The Fantastic Four, Marvel’s first superhero team, has had quite a journey on the big screen, starting with an unreleased 1994 movie. Over the years, we’ve seen different takes on their story. These films have brought the comic book heroes to life, showing how four ordinary people gained incredible powers after a cosmic radiation accident. Each movie has tried to capture the magic of the original comics, inviting viewers to join Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing on their exciting adventures.
These movies don’t just tell the origin story of the Fantastic Four—they also dive into how the team works together to take on powerful enemies, like Doctor Victor Von Doom. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the franchise, watching the Fantastic 4 movies in order lets you see how the characters and stories have evolved over time, starting with the original movies and moving through the different reboots. Watching them in sequence can really help you get a better feel for the overall story and enjoy the Fantastic Four saga even more.
Although the Fantastic Four films have received mixed reviews, they still play a significant role in Marvel’s cinematic history. Each movie has tried to bring something new to the table, offering different perspectives on how these characters go from ordinary people to superheroes. As part of the larger Marvel universe, these films have added their own unique pieces to the superhero movie genre and helped build a timeline that fans continue to follow.
Fantastic Four Chronological Order
1. The Fantastic Four (1994)
The Fantastic Four is a unique entry in the cinematic history of Marvel’s superhero team. Directed by Oley Sassone, this version was produced by New Horizons with the low-budget touch of Roger Corman. The 1994 film holds a level of infamy as it was never officially released.
The story follows the classic origin in which the four main characters—Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—are transformed into superheroes after exposure to cosmic rays during a space mission.
Character
- Reed Richards
- Sue Storm
- Johnny Storm
- Ben Grimm
Actor
- Alex Hyde-White
- Rebecca Staab
- Jay Underwood
- Michael Bailey Smith
Despite being unreleased, The Fantastic Four (1994) is sometimes referenced by fans for its attempt to stay true to the comics and its practical effects. The movie has garnered a cult following, with individuals seeking out bootleg copies for their rarity and as a piece of comic book movie lore.
IMDb Rating 3.8/10
2. Fantastic Four (2005)
Released in 2005, Fantastic Four is a superhero film that marked the team’s first major appearance on the big screen. Directed by Tim Story, the film portrays the origin story of the titular group acquiring their powers during a space mission gone awry.
Cast & Characters:
- Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic: Ioan Gruffudd – Elasticity
- Susan Storm / Invisible Woman: Jessica Alba – Invisibility and force fields
- Johnny Storm / Human Torch: Chris Evans – Pyrokinesis
- Ben Grimm / The Thing: Michael Chiklis – Superstrength and durability
In this movie, the team faces off against their arch-enemy, Doctor Victor Von Doom, played by Julian McMahon, as they work together to stop his evil plans.
The film is important because it really sets the stage for the relationships between the four main characters, blending action and adventure with the personal connections that are key to the Fantastic Four comics. Although it received mixed reviews, with a 40 Metascore on IMDb, it did well enough to lead to a sequel in 2007.
The special effects were a big deal when the movie came out, sparking conversations about finding the right balance between visual excitement and solid storytelling in superhero films. Despite its flaws, Fantastic Four (2005) is still considered a cornerstone in the franchise’s history.
IMDb Rating 5.7/10
3. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer continues the story from the 2005 Fantastic Four film. In this sequel, the team faces a new challenge when they encounter the Silver Surfer, an alien being who poses a threat that’s bigger than anything they’ve faced before. Directed by Tim Story, the movie mixes action, adventure, and sci-fi, leading to a dramatic showdown with stakes that go beyond just Earth.
The cast from the first film—Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis—returns to reprise their roles as the Fantastic Four. This time, we see the characters grow and adapt even more to their superhero identities. Julian McMahon also returns as the villain, with the Silver Surfer making his debut through a blend of performance capture and CGI. The film tries to expand the world of these heroes while still staying true to the spirit of the original comic series.
IMDb Rating 5.6/10
4. Fantastic Four (2015)
Released in 2015, Fantastic Four represents a reboot of the franchise, aiming to present a fresh perspective on the origin of the quartet. The film distinguishes itself with a more contemporary setting and a notable aesthetic departure from its predecessors.
The storyline follows four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate universe, which drastically affects their physical form. They gain distinct superhuman abilities: Reed Richards acquires the power to stretch his body, Susan Storm becomes invisible and can generate force fields, Johnny Storm gains the ability to emit and control fire, and Ben Grimm transforms into a rock-like creature with immense strength.
Character
- Reed Richards
- Susan Storm
- Johnny Storm
- Ben Grimm
Superpower
- Elasticity
- Invisibility and Force Fields
- Pyrokinesis
- Superhuman Strength and Durability
The director, Josh Trank, along with writers Jeremy Slater and Simon Kinberg, explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and coping with newfound powers. The antagonist, Victor Von Doom, becomes a central figure as the plot develops, challenging the unity of the team and posing a threat to Earth.
The film received mixed reviews for its direction and characterization, yet notably attempted to explore the darker and more human elements behind the superhero narrative. Despite the challenges it faced, Fantastic Four (2015) is an integral part of the franchise’s history and offers a unique interpretation of the classic Marvel Comics’ team.
IMDb Rating 4.3/10
5. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
The upcoming Fantastic Four (2025) marks the highly anticipated integration of Marvel’s First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Matt Shakman, this film is set to reintroduce Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm to a new generation of fans while weaving them into the expansive tapestry of the MCU.
