The superhero genre has seen a notable year in 2025, concluding with the finale of Peacemaker Season 2 in October. Fans can anticipate a fresh wave of superhero adaptations in 2026, featuring titles like Supergirl, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday, and several exciting TV shows including Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, Wonder Man, and Lanterns. Despite a series of challenges, this year produced three films that were critically acclaimed but faced difficulties at the box office, with none likely to hit $1 billion in revenue. The future appears uncertain, as even the highest-grossing title from this year’s releases may fall short of $600 million.
Ranking the notable superhero films and TV shows from 2025—namely Captain America: Brave New World, Daredevil: Born Again, Thunderbolts*, Ironheart, Superman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Peacemaker Season 2—gives an insight into the diverse responses to these adaptations.
Peacemaker Season 2 has garnered praise for John Cena’s performance and some intriguing concepts, yet it found itself lacking depth amid its comedic distractions. The relationship dynamics between Chris Smith and Emilia Harcourt formed the emotional crux, which may have appealed to devoted viewers.
Ironheart, while not revolutionary, showcased impressive visual effects thanks to its three-year post-production delay. The series included intriguing characters like The Hood and offered a much-anticipated introduction to Mephisto, promising something special for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Captain America: Brave New World had high expectations due to its trailers but fell short due to extensive script reshoots and a tonal shift that left some audiences disappointed. Nevertheless, Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford’s performances received praise, particularly during the brief but exciting Red Hulk battle.
Daredevil: Born Again emerged as a standout revival, effectively portraying the gripping dynamic between Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk. The series is noted for its raw and engaging storytelling, reminiscent of its Netflix predecessor, though it did reflect some inconsistencies from the previous creative direction.
Superman debuted as the first DC Studios blockbuster, setting a promising tone for the new DC Universe with its optimistic portrayal of the iconic character. It became the highest-grossing superhero film of the year, despite some criticisms regarding its plot and character decisions.
Thunderbolts* faced a disappointing box office result, yet its emotional storytelling about depression and isolation resonated deeply, showcasing character development that felt more intimate. Florence Pugh’s performance was particularly noteworthy, providing hope that future projects could elevate the franchise.
Finally, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, although rough around the edges, represented a triumphant interpretation of Marvel’s First Family. Influenced by the legendary storyteller Jack Kirby, the film satisfied a long-standing desire among fans for an authentic adaptation. Its potential box office performance raises concerns about the team’s future within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Overall, while 2025 has been challenging for superhero adaptations, the industry remains vibrant and resonates with audiences looking for hope and connection through storytelling. As new projects emerge on the horizon, fans can eagerly anticipate the evolution of this beloved genre.