Why Did ‘Thunderbolts’ Flop?

The Thunderbolts movie was widely acclaimed as Marvel’s top-rated film in quite some time, featuring beloved characters such as Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour. Given its success, it seemed poised to launch a resurgence for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

However, contrary to what you might believe, that’s not how events unfolded. Instead, the film experienced significant difficulties at the box office. In fact, one industry expert went as far as saying it “imploded” in cinemas. This movie, unfortunately, ranks among the lowest-grossing films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Remarkably, it earned approximately $40 million less than Captain America: Brave New World, a film that received poor reviews and seemed to have been disliked by many viewers.

What led to these issues? Our latest Marvel video explores the performance at the box office of movies like Thunderbolts, Captain America: Brave New World, and other recent Marvel productions. Is there an increasing sense of superhero exhaustion? Are the Marvel studios in danger? Or will Avengers: Doomsday help change things for the better? Check out the video below to find out more.

If you enjoyed our analysis of why Marvel’s Thunderbolts didn’t succeed, don’t forget to explore more videos we’ve got in store! For instance, there’s one diving into Ultron’s vision, where he predicted Tony Stark would transform into Doctor Doom. We also have a video speculating if Chris Evans might appear in Avengers: Doomsday. And let’s not forget about the original plan for Madame Web and why it was superior to what Sony eventually produced. You can find even more videos on our ScreenCrush YouTube channel, so remember to hit that subscribe button to stay updated on our upcoming episodes. Keep an eye out for Avengers: Doomsday hitting theaters on December 18, 2026!

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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

36. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have anticipated that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in one of the company’s least indispensable productions. Regrettably, the movie Eternals, despite being largely accurate to Kirby’s original concepts with a few minor yet irritating alterations (such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into uninteresting monsters lacking objectives or motivations), never quite found its footing. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the principal characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – struggle to convincingly portray their purported passionate relationship (a romance that spans 6,000 years; they appear as though they’re on their inaugural date and it’s going disastrously). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to repeatedly abandon them for a series of routine fight sequences involving dull monsters. It’s challenging to imagine a more tedious film about immortal alien robots striving to avert universal annihilation than this one.

35. The Incredible Hulk

This production feels disjointed, awkward, and unrefined, giving the impression that Marvel was taken aback by Iron Man’s success and hastily produced it. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier, who transforms into a large, bony, monstrous creature, is hardly fitting for the role of Loki, given his criminal history. (Read more .)

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The production feels disorganized, clumsy, and unsightly, suggesting that Marvel was taken off guard by Iron Man’s success and hurried this into production. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier, who transforms into a large, bony, grotesque creature, is questionable given Loki’s criminal background. (Read more .)

34. Thor: The Dark World

In essence, we almost had Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, but what we ended up with was a rather gloomy pursuit for a mystical object, which is one of the least engaging villains in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s a silver lining, it’s that this film’s underperformance might have encouraged Marvel to take more risks and bring about such a significant transformation as seen in Thor: Ragnarok (for further reading, check out the full article here).

33. The Marvels

This Marvel film isn’t the poorest in quality – it surpasses three others on this list, after all – however, it can be quite disorganized and intense. The trio of Captain Marvel (played by Brie Larson), Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) collaborate to halt a Kree warlord with malicious intentions. Despite the chemistry between these talented stars, the plot is incredibly chaotic, with questionable decisions that seem nonsensical.

32. Captain America: Brave New World

Incorrect setting, inappropriate plot: This phrase could easily apply to several recent Marvel movies (such as The Marvels) and it’s particularly fitting for Captain America: Brave New World, a film that gives Anthony Mackie’s captivating Sam Wilson his long-awaited solo outing, only to burden him with a dull antagonist and a narrative riddled with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk. (Were we all on the edge of our seats waiting for updates about Betty Ross?)

31. Doctor Strange

Although the striking imagery in Doctor Strange is commendable, it still feels like an upgraded version of Iron Man 2 with a magical twist. The movie scores points for its clever ending with Dormammu, but the strange cape design leaves something to be desired. (You can read more about it here.)

30. Iron Man 2

Despite being better than one might recall, it’s still not extraordinary. Sam Rockwell’s dance moves can conceal many flaws, but not all of them. Trimming 15 minutes of setup from Avengers could potentially result in something quite impressive. (Continue reading here.)

29. Ant-Man

In my opinion, Ant-Man isn’t awful, but it feels like a scaled-down version of the grand Edgar Wright film we could have experienced instead. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis truly shines among the non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more here.)

28. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In a battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang (played by the intimidating Jonathan Majors) acknowledges that Scott Lang is out of his depth. This massive disparity mirrors the film itself, as the down-to-earth, lighthearted world of the Ant-Man series, with its clever humor and lovable characters, struggles to keep pace with the grand, multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5. As a Marvel blockbuster, it gets the job done. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man storyline, it falls short, especially for fans eagerly anticipating the return of Michael Peña’s beloved character, Luis, who is noticeably absent from this installment.

