There has been no shortage of superhero movies, particularly in the last five years, since movies came back from the COVID-19 pandemic and the strikes. Rotten Tomatoes curates scores from critics and audiences to give viewers a sense of how these movies are being received. Critics in particular have had a lot to say about the superhero movies that have been released over the last five years, especially since there have been so many to choose from.
While many of the best superhero movies from the last five years are from Marvel or DC, there are some that feature original characters and stories. Some of the best recent superhero movies have offered new takes on already established and beloved characters. It’s clear from the Rotten Tomato scores that the superhero movies that have resonated most with audiences have focused on presenting emotionally complex characters rather than focusing on endless action sequences.
10
‘Superman’ (2025)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 83%
David Corenswet in his Superman suit looking ahead in a still from Superman.Image via Warner Bros.
The most recent adaptation of the Man of Steel has been a massive hit with audiences, who responded to Superman‘s more positive overall vibe. In this version of the story, Superman (David Corenswet) is already well-known to the people of Earth, as are various otherworldly creatures. After preventing a war between Boravia and Jarhanpur, Superman is publicly undermined by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), who employs a metahuman clone known as Ultraman that the Justice Gang have to fight together.
In a media landscape saturated with origin stories and projects that are supposed to lead into other projects, Superman stands out. It makes sense that critics would appreciate an optimistic story about a superhero simply trying to do his best. Additionally, based on Superman‘s Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s clear that critics responded to the pivot away from the darker tone that’s characterized many of the DCEU projects to date.
9
‘The Batman’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 85%
Robert Pattinson in the Batman suit looking to the side with a wall of photos behind in The Batman.Image via Warner Bros.
The Batman offers a gritty, noir-inspired reimagining of the iconic DC hero. The movie takes place during Bruce Wayne’s (Robert Pattinson) second year as Batman, and follows him as he investigates a series of cryptic murders committed by the Riddler (Paul Dano). As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of crime and lies that connects the city’s political figures, mob bosses like Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and his own family’s hidden past.
The Batman stands out as one of the best superhero movies of the last five years because it creates a dark, immersive Gotham that feels lived-in and real. This version of Bruce Wayne is haunted, isolated, and still forming his identity as a symbol of justice without ever feeling over the top. The fact that this movie showcases Batman as “The World’s Greatest Detective,” also clearly resonated with critics looking for a fresh take on one of the most well-known superheroes of all time.
8
‘The Toxic Avenger’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 86%
Peter Dinklage as The Toxic Avenger stands outside a building.Image via Legendary Pictures
The Toxic Avenger is a horror-comedy that follows Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), a terminally ill janitor who, desperate to afford life-saving treatment, steals from the corrupt pharmaceutical corporation, BTH. After he’s shot and thrown into a batch of toxic sludge, he’s revived and becomes a mutant. With his glowing mop in hand, he takes on the morally bankrupt elites in an often gory and satirical quest for justice.
The Toxic Avenger can be considered one of the best superhero movies of the last five years because it completely commits to its wild premise. Underneath the wild story, there’s a poignant social commentary about the inaccessibility of healthcare for too many people, and the lengths they will go to get the help they need. It also makes sense that critics would appreciateThe Toxic Avenger‘s original story that keeps the spirit of the original 1984 movie.
Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in a spacesuit at a press conference in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Image via Marvel Studios
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the most recent movie to introduce Marvel's iconic first family. In this version of the story, Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss‑Bachrach) are already established heroes in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic alternate universe called Earth‑828. When Sue reveals she is expecting, the family must confront the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).
With the MCU growing larger and more overstuffed seemingly every day, it makes sense thatThe Fantastic Four: First Stepswould stand out
.
The movie manages to combine nostalgia and innovation and gives these characters a chance to be in anything other than an origin story. What ultimately setsThe Fantastic Four:First Steps apart is that it’s one of Marvel’s most accessible movies and is an excellent entry point for new fans.
6
‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 88%
Wyatt Russell,
David Harbour,
Sebastian Stan,
and Hannah John-Kamen walking down a street in their uniforms in Thunderbolts*.
Image via Marvel Studios.
A figure wearing a mask with weapons stands outside in Mortal Kombat Legends:
Scorpions Revenge.
Image via Warner Bros Animation.
Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.
