Why Thunderbolts* Is The Best MCU Movie Since Avengers: Endgame

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There’s been a lot of discussion about whether recent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies have lived up to previous standards. Before Avengers: Endgame, the franchise was known for consistently delivering well-received films – none were rated poorly on Rotten Tomatoes. However, movies like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Eternals haven’t been as popular with fans or critics.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has had some great moments since the huge success of its 2019 film. While many movies have given fans what they wanted, it’s tough to choose the very best. For me, though, the strongest release after Endgame has been Thunderbolts, which exceeded almost all expectations.

What Makes Thunderbolts* Such A Great Movie

Custom image by Diana Acuña

When Thunderbolts was announced, many people weren’t very excited. While characters like Yelena and Bucky were well-liked, others like John Walker, Ava Starr, and Taskmaster didn’t generate much buzz. The film’s disappointing box office numbers reflect this initial reaction. However, those numbers don’t tell the whole story – Thunderbolts is actually a very good movie.

The film succeeds thanks to its fantastic cast and the way it develops Yelena, John, and Alexei. We genuinely connect with these characters, and the introduction of Bob is a particularly exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Everyone has great chemistry, making the movie a lot of fun to watch.

Thunderbolts stands out because it shows the heroes genuinely rescuing people – something you don’t often see in superhero films. It’s a straightforward idea, but watching this team of former villains work together to save New York from the Sentry makes you connect with them and see them as true heroes.

Unlike many other Marvel movies, Thunderbolts truly captures the feeling of a group bonding and becoming a close-knit family. In some ways, their connection feels even stronger than the Avengers’. This is likely because these characters, a collection of outsiders, are forced to confront difficult and emotional issues together.

Thunderbolts surprisingly handles the difficult topic of depression with sensitivity. The climax, where the team defeats the villain by simply offering Bob a group hug and reminding him he’s not alone, is genuinely moving. It’s difficult to imagine a more satisfying blend of heartfelt emotion, strong acting, and exciting action.

Thunderbolts* Sets Up The Future & Pays Off Past Projects

One major complaint about the Marvel Cinematic Universe right now is that it feels fragmented. In the past, all the movies and shows clearly led up to the big battle with Thanos for the Infinity Stones. Now, many projects seem disconnected (like Moon Knight), have been abandoned (Eternals), or center around villains who are no longer a threat (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania).

Unlike some other recent Marvel movies, Thunderbolts successfully builds excitement for what’s coming next in the MCU. It introduces a brand new team of heroes, a compelling new character named Bob, and hints at potential future leaders like Yelena. Plus, the movie’s end credits strongly suggest the arrival of the Fantastic Four before the next Avengers film. All of this makes Thunderbolts a particularly important piece of the puzzle for the MCU’s future, arguably more so than most films released since Endgame.

As a movie fan, I’ve always loved how certain projects can retroactively deepen your appreciation for what came before, and Thunderbolts really did that for me. It wasn’t just about what it set up for the future, but how it made older stories feel more connected. Suddenly, John Walker’s arc in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier felt more impactful, Ghost’s role in Ant-Man and the Wasp had a new weight to it, and every time Valentina Allegra de Fontaine showed up, you knew it wasn’t just a cameo. Thunderbolts took characters and moments that seemed minor and gave them real significance.

The Post-Endgame MCU Has Been A Mixed Bag

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) isn’t as consistently successful as it used to be. While it previously delivered hit after hit, recent films haven’t always resonated with audiences. Even the upcoming movie Deadpool and Wolverine acknowledges this, with Deadpool joking about joining the MCU at a difficult time.

This helps Thunderbolts really shine compared to other recent Marvel movies. Films like Eternals, Thor: Love and Thunder, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Captain America: Brave New World have received mostly negative or mixed reactions – actually, more negative reactions than all the first three phases of the MCU combined.

Disney+’s TV shows have been hit or miss, with series like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Echo, Ironheart, and particularly Secret Invasion receiving lukewarm reviews. The Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t as consistently strong as it once was, which makes a good show like Thunderbolts really shine.

Other Post-Endgame MCU Movies With A Case For Being The Best

It’s hard to say Thunderbolts is the best Marvel movie since Endgame because the MCU still delivers some great films. Spider-Man: No Way Home was both a fun, nostalgic experience and a strong Spider-Man story, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 provided a fantastic conclusion to that series.

Besides these highlights, audiences can look forward to amazing action in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, a cool, vintage-future vibe in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, plenty of laughs in Deadpool and Wolverine, and a powerfully moving story in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Several recent Marvel movies could be considered the best since Avengers: Endgame. However, I think Thunderbolts stands out. It’s a really fun action movie with genuinely heroic characters, tackles serious themes, features a cast you’ll enjoy, and feels like it will have a significant effect on the future of the MCU.

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2025-11-09 16:11