Over the last twenty years, superhero films from Marvel and DC have pretty much ruled the box office. Given that these comics have had dedicated fans for decades, this popularity makes a lot of sense. While other production studios could have played it safe and avoided the superhero genre, many have dove right in, especially streaming platforms.
Netflix’s Early Involvement
Netflix was one of the first streaming services to show interest in the superhero space. They began by licensing multiple Marvel TV series, which helped them build a solid foundation in this genre. Even after they lost the rights to those shows, they didn’t back away from superhero content.
In fact, Netflix went on to produce 11 original superhero films, with projects coming from both American creators and international teams. Despite this variety, critics have pointed out that the quality of these films can differ significantly. So, if you’re looking for the best of the bunch, you might want to skip ahead in the rankings. If you want to explore everything Netflix offers, knowing how to prioritize would make your viewing experience much easier.
Ranking the Films by Quality
The ranking of Netflix’s superhero films is based on their Rotten Tomatoes scores, which gives you a good sense of what critics think about each one.
One film that stands out in this lineup is “Thunder Force.” The story revolves around Earth being hit by cosmic rays that grant superpowers to sociopaths. In response, Emily, played by Octavia Spencer, a brilliant scientist, creates a serum designed to give regular people superpowers. Her old friend Lydia, played by Melissa McCarthy, accidentally takes the serum, prompting them to team up as the superhero duo Thunder Force to save America from these super-powered villains, known as Miscreants.
Critical Reception of “Thunder Force”
Unfortunately, critics were not impressed by “Thunder Force.” On Rotten Tomatoes, reviewers described it as “neither funny nor exciting,” and deemed it “an egregious waste of its co-stars’ talents.” With such a talented cast, which includes two former Oscar nominees, the film had a lot of potential. Fans expected something much better from the talent involved. However, it fell short in several ways.
For one, the action scenes in the movie aren’t particularly memorable. You’d think a superhero film would deliver some thrilling moments, but that wasn’t the case here. Moreover, the film also fails to introduce any fresh ideas or meaningful discussions on serious topics. Instead, it sticks to the well-trodden trope of ordinary people gaining powers to combat evil.
What Makes a Good Superhero Film?
The disappointment felt by critics and viewers alike stems from the film’s lack of originality. Good superhero movies usually find a way to balance entertaining action with deeper themes or novel storylines. “Thunder Force” seems to check boxes without offering anything truly compelling. It encapsulates a familiar format without bringing anything new to the genre.
Conclusion
In summary, while Netflix has put considerable effort into creating original superhero films, not all of them have hit the mark. “Thunder Force,” despite its star-studded cast and intriguing premise, has been criticized for its execution. If you’re keen on diving into Netflix’s superhero offerings, it’s worth checking out the rankings based on Rotten Tomatoes scores to identify which films are worth your time. Whether you’re a die-hard superhero fan or just curious, knowing where to start can enhance your viewing experience.
