Stan Lee (28 December 1922 – 12 November 2018), born Stanley Martin Lieber, was an American comic book writer, editor and publisher, as well as a film producer and actor. He was Marvel Comics’ primary creative leader for over two decades, and co-created many popular characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow, the Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch and Ant-Man. He served as an executive producer on most of the film and television adaptions of the Marvel Comics, and had cameo appearances in many of them. His film and television credits number well over 100. He was both a producer and a cameo actor in Avengers: Endgame (2019), the 2nd-highest-grossing film of all time. The following are most of his films, including credits as actor, writer, producer, additional crew, script and continuity department, soundtrack, editor, art department, animation department, music department, archive sound, self, thanks and archive footage, arranged in order from “best” to “worst” according to the collective opinions of Rotten Tomatoes film critics. Contained is each film’s critical approval, average rating and critical consensus (if there is one). I’ve previously made a list of Stan Lee’s Movies from Best to Worst – RT Critics, but it’s now out of date.
Pablo (2012)
100% – 8.75/10 (1 review)
Gahan Wilson: Born Dead, Still Weird (2013)
100% – 8.4/10 (5 reviews)
Confessions of a Superhero (2007)
100% – 7.7/10 (11 reviews)
Hulk vs. (2009)
100% – 7.5/10 (7 reviews)
Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors (2018)
100% – 7.5/10 (7 reviews)
Stand Tall (1997)
100% – 7.5/10 (1 review)
Geek, and You Shall Find (2019)
100% – 7/10 (2 reviews)
With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story (2010)
100% – 6.8/10 (3 reviews)
Stan Lee Presents: Mosaic (2007)
100% – 6/10 (2 reviews)
Thor: Tales of Asgard (2011)
100% – 6/10 (2 reviews)
The Sandman (2017)
100% – 6/10 (2 reviews)
Look, Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman (2006)
100% – 6/10 (1 review)
The Invincible Iron Man (2007)
100% – 6/10 (1 review)
Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight! (2015)
100% – 6/10 (1 review)
Dr. Strange (1978)
100% (1 review)
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)
100% (1 review)
Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007)
100% (1 review)
Planet Hulk (2010)
100% (1 review)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
97% – 8.8/10 (401 reviews)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of superhero action. Read critic reviews
Black Panther (2018)
96% – 8.3/10 (531 reviews)
Black Panther elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights while telling one of the MCU’s most absorbing stories — and introducing some of its most fully realized characters. Read critic reviews
Bigger, Stronger, Faster* (2008)
96% – 7.7/10 (76 reviews)
Bigger, Stronger, Faster* is a fascinating, informative, entertaining and especially introspective account of the American ‘enhancement’ culture. Read critic reviews
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
94% – 8.2/10 (556 reviews)
Exciting, entertaining, and emotionally impactful, Avengers: Endgame does whatever it takes to deliver a satisfying finale to Marvel’s epic Infinity Saga. Read critic reviews
Marvel’s Iron Man (2008)
94% – 7.7/10 (282 reviews)
Powered by Robert Downey Jr.’s vibrant charm, Iron Man turbo-charges the superhero genre with a deft intelligence and infectious sense of fun. Read critic reviews
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
94% – 7.7/10 (62 reviews)
More of a stocking stuffer than a fully-rounded parcel, this yuletide excursion is a delightful showcase for Drax, Mantis, and a very game Kevin Bacon. Read critic reviews
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
93% – 8.3/10 (276 reviews)
Boasting an entertaining villain and deeper emotional focus, this is a nimble sequel that improves upon the original. Read critic reviews
Logan (2017)
93% – 8/10 (429 reviews)
Hugh Jackman makes the most of his final outing as Wolverine with a gritty, nuanced performance in a violent but surprisingly thoughtful superhero action film that defies genre conventions. Read critic reviews
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
93% – 7.9/10 (430 reviews)
A bigger, bolder Spider-Man sequel, No Way Home expands the franchise’s scope and stakes without losing sight of its humor and heart. Read critic reviews
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
93% – 7.6/10 (440 reviews)
Exciting, funny, and above all fun, Thor: Ragnarok is a colorful cosmic adventure that sets a new standard for its franchise — and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Read critic reviews
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014)
92% – 7.8/10 (339 reviews)
