Marvel movies, with their dazzling action sequences, unforgettable heroes, and knack for pulling at the heartstrings, have long held a special place in cinema. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual moviegoer, it’s tough to ignore the cultural impact these films have had over the past two decades. But which Marvel movies truly stand above the rest, and is there really such a thing as an unloved Marvel film? According to recent discussions on Letterboxd and Reddit, the answer is more nuanced—and more optimistic—than you might expect.
Let’s start with the numbers. According to Collider, Marvel movies generally enjoy high ratings and are beloved by audiences worldwide. The animated gem Big Hero 6 (2014), which some might forget is based on Marvel Comics’ Sunfire & Big Hero 6 #1 from September 1998, scored a solid 3.8 out of 5.0 from 7,200 fans on Letterboxd. The film’s appeal stretches beyond children, with adults praising its compelling plot and characters—especially the lovable Baymax. As one Letterboxd user, Lily, wrote, “...just wish Baymax was real so I could hug him...” That kind of affection isn’t easy to come by.
Then there’s the web-slinger himself. Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002) also holds a 3.8/5.0 rating from 16,000 fans. This film didn’t just launch a trilogy; it helped usher in the modern era of superhero movies. Its cultural impact is hard to overstate, with fans like irisoftheeye reminiscing, “I literally can visualize myself as a little kid playing with my Spider-Man interactive book on my Leappad while watching this movie.” It’s clear that for many, these movies are more than just entertainment—they’re memories in motion.
Fast forward to 2021, and Spider-Man: No Way Home continued the character’s legacy, earning a 3.8/5.0 from 26,000 fans. This movie broke new ground by bringing together the multiverse’s Spider-Men and making bold choices—like revealing Peter Parker’s identity and the shocking death of Aunt May. Reviewer Alexander Thomas summed up the sentiment: “The MCU’s Spider-Man went from mediocre to amazing within one movie.” The emotional depth and risks taken in this film resonated with viewers, even those previously lukewarm on Tom Holland’s take.
Another fan favorite is Spider-Man 2 (2004), which boasts a 3.9/5.0 rating from 28,000 fans. The film’s influence endures, especially after the recent theatrical re-release of the director’s cut, Spider-Man 2.1. As camelaaa put it, “Can’t believe I missed the release of this movie. (I was just born) I loved seeing it theaters for a second time though.” The continued excitement around this film is a testament to its lasting power.
Of course, no discussion about Marvel’s cinematic achievements would be complete without mentioning the Avengers saga. Avengers: Endgame (2019) scored a 3.9/5.0 from 35,000 fans and remains one of the highest-grossing movies ever. Reviewer Reece captured the moment: “Having crushed all existing pre-sale movie ticket records, Endgame is already on its way to becoming the biggest movie event in film history.” The stakes were sky-high, and the Russo brothers delivered a satisfying conclusion to the Infinity Saga that fans will remember for years.
Meanwhile, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018) both earned impressive 4.0/5.0 ratings, with fans praising the former for its emotional depth and the latter for its ability to juggle an enormous cast and intricate plotlines. As Emil wrote about Infinity War, “it’s absolutely insane to me how this film manages to work so well despite having so many characters and plotlines.” That’s no small feat, especially in a franchise known for its sprawling ensemble casts.
But Marvel’s cinematic universe isn’t just about bombastic action and world-ending threats. Logan (2017), an R-rated entry in the X-Men franchise, took a grittier, more mature approach—and fans responded enthusiastically. With a 4.1/5.0 rating from 12,000 fans, the film was praised for its emotional depth and unflinching violence. Billyobrien814 put it succinctly: “Its visceral and explicit violence really highlight Logan’s path of trying to be more than this vehicle of violence that his past represents.”
When it comes to animation, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) and its predecessor, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), are in a league of their own. The former holds a 4.4/5.0 rating from 81,000 fans, lauded for its high stakes and complex multiverse plot. The latter, with a matching 4.4/5.0 from 102,000 fans, is widely credited with redefining what animated superhero films can achieve. Nero Omar’s review says it all: “best spider-man movie its not even close.” These films have set a new standard for both superhero and animated movies alike.
Yet, even as some Marvel films are showered with praise, others have found themselves on the receiving end of criticism—or at least, that’s the popular narrative. But as Den of Geek reported on October 7, 2025, the truth is more complicated. In a recent thread on the r/Marvel subreddit, fans rallied in defense of so-called “unpopular” MCU entries, including The Marvels, Thor: Love and Thunder, Ant-Man, Eternals, and Black Widow.
Take Ant-Man, for example. While it may not have shattered box office records, fans praised its humor—especially Michael Pena’s performance. One user remarked, “Is [Ant-Man] considered unpopular? It might not have been huge, but I don’t see the hate for it that many others get (and often deserve). I liked it. Michael Pena was hilarious.” The conversation didn’t stop there. Thor: The Dark World was highlighted for its comic-accurate portrayal of Thor and the way it connects the MCU’s cosmic storylines, thanks in part to its post-credit scene introducing the Collector. As one commenter noted, watching it back-to-back with Guardians of the Galaxy improved their perception of both films, making the cosmic stakes feel more interconnected.
Even Thor: Love and Thunder, often derided for its campy tone, found defenders who called it a “colorful mess” in the best way possible. Fans of Black Widow and Eternals also chimed in, with the Reddit thread showing that, despite critical or popular skepticism, every Marvel movie has its champions. In the end, as Den of Geek put it, “no MCU movie is truly unloved.”
So, what does all this tell us? For one, Marvel’s cinematic universe is as diverse in tone and style as its fanbase is in opinion. While some films are nearly universally adored, others inspire passionate debate and, sometimes, fierce loyalty from unexpected corners. Whether it’s the groundbreaking animation of Into the Spider-Verse, the emotional weight of Logan, or the misunderstood charm of Thor: Love and Thunder, there’s a Marvel movie for everyone—warts and all.
As the dust settles and the debates rage on, one thing remains clear: Marvel’s movies, loved or criticized, continue to unite fans in lively conversation and shared excitement. And in the ever-expanding multiverse of superhero cinema, that may be their greatest superpower yet.
