Many enthusiasts assert that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has reached its peak and will never reclaim the unparalleled supremacy it enjoyed in the entertainment sector during the 2010s. While it is conceivable that the franchise’s most remarkable days are behind it, declaring it “over” is far from accurate. The MCU’s films and television series continue to garner respectable critical acclaim and box office performance. In fact, only five projects within the MCU have received failing ratings on the popular review aggregator, Rotten Tomatoes.

The low scores can be attributed to many factors, but it is generally agreed that three movies and two television shows fall short of entertainment excellence. However, this does not imply they are devoid of merit — some may even be enjoyable despite their flaws. This article will evaluate every poorly rated movie and TV show in the MCU, ranking them based on how likely fans are to revisit them, for various reasons. At least one of these projects stands out as genuinely commendable, especially for those already familiar with it, rendering its poor rating even more puzzling in retrospect.

5

‘Iron Fist’ (2017-2018)

Created by Scott Buck

The Netflix Marvel series presents an intriguing mix. They are notably distinct within the broader MCU landscape, and not always for commendable reasons. While shows like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage have garnered praise and established devoted fan bases, the unfortunate Iron Fist has continually faced criticism, often justifiably so. Finn Jones portrays Danny Rand, a skilled martial artist capable of harnessing a mystical power known as the Iron Fist.

Jones has faced his share of scrutiny, but he doesn’t perform poorly in the role. What truly fails, however, is the surrounding production. The most fitting description of Iron Fist is “inept;” the inaugural season appears painfully amateurish, resembling a YouTube original rather than a high-caliber Netflix offering. Although Season 2 saw improvements, it still fell short of expectations, a point echoed by critics and fans alike in 2018. The show’s reputation is quite poor, and the likelihood of Jones reprising his role in the MCU seems bleak, despite arguments that he was treated unfairly and deserves another opportunity with superior material. Therefore, there is little incentive to revisit Iron Fist, unless you are among those who found enjoyment in it, in which case, kudos to you.

4

‘Secret Invasion’ (2023)

Created by Kyle Bradstreet

After years of portraying the beloved Nick Fury, Samuel L. Jackson finally took center stage in what was anticipated to be his significant showcase within the MCU. Secret Invasion is intended to adapt the iconic Marvel Comics storyline of the same name, featuring a distinguished cast alongside Jackson, including familiar faces like Ben Mendelsohn and Cobie Smulders, as well as newcomers like Emilia Clarke, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Olivia Colman.

The excitement surrounding the adaptation of the legendary Secret Invasion narrative into six hours of high-quality television was palpable, and fans eagerly anticipated the show, which promised to revive the intense, espionage-filled atmosphere first introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Unfortunately, expectations were not met. Few MCU projects have been as disappointing as Secret Invasion, and this effort stands out as potentially the most frustrating in the franchise. It squandered a remarkable cast, a revered storyline, and the anticipation of fans with a lackluster and illogical plot that culminated in one of modern television’s most notorious conclusions. The production faced significant challenges, which were evident in the final product.

3

‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ (2023)

Directed by Peyton Reed

The current perception of the MCU is that fans have lost faith in the franchise, a shift that can be traced back to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The series, featuring Paul Rudd, was previously considered a light-hearted yet relatively unimpressive segment of the MCU. Even other characters in crossover events like Avengers: Endgame treated Rudd’s Scott Lang as somewhat of a joke. Hence, the announcement that Marvel’s next major antagonist, Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors), would debut in the third Ant-Man film raised eyebrows among fans.

Unfortunately, this gamble did not pay off. Quantumania lacks the seriousness expected, often treating crucial moments as mere jokes and reducing Kang to the status of a minor criminal. Moreover, Majors’ real-life controversies have effectively sidelined him from the MCU, rendering Quantumania utterly unnecessary. The movie’s primary purpose was to establish Kang as the central villain of the Multiverse Saga, but with those plans derailed and Majors becoming a problematic figure, this clumsy and ultimately ineffective film is best left in the depths of the Quantum Realm. Rudd continues to shine with his charm, and Michelle Pfeiffer adds a touch of class to this chaotic narrative, making it somewhat enjoyable for fans of these talented actors.

2

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)

Directed by Julius Onah

Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) deserves a more impressive entry for his inaugural appearance as Captain America. While Captain America: Brave New World is not outright terrible, it certainly doesn’t qualify as a great film either. The story revolves around Wilson’s investigation into an assassination attempt on President Thadeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford), which even connects back to a villain from the Hulk franchise. The primary issue with Brave New World is its lack of clarity; it struggles to define its identity.

The reveal of the Red Hulk was spoiled in trailers, yet the film still attempts to present it as a shocking twist, which raises questions about its effectiveness. The entire narrative hinges on this reveal, rendering the execution rather laughable. Nevertheless, there are still redeeming qualities in Brave New World. Mackie consistently delivers a strong performance as Wilson, showcasing his physicality and moral integrity, as well as his dynamic with Danny Ramirez‘s Joaquin Torres. Harrison Ford provides an unexpectedly strong emotional core, while the ever-talented Carl Lumbly makes a significant impact with his limited screen time. Did Brave New World deserve its negative rating? Arguably, yes, but that doesn’t imply this particular film is completely unwatchable. In fact, you may find yourself wanting to revisit it, as the less favorable aspects do not overshadow the more enjoyable elements.

1

‘Eternals’ (2021)

Directed by Chloé Zhao

Among the various underappreciated projects in the MCU, the one that truly does not deserve its negative reputation is Chloé Zhao‘s Eternals. This film, featuring an ensemble cast led by Gemma Chan and Richard Madden, along with acclaimed actors like Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Barry Keoghan, narrates the epic saga of the titular beings, Celestials sent to Earth to safeguard it from the malevolent Deviants.

While the film may be slower-paced, quieter, and less action-driven than most entries in the Marvel franchise, Eternals offers a refreshing perspective in a series that often feels hesitant to take risks. The cast delivers commendable performances, the visual storytelling is unique, and Ramin Djawadi‘s score stands out as one of the finest compositions in the MCU, rivaling even the iconic Avengers theme. Although the film struggles with its antagonist narrative, a recurring issue in the MCU, and the third act leaves something to be desired, Eternals remains a meaningful addition to the franchise, brimming with innovative ideas and bold narrative choices. While it may not achieve a perfect execution, the effort itself is noteworthy. If films like Thor: The Dark World can receive favorable ratings, then Eternals certainly deserves another chance. You might find yourself wanting to revisit it multiple times.

NEXT: Every Rotten MCU Project Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes