Marvel Studios slowed down its often fast-paced output in 2024, producing fewer movies. According to reports, Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized this strategic change, which aimed to decrease the studio's overall output while refocusing on crafting gripping stories.
The entertainment business was further disrupted by the SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023, which resulted in production delays and rearranged release schedules, adding to the difficulties.
Marvel fans had a lot to rejoice over as a number of daring and exciting movies debuted in theaters in spite of these obstacles.
The 2024 slate had some big names, but it was smaller. While Deadpool & Wolverine brought two beloved characters together for a crazy adventure, movies like Madame Web explored uncharted territory in the Marvel realm.
The year concluded with the gripping Venom: The Last Dance and the eerily captivating Kraven the Hunter, which laid the groundwork for 2025.
Here is a look at every Marvel movie released in 2024.
Deadpool & Wolverine and other Marvel movies released in 2024
1) Madame Web
Madame Web explores the beginnings of one of Marvel's most fascinating characters, offering a novel viewpoint in the superhero genre. Dakota Johnson plays Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who develops clairvoyant skills, in the S.J. Clarkson-directed movie.
While attempting to save three young ladies (played by Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O'Connor) from a dangerous threat, Cassandra discovers shocking facts about her past using her newly discovered ability to see and change the future.
The movie has an interesting plot and is set in the Sony Spider-Man Universe, or SSU. When this movie first came out, it received mixed reviews upon its release.
The plot was deemed excessively complex by some, while others commended its ambitious storytelling and exceptional performances. Webb, however, has established a position for herself in the constantly growing Spider-Man Universe by captivating viewers with her distinct interpretation of a lesser-known Marvel character.
Release date: February 14, 2024
Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video
2) Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool & Wolverine marked Ryan Reynolds' highly anticipated return as the wise-cracking anti-hero Deadpool, with Hugh Jackman reprising his iconic role as Wolverine. Directed by Shawn Levy, this film seamlessly blends Deadpool's irreverent humor with Logan's raw grit, making it a standout addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The story follows Deadpool as he confronts the Time Variance Authority (TVA), which intends to destroy his universe following Wolverine's death. To avoid disaster, Deadpool kidnaps a Wolverine from another timeline, resulting in an action-packed and chaotic multiverse adventure.
The movie received accolades for its exciting action sequences, humorous R-rated content, and nostalgic cameos by Fox's Marvel heroes. With almost $1.3 billion in global revenue, the movie became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever.
Release date: July 26, 2024
Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video
3) Venom: The Last Dance
The last installment in Sony's Venom trilogy is titled Venom: The Last Dance, starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock and as the symbiote Venom, directed by Kelly Marcel.
The narrative tracks Eddie and Venom as they are pursued by both of their worlds and are forced to make a decision that will decide their fates. With its darker tone and emotional depth, the movie aims to give one of Marvel's most nuanced anti-heroes a fitting send-off as the trilogy comes to a close.
While the movie received mixed reviews, Hardy's performance and the thrilling action sequences were widely praised. The film has grossed $475.5 million worldwide and remains a must-watch for fans invested in Eddie and Venom’s tumultuous journey.
Release date: October 25, 2024
Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV+
4) Kraven the Hunter
Next comes the sixth entry into Sony's Spider-Man Universe with Kraven the Hunter. Directed by J.C. Chandor, the movie stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff, a man consumed by his relationship with his father, Nikolai, played by Russell Crowe.
As emotional conflict escalates, Sergei embarks on a path of revenge, ultimately becoming the most feared hunter in the world. The film follows Kraven's transformation from a man seeking his father's approval to a fearsome predator known for his brutal methods.
Set against stunning backdrops from London, Iceland, and Glasgow, the movie blends raw action with a dark character study.
Despite its ambitious storytelling and Taylor-Johnson's performance, Kraven the Hunter struggled at the box office, opening at $11 million and grossing only $26 million worldwide.
Release date: December 13, 2024
Where to watch: In theaters now and streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+
Marvel’s 2024 slate sparked varied reactions, with some films breaking box office records and others receiving mixed reviews. Despite challenges such as production delays and fewer releases, the year demonstrated Marvel's evolving storytelling, leaving fans intrigued and eager for what's next.
If the MCU entry of Harrison Ford and Captain America by Sam Wilson in Captain America: Brave New World is any indication, then 2025 is going to be a great year in movies.
While The Fantastic Four finally brings Marvel's First Family into the MCU, Thunderbolts is all about assembling a team of antiheroes for an adventure. With Mahershala Ali in the lead, fans can also expect vampire hunters to return in Blade.
Marvel seems to be looking toward new directions in its universe.