This Is The Best Superhero Movie Released in 2025

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As a gamer, I’ve been noticing a lot of talk about how movies aren’t doing so well in theaters this year. It seems like there just haven’t been enough big releases. Honestly, it reminds me of how certain months used to be pretty slow for game releases too – like January or August. Studios used to avoid dropping the really big movies then, and it feels like we’re seeing that pattern again.

These days, those dead spots stretch for quarters.

Superhero movies experienced a slowdown in 2025, and that trend seems to be continuing into 2026. While Marvel released three films this year, they were all released earlier in the year, leaving November—usually a prime month for big releases—empty. DC Films released one major film by James Gunn, but now plans to wait until June 26, 2026, to release another blockbuster.

Since we’re not getting any new Marvel shows until January, I figured now was a good time to look back at everything that happened this year and really think it all through. I’ve been giving it a lot of thought, and I’ve finally decided on what I think was the Best Superhero Movie of 2025. And my pick is:

Thunderbolts Is The Best Superhero Movie Released in 2025

And it’s not called The New Avengers. This group of unlikely heroes jokingly takes the name – borrowed from Yelena Belova’s old soccer team – as a way to identify themselves while trying to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. It’s a fun, unofficial title, and honestly, I think it would have been perfect.

Thunderbolts is the most enjoyable superhero movie of 2025 to watch again and again. Each viewing reveals new details – you’ll notice clever jokes, appreciate the strong connection between the actors, and be impressed by the film’s dynamic editing. I always laugh when Red Guardian’s enthusiastic shout is abruptly cut short after the team decides to help Bucky stop Val and rescue Bob.

Florence Pugh’s performance is possibly the strongest acting in any Marvel Cinematic Universe film, aside from Josh Brolin’s iconic portrayal of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War.

While Thunderbolts doesn’t offer anything completely original, it adds an intriguing new layer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We’ve seen teams like the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy unite against threats, but the members of this new team are far more troubled and damaged than those heroes.

The show’s ending is far more impactful than anything we’ve seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far. Instead of focusing on big explosions and special effects, director Jake Schreier smartly uses therapy sessions – held in uniquely designed “shame rooms” within the Void – to drive the emotional weight. This works because we’ve grown to care about the characters. We’re invested in Bucky, played by Sebastian Stan, after years of watching him struggle with his past. And Red Guardian, portrayed by David Harbour, is both heartbreaking and funny, making his scenes particularly memorable.

While Thunderbolts isn’t a deep, talky film like My Dinner With Andre, it definitely delivers the action fans expect, including impressive fight choreography – Sentry even defeats Bucky using Bucky’s own arm! However, what really makes the film work are the well-placed character interactions and humor that are sprinkled throughout every fight, allowing the team dynamic to truly stand out.

About a month before Thunderbolts came out, Marvel shared a trailer that fans quickly nicknamed “The A24 Cut” – I’ve included it above. Although the finished movie didn’t fully commit to that indie, artistic style – which would have been a bold move – it captured that feeling more than I expected. This helped Thunderbolts feel like a welcome change for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it still feels that way.

What’s Next for The Thunderbolts?

I hope you don’t want to find out any time soon!

The scene after the credits in Thunderbolts hinted at what’s coming in Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled to be released in theaters next year.

We’ve learned that Valentina is secretly controlling the new team, and they’re operating out of what used to be Avengers Tower. Based on what we’ve seen, they watched the Fantastic Four arrive on Earth-616 after traveling from another dimension, Earth-828.

I’m so excited! It sounds like Yelena, Bucky, and their crew are going to team up to take on whatever Doctor Doom’s up to. But honestly, they’ll have a lot of competition for the spotlight! We’re probably going to see Sam Wilson’s new Avengers – maybe with Shang-Chi, Falcon, Thor, and Ant-Man – alongside the original X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and a bunch of Wakandan warriors. It’s going to be epic, but a little crowded!

Jake Schreier stepped down as director, and now Joe and Anthony Russo are taking over the project. I really hope they keep the same quirky and distinctive style that makes the Thunderbolts special. We’ll see how it turns out in about a year.

The latter half of 2025 brought both good and bad movies, but James Gunn’s Superman was a strong contender for one of the top spots. I especially appreciated the fresh and creative DC universe Gunn built, with David Corenswet perfectly cast in the lead role. The supporting characters were delightfully quirky, and the film managed to stay true to Superman’s core values while still offering a unique take on the character.

Looking back on the superhero films of 2025, the standout movie for me will definitely be Thunderbolts. It was, simply put, the best superhero movie of the year.

Disagree? Let me know in the comments!

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2025-12-02 21:11