All 5 Fantastic Four Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Rotten Tomatoes

The History and Critical Reception of the Fantastic Four Live-Action Movies

The Fantastic Four, one of Marvel's most iconic superhero teams, has had a long and complex history in both comics and live-action adaptations. While their creators, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, often disagreed on who came up with the idea for the team, what remains clear is that the group has become a cornerstone of the superhero genre. Since their debut in The Fantastic Four #1 in 1961, they have appeared in countless comics, films, TV shows, and video games, cementing their place as one of the most beloved superhero teams.

Over the years, various attempts have been made to bring the Fantastic Four to the big screen, with mixed results. Here’s a look at how critics have rated these films over time.

'Fantastic Four' (2015) – A Disappointing Attempt

The 2015 version of Fantastic Four received a dismal 9% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film follows Johnny Storm (Michael B. Jordan), Reed Richards (Miles Teller), Sue Storm (Kate Mara), and Ben Grimm (Jamie Bell) as they gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation. Their journey takes them from adjusting to their new abilities to facing off against Dr. Victor Von Doom (Toby Kebbell), a former friend turned villain.

Despite some standout performances, particularly from Kebbell as Dr. Doom, the film failed to deliver on its potential. Critics were harsh, calling it "dull and downbeat" and criticizing the lack of humor and excitement that defined the original comic. The movie underperformed at the box office, earning only $160 million against a $120 million budget. It was also nominated for several Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Director.

'Fantastic Four' (2005) – A Mediocre Effort

The 2005 film, starring Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, Michael Chiklis as The Thing, Jessica Alba as Sue Storm, and Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, received a slightly better rating of 27% on Rotten Tomatoes. While it managed to capture the basic premise of the team gaining powers through a cosmic event, the film suffered from weak writing and uneven acting.

Chris Evans stood out as Johnny Storm, which later helped him land the role of Captain America. However, the rest of the cast struggled to make an impact. The film was criticized for its melodramatic tone and lack of energy, with many calling it a "mediocre attempt" to bring the team to life. Despite this, it did receive some recognition, including Saturn Award nominations and a MTV Movie Award nomination for Jessica Alba.

'The Fantastic Four' (1994) – A Forgotten Gem

This early attempt at a Fantastic Four film, produced by Roger Corman, never officially released but gained notoriety through leaks. The story involves a group of scientists experimenting with a comet, only to be exposed to cosmic rays and gain superpowers. The film, while not a cinematic masterpiece, was praised for its effort given the low budget.

Critics noted the poor dialogue and visuals, but many found it watchable. The film also highlighted the enduring appeal of The Thing, with fans appreciating the character regardless of the actor portraying him. Although it didn’t receive a formal consensus on Rotten Tomatoes, it still holds a unique place in the history of Fantastic Four adaptations.

'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer' (2007) – A Step Forward, But Still Flawed

The 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, received a 37% on Rotten Tomatoes. This film introduced the Silver Surfer and set up the arrival of Galactus, the planet-devouring cosmic entity. While it improved upon the 2005 film in some areas, it still faced criticism for being too juvenile and relying heavily on special effects.

The movie was well-received by younger audiences, earning multiple Kids' Choice and Teen Choice Award nominations. However, it failed to resonate with adult critics, who called it "a simplistic picture with little benefit beyond its visual effects." Despite a decent box office performance, the studio decided not to continue the franchise, despite plans for a trilogy.

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (2025) – A Long-Awaited Success

The 2025 film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, received an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in a retro-futuristic world, the film brings back the core members of the team, played by Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The story sees the team face off against the Silver Surfer and the threat of Galactus.

Critics praised the film for its return to the classic elements that made the Fantastic Four popular, including humor, color, and strong character dynamics. The cast chemistry was a highlight, with Pedro Pascal receiving particular acclaim for his performance as Reed Richards. Fans appreciated the nostalgic feel of the film, which felt like a throwback to the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.