10 "Rotten" Superhero Movies That Are Actually Great

Comic book movies in particular tend to be viewed unfavorably by mainstream critics, but some deemed “Rotten” by critics on Rotten Tomatoes are fantastic. Both Marvel and DC have 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.

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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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10 Spawn (1997)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 17%

While Spawn may 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, Spawn brought a 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, but Spawn’s boldness helped pave the way for future superhero movies. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly not “rotten.”

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Based on the dark comic by Todd McFarlanee, Spawn was 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.

Director Mark A.Z. Dippé Release Date August 1, 1997 Runtime 98 Mins

9 Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 29%

Few superhero movies were as hyped and subsequently as divisive as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. With its disappointing Tomatometer score of 29%, it’s easy 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 the moments of character conflict and action-packed sequences make it a thrilling ride.

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In this high-action film by Zack Snyder, the two DC superheroes face off against one another in a conflict spurred on by the villainous Lex Luthor. The film also features WonderWoman playing a role in the fight against Doomsday and other villains from beyond the Earth. As the world’s two most powerful superheroes prepare to destroy each other, an unexpected commonality brings them together to defeat their real enemy.

Director Zack Snyder Release Date March 24, 2016 Runtime 152 minutes

8 Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 35%

When Batman: The Killing Joke was 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 that retains much of what made the graphic novel groundbreaking yet 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 still offers 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.

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*Availability in US Director Sam Liu Release Date July 24, 2016 Runtime 72 minutes

7 Constantine (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 feel minor 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. Constantine was one of the first comic book movies aimed at an adult audience, and it seems many critics didn’t know yet how to appreciate this. With many clamoring for a contemporary Constantine sequel, it has proven to be ahead of its time.

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Constantine, directed by Francis Lawrence and released in 2005, stars Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, a supernatural detective. Based on the DC Comics Hellblazer series, the film follows Constantine as he battles against dark forces from the underworld with the help of a determined police officer, played by Rachel Weisz. The film meshes elements of horror and action as Constantine navigates a demonic landscape.

Director Francis Lawrence Release Date February 18, 2005 Runtime 121 Minutes

6 Man Of Steel (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 56%

Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel was tasked with rebooting Superman for a modern audience, a challenge that resulted in mixed reviews despite it instigating the 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 a deep sense of isolation and inner conflict, struggling to find his place in a world that fears his power.

Critics suggested that Man of Steel was 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, yet complain when they try to be serious. With a significant discrepancy between its critics’ and audience scores, Man of Steel is a clear example of how critics and fans often have divergent views on superhero films.

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This new take on Superman’s origin story, Man of Steel, centers on young journalist Clark Kent/Kal-El, a being who came to Earth as a child from Krypton. Though he has trouble fitting in with his secret superpowers and questions his purpose in life, Clark is forced into action when fellow Kryptonian General Zod arrives on Earth hellbent on conquest. Clark is built by the values set upon him by his parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, who adopted him as an otherworldly orphan, inadvertently raising him to become the hero humanity needs.

Director Zack Snyder Release Date June 14, 2013 Runtime 143 minutes

5 Eternals (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 47%

Marvel’s Eternals was 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, Eternals is more contemplative, exploring themes 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, Eternals shines 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, Eternals offers a 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.

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Eternals is the 25th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is part of its fourth phase. Over 500 years ago, when the ten Eternals complete the task given to them by the Celestial Arishem to wipe out the invasive alien species known as Deviants that roam the earth, the group decides to go their separate ways as they find themselves at odds with how to continue their interactions with humanity as they grow and learn. Blending into society, the Eternals continue to live their lives in the modern day until the Deviants emerge again. When one of the Eternals is supposedly slain by a deviant, events are set in motion that will reunite them once again to discover why the Deviants have returned and what the true intentions of the Celestial have been for all these millennia.

Director Chloé Zhao Release Date November 5, 2021 Runtime 157 minutes

4 Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 38%

The Fantastic Four movies have never been critical darlings, but Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is far from the disaster it’s often made out to be. With a 38% Tomatometer score, it’s easy to dismiss it, yet the movie has 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, but there’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 Surfer may not be groundbreaking, but it’s a solid romp.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) 3.5 5

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Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is the only sequel to Tim Story’s 2005 introduction of Marvel’s First Family. Starring Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, Jessica Alba as Sue Storm, Chris Evans as the Human Torch, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm a.k.a. The Thing, the 2007 superhero film marks the Silver Surfer’s live-action debut with Doug Jones portraying his motion capture and Laurence Fishburne providing his voice. The sequel also features Julian McMahon’s return as Doctor Doom and Galactus first big-screen appearance.

Director Tim Story Release Date June 15, 2007 Runtime 92minutes

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3 X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57%

X-Men: The Last Stand had the unenviable task of following the critically acclaimed X2: X-Men United and 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 in X-Men lore. However, the parallel storyline involving the mutant “cure” raises interesting ethical questions and adds a compelling layer to the film.

The X-Men: The Last Stand cast is 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 are enough moments of genuine excitement and emotional weight to make X-Men: The Last Stand enjoyable.

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X-Men: The Last Stand is the third and final installment in Bryan Singer’s original X-Men trilogy. It adapts Marvel’s famous “Dark Phoenix” storyline, with Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey embracing her supernatural power to unleash chaos on mutantkind. Fox’s 2006 superhero movie brings back franchise mainstays such as Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, and Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and it introduces major mutant characters such as Kelsey Grammer’s Beast, Ben Foster’s Angel, and Vinnie Jones’ Juggernaut.

Director Brett Ratner Release Date May 25, 2006 Runtime 104 Minutes

2 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 51%

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was 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 with a lot of heart and some of the most emotionally resonant moments in the entire Spider-Man filmography. 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 2 succeeds in delivering a deeply personal and tragic story for Peter Parker.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 3.5 10

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In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Andrew Garfield returns to the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, dealing with balancing his life as a high school student and his responsibilities as a hero. After reconnecting with his old friend, Harry Osborn, Peter learns details regarding his late father’s mysterious past and begins to connect the dots that his father’s disappearance, the emergence of new supervillains, and other dark dealings in his city are all connected to Oscorp.

Director Marc Webb Release Date May 2, 2014 Runtime 142 minutes

1 Daredevil (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 43%

Daredevil is 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 Duncan shines 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, Daredevil excels 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 its Director’s Cut is often regarded as a significant improvement over the theatrical version.

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Daredevil is a 2003 superhero movie starring Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock. Mark Steven Johnson directed the film, which introduced the characters Kingpin, Elektra, and Bullseye. The film was critically panned upon release. However, despite being poorly received, Daredevil led to a spinoff film in 2005 starring Jennifer Garner as Elektra.

Director Mark Steven Johnson Release Date February 14, 2003 Runtime 103 Minutes