The 25 Worst Superhero Movies of All Time

Not all superhero films can fly high enough to break box-office records or become successful franchises. Sometimes their Kryptonite is the unachievable ambition of their writers, unconvincing CGI powers, or plots that weren’t meant to leave the comic page.

Below are some of the worst superhero movies that should have never donned a cape and cowl.

Howard the Duck

Despite developing a cult following over the years, “Howard the Duck” was a commercial failure during its initial release and earned seven Razzie Award nominations.

Failing to remain true to its comic origin, the movie’s emphasis was on convincing special effects “rather than satire and story.”

Captain America

Before Chris Evans donned the patriotic persona, Matt Salinger played the iconic Marvel hero in the 1990 “Captain America.” The film strayed from the comics and originally the script involved an elderly Red Skull’s attempt to steal the Statue of Liberty with the aid of “a female death cult.” Featuring a fascist Italy, an incapable actor, and an indiscernible plot, one critic stated the film “should have been left under the ice.”

Superman IV: Quest for Peace

Christopher Reeves will always be remembered for his role as Superman but as revealed in his autobiography, the fourth film in the beloved franchise “was a catastrophe from start to finish.

That failure was a huge blow to my career.” Plagued “by budget constraints and cutbacks,” the film suffered from major “inconsistencies and plot holes” which led to a general disinterest from not only the fans but the actors themselves.

Supergirl

Achieving only a 10% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Supergirl” failed to take off due to its “cheery heroine” being too lackluster to watch and reduced to “a pretty blond Supercousin” of the beloved Superman.

Peter O’Toole and Faye Dunaway were both nominated for Razzie Awards as Worst Actor and Actress.