The 15 Worst Marvel Movies, Ranked

Marvel has given us some of the greatest superhero films, from groundbreaking blockbusters to character-driven stories that dominate pop culture. Their track record spans decades, with iconic heroes like Spider-Man and the X-Men lighting up screens.

But not every Marvel movie is a winner. Some crash spectacularly with bad scripts, miscast leads, or just plain weird choices that leave fans scratching their heads. Here’s my ranking of the 15 least successful Marvel films, covering both MCU and non-MCU, starting from the bottom and ending with the one that takes the crown for worst.

15. Blade: Trinity (2004)

This final Blade film loses the edge of its predecessors. Wesley Snipes’ Blade feels sidelined, while Ryan Reynolds’ quippy sidekick steals focus but grates.

The plot about Dracula is messy, and the action lacks the sleek style of earlier entries. It’s a disappointing end to a trilogy that started strong.

14. The Punisher (1989)

Dolph Lundgren’s take on Frank Castle is gritty but bare-bones. The low-budget vibe and lack of comic-accurate elements hurt its appeal.

The action is decent for its time, but the story feels generic, missing the Punisher’s emotional depth. It’s a relic that doesn’t hold up.

13. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

This X-Men film bites off more than it can chew with the mutant cure plot. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine shines, but major character deaths feel rushed.

The Dark Phoenix arc is mishandled, and the pacing stumbles. It’s a letdown after the brilliance of ‘X2’ (2003).

12. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

This sequel to the 2005 ‘Fantastic Four’ has a cool Silver Surfer, but the story falls flat. The cast, including Chris Evans, tries hard, yet the script lacks depth.

Doctor Doom’s return feels forced, and the action is forgettable. It’s better than the first but still underwhelming.

11. Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (1998)

David Hasselhoff’s Nick Fury in this TV movie is a bizarre misstep. The low-budget spy-thriller vibe feels cheap, and the Hydra plot is dull.

Compared to Samuel L. Jackson’s MCU Fury, this is a forgettable slog. It’s more of a curiosity than a film worth revisiting.

10. The Punisher: War Zone (2008)

This reboot aims for ultra-violent action but misses the mark. Ray Stevenson’s Frank Castle is solid, yet the cartoonish tone clashes with the character’s grit.

The villains are over-the-top, and the story lacks heart. It’s a bloody mess that doesn’t capture the Punisher’s essence.

9. Captain America (1990)

This low-budget TV movie is a strange take on Steve Rogers. Matt Salinger’s Cap wears a suit with fake rubber ears, and the plot about Red Skull is incoherent.

The cheesy environmental message and weak action make it a laughable flop. It’s so bad it’s almost fun to watch.

8. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012)

Nicolas Cage’s second Ghost Rider outing is a chaotic disaster. The plot about saving a kid from the devil is thin, and the CGI is jarring.

Cage’s wild performance can’t save the messy direction or weak script. It’s a sequel that feels pointless and rushed.

7. Man-Thing (2005)

This Sci-Fi Channel horror flick is a low-budget mess. The swamp monster Man-Thing barely appears, and the story about a sheriff investigating disappearances is dull.

The effects are cheap, and the pacing crawls. It’s a forgotten Marvel film for a reason.

6. Fantastic Four (2005)

The first modern Fantastic Four film has a likable cast, but the execution is flat. The family dynamic feels forced, and Doctor Doom is a generic villain.

The effects haven’t aged well, and the story lacks stakes. It’s a mediocre start to a franchise that never found its footing.

5. Morbius (2022)

Jared Leto’s ‘Morbius’ is a critical and commercial flop that’s become a meme. The vampire antihero’s origin is generic, and the CGI action is blurry.

The plot is incoherent, and the post-credits scenes confuse more than excite. It’s a joyless slog that misses the mark.

4. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Taika Waititi’s second Thor film goes overboard with humor, losing emotional weight. Chris Hemsworth’s Thor is fun, but the mix of comedy and Jane Foster’s serious arc jars.

Christian Bale’s Gorr is underused, and the plot feels rushed. It’s a colorful misfire that doesn’t live up to ‘Ragnarok’.

3. Fant4stic (2015)

This Fantastic Four reboot is a grim, disjointed mess. The talented cast, including Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan, is wasted on a dreary body-horror vibe.

The rushed third act and weak Doctor Doom tank it. It’s a film that feels ashamed of its comic roots.

2. Howard the Duck (1986)

This George Lucas-produced comedy about a talking duck is infamously weird. Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins can’t save the creepy humor and dated effects.

The sci-fi plot is absurd, and the tone is all over the place. It’s a bold swing that’s more baffling than entertaining.

1. Madame Web (2024)

Dakota Johnson’s ‘Madame Web’ takes the crown as Marvel’s worst film. The story about a clairvoyant paramedic protecting three teens is a narrative disaster with jagged editing and a laughable script.

The villain is forgettable, and the performances feel phoned in. It’s a chaotic flop that’s already a pop culture punchline.

Which Marvel movie do you think is the biggest letdown, or did I skip one that’s even worse? Share your pick in the comments!