Thunderbolts Review

When Marvel first announced Thunderbolts*, reactions ranged from curious to outright skeptical. Why focus on a band of morally questionable characters, many of whom have spent their screen time lurking in the shadows of bigger, flashier heroes? The answer, it turns out, is more compelling than expected. Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* is a bold, uneven, yet often engaging blend of espionage, trauma, and sardonic teamwork that takes Marvel’s cinematic universe into darker — though not necessarily deeper — territory.

Rogue Chemistry and Unlikely Dynamics

At its core, Thunderbolts* is a team-up film — but not the kind we’re used to. Instead of righteous champions, this lineup is stitched together with bruised egos, failed missions, and checkered pasts. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) leads the emotional anchor of the group, flanked by Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), US Agent (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra de Fontaine serves as the chessmaster pulling strings behind the scenes, and her manipulations are as much psychological as they are strategic.

The real strength of Thunderbolts* lies in how these characters collide rather than coalesce. There's no sudden bond or tearful embrace — it’s all mistrust, reluctant alliances, and biting sarcasm. Pugh once again proves she's one of the MCU’s most valuable assets, delivering layers of grief and biting humor in equal measure. Harbour’s Red Guardian provides much-needed levity, though sometimes at the expense of the film’s pacing.

A Grittier Tone, But Not Fully Grounded

Marvel has flirted with darker themes before, but Thunderbolts* tries to dive deeper — though it occasionally loses confidence in its own intentions. The narrative flirts with espionage-thriller territory, invoking The Winter Soldier in tone, but it doesn’t quite commit. The action is impactful and grounded in comparison to Marvel’s more cosmic fare, yet it still leans heavily on stylized fight choreography and slick gadgetry.

There’s also a notable attempt to explore the emotional toll of past missions, including moral compromise and manipulation. This isn't about saving the world — it's about redemption, coercion, and loyalty in the absence of idealism. But just when the film starts to dig into deeper emotional terrain, it often rushes forward, reluctant to sit in its discomfort. That’s a shame, because the film’s more introspective beats are some of its most effective.

Visuals with Purpose, Not Just Pop

Visually, Thunderbolts* is restrained compared to its shinier Marvel siblings. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw frames the film in colder, muted palettes — a choice that suits the morally gray characters. The set pieces are tighter, with less CGI excess and more close-quarters tension. The standout sequences aren’t sky battles but claustrophobic infiltration missions and intense standoffs.

That said, the film still has its share of visual spectacle. One set piece in a snowy prison complex is particularly memorable, combining slick choreography with actual narrative consequence. It’s one of the few action scenes that feels earned rather than obligatory.

Not Quite a Revolution, But a Step Forward

Thunderbolts* doesn’t rewrite the superhero rulebook, but it does try to annotate it with some nuance. It’s messier, more personal, and more unpredictable than the standard Marvel fare. Its imperfections — including occasional tonal whiplash and a lackluster third-act twist — are real, but they’re counterbalanced by a compelling cast and fresh energy.

For longtime fans of the MCU, it provides something different without entirely breaking form. For newcomers, especially those interested in more grounded superhero stories, it offers a more human-scaled entry point. It may not be a masterpiece, but it's far more than filler.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Florence Pugh continues to elevate every scene she’s in;

The team dynamic is chaotic, tense, and refreshingly unpolished;

Visually distinct from the usual Marvel color-soaked spectacle;

Offers moral complexity and emotional weight without overindulgence;

Smart use of humor to balance darker narrative tones.

Cons:

Third act lacks the punch and payoff of its promising setup;

Some characters get sidelined, especially Ghost and Taskmaster;

Pacing issues cause emotional beats to feel rushed;

Tonally inconsistent at times, jumping between pathos and punchlines;

Feels hesitant to fully commit to its darker ambitions.

How to watch Thunderbolts* (2025) online

Thunderbolts* is now available to watch online through several major streaming platforms. It is not free to stream at this time and requires a purchase, rental, or subscription, depending on the service you choose.

The film carries a PG-13 age rating, due to action violence, thematic elements, and some language.

On Netflix, Thunderbolts* is currently unavailable. However, it may appear in the future after its initial release window ends. Users cannot stream or download the movie on Netflix at this time.

Amazon Prime Video offers the film for rent or purchase, with both HD and 4K options available. Users can download it for offline viewing through the Prime Video app.

Apple TV includes Thunderbolts* as a premium title, available to rent or buy. High-quality streams are supported, and downloads are accessible on compatible devices.

Peacock does not currently host Thunderbolts*. If added, it would likely fall under the Premium tier, which supports downloads with the app.

Hulu does not include the movie in its current library. If it becomes available, it would likely require a Hulu + Live TV plan or add-on bundle.

YouTube (Movies) offers Thunderbolts* as a paid title for rent or purchase. Users can stream it online or download via the YouTube app if they’ve made the purchase.