Comic book movies in particular tend to be viewed unfavorably by mainstream critics, but some deemed “Rotten” by critics on Rotten Tomatoes are fantastic. BothMarvelandDChave been subject to unfairly harsh reviews that frequently diverge from audience opinions. Superhero movies often face scrutiny from critics and fans alike, especially when they deviate from expectations. Some films that receive harsh critical reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes are far better than their reviews might suggest. These films may not be perfect, but they bring unique qualities that warrant appreciation.
Rotten Tomatoes compiles various reviews, combining them into a single score known as the Tomatometer. Those movies which score below 60% on the Tomatometer are labeled as “Rotten.” However, the Tomatometer frequently doesn’t always align with audience perceptions, which are tallied separately as the Popcornmeter. This is especially prevalent in the superhero genre, which is frequently dismissed by mainstream critics.
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10Spawn (1997)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 17%
WhileSpawnmay not have set the world on fire with critics, its daring use of color and special effects set it apart from many other superhero films of its time. Released in 1997,Spawnbroughta visually striking comic book antihero to the screen. It also boasted one of the first Black actors to lead a superhero movie.
Though critics found its plot convoluted and the characters underdeveloped, those familiar with the comics were treated to a faithful adaptation of the dark, gritty world of Al Simmons and his supernatural journey. The special effects, especially for its era, were groundbreaking, with a focus on blending practical and CGI to create the hellish landscapes that Spawn traverses. It may not have the polish of a Marvel or DC blockbuster, butSpawn’s boldnesshelped pave the way for future superhero movies. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly not “rotten.”
Spawn
Cast
Based on the dark comic by Todd McFarlanee,Spawnwas adapted for film in 1997, starring Michael Jai White in the lead role. Killed on a job after he’s betrayed by his boss, Al Simmons makes a deal with the devil and returns to earth as Spawn to face his new nemesis The Clown.
9Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 29%
Few superhero movies were as hyped and subsequently as divisive asBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. With its disappointing Tomatometer score of 29%, it’seasy to forget that many audience members enjoyed the spectacle. The movie delivers on what its title promises: a dramatic showdown between two of the most iconic superheroes ever created.
While critics lambasted it for a muddled plot and a perceived over-reliance on special effects, many appreciated its ambition. Zack Snyder’s dark style set it apart from the lighter, more humorous Marvel films. Additionally, Ben Affleck’s take on an older, wearier Batman was very praiseworthy, even if his casting was initially met with skepticism. The film’s philosophical exploration of power and its inherent dangers may not be fully fleshed out, but themoments of character conflict and action-packed sequences make it a thrilling ride.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice features the iconic clash between Gotham’s Dark Knight, played by Ben Affleck, and Metropolis’s Man of Steel, portrayed by Henry Cavill. As these two heroes confront each other, a looming threat endangers humanity, setting the stage for larger challenges ahead in the DC Extended Universe.
8Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 35%
WhenBatman: The Killing Jokewas adapted from one of the most iconic and controversial graphic novels in the history of comic books, expectations were sky-high. The film is a near-perfect adaptation thatretains much of what made the graphic novel groundbreakingyet struggled to please the critics. Many suggest that it lost the power of the source material, but meeting this expectation is a near-impossible task considering how incredible the graphic novel was.
Mark Hamill’s return as the voice of the Joker is nothing short of iconic, and Kevin Conroy’s Batman is as stoic and complex as ever. While the movie may lack some of the graphic novel’s punch due to its familiarity, it stilloffers a thought-provoking exploration of sanity, morality, and the thin line between hero and villain. It remains a thrilling and captivating adaptation of a classic Batman tale.
7Constantine (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 46%
Constantine, starring Keanu Reeves, is a film that has grown in reputation since its initial release. With a Tomatometer score of 46%, critics at the time dismissed it for its aimless plot and a somewhat goofy ending. However, these issues feelminor compared to the film’s strengths. The dark, atmospheric visuals perfectly complement the supernatural horror elements of the story.
Reeves’ portrayal of John Constantine is more subdued than his comic book counterpart, but his performance carries a certain gravitas, making him an engaging antihero. The supporting cast, especially Tilda Swinton as the archangel Gabriel and Peter Stormare as a slick, unnervingly calm Lucifer, further elevate the film.Constantinewas one of the first comic book movies aimed at an adult audience, and it seemsmany critics didn’t know yet how to appreciate this. With many clamoring for acontemporaryConstantinesequel, it has proven to be ahead of its time.
Constantine
Constantine follows John Constantine, a chain-smoking occult detective who has journeyed to Hell and back. Released in 2005, the film pairs him with a policewoman to investigate her twin sister’s mysterious suicide, taking them into a hidden world of demons and angels in modern Los Angeles.
6Man Of Steel (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 56%
Zack Snyder’sMan of Steelwas tasked with rebooting Superman for a modern audience, a challenge that resulted in mixed reviews despite it instigatingthe DCEU timeline. However, the film has since found its champions, with a large portion of audiences celebrating its bold and serious approach to the iconic hero. Snyder’s Superman, played by Henry Cavill, is one with adeep sense of isolation and inner conflict, struggling to find his place in a world that fears his power.
Critics suggested thatMan of Steelwas too serious or lacked the lighthearted charm traditionally associated with Superman. This is indicative of many issues superhero movies face regarding critics, who often condemn the genre as childish, yetcomplain when they try to be serious. With a significant discrepancy between its critics' and audience scores,Man of Steelis a clear example of how critics and fans often have divergent views on superhero films.
