5. Fantastic Four (2015) – Rotten Tomatoes: 9%
This reboot featured Miles Teller as Reed Richards, Kate Mara as Sue Storm, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm, and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm. The plot followed young scientists gaining powers after interdimensional travel to “Planet Zero.” Critics lambasted its “dull and downbeat” tone, with the consensus calling it a “woefully misguided attempt” lacking the comics’ humor and thrills (Rotten Tomatoes, 2015). Despite Toby Kebbell’s intense portrayal of Doctor Doom, the film earned Razzie nominations for Worst Picture and Director.
4. Fantastic Four (2005) – Rotten Tomatoes: 27%
Directed by Tim Story, this version starred Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis. The team gains abilities after a space mission exposed them to cosmic storms, facing Julian McMahon’s vengeful Victor Von Doom. Though Chris Evans shone as the Human Torch, reviewers criticized its “goofy attempts at wit” and “subpar acting” (Rotten Tomatoes, 2005). Ironically, it received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Sci-Fi Film despite its critical panning.
3. The Fantastic Four (1994) – Rotten Tomatoes: 33%
This unreleased film, produced by Roger Corman to retain character rights, became a cult curiosity. Starring Alex Hyde-White and Rebecca Staab, it featured the team battling cosmic rays and a villainous Jeweler. Made for just $1-2 million, critics acknowledged its “terrible dialogue” but noted it was surprisingly watchable given constraints (CBR, 2021). Its bootleg status adds to its niche appeal.
2. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) – Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
The sequel to the 2005 film introduced Doug Jones’ Silver Surfer and the threat of Galactus. While an improvement over its predecessor, critics dismissed it as “juvenile” and overly simplistic (Rotten Tomatoes, 2007). It fared better commercially, earning $301 million worldwide, but plans for a trilogy were scrapped.
1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) – Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Marvel Studios’ reboot, directed by Matt Shakman, tops the list with Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm). Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s, it pits the established team against Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson’s Galactus. Critics praise its “rock-solid cast chemistry” and “appealingly retro design,” hailing it as the first film to truly do justice to Marvel’s First Family (Rotten Tomatoes, 2025). Pascal’s charismatic performance anchors a balance of humor and cosmic stakes.
The Fantastic Four’s cinematic journey reflects decades of hits and misses, but Marvel Studios’ 2025 reboot finally delivers the critically acclaimed adaptation fans deserved. Experience the top-rated adventure when The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases globally on July 25, 2025.
Must Know
Q: What is the highest-rated Fantastic Four movie on Rotten Tomatoes?
A: The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) holds the highest score at 88%. Critics highlight Pedro Pascal’s performance and its faithful 1960s aesthetic as key strengths.
Q: Why was the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot poorly received?
A: Critics called it “dull,” “downbeat,” and a tonal misfire that stripped away the source material’s humor and adventure. Its 9% score makes it the lowest-rated FF film.
Q: Are any Fantastic Four movies streaming now?
A: The 2005 and 2007 films are on Disney+ and Max. The 2015 version streams on Max. The 2025 reboot will debut on Disney+ after its theatrical run.
Q: Who plays Doctor Doom in the 2025 Fantastic Four?
A: As of July 2025, Marvel has not officially confirmed the actor portraying Victor Von Doom, though rumors suggest a major reveal is planned post-release.
Q: How does the 2025 film connect to the MCU?
A: Set in the alternate universe Earth-828, First Steps establishes the team independently before likely crossing over with main MCU continuity in future phases.
Q: Did Stan Lee approve previous Fantastic Four films?
A: Lee publicly supported the 2005-2007 films but expressed disappointment with the 2015 reboot’s direction (ComicBook.com, 2015).
