5 Worst Superhero Movies of 2024

Not every hero can save the day, and not every superhero movie can win over audiences. In 2024, a handful of films proved this all too well, failing to deliver the excitement, emotion, or spectacle we’ve come to expect from the genre. From underwhelming storylines to baffling creative choices, these 5 Worst Superhero Movies of 2024 stand out as the year’s biggest disappointments. Let’s uncover what made these films fall from grace.

Hellboy: The Crooked Man

In “Hellboy: The Crooked Man,” set in the 1950s, Hellboy (Jack Kesy) and rookie B.P.R.D. agent Bobbie Jo Song (Adeline Rudolph) venture into the Appalachian Mountains. They encounter a secluded community plagued by witches and led by the demonic Crooked Man (Martin Bassindale). Their mission is to confront this malevolent entity, who has returned to Earth to collect souls for the devil.

“Hellboy: The Crooked Man” was widely criticized for its low-budget production, which resulted in subpar special effects and makeup that many viewers likened to fan-made content. The film’s script was described as clumsy and incoherent, leading to a lack of engagement and coherence in the storyline. Additionally, the performances were often seen as lifeless, with critics noting that the cast’s expressions appeared “dead-on-the-inside,” further detracting from the film’s overall quality. These factors combined to make it one of the most poorly received movies of 2024.

Joker: Folie a Deux

In “Joker: Folie à Deux,” director Todd Phillips continues the dark journey of Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. Set two years after the events of the 2019 film, Arthur is confined to Arkham State Hospital, facing trial for his previous crimes. Within the asylum, he encounters Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga, a fellow patient who becomes his confidante and romantic interest. Their relationship unfolds through elaborate musical sequences, blurring the lines between reality and Arthur’s fantasies.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” was widely criticized for several reasons. The film’s unexpected shift to a musical format, featuring numerous song-and-dance sequences, alienated audiences who anticipated a continuation of the original’s dark, psychological narrative. Critics described the musical numbers as underwhelming and lacking cohesion, contributing to a disjointed viewing experience. Additionally, Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn was deemed underutilized, with her performance failing to make a significant impact. The film’s pacing and execution were also points of contention, with some reviewers labeling it as dull and unpleasant. These factors collectively led to poor box office performance and low audience satisfaction scores, marking it as one of the most disappointing releases of 2024.

The Crow

In the 2024 reboot of “The Crow,” directed by Rupert Sanders, Bill Skarsgård portrays Eric Draven, a man resurrected to avenge the brutal murders of himself and his fiancée, Shelly Webster (FKA Twigs). The narrative delves into their tragic love story, highlighting their bond before their untimely deaths. Guided by a mystical crow, Eric embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against those responsible, navigating a dark and corrupt urban landscape.

The 2024 remake of “The Crow” was widely criticized for several reasons. Critics noted that the film’s pacing was sluggish, particularly due to an overextended focus on the protagonist’s origin story, which made the narrative feel tedious. Additionally, the movie lacked the distinctive stylistic elements that made the 1994 original a cult classic, rendering it visually bland and unremarkable. The performances, especially those of the lead actors, were described as wooden, with a noticeable lack of chemistry, further diminishing the film’s appeal. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 22% approval rating, reflecting widespread disappointment. Its box office performance was underwhelming, grossing only $24 million against a $50 million budget, failing to meet financial expectations.

Madame Web

In “Madame Web,” released in February 2024, Dakota Johnson portrays Cassandra “Cassie” Webb, a Manhattan paramedic who discovers her latent clairvoyant abilities. As she grapples with these newfound powers, Cassie becomes entangled with three young women—Julia Cornwall (Sydney Sweeney), Anya Corazón (Isabela Merced), and Mattie Franklin (Celeste O’Connor)—each destined for significant futures. Together, they face the enigmatic Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim), who seeks to eliminate them to prevent a prophecy foretelling his demise. The film explores themes of destiny, empowerment, and the complexities of mentorship within a superhero narrative.

Despite its potential, “Madame Web” received predominantly negative reviews from critics and audiences. The film’s pacing and lack of depth in storytelling further contributed to its unfavorable reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 11% approval rating, reflecting widespread disappointment. Financially, the film underperformed, grossing approximately $100.5 million against a production budget of $80 million, failing to meet box office expectations.

Kraven the Hunter

In “Kraven the Hunter,” released on December 13, 2024, Aaron Taylor-Johnson portrays Sergei Kravinoff, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), sets him on a path of vengeance. After a traumatic lion attack during a hunting expedition, Sergei gains superhuman abilities, including heightened senses and agility. Embracing his new identity as Kraven, he becomes a vigilante, targeting those who exploit wildlife and the environment. The film delves into Kraven’s transformation from a conflicted son to one of the world’s most feared hunters, exploring themes of family dynamics and moral ambiguity.

The movie was widely criticized for its clichéd narrative, subpar CGI, and lackluster performances. Critics highlighted the film’s choppy editing, poorly developed characters, and deviation from the original comic book origins, which collectively resulted in a disjointed and uninspiring viewing experience. Additionally, the film’s attempt to create a Spider-Man universe without Spider-Man was seen as a flawed concept, leading to its poor reception and box office performance.

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