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it emphasizes its compact nature, featuring Paul Rudd’s humorous banter with his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt soliloquies, and a heartwarming, family-oriented storyline about repairing a fractured family bond. (You can read more about it here.)

26. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers could be the strongest hero, yet her movie seemed to fall short in emotional depth. However, it managed to stay engaging thanks to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his impressive de-aging visual effects, portraying a youthful Nick Fury. (For more details, check out this link.)

25. Black Widow

2021 marked my long-awaited solo outing as Black Widow, stepping away from the Avengers for a standalone adventure. Yet, it turned out that I spent most of the time serving as the straight man to my wisecracking Russian superhero crew, featuring David Harbour’s egotistical Red Guardian and the captivating Yelena, played by Florence Pugh. Consequently, Black Widow didn’t quite deliver the fitting farewell this character deserved. Nonetheless, it’s another top-notch Marvel production, boasting some jaw-dropping stunt sequences and a truly chilling villain in Taskmaster, who has the ability to replicate the fighting styles of any adversary he encounters.

24. Thor: Love and Thunder

Viewing Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” can seem a bit like witnessing a magician performing the same trick twice in quick succession. The initial performance was breathtaking. However, the second time around, while it’s still entertaining, the magic isn’t as shocking or novel. Christian Bale delivers a chilling portrayal of Gorr the God-Butcher, but his intense and deeply emotional villain character doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his constant joking. Essentially, “Thor: Love and Thunder” shares many of the same components as Taika Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t quite blend together as smoothly this time.

23. Deadpool & Wolverine

In this film, the dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is simply fantastic. The surprise appearances are nothing short of astonishing. However, the plot, while testing the limits of exposition, tends to get confusing and hard to follow. (One might wonder if too many tragic pasts are necessary for one character, as this film seems to suggest at least two!) If you can manage to not think about the action on screen for even a moment, you’ll have a fairly enjoyable time. Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver the expected interaction between Deadpool and Wolverine, even if they seemed somewhat reluctant to work together to save the Fox X-Men universe. You may find yourself wishing that the writers (which, it should be noted, includes Reynolds himself) had put a bit more effort into their part of the deal.

22. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The odd version of ‘Iron Man 2’ is worse than you might recall, but it’s still passable. The promotional materials hyped up the thriller aspect of the conspiracy too much, but Anthony Mackie as Falcon was a fantastic addition to the series and Chris Evans was just as solid and reliable as Captain America. However, I can’t help but be annoyed that Nick Fury, the world’s greatest spy, didn’t seem to know that everyone in SHIELD except for him and his two buddies were completely evil. Come on, guy. Open your eyes.”

(You can read more about it here.)

21. Avengers: Infinity War

This movie is grand in scale and ambition, with an ending that’s truly memorable, but it seems to lack something essential. If you’re just looking for a high-octane action flick with some witty dialogue, then it might be what you’re after. However, if you appreciate the characters, the camaraderie, and the more peaceful moments amidst the battles, this movie may not meet your expectations. (For further discussion, click here.)

20. Iron Man 3

The film was generally enjoyable, but its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe detracted somewhat from the experience. The movie’s climax revolves around Tony Stark deciding to abandon his Iron Man persona and depart, only for him to later appear in several additional films. Despite Guy Pearce’s character falling short of expectations, Robert Downey Jr.’s scenes with a clever child were excellent. (You can read more about it [here](http://exampleurl)).

19. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Initially: The final scene, depicting dragons and monsters clashing amidst a dense gray fog, is a chaotic CGI disaster. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi could potentially be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. (The one on the San Francisco bus is particularly enjoyable.) Simu Liu heads up one of Marvel’s more profound character ensembles, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering noteworthy supporting roles, while Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently inject humor into the narrative. (Kingsley as the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, may not have been the most well-liked Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has skillfully transformed him into a genuinely endearing side character.)

18. Thor

In an unusual twist, “Thor” – despite some flaws – unfolds mainly in the tiniest town of New Mexico. Remarkably, this film showcases Marvel’s early ability to triumph over structural and script problems through exceptional casting and captivating performances, a trait that later became signature for the Marvel series. (Read more here.)

17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler encountered an exceptionally tough task while working on “Wakanda Forever”. Apart from creating a sequel that matched the brilliance of the original “Black Panther”, he had to accomplish this without his captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, just as filming was set to begin. The movie excels in its portrayal of Coogler and the cast’s grief over Boseman, woven seamlessly into the narrative of a grieving Wakanda. Unfortunately, the remainder of the film is somewhat disorganized, featuring a multitude of intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and an antagonist, King Namor, whose motivations are somewhat unclear.

16. Captain America: Civil War

The story lacks credibility and is seemingly constructed to culminate in the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me tell you: Wow, that airport battle between them is absolutely fantastic! (Continue reading here.)

15. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, the quality is similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both are packed with numerous villains. However, this film does a great job of portraying Peter Parker as a character – someone who frequently stumbles but never gives up on fixing his mistakes for the future. Furthermore, it significantly expands the multiverse concept in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, making it a significant landmark in the series’ storyline.

Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man film is as good as Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man movie, and they both have an abundance of villains. On the bright side, this film masterfully portrays Peter Parker as a character – someone who consistently falls but never ceases to strive for improvement. Additionally, it introduces the multiverse into MCU films in a grand manner, marking an essential turning point in the saga’s narrative.

14. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

15 years after stepping away, filmmaker Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with a thrilling, off-the-wall tale revolving around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi incorporated his unique style and visuals – such as slapstick humor, deranged zombies, and jump scares – into the conventional Marvel framework. (For further details, see here.)

13. Thunderbolts (2025)

In a departure from Marvel’s recent output that seems like a patchwork of various comics, films, and lore, the series “Thunderbolts” stands out as a complete narrative with engaging characters. Florence Pugh, portraying the new Black Widow, is particularly captivating, embodying the feelings of discontent and lack of fulfillment many can relate to. Her character finds meaning when she’s grouped with an ensemble of similarly disenchanted mercenaries, including Wyatt Russell as the arrogant U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen as the mystical Ghost. With its blend of action, a powerful message about overcoming despair and fostering camaraderie, “Thunderbolts” serves as a testament to Marvel’s potential when operating at full capacity.

*Note: Thunderbolts is not an actual Marvel series but a hypothetical one for the purpose of this text.

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Even though this movie may not have lived up to the first Avengers for some people and the subplot involving Wanda and Pietro was confusing, I found the final sequence where the Avengers collaborated to save everyone in Sokovia to be a true embodiment of Marvel’s essence. (Read more .)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The sequel to Marvel’s lighthearted franchise is excessively long, with at least four post-credit scenes. It’s audacious to create such a film that ends on a somber note. This is the only Marvel movie that manages to make me tear up, and it even includes jokes about alien deity phallic symbols. In my opinion, this unique blend of emotions makes it an exceptional film. (You can read more here.)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

The second Spidey film by Marvel, starring Tom Holland as the incredible web-slinger, is slightly less impressive than the first one, yet it’s packed with romance, action, humor, and emotion. Although no one utters “with great power comes great responsibility,” the movie Far From Home still emphasizes this concept just as much as any Spider-Man film ever has. In this story, Peter Parker, played by Holland, grapples with his feelings for MJ (Zendaya’s humorous and witty portrayal) while also being tasked by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson delivering a comically irritated performance) to stop a group of elemental villains.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn masterfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that delivers the perfect Marvel cocktail: Exciting action sequences, quirky science fiction visuals, and authentic characters whose emotional depth leaves us deeply invested. By the finale of Vol. 3, Rocket Raccoon has evolved from a secondary Marvel character to one of the company’s most intriguing and heartbreaking heroes. Following a series of average films, Gunn effortlessly demonstrates his skill. Unfortunately, he is now moving on to DC Studios.

7. Avengers: Endgame

A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second greatest Avengers film yet, packed with massive action sequences, numerous humor moments, and potentially more Easter eggs than any movie across all cinematic universes. (For further details, click here.)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s movies that keep you coming back, it boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man scenes, and an unexpected street vendor challenging Spider-Man to perform a flip (which he does). Isn’t this entertaining enough for you?!? (Continue reading here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

In the middle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline so far, the original Guardians movie played a significant role in making Marvel seem less rigid and demonstrated that their reputation was powerful enough to draw audiences to relatively unknown properties. Before James Gunn took over, the Guardians were hardly mentioned. However, under his direction, they became an unexpected hit. It’s also important to note that, without argument or debate, Rocket is undeniably the best Guardian.

(You can read more about it [here](…)).

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Despite some issues with the plot structure, particularly the abridged portrayal of war events, the portrayal of Chris Evans’ Captain America in this film stands out as one of the most convincing character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This movie took a hero who was frequently criticized for being dull or outdated, and transformed him into a dynamic, endearing, multidimensional man embodying genuine human values. This MCU film is ideal to watch when you need a boost of inspiration. [Source: Read more here.]

3. Black Panther

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, “Black Panther” masterfully demonstrates the strength of a self-contained narrative. Unlike other Marvel films that strive for profound connections with the cosmos, this film’s intimacy is its greatest asset. The closing scenes where Black Panther decides to share Wakanda with the world might seem like a joyful conclusion, but it could potentially lead to a sequel that is less focused and filled with multiple guest appearances. If so, it may not be as satisfying. [Read more here.]

2. The Avengers

Despite the events of “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains an extraordinary feat that seems almost unbelievable. Each character is skillfully balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York stands as one of the most impressive action sequences from this century. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

The original movie remains unmatched in its greatness. Looking back, not being tied to a broader universe gave it an edge, and the scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, testing his armor and flying for the first time, portray the excitement of superpowers more convincingly than any other movie ever made, whether by Marvel Studios or anyone else. (Read more here.)

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2025-06-17 16:27