26 MCU Movies With the Lowest Box Office Earnings

Overview

Not every box office hit in the MCU represents cinematic excellence, as true profitability can vary.
Both old and contemporary MCU films can experience fluctuating popularity, with some struggling to connect with audiences despite beloved characters.
Aspects like superhero fatigue, film release timing, and cultural relevance can significantly impact box office performance.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) boasts an expansive library of films, prompting the assumption that every release is a guaranteed success. However, a closer examination reveals a different story. Prior to Avengers: Endgame, none of the MCU films failed to recoup their production costs, yet many didn’t generate the expected profit margins.

This phenomenon is not limited to earlier MCU offerings; even more recent entries have struggled. The financial success of a movie often misrepresents its artistic merit. Sometimes, external factors lead to underwhelming box office results. Regardless, the least profitable MCU films continue to hold a place in the hearts of fans who revisit them regularly.

Updated March 3, 2025, by Jake Fillery: With recent triumphs like Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and the future of the MCU hinging on the talent behind The Avengers: Doomsday (2026), it’s essential to reflect on the fluctuations of the MCU, examining its notable flops and lowest-grossing movies, especially as audiences ponder whether the franchise can overcome bouts of superhero fatigue.

26. The Marvels

Worldwide Gross: $206 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 61%
MCU Release Order: 33rd
Estimated Budget: $274.8 million

As the lowest-performing MCU film to date, The Marvels struggled to find its audience, sparking debate over the franchise’s vitality. Featuring characters such as Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Monica Rambeau joining forces, the film failed to impress financially and fell short of its production budget, raising concerns about its status as the MCU’s first true box office disappointment.

The film’s struggles may stem from superhero fatigue and a disengaged audience regarding this particular trio of characters. The MCU appears to be facing challenges rallying its fanbase, especially as iconic characters were retired or removed following Avengers: Endgame. The unsettling realization that this low gross marks a stark contrast to the heights of Endgame could put Marvel Studios in a precarious position.

25. The Incredible Hulk

Worldwide Gross: $264 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%
MCU Release Order: 2nd
Estimated Budget: $150 million

The Incredible Hulk tends to slip under the radar among fans, feeling like an isolated film rather than a true part of the MCU. Its lack of connection to later films, notably the portrayal of Bruce Banner by Edward Norton instead of Mark Ruffalo, contributed to this perception.

Despite its approximate budget matching its gross earnings, this hike left little room for growth in the Hulk’s standalone story, resulting in no follow-up solo film in the years since.

24. Captain America: Brave New World

Worldwide Gross: $341 Million (Still in Theaters)

Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 49%
MCU Release Order: 35th
Estimated Budget: $180 million

Captain America: Brave New World marks a pivotal shift in the franchise, introducing Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. With the introduction of Adamantium and a sinister plot involving the Red Hulk, the film had the potential to captivate audiences. However, it has received lackluster reviews and struggles to emulate the political intrigue of previous installments.

Currently running in theaters, its box office figures may evolve, but it already stands as one of the lower-rated MCU films.

23. Captain America: The First Avenger

Worldwide Gross: $370 Million

Captain America: The First Avenger Poster

Captain America: The First Avenger Scene

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
MCU Release Order: 5th
Estimated Budget: $149 million

Regardless of fans’ opinions about Steve Rogers, Captain America plays a foundational role in shaping the MCU. However, his initial solo film appears to be the weakest entry. Set mainly during World War II, it lacks contemporary connections that resonate with audiences today.

The film’s production budget was lower than most, costing around $140 million, which may have contributed to a decent return without breaking revenue records.

22. Black Widow

Worldwide Gross: $379 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%
MCU Release Order: 24th
Estimated Budget: $288.5 million

Released in a tumultuous time, Black Widow‘s box office performance underscores the impact of timing on a movie’s financial success. Had it come out earlier, it might have achieved greater profitability, yet its release following Natasha Romanoff’s demise left many fans feeling it was too late.

Furthermore, the film’s focus on Yelena Belova, who steps into Romanoff’s role, may have affected audience perceptions, ultimately limiting total earnings to $379 million against a $200 million budget, especially as it debuted on Disney Plus, impacting theater attendance.

21. Eternals

Worldwide Gross: $402 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 47%
MCU Release Order: 26th
Estimated Budget: $236.2 million

Despite offering a fresh perspective from director Chloe Zhao, Eternals failed to break typical MCU box office records, not even managing to reach the $1 billion mark like its predecessors. Part of its struggle may be attributed to audience unfamiliarity with the characters, compared to iconic heroes such as Spider-Man.

20. Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings

Worldwide Gross: $432 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
MCU Release Order: 25th
Estimated Budget: $150 million

The MCU had a challenging year in 2021 until the arrival of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Although Shang-Chi received overwhelmingly positive reviews, pandemic-induced fears kept many audiences from theaters. Additionally, the character’s lesser-known status may have limited viewership compared to more established heroes.

19. Thor

Worldwide Gross: $449 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
MCU Release Order: 4th
Estimated Budget: $150 million

The inaugural Thor film introduced audiences to a mix of Shakespearean drama set within a fantastical realm. With its focus on familial conflict and the power struggles between Thor, Loki, and Odin, it remains engaging despite its disconnect from the broader MCU storyline.

Although it turned a profit, it wasn’t on par with subsequent entries in the Thor franchise, raising questions about its lasting impact on the MCU landscape.

18. Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania

Worldwide Gross: $476 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 46%
MCU Release Order: 31st
Estimated Budget: $200 million

Following the financial successes of its predecessors, the anticipation for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was high, yet it underperformed. Despite its 200 million dollar budget, it garnered only $476 million, leaving little margin for success.

The reasons for its lackluster performance might include growing fatigue towards the Ant-Man character and an underwhelming narrative, particularly in light of the MCU’s impressive storytelling track record.

17. Ant-Man

Worldwide Gross: $519 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
MCU Release Order: 12th
Estimated Budget: $130 million

With a modest budget of $130 million, Ant-Man was designed to be a more grounded installment in the MCU. It effectively delivered both humor and heart, showcasing Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, a character whose stakes felt distinctly lower compared to other cinematic ventures.

This smaller-scale narrative allowed for an engaging experience and established Scott Lang as a pivotal player in the larger MCU tapestry, especially for his role in the time heist during Avengers: Endgame.

16. Iron Man

Worldwide Gross: $585 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
MCU Release Order: 1st
Estimated Budget: $140 million

In retrospect, it’s hard to believe that the original Iron Man did not gross over a billion dollars. At its release in 2008, the film set off a series of superhero cinema that hadn’t been attempted before, and it’s regarded as a pivotal moment in film history.

Although it didn’t achieve the same financial heights as some sequels, its cultural significance cannot be overstated; without its success, the MCU may never have come to fruition.

15. Ant-Man And The Wasp

Worldwide Gross: $622 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
MCU Release Order: 20th
Estimated Budget: $200 million

A gross of $622 million is an impressive feat for many films, but in the realm of the MCU, it’s considered average. Like its predecessor, Ant-Man and the Wasp maintains a smaller narrative scale, focusing on family dynamics instead of universe-ending threats.

This film also clarified Scott Lang’s whereabouts during major MCU events, yet given its proximity to the sensational success of preceding Avengers films, many expected higher box office returns.

14. Iron Man 2

Worldwide Gross: $623 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%
MCU Release Order: 3rd
Estimated Budget: $200 million

With an earnings edge over Ant-Man and the Wasp, Iron Man 2 signifies the MCU’s steady financial growth. Though not cherished as warmly as its predecessor, it still possesses memorable moments and introduces important characters such as Natasha Romanoff and expands on Nick Fury’s role.

13. Thor: The Dark World

Worldwide Gross: $644 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%
MCU Release Order: 8th
Estimated Budget: $170 million

Ironically, Thor: The Dark World managed to gross more than several films, despite being largely regarded as one of the lesser installments in the MCU. Its conventional plot and forgettable action sequences were less impactful compared to its predecessors and successors.

While the film includes some positive elements, including character development for Thor and Loki, it ultimately missed the mark set by previous entries, resulting in a box office performance of $644 million.

12. Doctor Strange

Worldwide Gross: $677 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
MCU Release Order: 14th
Estimated Budget: $165 million

Despite the acclaim surrounding Doctor Strange and Benedict Cumberbatch’s captivating performance, its box office performance fell short of its predecessor. The unfamiliarity of the character to many audiences may have contributed to this outcome.

Moreover, it’s notable that Doctor Strange took considerably longer than most Marvel heroes to receive a sequel, with a six-year gap—a stark contrast to the usual two to three-year turnaround for other characters’ follow-ups.

11. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Worldwide Gross: $714 Million

Captain America: The Winter Soldier Poster

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
MCU Release Order: 9th
Estimated Budget: $170 million

The sequel to Captain America nearly doubled its predecessor’s profits, revealing that audiences were eager to see the hero navigate contemporary challenges. The film excels in atmosphere and storytelling, continuing the narrative of Captain America while introducing Black Widow and returning the much-loved character Bucky Barnes.

While The Winter Soldier didn’t cross the billion-dollar milestone, its substantial earnings welcomed a sequel just two years later, Captain America: Civil War.

10. Thor: Love And Thunder

Worldwide Gross: $760 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63%
MCU Release Order: 29th
Estimated Budget: $250 million

Thor’s popularity in the MCU is undeniable, yet many of his standalone films, including Love and Thunder, have fallen short of box office expectations, unable to break the elusive billion-dollar barrier. Although it returned beloved characters and attempted to channel the humor of Thor: Ragnarok, the film faced criticism, possibly due to over-reliance on humor and an underwhelming narrative.

9. Guardians Of The Galaxy

Worldwide Gross: $773 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
MCU Release Order: 10th
Estimated Budget: $170 million

As the MCU’s first space opera, Guardians of the Galaxy sparked doubts about its potential success, given the audience’s unfamiliarity with the characters. However, it cleverly combined action, humor, and unique storytelling to attract attention, resulting in a strong box office performance.

This installment ranks as the highest-grossing among the lower-performing MCU films, revamping the franchise and earning its director, James Gunn, a significant role within DC Studios as the co-chairman—setting the stage for healthy competition in the superhero genre.

8. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.3

Worldwide Gross: $845 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
MCU Release Order: 32nd
Estimated Budget: $250 million

Returning for one last cosmic adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 delivered a captivating closing chapter for both its characters and director James Gunn. Despite a successful box office performance and emotional storytelling, it too fell short of crossing the billion-dollar mark, which the series arguably deserved.

The emotional depth focusing on Rocket’s past and Star-Lord’s grief over Gamora’s loss resonated with audiences, showcasing the strength of both the story and the cast.

7. Thor: Ragnarok

Worldwide Gross: $855 Million

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
MCU Release Order: 17th
Estimated Budget: $180 million

Thor: Ragnarok‘s distinct comedic approach and compelling characters revitalized the God of Thunder’s franchise. The film’s humorous tone, enhanced by actor Chris Hemsworth’s performance and Taika Waititi’s creativity, garnered a favorable response from audiences striving for something beyond the conventional superhero narrative.

With a charming battle against Hela and a humorous gladiatorial setting, it uniquely blends action with comedy, showcasing a fresh take on the MCU while achieving impressive box office earnings.

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