Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts Streaming Surge Ignites Fierce MCU Trust Controversy

So, let me lay it out: if you scroll through Disney+'s movie rankings in the U.S. lately, you'll probably notice Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts* hanging around in the Top 10. Not just popping in for a weekend, but sitting there like regulars, keeping company with heavy hitters like Deadpool & Wolverine, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and Avengers: Endgame. At first glance, that might make you think these movies were big deals — except, if you were actually paying attention during their theater runs, you know that's not really how it went down.

The Streaming Chart Twist

Let's get specific:

• Thunderbolts* managed about $382 million worldwide at the box office.
• Fantastic Four did a little better, finishing up closer to $522 million global.
• For context, these aren't exactly 'MCU megahit' numbers. Especially now.
• Both movies cost Marvel a pretty penny: $180 million for Thunderbolts*, $200 million for Fantastic Four.

IMDb gives Thunderbolts* a 7.1/10, and Fantastic Four sits at 6.8/10. Critic-wise, Rotten Tomatoes pegs them at 88% and 86%. So, they're not disasters, but they aren't breaking any records either.

Did Marvel Fans Just Wait This One Out?

The thing is, this slow-down at the box office didn't start with these two. The MCU's momentum was already starting to sag with movies like Eternals, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and The Marvels. People stopped rushing out on opening weekend. Honestly, a lot of folks just seemed happy to wait for streaming, or maybe skip altogether.

And when Thunderbolts* and Fantastic Four hit Disney+, they quietly started to have a second life. Not in a 'breaking the internet' way, but as nice, consistent performers that people catch up on from their couch. And now, seeing them stick in the Top 10 while box office stars like earlier Avengers movies breeze in and out feels... well, kind of odd if you remember the hype level these franchises used to have.

What Does This Mean for the MCU's Future?

If you're wondering whether Marvel's really 'back' just because of some streaming stats, you're not alone. Honestly, this whole situation puts even more pressure on the next giant MCU tentpole, Avengers: Doomsday. That's currently slated for December 18, 2026 in the U.S.

MCU tradition says the Avengers movies are where the crowds come roaring back — Infinity War and Endgame were basically moviegoing events, not just another Friday night. Lately, though, even the loyalists have been fine waiting it out at home. If Doomsday doesn't light a fire under the box office, that's going to say a lot about where Marvel is right now.

There's also a theory that Spider-Man: Brand New Day might help refuel some excitement before Doomsday drops. Spider-Man movies usually pull crowds whether the MCU's hot or cold, so whatever happens there is worth keeping an eye on.

'People aren't rushing out for these movies like they used to. They're still watching — they're just watching at home. Once these movies hit Disney+, they don't disappear.'

So, does Marvel's streaming popularity really stack up to old-school box office glory? Personally, I'm not convinced. But if you think otherwise, let me know below.

Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts* are both streaming now on Disney+.