Superhero films have always been about the promise of spectacle, but recent years have been a rollercoaster in the best and worst ways. From blockbuster headlined flops to breakout hits no one saw coming, the genre has been taking viewers on a wild ride. Let’s dissect some of the most buzzed-about successes—and flops—that are still changing the game of capes and superpowers.
Madame Web: Doomed Before Release
Sony’s effort to build out its Spider-Man franchise in Spider-Man’s absence hit a new low with Madame Web. Both critics and audiences were largely disappointed, and even stars Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney distanced themselves from the film after its debut. With a paltry 11% on Rotten Tomatoes and the distinction of being the lowest-grossing Spider-Man film ever, the movie barely broke $100 million globally, but left more questions than answers.
Kraven the Hunter – Sony Slips Again
On the heels of Madame Web, Kraven the Hunter also dived out of the starting gate. It launched to only $11,000 in the US—an almost mythical figure for a big superhero opening—and scored a flat 15% on Rotten Tomatoes. While some audiences enjoyed it in a so-bad-it s-good sort of way, overall, most concurred that it had little in the way of compelling storytelling and visual sheen. Another letdown in Sony’s attempt to expand its self-standing Spider-Verse.
The Crow (2024) – A Reboot That Couldn’t Fly
Lionsgate’s The Crow remake attempted to breathe life into the cult favorite, but even Bill Skarsgård’s efforts couldn’t bring back the original’s magic. Critics trashed the film’s inconsistent tone and confusing plot, resulting in a 22% Rotten Tomatoes rating. With only $23 million at the box office compared to a $50 million budget, it turned out to be another cautionary tale about remaking well-loved material without vision.
Joker: Folie à Deux – Huge Hopes, Lukewarm Reception
Following the billion-dollar success of Joker (2019), Folie à Deux had big expectations with Joaquin Phoenix reprising and Lady Gaga on board as Harley Quinn. Although it took a daring musical approach and had star power, the movie performed poorly both critically and box office. It earned a 32% on Rotten Tomatoes and approximately $206 million at the box office—compared to its production and marketing outlay of $300 million—failed to resonate with audiences as much as its predecessor.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man – A Horror Approach That Fizzled
Hellboy: The Crooked Man tried to return the character to his horror roots, this time with Jack Kesy starring. The movie received mixed reviews, with some appreciating the change in tone and others considering it too fractured to have an impact. Receiving a 37% Rotten Tomatoes rating and scarce mainstream notice, it didn’t leave a huge impact, but its risk-taking approach was at least something different.
Venom: The Last Dance – Criticized but Still Profitable
Punters don’t have to care about the Venom franchise, but audiences still do. The Last Dance had the worst critical rating of the trilogy with 41%, but generated a healthy $475 million worldwide, the eighth-highest-grossing film of the year. Occasionally, a loyal fan base and sheer entertainment value prove sufficient to combat poor reviews.
Thunderbolts – A Welcome Surprise
While most superhero franchises faltered, Thunderbolts went on to surprise nearly everyone. Starring Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Lewis Pullman, the film hit over $100 million in its second weekend and closed out at a good $173 million globally. It had an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating, topping some of DC’s films and even beating 2015’s Fantastic Four. It served as a reminder that there is still space for success—even within an oversaturated genre—when chemistry and characters work.
Deadpool & Wolverine – A Crowd-Pleasing Farewell
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were back in Deadpool & Wolverine, and fans turned out in droves. The movie mixed snappy humor with multiverse mayhem and nostalgia and put together a solid ending to both the Deadpool trilogy and the remains of Fox’s X-Men universe. With the top box office tallies of the trilogy and positive reviews, it demonstrated there’s still a hunger for R-rated superhero entertainment done properly.
The New Reality of the Superhero Genre
These recent highs and lows are indicative: the landscape of superhero movies is changing. The audience is more sophisticated, and what used to be common sense is no longer a surefire formula. Some films bomb with large budgets and star talent, while others unexpectedly explode in popularity by embracing new points of view or by deemphasizing action for character development.
One thing is for sure: as long as the genre continues swinging for the fences, it will remain one of Hollywood’s most volatile—and intriguing—places to observe.