Venom has become one of the most recognizable characters in the Marvel universe, thanks to his unique anti-hero persona and his darker, more monstrous image compared to traditional superheroes. Since his cinematic debut, fans have been curious about how many Venom movies there are and what role they play within the wider Marvel-related films. The franchise has developed a strong following, blending action, horror, and humor in a way that makes it stand out. Exploring the number of Venom films, their storylines, and their place in comic book adaptations gives us a clearer picture of how this symbiote has grown into a major cinematic presence.
How Many Venom Movies Exist?
As of now, there are two main Venom movies that have been officially released in theaters, both starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, the journalist who becomes the host for the alien symbiote. These films were produced by Sony Pictures as part of their own universe of Marvel characters, separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), though there have been small crossovers and teases linking Venom to Spider-Man. Additionally, a third installment has been confirmed, expanding the franchise further and keeping fans eager for more adventures of the symbiote anti-hero.
The First Venom Movie (2018)
The first standalone Venom movie was released in 2018. This film served as an origin story for Eddie Brock and his encounter with the alien symbiote. Unlike the comics, the film does not feature Spider-Man as part of Venom’s backstory. Instead, it introduces the Life Foundation, a corporate entity experimenting with symbiotes. Through a series of chaotic events, Eddie becomes bonded with Venom, creating one of the most unusual hero-villain dynamics in modern cinema.
Plot Highlights
- Eddie Brock investigates the Life Foundation for unethical experiments.
- He accidentally bonds with the symbiote, gaining superhuman powers.
- The symbiote’s violent tendencies clash with Eddie’s morality, leading to both conflict and cooperation.
- The movie ends with Venom and Eddie forming a strange partnership, setting the stage for future stories.
Reception of the First Film
Although critics were divided, with some pointing to its uneven tone, audiences embraced the film’s mix of action and humor. Tom Hardy’s performance, especially his interactions with the symbiote voice inside his head, became one of the most talked-about aspects. The box office results were strong, proving that Venom could succeed without Spider-Man directly involved in the storyline.
Venom Let There Be Carnage (2021)
The sequel, titled Venom Let There Be Carnage, was released in 2021. Directed by Andy Serkis, this installment expanded the franchise by introducing one of the most dangerous villains from the comics Carnage. Played by Woody Harrelson, Carnage is the result of serial killer Cletus Kasady bonding with a symbiote spawn. The film dives deeper into the relationship between Eddie and Venom while raising the stakes with a terrifying adversary.
Plot Highlights
- Cletus Kasady, a convicted killer, bonds with the Carnage symbiote, creating a villain more chaotic than Venom himself.
- The movie explores Eddie’s struggle to live a normal life while coexisting with Venom’s violent tendencies.
- The battle between Venom and Carnage brings intense action and darker themes compared to the first film.
- The post-credits scene hints at Venom’s connection to the wider Spider-Man universe, exciting fans for future crossovers.
Audience and Critical Response
Let There Be Carnage received mixed reviews as well, but audiences appreciated the fast-paced storytelling and the introduction of Carnage. The dynamic between Eddie and Venom remained a central focus, offering both comedic banter and emotional tension. The film’s strong box office performance cemented Venom as a valuable franchise for Sony.
The Upcoming Venom 3
After the success of the first two movies, Sony officially confirmed Venom 3. While details about the plot remain limited, fans are eagerly speculating on which direction the story will take. There are rumors that the film could involve more direct ties to Spider-Man, especially considering the multiverse elements introduced in other Marvel films. What is certain is that Tom Hardy will return as Eddie Brock, ensuring continuity in the character’s journey.
What Fans Can Expect
- Potential crossover moments with Spider-Man or other Marvel characters.
- Exploration of new villains, possibly introducing other symbiotes or powerful enemies.
- Further development of Eddie and Venom’s complicated but entertaining partnership.
- A darker storyline that pushes the franchise into new territory while retaining humor and action.
Venom in Other Films and Universes
Aside from the main Venom movies, the character has appeared in other Marvel-related films. Most notably, Venom briefly appeared in the post-credits scene of Spider-Man No Way Home (2021), teasing a possible crossover between the Sony and Marvel universes. Although the scene was short, it created a lot of buzz among fans, as many hope to see Venom face Spider-Man on the big screen in the future.
Why Venom Movies Are Popular
The success of the Venom movies can be attributed to several factors that resonate with audiences worldwide. Unlike traditional superheroes, Venom embodies a chaotic mix of good and evil, making him more relatable and intriguing.
Key Reasons for Popularity
- Unique Anti-Hero– Venom is not a clean-cut hero but rather a flawed character struggling with morality.
- Tom Hardy’s Performance– Hardy’s portrayal brings humor, emotion, and intensity to Eddie Brock.
- Blend of Genres– The movies combine horror, action, comedy, and science fiction elements.
- Franchise Expansion– With more films confirmed, fans are invested in the long-term development of Venom’s story.
Comparison to Other Marvel Characters
Venom’s films stand out because they offer something different from the polished world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While MCU heroes often represent ideals of justice and responsibility, Venom is more about survival, inner conflict, and embracing chaos. This contrast has made the franchise appealing to fans who enjoy darker storytelling alongside humor.
So, how many Venom movies are there? At present, two films have been released Venom (2018) and Venom Let There Be Carnage (2021). A third film is confirmed, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. Together, these movies form the backbone of Venom’s cinematic journey, giving audiences a thrilling look at one of Marvel’s most complex and entertaining characters. With more stories on the horizon, the Venom franchise continues to grow, keeping fans excited for what comes next.