Guardians of the Galaxy is just as irreverent as fans of the frequently zany Marvel comic would expect — as well as funny, thrilling, full of heart, and packed with visual splendor. Read critic reviews
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
92% – 7.6/10 (399 reviews)
Spider-Man: Homecoming does whatever a second reboot can, delivering a colorful, fun adventure that fits snugly in the sprawling MCU without getting bogged down in franchise-building. Read critic reviews
Marvel Avengers Assemble (2012)
91% – 8.1/10 (368 reviews)
Thanks to a script that emphasizes its heroes’ humanity and a wealth of superpowered set pieces, The Avengers lives up to its hype and raises the bar for Marvel at the movies. Read critic reviews
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
91% – 7.8/10 (432 reviews)
Captain America: Civil War begins the next wave of Marvel movies with an action-packed superhero blockbuster boasting a decidedly non-cartoonish plot and the courage to explore thought-provoking themes. Read critic reviews
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
91% – 7.5/10 (344 reviews)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings isn’t entirely free of Marvel’s familiar formula, but this exciting origin story expands the MCU in more ways than one. Read critic reviews
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
91% – 7.4/10 (457 reviews)
A breezily unpredictable blend of teen romance and superhero action, Spider-Man: Far from Home stylishly sets the stage for the next era of the MCU. Read critic reviews
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)
91% – 7.2/10 (136 reviews)
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies distills the enduring appeal of its colorful characters into a charmingly light-hearted adventure whose wacky humor fuels its infectious fun — and belies a surprising level of intelligence. Read critic reviews
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
90% – 7.7/10 (311 reviews)
Suspenseful and politically astute, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a superior entry in the Avengers canon and is sure to thrill Marvel diehards. Read critic reviews
Spider-Man (2002)
90% – 7.6/10 (249 reviews)
Not only does Spider-Man provide a good dose of web-swinging fun, it also has a heart, thanks to the combined charms of director Sam Raimi and star Tobey Maguire. Read critic reviews
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
90% – 7.5/10 (333 reviews)
X-Men: Days of Future Past combines the best elements of the series to produce a satisfyingly fast-paced outing that ranks among the franchise’s finest installments. Read critic reviews
The Messenger (2009)
90% – 7.5/10 (162 reviews)
A dark but timely subject is handled deftly by writer/directer Owen Moverman and superbly acted by Woody Harrleson and Ben Foster. Read critic reviews
Big Hero 6 (2014)
90% – 7.4/10 (230 reviews)
Agreeably entertaining and brilliantly animated, Big Hero 6 is briskly-paced, action-packed, and often touching. Read critic reviews
Doctor Strange (2016)
89% – 7.3/10 (389 reviews)
Doctor Strange artfully balances its outré source material against the blockbuster constraints of the MCU, delivering a thoroughly entertaining superhero origin story in the bargain. Read critic reviews
Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
88% – 7.3/10 (275 reviews)
Ralph Breaks the Internet levels up on its predecessor with a funny, heartwarming sequel that expands its colorful universe while focusing on core characters and relationships. Read critic reviews
Doomed: The Untold Story of Roger Corman’s The Fantastic Four (2015)
88% – 7.2/10 (8 reviews)
Batman & Bill (2017)
88% – 7.1/10 (8 reviews)
Life After Flash (2017)
88% – 6.8/10 (8 reviews)
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
87% – 7/10 (447 reviews)
A lighter, brighter superhero movie powered by the effortless charisma of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, Ant-Man and The Wasp offers a much-needed MCU palate cleanser. Read critic reviews
X: First Class (2011)
86% – 7.4/10 (299 reviews)
With a strong script, stylish direction, and powerful performances from its well-rounded cast, X-Men: First Class is a welcome return to form for the franchise. Read critic reviews
Attack of the Doc! (2023)
86% – 6.8/10 (7 reviews)
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War
85% – 7.6/10 (490 reviews)
Avengers: Infinity War ably juggles a dizzying array of MCU heroes in the fight against their gravest threat yet, and the result is a thrilling, emotionally resonant blockbuster that (mostly) realizes its gargantuan ambitions. Read critic reviews
X2 (2003)
85% – 7.5/10 (248 reviews)
Tightly scripted, solidly acted, and impressively ambitious, X2: X-Men United is bigger and better than its predecessor — and a benchmark for comic sequels in general. Read critic reviews
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
