The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Towers Over Past Films

The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Rotten Tomatoes score has set a new benchmark for Marvel’s First Family, debuting at an impressive 88% Certified Fresh, a stark contrast to the franchise’s rocky cinematic history.

As Marvel Studios’ first crack at the Fantastic Four, this film has outshone its predecessors, marking a historic moment for the MCU’s Phase Six kickoff. How does this score compare to earlier live-action Fantastic Four films?

Below, we break down the numbers, analyze the critical reception, and speculate on what this means for the franchise’s future, complete with a detailed comparison table.

What Makes First Steps’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Stand Out?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has earned an 88% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 95 reviews, securing Certified Fresh status as of July 23, 2025. This is a monumental achievement, as no previous Fantastic Four film has achieved a positive consensus on the platform.

The 2005 Fantastic Four scored a mere 27%, its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, managed 37%, and the 2015 reboot, Fant4stic, plummeted to a dismal 9%. The unreleased 1994 film, produced by Roger Corman, sits at 33%, though its score is less reliable due to its limited, bootleg circulation.

Critics praise First Steps for its vibrant 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic, strong cast chemistry, and Michael Giacchino’s score, setting it apart from the franchise’s past missteps.

How Do the Scores Compare Across the Franchise?

To understand the significance of First Steps’ success, let’s examine how its Rotten Tomatoes score stacks up against the franchise’s other live-action films. The table below compiles verified data from Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting critic scores, review counts, audience scores, and key critical sentiments for each film.

This table illustrates the dramatic leap First Steps represents, with its 88% score dwarfing the franchise’s previous best of 37%. The 2015 reboot’s 9% remains the lowest, reflecting its near-universal rejection, while the 2005 and 2007 films struggled with mixed reviews and dated execution.

The 1994 film, though endearing to some for its earnestness, lacks the polish and critical weight to compete.

Why Did Past Fantastic Four Films Struggle?

The 2005 Fantastic Four, directed by Tim Story, was criticized for its simplistic script and uneven pacing, though some appreciated its campy charm and casting, particularly Michael Chiklis as The Thing. Its 27% score reflects a failure to capture the comic’s depth, with critics calling it a “popcorn flick” aimed at younger audiences.

The 2007 sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer, improved slightly to 37%, with better effects and humor but faltered with a lackluster Galactus portrayal and juvenile tone.

The 2015 Fant4stic, directed by Josh Trank, is widely regarded as a misfire, with its 9% score driven by a dark, disjointed narrative and a poorly received Doctor Doom.

The unreleased 1994 film, while a cult curiosity, was hamstrung by its low budget and lack of official distribution, earning a 33% score from limited reviews.

What’s Driving First Steps’ Critical Success?

First Steps’ 88% score is fueled by several factors. Critics highlight the film’s vibrant retro-futuristic setting, which echoes the 1960s comic origins, and its focus on family dynamics, drawing comparisons to Pixar’s The Incredibles.

The cast—Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm)—receives near-universal praise, with Kirby’s Sue Storm often cited as a standout.

Michael Giacchino’s score and Matt Shakman’s direction are also lauded for leaning into the comic’s playful roots. However, some reviewers, like David Ehrlich of IndieWire, note that the film’s adherence to MCU conventions and occasional CGI inconsistencies hold it back from greatness.

Can First Steps Redefine the Franchise’s Legacy?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Rotten Tomatoes score suggests a turning point for Marvel’s First Family. Unlike its predecessors, it avoids the pitfalls of overly dark tones or dated camp, striking a balance that resonates with critics.

Its 88% score ties it with Thunderbolts* (88%) and surpasses James Gunn’s Superman (83%), positioning it as a critical darling in 2025’s superhero landscape. This success could pave the way for the Fantastic Four to anchor future MCU projects, including Avengers: Doomsday (2026).

However, as more reviews roll in, the score may fluctuate, and audience reception will be crucial when the film hits theaters on July 25, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Score: The Fantastic Four: First Steps debuts at 88% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest in the franchise’s history.

• Past Films’ Struggles: Previous Fantastic Four films scored 33% (1994), 27% (2005), 37% (2007), and 9% (2015), all Rotten.

• Critical Praise: Lauded for its retro-futuristic visuals, cast chemistry, and Michael Giacchino’s score; some note script and CGI flaws.

• Cast Highlights: Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm and Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards are standout performances, driving critical acclaim.

• MCU Impact: Ties Thunderbolts* (88%) and beats Superman (83%), signaling a strong start for MCU’s Phase Six.

Will the Score Hold, and What’s Next?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has set a new standard, outpacing all prior Fantastic Four films by a wide margin.

Its 88% Certified Fresh rating is a testament to Marvel Studios’ ability to reimagine the franchise for a modern audience.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As the film prepares for its theatrical debut, its critical success raises hopes for a box office hit, though competition from Superman and Jurassic World: Rebirth looms.

If First Steps maintains its momentum, it could finally give Marvel’s First Family the cinematic legacy they deserve, proving that the fifth time is indeed the charm.

Stay tuned to this space for more updates on what could very well be a Fantastic comeback of a film for the studio and audience alike.