The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has experienced a rollercoaster ride through its Phase 5, with a mix of critical disappointments and occasional triumphs. However, as the phase draws to a close, Thunderbolts* has emerged as a beacon of hope, earning the title of the highest-rated film in MCU Phase 5 on Rotten Tomatoes with a current score of 88%. This achievement is no small feat, especially in a phase marked by underwhelming releases like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels, and Captain America: Brave New World. Directed by Jake Schreier and featuring a stellar ensemble led by Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman, Thunderbolts* has not only revitalized fan excitement but also set a new benchmark for the MCU’s storytelling potential. This article delves into the factors behind its success, its impact on the MCU’s trajectory, and what it means for the future of the franchise.

A Rocky Phase 5 Finds Redemption

Phase 5 of the MCU, which began in 2023 with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, has been a challenging period for Marvel Studios. The phase struggled with critical and commercial disappointments, as several projects failed to capture the magic of the Infinity Saga. Quantumania drew some of the weakest reviews in the franchise’s history, while The Marvels and Captain America: Brave New World faced box office lows and lukewarm reception. The Multiverse Saga, encompassing Phases 4 through 6, has been criticized for its lack of cohesive character interactions and an overreliance on multiverse gimmicks, leaving fans yearning for the interconnected storytelling that defined earlier MCU phases.

Amid this backdrop, Thunderbolts* premiered on May 2, 2025, as the final film of Phase 5, carrying the weight of high expectations. Early test screenings hinted at its potential, with reports describing the film as a “beast” that scored “off the charts.” These reactions proved prophetic when the film debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 95%, the second-highest score in MCU history, just one point behind Black Panther’s 96%. Although the score later settled at 88% after more reviews poured in, it still surpassed all other Phase 5 films, outranking even the well-received Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (97%) due to its focus on television rather than theatrical releases. This achievement marks Thunderbolts* as a critical darling in a phase desperately needing a win.

A Fresh Take on the MCU Formula

What sets Thunderbolts* apart from its Phase 5 predecessors? At its core, the film returns to the tried-and-true blueprint of the MCU’s best adventures: character-driven storytelling, emotional depth, and dynamic team-ups. The movie assembles a ragtag group of antiheroes—Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell)—under the manipulative thumb of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). A new character, Bob Reynolds, aka Sentry (Lewis Pullman), adds an intriguing layer of mystery and power to the mix.

Unlike the Avengers, who are often portrayed as noble heroes, the Thunderbolts are a dysfunctional squad of misfits with morally grey pasts. This premise echoes the gritty ensemble dynamics of Guardians of the Galaxy and DC’s The Suicide Squad, but Thunderbolts* distinguishes itself with its focus on mental health—a theme rarely explored with such depth in the MCU. Yelena, the film’s emotional anchor, grapples with depression and a lack of purpose, a struggle that resonates with audiences. Critics have praised the film for its raw depiction of trauma, noting that it prioritizes personal struggles over world-ending stakes, a refreshing departure from the MCU’s recent formula.

The screenplay, penned by Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo, and Lee Sung Jin, weaves a narrative that balances dark themes with snappy humor and thrilling action. Reviewers have highlighted the film’s ability to create meaningful character interactions, such as Yelena and Ghost playfully mocking John Walker’s “hat” (his Captain America helmet) or Red Guardian and Bucky bonding over their super-soldier experiences. These moments evoke the charm of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, where unexpected character pairings—like War Machine and Nebula—added depth and levity. By focusing on the humanity of its heroes, Thunderbolts* recaptures the emotional resonance that defined the MCU’s early successes.

Stellar Performances Elevate the Narrative

The cast of Thunderbolts* has been a focal point of its acclaim, with Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman earning particular praise. Pugh, reprising her role as Yelena Belova from Black Widow, delivers a masterful performance that critics have called “magnetic.” Her portrayal of Yelena’s emotional vulnerability and fierce determination anchors the film, making her a standout in an already talented ensemble. Pugh’s ability to convey Yelena’s inner turmoil—described as “wearing depression sweats” while on a mission—adds a layer of relatability that resonates deeply with viewers.

Lewis Pullman, as the mysterious Bob Reynolds/Sentry, emerges as a breakout star. His character’s journey, marked by extreme loneliness and the emergence of his darker alter-ego, The Void, provides a compelling counterpoint to Yelena’s arc. Critics have lauded Pullman’s ability to hold his own alongside Pugh, with their dynamic being a high point of the film. The supporting cast, including David Harbour’s lovable Red Guardian and Wyatt Russell’s nuanced John Walker, also shines, bringing humor and heart to their roles. While some reviewers noted that Bucky Barnes and Ghost were underutilized, the overall ensemble chemistry has been hailed as electric.

A Grounded Tone with High Stakes

Director Jake Schreier, known for character-driven projects like Robot & Frank, brings an indie sensibility to Thunderbolts*, grounding its superhero spectacle in emotional authenticity. The film’s tone is darker than most MCU entries, a shift that critics have welcomed as a “breath of fresh air.” This grounded approach is complemented by practical action sequences that emphasize hand-to-hand combat, reflecting the team’s expertise in close-quarters fighting. Scenes of Yelena freefalling off a skyscraper and Bucky flipping a car have been cited as highlights, showcasing the film’s intense and visceral action.

Thunderbolts* also breaks a 17-year MCU record by being the first PG-13 film in the franchise to receive a “strong violence” designation, hinting at its more mature tone. While not R-rated like Deadpool & Wolverine, the film doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of its characters’ pasts, including references to addiction and trauma. This willingness to explore mature themes without sacrificing accessibility has been a key factor in its critical success, allowing it to appeal to a wide audience while pushing the MCU into new territory.

Box Office and Audience Reception

As of May 5, 2025, Thunderbolts* has grossed $162.1 million worldwide, with $76 million in the United States and Canada alone. Its opening weekend exceeded expectations, pulling in $70–75 million domestically and $160–175 million globally, aligning with pre-release projections. Posts on X from Marvel Studios proudly declare it the “#1 movie in the world,” a testament to its commercial success. Audiences have echoed critics’ sentiments, giving the film an A- on CinemaScore and a 4.5 out of 5 on PostTrak, with 74% recommending it.

The film’s success is particularly significant given Phase 5’s financial struggles. While it doesn’t match the billion-dollar hauls of Avengers: Endgame, its performance signals a renewed interest in the MCU, especially as it sets the stage for Phase 6’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The post-credits scenes, which have been described as “meaty” and forward-looking, further cement Thunderbolts*’ role as a pivotal chapter in the MCU’s evolving narrative.

A Turning Point for the MCU

Thunderbolts*’ critical and commercial triumph marks a turning point for the MCU, proving that the franchise can still deliver compelling stories without relying on multiverse spectacle. Its focus on character dynamics, mental health, and practical action harkens back to the Infinity Saga’s golden era, reminding fans of what made the MCU a cultural juggernaut. By centering on a team of underdogs who find redemption through connection, the film offers a message of hope and resilience that resonates in today’s world.

As the MCU moves into Phase 6, Thunderbolts* sets a high bar for what’s to come. It demonstrates that Marvel can innovate within its established formula, balancing fan-favorite elements with fresh perspectives. For fans who had grown disillusioned with the franchise, this film is a reminder of its potential to inspire and entertain. Thunderbolts* isn’t just the highest-rated film of Phase 5—it’s a shining example of the MCU’s enduring magic, proving that even its most unlikely heroes can steal the spotlight.

This article, spanning approximately 1100 words, provides a detailed analysis of Thunderbolts*’ success, drawing on available information about its critical reception, thematic elements, and cultural impact.