ahead of big releases such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Deadpool & Wolverine. At one time, the movie broke into a near-record 95% approval rating, just a hair shy of the original Black Panther.
So, what’s the big deal? In short, Thunderbolts isn’t your average Marvel flick. Rather than leaning on crass CGI fight scenes or nonstop buildup for the next crossover extravaganza, it offers something more mature: emotional depth and an actual interest in character. Critics have called its grimmer, more contemplative tone—one that grapples with issues such as loneliness, trauma, and the human desire for connection—refreshing.
Far from being a stepping stone in the larger MCU apparatus, Thunderbolts is on its own two feet. It’s a character-driven, small-scale story that sacrifices spectacle for sincerity.
Rotten Tomatoes describes it as “the best Marvel movie in a while—flat-out top-tier Marvel,” and reviewers such as Tessa Smith and Sean Chandler have pointed out its unvarnished, honest representation of deeply flawed characters. The movie isn’t about saving the universe—it’s about saving yourself. And that emotional priority is what makes it pack a harder punch than most recent Marvel films.
Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova and again steals the scene. Her performance is sincere and nuanced, bringing emotional depth to the story. Lewis Pullman gives a standout performance in a multi-faceted role, while David Harbour infuses the film with his unique blend of charm and humor. The rapport between the cast feels real, and the camaraderie is perfectly balanced between humor and tragedy.
What makes Thunderbolts stand out is its refusal to play by the MCU playbook. Rather than checking off boxes on cameos and Easter eggs, the movie takes a page from the emotional truth and character-driven storytelling that made the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy so great—but with a grittier, earthier sense of humor.
The timing couldn’t be more opportune. Phase 5 has been a rough ride, and Quantumania, The Marvels, and even Brave New World have been finding their way. Thunderbolts wraps up the phase on a high note and is a good standalone tale while setting subtle groundwork for Phase 6’s behemoths like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday.
As ScreenRant has it, “Thunderbolts delivers a good standalone film that can be enjoyed entirely by itself, and still lays the groundwork for future crossovers.”
With a tightly wound ensemble cast, a more mature tone, and an appreciated shift in story priorities, Thunderbolts isn’t merely a box office hit—it’s a course correction. It shows there’s still space for surprises in the MCU, and that its next act could be its most engaging one yet.