What are Fantastic Four movies in order? The Fantastic Four series have had a bumpy ride on big screen. Still, there’s something magnetic about this family of heroes, and each film brings its own charm. Here’s a laid-back guide to watching them in order they hit theaters:
Fantastic Four (2005)
This is where it all started. The story followed four astronauts who gained powers after being blasted by cosmic radiation, Mr. Fantastic’s stretchy limbs, Invisible Woman’s force fields, Human Torch’s flames, and The Thing’s rocky strength. Even if the movie didn’t always dig deep into their characters. Critics were mixed, but fans who grew up with it often look back on it with certain fondness.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
This sequel amplifies the spectacle. The Fantastic Four face off against Silver Surfer and Galactus, and it’s visually a step up. Still, critics noted that while effects impressed, the story didn’t dig much deeper. It was still a fair watch if you’re into cosmic battles and early MCU charm.
Fantastic Four (2015 reboot)
This version takes a drastic turn, dark, gritty, and grounded in a sci-fi origin. It introduces fresh faces like Michael B. Jordan and Ezra Miller behind the powers. Unfortunately, it never quite clicked with fans or critics, and its reputation remains solidly mixed. A brave attempt, but ultimately a misfire in franchise.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025, MCU)
At long last, the Fantastic Four officially join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Pedro Pascal plays Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby is Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn brings Johnny Storm to life, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Ben Grimm. The movie skips the classic origin and dives right into the team’s dynamic. Set in a stylish, retro-futuristic 1960s alternate Earth, the Four must step up when Galactus arrives, along with Silver Surfer as his imposing herald. It’s visually stunning, emotionally grounded, and lands near the top of the pack for many fans. Plus, with undercurrents about parenthood and love, it’s emotionally richer than past versions.
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Why Watch in This Order?
Starting from 2005, you see how studio tastes and visual effects evolved. Watching the 2015 reboot after the earlier movies shows what audiences were ready for, but also where expectations fell short. Then arriving at First Steps gives you the taste of what the MCU can do when it embraces the heart of the story, setting a hopeful tone for what’s next.
None of these films are perfect, but the newer MCU reboot feels like a meaningful evolution. It understands how to balance spectacle with character, without dragging out an origin that we’ve seen enough of already.
If you’re just looking to jump in without the stops and starts, go straight to First Steps. But if you care about the journey, watching every version in order shows how differently creators have interpreted this iconic team over time.