9 Best Superhero Movies Released In 2021, Ranked (According To Rotten Tomatoes)

Superhero movies have been an omnipresent genre for the last decade. The momentum of these films has not stopped as they build up a narrative within the cinematic universe for something more exciting, which enhances the hype. Due to the movie delays from the pandemic, moviegoers saw a slew of superhero movies hit the movie theaters in 2021.

This year, moviegoers saw many excellent superhero films that introduced new superheroes like Shang-Chi and returning ones like Spider-Man and Venom. Of course, this year saw an incredible number of superheroes film that received positive reviews from critics and audiences, which is a rare feat in any year. The one exception is Thunder Force. On the other hand, some superhero films missed the mark with critics, but fans and casual moviegoers enjoyed them for the entertainment value.

9 Snake Eyes – 36%

Paramount Picture’s Snake Eyes follows the origin story of the titular character. Part of the narrative sets the relationship between Snake Eyes and Storm, an important feud in the franchise.

Snake Eyes tried to take a new direction for the G.I. Joe franchise but failed to impress critics. However, based on the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it appears that regular moviegoers enjoyed the latest G.I. Joe installment due to its engaging action sequences. The official Rotten Tomatoes score from critics is 36%, while the audience score is 74%, which showcases the polar reception.

8 Eternals – 47%

Fresh off winning an Oscar, Chloé Zhao’s next venture was the MCU film, Eternals, filled with a diverse cast and unique style of its storytelling. MCU’s Eternals follows the titular group who arrived on Earth to protect humanity from creatures known as the Deviants. They reunite when the Deviants have reawoken and pose a greater threat.

Unfortunately, many critics disliked Zhao’s superhero film, with a shocking 47% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the lowest-rated MCU project ever. Criticism of the film included its long runtime, overly extended exposition, and underdeveloped characters. However, it is another case where the critics and audience disagree on their verdict of the movie. With an audience score of 78%, casual moviegoers appreciated the different approach to its narrative and were amazed by the stunning visuals.

7 Venom: Let There Be Carnage – 58%

Venom: Let There Be Carnage continued to explore the complicated symbiotic relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom. Eventually, they face a new threat known as Carnage and must stop him before causing further damage.

Critics and audiences alike found the sequel an improvement to the first film. Let There Be Carnage showcased a sillier side that allowed the characters and story to appear more amusing for people to enjoy. Although the plot loses its momentum in the final act, the mid-credit scene had some fans losing their minds about the connection between Venom and MCU’s Spider-Man. Although Let There Be Carnage takes a rotten verdict with a 58% score, the audience score is much higher with an 84%, which shows that the film is entertaining enough.

6 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – 71%

Technically speaking, the original Justice League had released in 2017 and followed the most powerful DCEU superheroes united to face their greatest threat to humanity. Unfortunately, the DCEU film received extensive criticism from critics and the audience due to the poor plot and messy visual effects. As a result, a long-going campaign had started for the Synder cut to release.

Warner Bros. eventually fulfilled fans’ wishes, proving that their campaign worked in the end. Zack Snyder’s Justice League was released on HBO Max, and fans saw enormous differences between this Justice League cut and the original. The DCEU film received better reception from critics and fans, who found this cut had a more cohesive story, better character development, and improved visual effects. It has a four-hour runtime, but every moment is worth it since the fans received justice for the content they should have seen in the first place.

5 Flora & Ulysses – 73%

As one of the best Disney films about human and animal friendships, Flora & Ulysses shows that anyone can become a superhero, including a squirrel. Flora, a superhero fanatic, comes across a squirrel named Ulysses, who showcases extraordinary intelligence and abilities.

This Disney+ movie might be cheesy, but it caters well to kids and families. Many critics shared that this superhero film is fun and goofy, which means many young children will enjoy it. However, it does not have the typical superhero aesthetic that most older audiences are used to, so it might not be for everyone.

4 Black Widow – 79%

Although Black Widow made the ultimate sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame to save those who perished, Marvel Studios took the chance to narrate her story one last time with a standalone film. Happening between Civil War and Infinity War, Black Widow follows Natasha Romanoff’s most dire mission when she learns that the Black Widow Program is still operating. She reunites with her former family as they are her only chance to stop the organization once and for all.

Many people found Black Widow to be a decent addition to the MCU, filling in the blank of Natasha’s origin story and uncovering deep themes like espionage, betrayal, and family. Although the superhero film has the formulaic aspects of any MCU standalone movie, it benefits from the incredible chemistry between the cast and the action-packed action sequences. Black Widow might not be fans’ favorite MCU film, but it concludes Natasha’s story with honor and opens up future story arcs for characters like Yelena Belova and Red Guardian.

3 The Suicide Squad – 90%

After a disappointing display of 2016’s Suicide Squad, Warner Bros. brought in MCU’s James Gunn to develop a sequel known as The Suicide Squad. The superhero film follows a team of antiheroes who are humanity’s last hope to defeat a great danger.

The efforts were worth it for Warner Bros. as the DCEU film received positive reviews for its story and visual effects. It adds more humor to the character and narrative while balancing out the violent content. The Suicide Squad holds a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest-scored DCEU films.

2 Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings – 91%

Marvel Studios introduced one of the newest additions to the MCU, Shang-Chi, this year. Shang-Chi is a trained martial artist who must confront his past regarding the Ten Rings organization. Part of it means encountering his estranged father, who might unleash something dangerous.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings ranks as the second-highest-rated superhero movie released in 2021, and rightfully so. It unexpectedly became one of the best superhero films of the year due to the incredible Marvel martial art fight sequences, a well-developed villain arc (a rare feat for any MCU movie), and a great representation of the Chinese culture. Furthermore, Simu Liu (portraying the titular character) and Tony Leung Chiu-wai received praises for their powerful performances. Many fans have considered the film one of the best standalone films in a long time. Given the immense success, a Shang-Chi sequel is in development.

1 Spider-Man: No Way Home – 94%

A great deal was at stake for Peter Parker after his secret identity was exposed to the world in Far From Home. After an unsuccessful attempt to reverse the recent events with Doctor Strange’s help, the multiverse unleashes with Spider-Man’s greatest foes from alternate universes facing him.

As the last superhero movie released in 2021, Spider-Man: No Way Home stuck the landing as the highest-rated superhero movie in 2021. Furthermore, the Spidey film is already smashing the box office during the holidays. The domestic box office for the opening weekend with roughly $260 million makes it the highest for this year and a record second-highest ever, just behind Avengers: Endgame.

Both critics (94%) and the audience (99%, a rare achievement) agree that Spider-Man: No Way Home is an exceptional Spider-Man movie filled with laughs, fan service, and emotional weight. Furthermore, the superhero film delivered on nostalgia, with the chilling returns of Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire as Spider-Men. Indeed, No Way Home is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that no one will ever forget, so it is not surprising that it takes the top spot as the highest-scored superhero film of 2021.

About The Author

Fariba Rezwan
(165 Articles Published)

Based in South Florida, Fariba Rezwan is a list writer for CBR and Screen Rant. Though working on her graduate degree at the University of Florida, her science education does not take away her love of movies and TV shows. She is a huge geek and considers herself a huge fan of many fandoms, including Star Wars, Marvel, Game of Thrones, Supernatural, and many more. Expect to see her watch movies on the first day they come out. While she will watch any film, she especially likes superheroes, mysteries, sci-fi, and thrillers. However, since she is in her early 20s, she also takes the time to educate herself about cinema by watching classics and well-received films. While she aspires to become a physician one day, she also hopes to try out screenwriting during her spare time.

More From Fariba Rezwan