10 Most Disappointing Comic Book Movies Of All-Time

6. Iron Man 2 (2010)

Even Tony Stark himself, Robert Downey Jr., has admitted to being underwhelmed by the likes of Iron Man 2 - a movie which should - and could - have been one of Marvel's best films ever, given its increased budget (thanks to the success of the first Iron Man flick), the presence of both Sam Rockwell and Mickey Rourke as villains, and the fact that the writers could have literally taken the story anywhere. Unfortunately, the studio forgot to ensure that Iron Man 2 worked as a standalone film before utilising it as a tool for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Oops. Which is another way of saying: Iron Man 2 feels like it exists as a means of advertising the MCU, and not as a genuine motion picture experience that can stand up on its own two feet. So whereas there are a few stellar action sequences and good performances all round (Rockwell especially), the plot can barely be called as such; the movie flicks from scene to scene at random, failing to develop a cohesive narrative. Iron Man 2 isn't "about" anything; there's no focus. Characters come and go without reason. It's fun in places, but mostly? It's boring.