Marvel movies have had their fair share of hits and misses when it comes to costume designs.
While some suits have become iconic, others have left fans scratching their heads.
So, in this list, we explore the top 22 worst Marvel costumes – as voted on by fans in a recent viral poll.
These costumes feature some puzzling designs, bizarre material choices, and heroes who perhaps should have consulted a fashion consultant before saving the day.
Starting with…
#22/22 Johnny Blaze (Ghost Rider, 2007)
Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider left fans with mixed feelings, not least due to the costume design.
The leather jacket and pants combo, while true to the comic, looked more like a generic biker outfit than the supernatural anti-hero fans had hoped for.
The flaming skull effect was a saving grace, but the overall look lacked the intensity and fearsome aura expected of Ghost Rider.
#21/22 Green Goblin (Spider-Man, 2002)
Willem Dafoe’s performance as Green Goblin in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man was memorable, but his costume was less so.
The green armour looked bulky and more like a Power Rangers villain than a menacing Marvel nemesis.
The helmet, while offering protection, lacked the emotive expressions that could have added more depth to the character’s sinister personality.
#20/22 Captain America (Captain America,1990)
The 1990 Captain America film is often remembered for its low-budget aesthetic, and the costume is no exception.
The rubber suit looked cheap and uncomfortable, with fake ears glued onto the headpiece.
This version of Captain America looked more like a costume store rejects than the iconic hero known for his valour and strength.
#19/22 Doctor Doom (Fantastic Four, 2005)
Julian McMahon’s Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four was a major letdown for fans. The metallic mask and armour were a far cry from the intimidating presence seen in the comics.
The costume lacked the regal and fearsome quality that makes Doctor Doom one of Marvel’s most formidable villains, instead appearing as a second-rate sci-fi antagonist.
#18/22 Elektra (Elektra, 2005)
Jennifer Garner‘s Elektra in Elektra — and in Daredevil — suffered from a costume that seemed more about style than practicality.
The red outfit, while iconic in colour, looked impractical for combat and lacked the sleek, ninja-like appearance that defines Elektra in the comics.
It was more fashion statement than fearsome assassin gear.
#17/22 Sabretooth (X-Men, 2000)
Tyler Mane’s Sabretooth in the first “X-Men” film was a disappointment in the costume department.
The character’s animalistic nature was undermined by a costume that looked like a mishmash of furs and leather.
The result was a less fearsome mutant and more like a rejected extra from a fantasy film.
#16/22 Howard the Duck (Howard the Duck, 1986)
The 1986 Howard The Duck film has gone down in history for many reasons, not least the bizarre costume.
The animatronic duck suit was more comical than convincing, failing to capture the sarcastic, streetwise character from the comics.
Howard looked more like a theme park mascot than a Marvel hero.
#15/22 Venom (Spider-Man 3, 2007)
Topher Grace‘s Venom in Spider-Man 3 is often cited as one of the most disappointing adaptations.
The costume, while somewhat true to the comic, looked more like a blackened version of Spider-Man’s suit rather than the menacing, hulking presence fans expected.
The CGI enhancements did little to improve the underwhelming design.
#14/22 Rogue (X-Men Movies)
Anna Paquin’s Rogue in the X-Men series was a far cry from the vibrant, green-and-yellow-clad hero of the comics.
Her costume was dark and subdued, missing the iconic elements that make Rogue stand out.
This interpretation lacked the boldness and individuality of the comic book Rogue, making her look more like a generic mutant student than a key X-Men member.
#13/22 Callisto (X-Men: The Last Stand, 2006)
In X-Men: The Last Stand, Callisto’s costume did not resonate with fans.
The punk-inspired look, while attempting to modernize the character, fell flat.
It lacked the rugged, leader-of-the-Morlocks vibe and instead looked like an afterthought, failing to capture the essence of Callisto’s rebellious and rough persona.
#12/22 The Punisher (The Punisher, 1989)
Dolph Lundgren‘s Punisher in the 1989 film missed the mark with fans largely due to the costume.
