2024 has been a rollercoaster for superhero fans. After years of nonstop sequels and franchises, studios took a step back. They released fewer superhero films, hoping quality would rise. The result? A mixed bag of hits and misses. Let’s break down how these blockbusters fared according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Madame Web: A Tangled Web of Disappointment
Madame Web hit theaters on February 14, 2024, starring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney. The film aimed to explore the origins of Madame Web, but fell flat with an 11% critic score.
Despite a star-studded cast, the movie struggled to find its footing. It grossed only $100 million worldwide against an $80 million budget—a poor return for a superhero flick. Audiences were slightly kinder, giving it a 56% rating. Still, it’s clear this one didn’t spin the right web.
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- Release Date: February 14, 2024
- Cast: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 11%
The Crow: Resurrection Falls Short
Released on August 23, 2024, The Crow attempted to revive the beloved 1994 classic. Bill Skarsgard took on the role of Eric, seeking vengeance as the titular crow. Unfortunately, the film only earned 22% from critics.
Box office numbers mirrored the critical reception, but audiences were a bit more forgiving with a 63% score. Despite the strong legacy, this remake couldn’t soar as high as its predecessor.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man Brings Dark Magic
Hellboy: The Crooked Man premiered directly to VOD in the U.S., adding to its Belgian release earlier in the year. With a 37% critic score, it’s a modest improvement over the 2019 reboot.
The film takes Hellboy back to the 1950s Appalachia, dealing with witches and dark forces. While not a box office hit, it showed some promise, especially compared to earlier attempts.
Venom: The Last Dance – A Symbiotic Success
October 25, 2024, saw the release of Venom: The Last Dance, the final chapter in Sony’s symbiote saga. Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock, partnering with Venom one last time. Critics weren’t thrilled, giving it a 41% score, but audiences loved it, rating it 81%.
This disparity led to impressive box office numbers, pulling in $468 million worldwide. It stands as one of the few successful entries in this year’s superhero lineup.
| Movie Title | Release Date | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Box Office Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madame Web | Feb 14, 2024 | 11% | $100M |
| The Crow | Aug 23, 2024 | 22% | N/A |
| Hellboy: The Crooked Man | 2024 | 37% | N/A |
| Venom: The Last Dance | Oct 25, 2024 | 41% | $468M |
Deadpool & Wolverine: A Merc with a Message
Deadpool & Wolverine premiered on July 26, 2024, bringing back Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. This film merged the chaotic energy of Deadpool with the ruggedness of Wolverine, creating a dynamic duo.
Critics appreciated the chemistry, giving it a 79% score. Audiences went wild, rating it 94% and making it the highest-grossing R-rated film of the year with $1.3 billion worldwide. A true standout in a year of mixed results.
Ultraman: Rising – A Hero’s New Challenge
Stepping outside the typical Hollywood scene, Ultraman: Rising premiered on Netflix in June. This Japanese sci-fi entry scored 85% from critics and 92% from audiences, proving that superhero stories have global appeal.
Ultraman’s new mission involves protecting a fire-breathing baby kaiju, adding a fresh twist to the franchise. Its success highlights the diverse ways superhero narratives can resonate.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next – Animated Excellence
My Hero Academia: You’re Next launched in Japan in August and hit U.S. theaters in October. This animated feature scored an impressive 94% from critics and 91% from audiences.
Based on the popular manga and anime, the film follows Izuku Midoriya facing a formidable villain. Its strong reception underscores the power of animated superhero stories to captivate audiences worldwide.