85% – 7.3/10 (426 reviews)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2‘s action-packed plot, dazzling visuals, and irreverent humor add up to a sequel that’s almost as fun — if not quite as thrillingly fresh — as its predecessor. Read critic reviews
Deadpool (2016)
85% – 7.1/10 (348 reviews)
Fast, funny, and gleefully profane, the fourth-wall-busting Deadpool subverts superhero film formula with wildly entertaining — and decidedly non-family-friendly — results. Read critic reviews
Deadpool 2 (2018)
84% – 7.1/10 (417 reviews)
Though it threatens to buckle under the weight of its meta gags, Deadpool 2 is a gory, gleeful lampoon of the superhero genre buoyed by Ryan Reynolds’ undeniable charm. Read critic reviews
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
83% – 7.1/10 (447 reviews)
A poignant tribute that satisfyingly moves the franchise forward, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marks an ambitious and emotionally rewarding triumph for the MCU. Read critic reviews
Ant-Man (2015)
83% – 6.9/10 (341 reviews)
Led by a charming performance from Paul Rudd, Ant-Man offers Marvel thrills on an appropriately smaller scale — albeit not as smoothly as its most successful predecessors. Read critic reviews
We Are X (2016)
83% – 6.5/10 (29 reviews)
Praise be, We are X has enough power to make you a fan of one of Japan’s most fascinating bands. Read critic reviews
Clerk (2021)
82% – 7.4/10 (33 reviews)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
82% – 7.2/10 (403 reviews)
A galactic group hug that might squeeze a little too tight on the heartstrings, the final Guardians of the Galaxy is a loving last hurrah for the MCU’s most ragtag family. Read critic reviews
X-Men (2000)
82% – 7/10 (175 reviews)
Faithful to the comics and filled with action, X-Men brings a crowded slate of classic Marvel characters to the screen with a talented ensemble cast and surprisingly sharp narrative focus. Read critic reviews
Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope (2011)
82% – 6.9/10 (57 reviews)
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
80% – 7/10 (276 reviews)
With plenty of pulpy action, a pleasantly retro vibe, and a handful of fine performances, Captain America is solidly old-fashioned blockbuster entertainment. Read critic reviews
Stan Lee (2023)
80% – 6.4/10 (44 reviews)
Rather sanitized but uniquely wholesome, this account of the legendary Stan Lee‘s life and career is mostly Marvelous. Read critic reviews
Marvel’s Iron Man 3 (2013)
79% – 7/10 (331 reviews)
With the help of its charismatic lead, some impressive action sequences, and even a few surprises, Iron Man 3 is a witty, entertaining adventure and a strong addition to the Marvel canon. Read critic reviews
Black Widow (2021)
79% – 6.9/10 (459 reviews)
Black Widow‘s deeper themes are drowned out in all the action, but it remains a solidly entertaining standalone adventure that’s rounded out by a stellar supporting cast. Read critic reviews
Captain Marvel (2019)
79% – 6.8/10 (552 reviews)
Packed with action, humor, and visual thrills, Captain Marvel introduces the MCU’s latest hero with an origin story that makes effective use of the franchise’s signature formula. Read critic reviews
Thor (2011)
77% – 6.7/10 (296 reviews)
A dazzling blockbuster that tempers its sweeping scope with wit, humor, and human drama, Thor is mighty Marvel entertainment. Read critic reviews
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
76% – 6.8/10 (378 reviews)
Exuberant and eye-popping, Avengers: Age of Ultron serves as an overstuffed but mostly satisfying sequel, reuniting its predecessor’s unwieldy cast with a few new additions and a worthy foe. Read critic reviews
Comic Book Confidential (1988)
75% – 7/10 (8 reviews)
Superheroes (2011)
75% – 7/10 (4 reviews)
Ultimate Avengers: The Movie (2006)
75% – 5.33/10 (4 reviews)
The Ambulance (1990)
75% – 4/10 (4 reviews)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
73% – 6.5/10 (460 reviews)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness labors under the weight of the sprawling MCU, but Sam Raimi’s distinctive direction casts an entertaining spell. Read critic reviews
Iron Man 2 (2010)
72% – 6.5/10 (305 reviews)
It isn’t quite the breath of fresh air that Iron Man was, but this sequel comes close with solid performances and an action-packed plot. Read critic reviews
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
71% – 6.6/10 (339 reviews)
A well-chosen cast and sure-handed direction allow The Amazing Spider-Man to thrill, despite revisiting many of the same plot points from 2002’s Spider-Man. Read critic reviews
The Wolverine (2013)
71% – 6.3/10 (261 reviews)
Although its final act succumbs to the usual cartoonish antics, The Wolverine is one superhero movie that manages to stay true to the comics while keeping casual viewers entertained. Read critic reviews
