Marvel’s Thunderbolts has earned an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it a refreshing and emotionally grounded addition to the MCU. The film, starring Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, focuses on a team of antiheroes and tackles themes of mental health and redemption.
Critical Reception and Rotten Tomatoes Score
Thunderbolts debuted with an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest-rated MCU films in recent years. Critics praised its character-driven storytelling, strong performances, and darker tone compared to typical Marvel entries. The film is now Certified Fresh, signaling a positive shift for the franchise after mixed reactions to recent releases like Captain America: Brave New World .
The movie’s success comes from its balance of humor and emotional depth. Many reviews highlight Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena Belova, with critics calling her the standout of the film. Lewis Pullman’s portrayal of Bob, a character struggling with mental health, also received widespread acclaim .
What Critics Are Saying
Critics describe Thunderbolts as a return to form for Marvel, with a focus on character dynamics rather than large-scale action. Some compared it to Guardians of the Galaxy for its mix of humor and heart, while others noted its darker themes make it stand out.
“Thunderbolts is not just the best Marvel movie in a while—it’s flat-out top-tier Marvel.” – Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
“The film’s exploration of depression and loneliness is handled with surprising depth, making it one of the MCU’s most emotionally resonant stories.” – Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture
Despite its strengths, some critics felt the film struggled with pacing in the first act and relied too much on prior MCU knowledge. However, most agreed that the strong performances and unique tone make it a must-watch .
Key Themes and Performances
Thunderbolts centers on a group of flawed heroes forced to work together. The film explores themes of trauma, redemption, and mental health, with Lewis Pullman’s character, Bob (later revealed as The Sentry), serving as a major emotional anchor. His struggle with an alternate persona, The Void, adds a psychological layer to the story .
Florence Pugh’s Yelena remains a fan favorite, bringing both humor and emotional weight. David Harbour’s Red Guardian provides comic relief, while Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes adds a more serious dynamic. The chemistry between the cast is frequently highlighted as one of the film’s strongest aspects .
With strong early reviews, Thunderbolts is expected to perform well at the box office. The film’s focus on underdog characters and emotional storytelling could attract both Marvel fans and general audiences. Its success may also influence future MCU projects, particularly with the team likely appearing in Avengers: Doomsday .
