Why is "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" not in the 2025 top ten box office?

It was pushed out by the strong performance of animated films and other major franchises like "Zootopia 2."

What films are currently leading the 2025 worldwide box office?

The 2025 box office is led by animation and franchises, including "Ne Zha 2," "Lilo & Stitch" remake, "A Minecraft Movie," and "Zootopia 2."

Will the upcoming "Avatar: Fire and Ash" affect Marvel's box office?

Yes, the release of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" is expected to shift box office rankings, potentially impacting films like "Fantastic Four."

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Marvel's Box Office Grip Loosens in 2025

Marvel's Box Office Grip Loosens in 2025

10 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Fantastic Four: First Steps ranks eleventh globally in 2025.
Animation and franchises dominate the top ten box office.
Upcoming Avatar film threatens further shifts in rankings.

Marvel's Box Office Grip Loosens in 2025

Marvel's once-unshakeable hold on the box office has significantly weakened in 2025. This year, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" has slipped to the eleventh spot globally, edged out by animated features and major franchises. The film's respectable $521.8 million gross is no longer enough to secure a top-ten position, a stark contrast to previous years.

The 2025 global box office leaderboard is largely dominated by animation and established brands, with China's "Ne Zha 2" leading the pack. "Zootopia 2" has become the fourth highest-grossing film, pushing "Fantastic Four" out of the top ten. Other Marvel releases like "Captain America: Brave New World" and "Thunderbolts" are also performing below historical benchmarks.

Looking ahead, the highly anticipated "Avatar: Fire and Ash" is poised to make a significant impact on box office rankings. Given the franchise's history, its release is expected to displace several films from the current top ten. This trend suggests a potential shift in audience demand, prioritizing spectacle and diverse genres over automatic blockbuster appeal from superhero franchises.