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
67% – 6.2/10 (289 reviews)
It may not be the finest film to come from the Marvel Universe, but Thor: The Dark World still offers plenty of the humor and high-stakes action that fans have come to expect. Read critic reviews
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
67% – 6.2/10 (240 reviews)
The Incredible Hulk may not be quite the smashing success that fans of Marvel’s raging behemoth might hope for, but it offers more than enough big green action to make up for its occasionally puny narrative. Read critic reviews
Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (1998)
67% – 5/10 (3 reviews)
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019)
65% – 6.4/10 (40 reviews)
Fan-focused to a fault, Jay & Silent Bob Reboot tries to mock the same audience nostalgia it’s mining — and pulls it off often enough to satisfy the faithful. Read critic reviews
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
63% – 6.4/10 (447 reviews)
In some ways, Thor: Love and Thunder feels like Ragnarok redux — but overall, it offers enough fast-paced fun to make this a worthy addition to the MCU. Read critic reviews
The Hulk (2003)
63% – 6.3/10 (239 reviews)
While Ang Lee’s ambitious film earns marks for style and an attempt at dramatic depth, there’s ultimately too much talking and not enough smashing. Read critic reviews
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
63% – 6.2/10 (262 reviews)
Though there are more characters and plotlines, and the action sequences still dazzle, Spider-Man 3 nonetheless isn’t quite as refined as the first two. Read critic reviews
The Marvels (2023)
62% – 5.9/10 (359 reviews)
Funny, refreshingly brief, and elevated by the chemistry of its three leads, The Marvels is easy to enjoy in the moment despite its cluttered story and jumbled tonal shifts. Read critic reviews
Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2000)
60% – 5.9/10 (10 reviews)
Blade (1998)
59% – 6/10 (111 reviews)
Though some may find the plot a bit lacking, Blade‘s action is fierce, plentiful, and appropriately stylish for a comic book adaptation. Read critic reviews
Mallrats (1995)
58% – 5.6/10 (48 reviews)
Mallrats colorfully expands the View Askewniverse, even if its snootchie has lost a few of the bootchies boasted by its beloved predecessor. Read critic reviews
Blade II (2002)
57% – 6/10 (150 reviews)
Though Blade II offers more of what worked in the original, its plot and character development appear to have been left on the cutting room floor. Read critic reviews
X3: The Last Stand (2006)
57% – 5.9/10 (240 reviews)
X-Men: The Last Stand provides plenty of mutant action for fans of the franchise, even if it does so at the expense of its predecessors’ deeper character moments. Read critic reviews
Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 (2013)
57% – 5/10 (14 reviews)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
51% – 5.7/10 (315 reviews)
While the cast is outstanding and the special effects are top-notch, the latest installment of the Spidey saga suffers from an unfocused narrative and an overabundance of characters. Read critic reviews
The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988)
50% – 5/10 (6 reviews)
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
47% – 5.6/10 (348 reviews)
Overloaded action and a cliched villain take the focus away from otherwise strong performers and resonant themes, making X-Men: Apocalypse a middling chapter of the venerable superhero franchise. Read critic reviews
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
46% – 5.5/10 (409 reviews)
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania mostly lacks the spark of fun that elevated earlier adventures, but Jonathan Majors’ Kang is a thrilling villain poised to alter the course of the MCU. Read critic reviews
Daredevil (2003)
43% – 5.2/10 (228 reviews)
While Ben Affleck fits the role and the story is sporadically interesting, Daredevil is ultimately a dull, brooding origin story that fails to bring anything new to the genre. Read critic reviews
Comic Book: The Movie (2004)
40% – 5.8/10 (5 reviews)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
38% – 5.1/10 (260 reviews)
Though Hugh Jackman gives his all, he can’t help X-Men Origins: Wolverine overcome a cliche-ridden script and familiar narrative. Read critic reviews
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
38% – 4.8/10 (173 reviews)
While an improvement on its predecessor, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is nevertheless a juvenile, simplistic picture that has little benefit beyond its special effects. Read critic reviews
The New Mutants (2020)
36% – 4.8/10 (139 reviews)
Rendering a list of potentially explosive ingredients mostly inert, The New Mutants is a franchise spinoff that’s less than the sum of its super-powered parts. Read critic reviews
Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie! (2013)
33% – 4.2/10 (3 reviews)
Rush Week (1989)
33% – 4/10 (3 reviews)
Madness in the Method (2019)
30% – 4.8/10 (10 reviews)
Venom (2018)
30% – 4.5/10 (364 reviews)
Venom‘s first standalone movie turns out to be like the comics character in all the wrong ways – chaotic, noisy, and in desperate need of a stronger attachment to Spider-Man. Read critic reviews
The Punisher (2004)
29% – 4.6/10 (173 reviews)
A good cast fails to elevate this overly violent and by-the-numbers revenge flick. Read critic reviews
Punisher: War Zone (2008)
29% – 4.4/10 (113 reviews)
Punisher: War Zone recalls the excessively violent, dialogue-challenged actioners of the 1980s, and coincidentally feels two decades out of date. Read critic reviews
Fantastic 4 (2005)
28% – 4.6/10 (214 reviews)
Marred by goofy attempts at wit, subpar acting, and bland storytelling, Fantastic Four is a mediocre attempt to bring Marvel’s oldest hero team to the big screen. Read critic reviews
Ghost Rider (2007)
27% – 4.2/10 (140 reviews)
Ghost Rider is a sour mix of morose, glum histrionics amidst jokey puns and hammy dialogue. Read critic reviews
The Fantastic Four (1994)
27% – 4/10 (11 reviews)
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
26% – 4.6/10 (120 reviews)
Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews bring charm and elegance to the movie, but there’s not enough material for them to work with in this sequel. Read critic reviews
Yoga Hosers (2016)
26% – 3.7/10 (62 reviews)
Undisciplined, unfunny, and bereft of evident purpose, Yoga Hosers represents a particularly grating low point in Kevin Smith’s once-promising career. Read critic reviews
Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008)
25% – 5/10 (4 reviews)
The Punisher (1989)
25% – 3.5/10 (16 reviews)
Despite the seemingly indestructible Dolph Lundgren with a crossbow, The Punisher is a boring one-man battle with never-ending action scenes. Read critic reviews
Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013)
25% – 3/10 (4 reviews)
Blade: Trinity (2004)
24% – 4.4/10 (167 reviews)
Louder, campier, and more incoherent than its predecessors, Blade: Trinity seems content to emphasize style over substance and rehash familiar themes. Read critic reviews
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
22% – 4.6/10 (386 reviews)
Dark Phoenix ends an era of the X-Men franchise by taking a second stab at adapting a classic comics arc — with deeply disappointing results. Read critic reviews
The Death of the Incredible Hulk (1990)
20% – 3.7/10 (5 reviews)
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)
19% – 4/10 (120 reviews)
With a weak script, uneven CG work, and a Nic Cage performance so predictably loony it’s no longer amusing, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance aims to be trashy fun but ends up as plain trash. Read critic reviews
Morbius (2022)
15% – 3.8/10 (284 reviews)
Cursed with uninspired effects, rote performances, and a borderline nonsensical story, this dreary mess is a vein attempt to make Morbius happen. Read critic reviews
Man-Thing (2005)
14% – 3.7/10 (7 reviews)
Bloodmatch (1990)
12% – 3.7/10 (17 reviews)
Lacking a script, budget, direction, or star capable of doing justice to its source material, this Captain America should have been left under the ice. Read critic reviews
Madame Web (2024)
12% – 3.4/10 (239 reviews)
Madame Web‘s earnest approach to the title character’s origin story has a certain appeal, but its predictable plot and uneven execution make for a forgettable superhero adventure. Read critic reviews
Elektra (2005)
11% – 3.8/10 (165 reviews)
Jennifer Garner inhabits her role with earnest gusto, but Elektra‘s tone deaf script is too self-serious and bereft of intelligent dialogue to provide engaging thrills. Read critic reviews
Fantastic Four (2015)
9% – 3.6/10 (262 reviews)
Dull and downbeat, this Fantastic Four proves a woefully misguided attempt to translate a classic comic series without the humor, joy, or colorful thrills that made it great. Read critic reviews
Ultimate Avengers II (2006)
0% – 4/10 (3 reviews)
Stan Lee Presents: The Condor (2007)
0% – 4/10 (3 reviews)
Stan Lee’s Mutants, Monsters & Marvels (2002)
0% – 4/10 (1 review)
Parts of the Family (2003)
0% – 4/10 (1 review)
Iron Man and Captain America: Heroes United (2014)
0% – 4/10 (1 review)
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)
0% – 3/10 (1 review)
Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell (2016)
0% – 2/10 (1 review)
War of the Dead (2011)
0% (3 reviews)
Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Volume 2 (2017)
0% (2 reviews)
Captain America (1979)
0% (1 review)
The Freeway Maniac (1989)
0% (1 review)
Generation X (1996)
0% (1 review)
Stan Lee’s Lightspeed (2006)
0% (1 review)
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