10 Superhero Movies That Failed to Impress Critics More Than Max Fury
Superhero movies have become a staple in the film industry, but not all caped crusaders have managed to soar to great heights. While some films have garnered critical acclaim and box office success, others have fallen flat, failing to impress both audiences and critics alike. Here are 10 superhero movies that missed the mark and left a sour taste in the mouths of critics, ranking lower on Rotten Tomatoes than the infamous Max Fury.
- The Misfire of Jonah Hex
Background: Jonah Hex is a lesser-known DC comics character who made his debut in 1972. The character is a bounty hunter with a scarred face and a dark past.
Critical Reception: Despite boasting a star-studded cast, including Josh Brolin and Megan Fox, Jonah Hex received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. Many criticized its poor acting, weak plot, and lack of action. The film holds a 12% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ranking even lower than Max Fury.
- The Chilling Disaster of Batman & Robin
Background: Batman & Robin is the fourth installment in the Batman film series and was released in 1997. The film stars George Clooney as Batman, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, and Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy.
Critical Reception: Batman & Robin was a critical and commercial failure, receiving scathing reviews from critics. The film's campy tone, poor acting, and lack of faithfulness to the source material left both audiences and critics unimpressed. With an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it ranks below Max Fury in terms of critical reception.
- The Electrifying Disappointment of Elektra
Background: Elektra is a spin-off from the 2003 Daredevil movie and was released in 2005. The film stars Jennifer Garner as Elektra Natchios, a skilled assassin who must confront her past.
Critical Reception: Elektra failed to live up to expectations, disappointing both audiences and critics. The film's weak plot, poor character development, and lack of action left viewers underwhelmed. Jennifer Garner's portrayal of the titular character failed to spark interest, contributing to the film's lackluster reception. It holds a 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The Lackluster Quest of Superman IV: The Quest For Peace
Background: Superman IV: The Quest For Peace is the fourth installment in the Superman film series and was released in 1987. The film stars Christopher Reeve as Superman and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor.
Critical Reception: Superman IV: The Quest For Peace marked a disappointing end to Christopher Reeve's iconic portrayal of the Man of Steel. The film's lackluster special effects, weak plot, and forgettable villain failed to capture the magic of its predecessors. With an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it ranks lower than Max Fury in terms of critical reception.
- The Forgettable Reboot of Fantastic Four (2015)
Background: The 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four is the third installment in the Fantastic Four film series and was released in 2015. The film stars Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, and Jamie Bell as the Fantastic Four.
Critical Reception: The 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four failed to breathe new life into the classic Marvel characters. Critics slammed its dull execution, uninspired storytelling, and lack of faithfulness to the source material. Despite a talented cast, including Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan, the film failed to leave a lasting impression and holds a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The Steel-Downfall of Steel
Background: Steel is a superhero film based on the DC comics character of the same name and was released in 1997. The film stars Shaquille O'Neal as John Henry Irons, a weapons designer who becomes the superhero Steel.
Critical Reception: Steel failed to deliver a compelling narrative or engaging action sequences, leading to negative reviews from critics. The film's lackluster performances, uninspired storyline, and poor execution relegated it to obscurity. It holds an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The Struggling Flight of Supergirl
Background: Supergirl is a superhero film based on the DC comics character of the same name and was released in 1984. The film stars Helen Slater as Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin who comes to Earth to fight crime.
Critical Reception: Supergirl attempted to expand the Superman universe but struggled to impress both audiences and critics. The film's nonsensical plot, lackluster character development, and underwhelming execution hindered its ability to take flight. It holds a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The Catastrophic Rendition of Catwoman
Background: Catwoman is a superhero film based on the DC comics character of the same name and was released in 2004. The film stars Halle Berry as Patience Phillips, a woman who gains cat-like abilities after being electrocuted.
Critical Reception: Catwoman's misguided adaptation of the DC anti-hero resulted in a disjointed and uninspiring movie. Critics heavily criticized its poor acting, weak plot, and lack of action. Despite Halle Berry's efforts, the film failed to salvage itself and holds a 19% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The Unfunny Zoom
Background: Zoom is a superhero film based on the DC comics character of the same name and was released in 2006. The film stars Tim Allen as Jack Shepard, a former superhero who must train a new generation of heroes.
Critical Reception: Zoom failed to land its jokes or engage audiences with its lackluster plot. The film's poor acting, weak storyline, and absence of compelling action sequences left critics unimpressed. It holds an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The Forgotten Max Steel
Background: Max Steel is a superhero film based on the Mattel action figure of the same name and was released in 2016. The film stars Ben Winchell as Max McGrath, a teenager who gains superpowers after being exposed to a mysterious alien energy.
Critical Reception: Max Steel stands out as one of the few films with a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, indicating an overwhelmingly negative critical reception. The film's poor acting, weak plot, and lack of action relegated it to obscurity, failing to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
While these superhero movies may have missed the mark, they serve as a reminder that not every caped crusader can soar to great heights on the silver screen. Despite their shortcomings, they continue to hold a place in the ever-expanding landscape of superhero cinema.
