One of Marvel‘s highest-rated movies boasts an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it has now arrived on a major streaming platform. Given the MCU’s recent substandard performance in theaters worldwide, positive word of mouth following this critically acclaimed addition to Disney+ could help to improve the franchise’s fortunes.
2025 commenced with one of the MCU’s lowest-rated movies, Captain America: Brave New World, which was also one of the MCU’s lowest-grossing. This followed a string of underwhelming installments that have arguably shaken confidence in the franchise overall, including The Marvels and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Still, the MCU could now be on an upward trajectory. With an entire year separating the MCU’s most recent and next movie, audiences have plenty of room to breathe before resuming the Multiverse Saga ahead of the Avengers: Doomsday climax. Furthermore, one of the best-rated movies released after Captain America: Brave New World can help rekindle confidence in the franchise.
Thunderbolts* Is Now Streaming
Thunderbolts* is one of the MCU’s more ambitious projects, spotlighting a host of lesser-known characters in an MCU movie that shies away from the traditionally colorful and upbeat formula in favor of exploring darker themes. Despite each of them featuring as secondary characters in prior projects, Thunderbolts* stars:
- Yelena Belova
- Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier
- Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian
- John Walker/US Agent
- Ava Starr/Ghost
- Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster
The party is far from the MCU’s most powerful, yet they are pitted against one of the most formidable figures the cinematic franchise has ever introduced: Sentry. The power imbalance creates a fascinating dynamic and takes an interesting turn as they struggle to prevent Sentry’s ruinous alter-ego, the Void, from wreaking havoc on New York and beyond.
The characters’ relative obscurity compared to money-spinning Marvel icons such as Spider-Man and ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool might have played a significant role in Thunderbolts* grossing just $402 million worldwide and becoming the MCU’s sixth-lowest-grossing movie. Nevertheless, critics and fans agree that it is one of the best movies Marvel Studios has released in recent years.
Why You Should Watch Thunderbolts*
Although Thunderbolts* may have failed to reach the financial heights of other team-up movies in the MCU, it remains one of the most critically acclaimed. Critics and audiences are largely united in their praise, pointing to the movie’s refreshing return to the MCU’s most grounded tales and its focus on themes of mental health.
The cast also proved to be worthy fan favorites despite their obscurity. Although they may receive an unequal share of the spotlight, they make a lasting impression that has engendered a healthy appeтιтe for their return.
After the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement, it has been confirmed that the Thunderbolts* cast will be returning in the Multiverse Saga’s first climactic movie. This means that the movie’s Disney+ debut will play a crucial role for audiences who wish to stay up-to-date on the Multiverse Saga’s most significant developments.