Cast & Characters:
- Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic: TBD – Elasticity
- Susan Storm / Invisible Woman: Vanessa Kirby – Invisibility and force fields
- Johnny Storm / Human Torch: Pedro Pascal – Pyrokinesis
- Ben Grimm / The Thing: TBD – Superstrength and durability
The plot is expected to stay true to the characters’ origins, likely involving their transformation during a space mission where they encounter cosmic radiation. However, given the MCU’s complex storytelling and interconnections, fans can expect a fresh take on the classic tale with potential crossovers and connections to existing MCU characters.
Anticipation
The film is already generating significant buzz, not just for its place in the MCU, but also for the casting choices and how it will handle the team’s dynamics. The MCU’s Fantastic Four promises to blend the essence of the original comics with the cinematic universe’s grand scale, offering both action-packed sequences and deep character development.
MCU Integration
The integration of the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a topic of much anticipation. In 2019, Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, returning the rights to produce Fantastic Four movies to Marvel Studios, paving the way for their inclusion in the expansive MCU.
Key Details:
- Release Date: Set for July 25, 2025.
- Director: Matt Shakman.
- Cast Includes: Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, and others.
The approach to introducing the Fantastic Four is expected to be careful, given the existing MCU canon over the past 15 years. Marvel Studios recognizes the group’s unique dynamic as a family with shared superpowers, contrasting the Avengers’ collective of heroes with individual origins.
The integration is anticipated to maintain the essence of the Fantastic Four as a tight-knit family unit. At the same time, Marvel must strategically place these new characters into the ongoing MCU narrative. Creative execution is crucial, as it will not only reintroduce the characters but also seamlessly merge them with the established universe.
All eyes are on how the MCU will handle their origin story, which traditionally involves cosmic radiation during a space mission. With the MCU’s extensive lore, finding a fitting and coherent plotline for the Fantastic Four’s advent is critical. The upcoming movie’s success hinges on striking a balance between honoring the group’s legacy and refreshing their story for a new audience.
Critical Reception and Box Office
The Fantastic Four films experienced varied reception and box office returns. The inaugural 2005 film, directed by Tim Story, was met with mixed reviews yet grossed over $330 million globally. Audiences were drawn to the novelty of the Marvel team, but critics pointed out the film’s weak plot and character development.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), also directed by Tim Story, saw a slight decline in both critical reception and box office numbers, with earnings around $290 million worldwide. The film introduced new characters but failed to capture critics’ praise, many claiming it fell short of its potential.
A reboot in 2015 directed by Josh Trank, simply titled Fantastic Four, faced harsh criticism for its execution and treatment of the source material. It accumulated only approximately $168 million at the global box office, significantly less than its predecessors.
Movie Title
- Fantastic Four (Director: Tim Story)
- Rise of the Silver Surfer
- Fantastic Four
Worldwide Box Office
- $330 million
- $290 million
- $168 million
Critical Reception
- Mixed reviews
- Generally unfavorable
- Largely negative
Each adaptation’s commercial success did not always align with its critical perception. The films’ legacies are marked by their contributions to the superhero genre despite varying receptions and a fluctuating box office performance.
Cultural Impact
The Fantastic Four all movies have made a notable mark on the superhero genre. With the team’s introduction from Marvel’s Silver Age, they are pivotal in the expansive Marvel Universe. Initially adapted into films with 2005’s Fantastic Four, the movies brought Marvel’s first superhero team to a wider audience.
These films highlight the following characters:
Despite mixed critical receptions, the movies did a great job highlighting key themes that are central to superhero stories: family dynamics, the burden of responsibility, and the use of power for the greater good. Contributions to the genre include showcasing innovative CGI portrayals of superhuman abilities and cosmic adventures.
The Fantastic Four played a crucial role in paving the way for Marvel’s more complex and interconnected storytelling that came later, setting the stage for ensemble superhero films. Furthermore, the different versions of these movies also highlight how challenging it can be to bring comic book characters to life on film. Each adaptation has contributed to the ongoing conversation about how to best translate these beloved stories from page to screen.
Thus, each Fantastic Four film represents an evolutionary step in comic book cinema, contributing to the larger discourse on the adaptation of such works and their cultural significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct viewing sequence for the Fantastic Four films?
The recommended order to watch the Fantastic Four movies starts with “The Fantastic Four” (1994) that remains unreleased, followed by “Fantastic Four” (2005), its sequel “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” (2007), and then the reboot “Fantastic Four” (2015).
How many films are in the Fantastic Four series?
There have been four live-action Fantastic Four films made, although the 1994 film was not officially released. In addition, fans can anticipate new developments as Marvel Studios has gained the rights to the characters.
Which movie is the original in the Fantastic Four franchise?
The original film is “The Fantastic Four,” produced in 1994. However, due to legal and contractual issues, it was never released to the public.
Is the 2005 Fantastic Four film considered a sequel or a reboot?
The 2005 “Fantastic Four” film is neither a sequel nor a reboot but an original adaptation of the comic book series that introduces the Fantastic Four characters to a new audience.
Can you watch the Fantastic Four movies on Disney Plus?
As of the last update, not all Fantastic Four movies are available on Disney Plus. Availability can vary by region, and the platform’s library changes over time, so viewers should check the current listings on Disney Plus for the latest information.
What are all the films included in the Fantastic Four franchise?
The films included in the Fantastic Four franchise are: “The Fantastic Four” (1994, unreleased), “Fantastic Four” (2005), “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” (2007), and the reboot “Fantastic Four” (2015). Future installments or reboots by Marvel Studios may expand this list.
