The Fantastic Four: First Steps is off to a strong start with critics, landing an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The MCU reboot of the Fantastic Four is being praised for its retro aesthetic, emotional story, and standout performances, marking a major course correction for Marvel’s first family after years of cinematic misfires.
But not everyone’s on board, with a few critics calling the film dull and uneven. Here’s a breakdown of what the reviews are saying.
Before we dive in, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently coming under the Thunderbolts score of 88%. It’s a lot better than Captain America: Brave New World (46%) and is also the highest by far of any of the previously released Fantastic Four movies.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is landing right alongside the first Doctor Strange (89%), Thunderbolts (88%), Ant-Man and the Wasp (87%), and Infinity War (85%). Those are all actually really good movies, so hopefully FF comes through.
What do the reviews say?
The negative?
The critics behind the negative reviews pointed out several consistent flaws. Some felt the film lacked energy and chemistry, calling the characters bland or boring despite the ensemble cast. Others criticized the pacing, describing it as slow and talkative, with too few action beats to maintain momentum. Several reviews also mentioned an uninspired tone or forgettable execution, claiming the movie failed to deliver the sense of wonder or excitement expected from Marvel’s first family. A few even said it felt more like a visually slick placeholder than a fully confident FF reboot, with one critic comparing it to a lifeless diorama rather than a living, breathing world.
“With one exception, the team members are colossal bores.” – Boston Globe
“A confusing reintroduction of the comic book superheroes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Failing to balance its tone, the movie is just no fun.” – United Press International
“A lack of camaraderie and chemistry is fatal here; even their WALL·E-like servant robot is upsettingly uncharismatic.” – Gone With The Twins
“This Marvel outing commits the cardinal sin of being not only predictable but, even worse, boring.” – Screen Rex
“It feels less like a victory than it does a total surrender.” – IndieWire
The positive?
Positive reviews for The Fantastic Four: First Steps praise it as a fresh, stylish, and emotionally grounded reboot for the FF that finally does justice to Marvel’s first family. Critics highlighted the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, strong performances—especially from Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby—and standout production design. Many applauded its character-driven story, calling it heartfelt and hopeful, with a strong emphasis on family dynamics. Reviewers also commended the direction by Matt Shakman, the inventive visuals, and Michael Giacchino’s powerful score. Several called it the best Fantastic Four movie to date, saying it strikes a balance between honoring comic book roots and offering a new cinematic direction for the MCU.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps is EXTRAORDINARY! The score is pure magic, the visuals are next-level, and the cast chemistry is electric.” – The Movie Podcast
“First Steps is easily the best MCU film in years, grounded by compelling performances, solid action, and next-level visuals.” – CBR
“A love letter to Jack Kirby, but also to everyone who has ever written or drawn these characters.” – The Weekend Warrior (Substack)
“This is a family-first spectacle with massive stakes, perfect casting, and a retro futuristic vibe that allows this movie to breathe on its own.” – Flick Fan Nation
