Thunderbolts*: The Underdog Triumphs in 2024 - A Critical Success Story
Thunderbolts* has emerged as the top superhero movie of 2024 on Rotten Tomatoes, outshining even Superman, despite its underwhelming box office performance. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film marked Marvel Studios' second release of the year, following Captain America: Brave New World. While Thunderbolts* garnered critical acclaim, it struggled to break even financially.
The superhero movie landscape of 2025 has seen Thunderbolts* rise to the top as the best-reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes. Surpassing even the box office juggernaut Superman, starring David Corenswet, Thunderbolts* has secured the highest Tomatometer score among this year's superhero offerings.
Marvel Studios can celebrate Thunderbolts* as their most successful film of the year, surpassing the likes of Captain America 4 and The Fantastic Four: First Steps based on its Rotten Tomatoes rating. The movie's critical reception has set it apart from its box office competitors.
The Rotten Tomatoes scores of superhero movies released in 2025 highlight Thunderbolts*'s dominance in critical acclaim. The film's performance at the box office, while falling short of some of its counterparts, still managed to amass over $382 million in revenue.
Marvel head Kevin Feige addressed Thunderbolts*'s box office struggles, attributing them to the film's lesser-known title and characters. The movie's reliance on characters from previous shows may have alienated some audiences, impacting its commercial success.
In conclusion, Thunderbolts* has emerged as the dark horse of superhero movies in 2024, defying box office expectations to claim the top spot in critical acclaim. Despite its financial challenges, the film's impressive Rotten Tomatoes score cements its status as a standout entry in the superhero genre.