The absence of the iconic skull logo on the chest was a glaring omission.
Instead, we got a generic leather-clad vigilante, stripping away the visual identity that makes The Punisher such a recognizable character.
#11/22 Angel (X-Men: Apocalypse, 2016)
Ben Hardy’s Angel had a costume that did little justice to the character.
The black leather suit and mechanical wings lacked the grace and heroic feel associated with Angel.
Instead of a majestic figure, we got a costume that seemed more suited for a low-budget sci-fi show than a major superhero film.
#10/22 Electro (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, 2014)
Jamie Foxx’s Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was a radical departure from the comic book look.
The blue, glowing skin and sleek suit felt more like a rejected design from a Tron film.
Fans missed the green and yellow costume that, while campy, had a certain charm and was more visually striking.
#9/22 Captain America (Captain America, 1944)
The 1944 serial version of Captain America is a testament to early superhero adaptations, and the costume reflects the limitations of the era.
The suit, made from fabric, looked more like a homemade Halloween costume than a patriotic symbol of justice.
The mask was particularly egregious, often appearing ill-fitting and awkward.
#8/22 Juggernaut (X-Men: The Last Stand, 2006)
Vinnie Jones’ Juggernaut in X-Men: The Last Stand is often criticized for his costume.
The outfit looked bulky and lacked the intimidating presence of the comic book character.
The helmet, a defining feature, looked oversized and clunky, failing to capture the unstoppable force that Juggernaut is supposed to represent.
#7/22 Green Goblin (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, 2014)
Dane DeHaan’s Green Goblin in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 featured a costume that was widely panned.
The tech-inspired suit and mutated facial features were a far cry from the iconic, creepy design of the comics.
This version looked more grotesque and less menacing, failing to leave a lasting impression.
#6/22 Bullseye (Daredevil, 2003)
Colin Farrell‘s Bullseye in Daredevil had a costume that fans found laughable.
The character’s traditional look was abandoned in favour of a leather trench coat and a shaved head with a bullseye scar.
This design choice stripped away the essence of Bullseye’s menacing persona and replaced it with an over-the-top, edgy look.
#5/22 Rhino (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, 2014)
Paul Giamatti’s Rhino in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 suffered from a costume that was essentially a giant mechanical suit.
While attempting to modernize the character, the end result looked more like a cumbersome piece of machinery than a powerful villain.
The design was bulky and impractical, missing the mark entirely.
#4/22 Captain America (Captain America, 1979)
The 1979 TV movie adaptation of Captain America featured a costume that is often mocked by fans.
The suit, made from spandex, looked more like a cycling outfit with its oversized helmet and clear plastic shield.
This version lacked the gravitas and heroic presence expected of Captain America, instead appearing almost comical.
#3/22 Red Skull (Captain America, 1990)
Scott Paulin’s Red Skull in the 1990 Captain America film was a major disappointment.
The character’s iconic red visage was replaced with a more human appearance, losing the menacing and unique look of the comic book villain.
The costume felt cheap and uninspired, failing to do justice to one of Marvel’s greatest antagonists.
#2/22 Doctor Strange (Dr. Strange, 1978)
The 1978 TV movie Dr. Strange featured a costume that has not aged well.
The psychedelic robes and medallion looked more like a costume for a magician at a children’s party than the Sorcerer Supreme.
The outfit lacked the mystic and regal qualities that define Doctor Strange, making him look less like a master of the mystic arts and more like a kitschy performer.
#1/22 Deadpool (X-Men Origins: Wolverine)
Ryan Reynolds‘ first outing as Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine is infamous for many reasons, one reason being outweighed by the rest, his end-of-movie “Deadpool” reveal.The character, known for his wisecracks and distinctive red and black outfit, was transformed into a mute, shirtless mutant with inexplicable tattoos and blades coming out of his arms.
This interpretation was a far cry from the beloved Merc with a Mouth, earning its place as the worst Marvel costume according to fans.
