Thunderbolts* Rotten Tomatoes Score Soars: Is This Marvel’s Big Comeback?

The Rotten Tomatoes score of Marvel Studios' upcoming summer offering, Thunderbolts*, has Marvel fans buzzing with excitement as the latest MCU film debuts with stellar reviews. Set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025, this action-packed antihero team-up, led by Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, is earning praise for its emotional depth and gritty storytelling.

Critics are calling it a return to form for Marvel Studios after a rocky Multiverse Saga. In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about the Thunderbolts Rotten Tomatoes score, what critics are saying, and why this film could be a game-changer for the MCU.

What Is the Current Thunderbolts* Rotten Tomatoes Score?

As of this writing, the Thunderbolts Rotten Tomatoes score stands at a Certified Fresh 89% based on 142 reviews.

Initially debuting at an impressive 95% with 42 reviews, the score has slightly dipped but remains one of the highest for an MCU film in recent years. It outshines recent entries like Captain America: Brave New World (48%) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (46%), tying with heavyweights like Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man: Homecoming at 92%.

This score places Thunderbolts* among the top 15 MCU films, with only Black Panther (96%) and Avengers: Endgame (94%) ranking higher.

The Metacritic score of 69/100 further supports the positive reception, marking the highest for an MCU film since Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. Fans and critics alike are thrilled, with social media posts on X reflecting the hype, such as @RottenTomatoes announcing the Certified Fresh status.

Why Are Critics Raving About Thunderbolts*?

Critics are praising Thunderbolts* for its fresh approach, harking back to the character-driven storytelling of the MCU’s Infinity Saga. The film’s emotional core, focusing on themes of mental health, redemption, and loneliness, resonates deeply.

Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena Belova is a standout, with reviewers noting her ability to “wrestle sincerity” from the script. Lewis Pullman’s portrayal of Bob, a character grappling with mental illness, is equally lauded for its depth and nuance.

The ensemble cast, including Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes and David Harbour as Red Guardian, delivers electric chemistry. Critics highlight the film’s grounded action sequences, which favor practical stunts over CGI, and a visually inventive finale set in a psychological “headspace” rather than a typical city-destroying climax.

Reviews describe it as “a breath of fresh air” and “top-tier Marvel,” with some calling it the best MCU film since Avengers: Endgame.

How Does Thunderbolts* Compare to Other MCU Films?

The Thunderbolts Rotten Tomatoes score of 88% is a significant win for Marvel’s Phase 5, which has faced criticism for inconsistent quality. Unlike Eternals (47%) and The Marvels (62%), Thunderbolts* avoids the “rotten” label and surpasses recent hits like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (82%).

It’s the highest-rated MCU film since Spider-Man: No Way Home (93%) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (92%) in 2021.

This score positions Thunderbolts* as a potential turning point for the Multiverse Saga, which has struggled with divisive entries. The film’s focus on character development over multiverse setup mirrors the MCU’s early days, earning comparisons to The Avengers (91%) and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Its success could boost anticipation for upcoming releases like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday.

What Are the Criticisms of Thunderbolts*?

Not all reviews are glowing. Some critics argue that Thunderbolts* lacks a distinct identity, feeling like a “dumping ground” for secondary MCU characters. Negative reviews point to a sluggish second act, formulaic elements, and self-deprecating humor that doesn’t always land. One review called it “empty commerce” rather than meaningful storytelling, suggesting Marvel’s creative decline persists.

Others note that the film’s shared universe constraints limit its daring potential, with a finale that occasionally rehashes familiar MCU tropes. Despite these critiques, the Thunderbolts Rotten Tomatoes score remains strong, indicating that the positive outweighs the negative for most reviewers.

How Does the Thunderbolts* Rotten Tomatoes Score Impact Its Box Office?

The strong Thunderbolts Rotten Tomatoes score is a promising sign for its box office prospects. Projections estimate a domestic opening of $70–73 million and a global debut of $160–175 million against a $180 million budget. While modest compared to pre-pandemic MCU blockbusters, these numbers are solid for the current market. The positive word-of-mouth, fueled by the high score and praise for Pugh’s performance, could push it to exceed expectations.

The film’s Certified Fresh status and social media buzz, including Florence Pugh’s own Instagram post celebrating the score, are likely to draw audiences. With two post-credits scenes teasing ties to Avengers: Doomsday, Thunderbolts* is poised to be a pivotal MCU chapter.

Why Should Fans Care About Thunderbolts*?

Thunderbolts* isn’t just another MCU film—it’s a bold, character-driven story that could redefine Marvel’s trajectory. The Thunderbolts Rotten Tomatoes score of 88% reflects its critical acclaim, but it’s the emotional weight, stellar performances, and gritty action that make it a must-see.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Whether you’re a die-hard MCU fan or a casual viewer, this film offers a fresh take on superhero storytelling. As Marvel closes Phase 5 and gears up for Phase 6, Thunderbolts* proves the MCU still has lightning to strike.

Catch it in theaters on May 2, 2025, and join the conversation about Marvel’s potential comeback.