Chris Pratt’s 2025 sci-fi movie, The Electric State, faced harsh criticism with a mere 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, casting a stark light on how remarkable his earlier work has been, particularly in Chris Pratt Guardians of the Galaxy. Known for starring in blockbuster franchises such as Jurassic World, the MCU, and animated features like Mario and Garfield, Pratt’s career is diverse, but the recent reception of The Electric State draws attention to the enduring popularity and acclaim of his 2014 hit.
From political thrillers to family-friendly animations, Pratt has taken on a wide range of roles, yet none compares in critical success to his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s beloved space adventure. The striking difference between these films, especially in terms of reviews and audience reception, underscores the lasting impact of Guardians of the Galaxy.
How The Electric State’s Ambition Fell Short Despite Star Power and Budget
The Electric State came into the spotlight as a potential critical and commercial powerhouse. With a substantial $320 million budget and the Russo brothers—celebrated for their work in the MCU—at the helm, the film also featured a notable cast including Chris Pratt, Milly Bobby Brown, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Cox. The sci-fi setting promised a visually stunning and engaging story.
Despite these factors, the film failed to impress critics and audiences alike; its Rotten Tomatoes critic score remains at a disappointing 14%, while the audience rating is somewhat better at 68%, though still divided. These numbers reveal a significant disconnect between the film’s potential and its actual impact.
In comparison, Guardians of the Galaxy, released in 2014, holds an outstanding 92% on both critic and audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Remarkably, it achieved this success on nearly half the budget of The Electric State, with approximately $170 million invested. This contrast in financial investment versus reception sharpens the spotlight on just how beloved the earlier film remains.
Why Guardians of the Galaxy Resonated Much More with Audiences and Critics
The challenging themes in The Electric State may have contributed to its divided reception. Rooted in a source material that critiques consumerism and technological dependence, the film’s tone was less in line with typical blockbuster expectations, alienating some viewers and critics who sought a more traditional sci-fi adventure.
Conversely, Guardians of the Galaxy connected deeply with audiences through its emotional storytelling. The film’s opening, which depicts young Peter Quill’s tragic loss of his mother and his subsequent abduction by the Ravagers, sets an empathetic foundation that carries throughout the story. This emotional core, paired with a strong ensemble cast of alien characters who display very human motives and emotions, gives the film heart and accessibility despite its sci-fi trappings.
The focus on the team’s bond and individual struggles offers viewers a relatable anchor, allowing them to invest in the characters long after the credits roll. Meanwhile, The Electric State, despite its high ambitions and star-studded cast, may also have suffered from heightened expectations as one of Netflix’s most expensive productions, making its shortcomings feel more pronounced.
Guardians of the Galaxy’s Enduring Success and Its Place Among Top Superhero Films
Guardians of the Galaxy not only outshines The Electric State in the sci-fi genre but also holds its own amongst superhero films, where reception can often be unpredictable. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s audience rating surpasses that of Avengers: Endgame, while the critic score exceeds Avengers: Infinity War and nears the acclaim secured by The Dark Knight, widely considered one of the finest superhero movies ever made.
This impressive reception reflects the film’s successful blend of humor, heart, and action, as well as its ability to appeal to both devoted comic book fans and general moviegoers. It is this balance that helped justify expanding Guardians of the Galaxy into a trilogy, as fans eagerly embraced the characters and their journey across three films.
With James Gunn now serving as co-CEO of DC Studios, the future of the Guardians franchise—and Chris Pratt’s role within it—remains uncertain. Regardless of what lies ahead for Pratt or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the original Guardians of the Galaxy stands as a lasting achievement in his career and in superhero cinema as a whole, gaining appreciation with time.
