2024 was a rollercoaster year for comic book adaptations. It had its highs and lows, with groundbreaking moments, underwhelming surprises, and several polarizing films and shows.
Whether you’re a fan of Marvel, DC, or Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, there’s plenty to discuss from this year’s slate of releases. So, let’s look at the year’s top comic book movies and TV shows, starting from the least impressive to the absolute best.
7. Madame Web (Sony SSU)
Few films have generated as much buzz as ‘Madame Web’. However, unfortunately, it wasn’t for the right reasons. With a chaotic marketing campaign and bizarre tonal inconsistencies, the movie struggled to find its footing.
Related: “We’ve Talked About It”: Marvel TV Head Teases Possibility Of An Animated Feature Film
Additionally, Dakota Johnson’s detached performance as Cassandra Webb offered an unintended comedic edge. The storyline leaned into a disjointed mix of clairvoyance and unnecessary product placement. So, all fans have one question, how did Madame Web miss the mark by so much despite its stellar cast?
6. Kraven the Hunter (Sony SSU)
Sony’s second attempt to expand its Spider-Man Universe in 2024 was equally underwhelming. ‘Kraven the Hunter’ promised gritty, character-driven storytelling. However, instead of what was promised fans got a muddled narrative trying to emulate Joker’s philosophical ambitions without the same finesse.
The main critique for the SSU has always been their sidelining of Spider-man who is the main character of their verse. So, even with ‘Kraven The Hunter’ fans are puzzled over the lack of focus on his iconic rivalry with the web-slinger.
5. Watchmen: Chapter 1 (DC)
Bringing Watchmen back to life in animated form with ‘Watchmen: Chapter 1‘ was a bold choice by DC, and while it successfully stayed true to the source material, it struggled to justify its existence.
The film’s art style was striking, and the performances brought added depth to classic characters like Rorschach. However, its fidelity to the comic raised questions about whether such an adaptation was necessary.
4. Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths (DC)
As the grand conclusion to the DC Animated Universe’s 11-year run, ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ delivered on its promise of epic scale and nostalgic callbacks. From beloved heroes to thrilling multiverse battles, this trilogy captured the spirit of its comics.
Related: Marvel Studios Reportedly Planning A Cosmic MCU Introduction For The Shi’ar Imperium
Additionally, it also tied up loose ends for long-time fans. However, its huge scale meant some characters and moments didn’t get the attention they deserved.
3. Joker: Folie à Deux (DCU)
Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, the sequel to the mega-hit ‘Joker’ was very polarizing in terms of its reviews. However, it remains one of the most ambitious comic book movies of the year.
With Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role and Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, this musical psychological drama offered a surreal and layered exploration of madness and co-dependence. The heavy discourse surrounding the film might have overshadowed its artistic achievements.
2. Venom: The Last Dance (Sony SSU)
Tom Hardy’s final outing as Eddie Brock was a heartfelt send-off for the symbiotic antihero. Leaning into the quirky, co-dependent relationship between Eddie and Venom, ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ struck a bittersweet tone that resonated with fans.
However, the lack of Spider-Man and an underwhelming portrayal of Knull as the villain left some loose ends in this trilogy. Is this truly the end of Hardy’s Venom, or is there still hope for a Spider-Man crossover?
1. Deadpool & Wolverine (Marvel)
The undisputed champion of 2024, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, gave audiences the chaotic fun they craved. Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool finally joined the MCU in a hilarious, action-packed buddy comedy alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.
In case you missed it: Who Is Jeff The Land Shark In Marvel Universe?
Packed with superstar cameos, humor, and emotional depth, this film stood out as both a love letter to fans and a new benchmark for superhero collaborations. The only downside was that it wasn’t enough and now fans want more of the iconic duo.