Man of Steel
Man of Steel is a 2013 reboot of the Superman franchise, directed by Zack Snyder. Henry Cavill stars as Clark Kent, who discovers his extraterrestrial origins and extraordinary powers.
5Eternals (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 47%
Marvel’sEternalswas one of the studio’s most ambitious projects to date, and its 47% Tomatometer score reflects its divisiveness among critics. Unlike the standard Marvel formula,Eternalsis more contemplative, exploringthemes of immortality, humanity, and the moral complexities of intervention. The film, directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, takes a more serious and character-driven approach than many of its MCU predecessors, which may have turned off viewers expecting non-stop action and quipy dialogue.
Despite the criticisms,Eternalsshines in its diverse casting, epic scope, and stunning visuals. While it’s true that the film juggles many characters and timelines, which can lead to pacing issues,Eternalsoffersa refreshing change of pace for those seeking something different from the MCU. It may not be a typical superhero blockbuster, but its bold narrative choices and sweeping visuals make it a film worth revisiting.
Eternals
Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao, follows a group of ancient aliens who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years. The film explores their reunion in the face of an unexpected tragedy and the threat posed by their age-old adversaries, the Deviants. Released in 2021, the film expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
4Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 38%
TheFantastic Fourmovies have never been critical darlings, butFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surferis far from the disaster it’s often made out to be. With a 38% Tomatometer score, it’s easy to dismiss it, yet the moviehas several redeeming qualities, especially when compared to its predecessor. One of the film’s standout elements is the Silver Surfer, a visually stunning character brought to life through CGI and the performance of Doug Jones.
His moral conflict and the otherworldly nature of his power bring much-needed weight to the movie. Sure, the handling of Galactus was a letdown, and the film’s pacing issues drag in parts, butthere’s still plenty of fun to be had. The chemistry between the Fantastic Four, while sometimes cheesy, captures the family dynamic central to the team’s appeal.Rise of the Silver Surfermay not be groundbreaking, but it’s a solid romp.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer follows the superhero team as they confront the enigmatic Silver Surfer, whose arrival on Earth heralds impending global danger. While grappling with new and old adversaries, the Fantastic Four must unravel the mystery behind the Silver Surfer’s true intentions.
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3X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57%
X-Men: The Last Standhad the unenviable task of following the critically acclaimedX2: X-Men Unitedand its 57% Tomatometer score reflects the mixed reactions it received. Many fans and critics felt that the film mishandled the iconic Dark Phoenix storyline, one of the most beloved inX-Menlore. However, the parallel storyline involving the mutant “cure” raises interesting ethical questions and adds a compelling layer to the film.
TheX-Men: The Last Standcastis strong, with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, and Ian McKellen’s Magneto continuing to anchor the franchise with gravitas and charisma. The action sequences, particularly the opening Danger Room scene and the climactic battle on Alcatraz Island, are thrilling and well-executed. While it’s true that the film tries to juggle too many plots and characters, there areenough moments of genuine excitement and emotional weightto makeX-Men: The Last Standenjoyable.
X-Men: The Last Stand
X-Men: The Last Stand is the third film in the X-Men series, featuring the conflict between mutants over a newly discovered cure for mutations. The film showcases the X-Men, led by Professor Charles Xavier, opposing the Brotherhood, led by Magneto, as tensions escalate within the mutant community.
2The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 51%
The Amazing Spider-Man 2was criticized for its overstuffed plot and bloated runtime, leading to a disappointing 51% score on the Tomatometer. However, underneath its structural issues lies a film witha lot of heart and some of the most emotionally resonant momentsin the entireSpider-Manfilmography. Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Peter Parker remains one of the most beloved takes on the character, and his chemistry with Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy is electric.
The adaptation of The Death of Gwen Stacy is heartbreaking and handled with the kind of emotional weight that resonates with fans of the comic. The visual effects, particularly in the fight scenes with Electro, are also impressive, even if the film sometimes feels more focused on setting up future installments than telling a cohesive story. Despite its flaws,The Amazing Spider-Man 2succeedsin deliveringa deeply personal and tragic story for Peter Parker.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
The Amazing Spider-Man 2, released in 2014, continues Peter Parker’s journey as he balances life as Spider-Man and his relationship with Gwen Stacy. Facing new challenges, Peter encounters the formidable Electro and is reunited with Harry Osborn, while uncovering significant revelations about his past.
1Daredevil (2003)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 43%
Daredevilis a movie that suffers from trying to do too much in too little time, especially with the studio insisting on trimming 30 minutes from its original runtime. The result is a film that feels rushed and busy, yet there’s still plenty to enjoy in this early 2000s superhero outing. Michael Clarke Duncanshines as the menacing Kingpin, and Colin Farrell’s scenery-chewing take on Bullseye brings a comic book-style flair to the proceedings.
Despite its narrative flaws,Daredevilexcels in its action sequences, with stylish fight choreography and a darker tone that distinguishes it from its peers at the time. The film’s legacy may have been overshadowed by more successful superhero adaptations, but it remains a compelling look at a tortured hero’s journey. It’s a movie that, with a bit more time and polish, could have been something truly special, and itsDirector’s Cutis often regarded as a significant improvementover the theatrical version.
Daredevil
Daredevil is a 2003 film featuring Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a lawyer blinded as a child who becomes the vigilante Daredevil. Utilizing his heightened senses, he battles crime in Hell’s Kitchen, facing off against villains such as Bullseye, portrayed by Colin Farrell, and crime lord Kingpin, played by Michael Clarke Duncan.
