‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ Achieves Rotten Tomatoes’ Verified Hot Badge as Fans Support Re-Release
Re-releases often evoke nostalgia rather than excitement, as fans typically know the story, own the film, and seldom expect anything new. However, the response to ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ has been remarkable, with both audience reactions and box office figures surprising industry insiders.
The 2019 blockbuster made its return to theaters last weekend, featuring new footage designed to generate buzz for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. It debuted at No. 1, raking in $86 million globally, including $26 million from the domestic market. The pressing question now is how viewers truly felt about this extended version.
The answer came on Tuesday when Rotten Tomatoes announced that audiences rated ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ as Verified Hot, achieving an impressive 96% on the Popcornmeter. The audience description labeled it as arguably the most thrilling ‘Avengers’ installment yet, commending its epic excitement and emotional twists.
This score is particularly significant due to its calculation method. The Verified Audience Score is a new metric, reflecting feedback exclusively from viewers who attended ‘Endgame Encore’, rather than those from the original theatrical release. Essentially, these ratings come from individuals who paid to see the re-release.
Disney reported that the film boasts a Verified Moviegoer rating of 96% based on over 2,500 ratings. Additionally, PostTrak polling awarded it five out of five stars from general audiences and families. These figures complement a strong opening weekend.
For comparison, the original film holds a 94% Tomatometer rating from 552 reviews and a 90% Popcornmeter score from more than 50,000 ratings. While the Encore’s audience number is higher, it is based on a smaller, self-selecting group of viewers who tend to enjoy the film.
Critics have also responded positively. One review highlighted how the Encore provides a solid foundation for ‘Doomsday’, linking the upcoming conflict to characters and decisions that resonate with viewers. Audience feedback emphasized the joy of experiencing the film again on the big screen, along with the added footage.
The additional material plays a crucial role in the narrative. The IMAX and Infinity Vision version includes approximately 6 minutes and 17 seconds of new footage, compared to around 2 minutes and 6 seconds in standard screenings. Several scenes directly tease ‘Doomsday’.
In one scene, Bruce Banner is seen in an underground facility, where Doctor Doom appears to claim him. Another scene features Loki visiting Peggy Carter while Steve Rogers hides, a moment described by Anthony Russo as the birth of ‘Doomsday’. A third scene takes viewers to the TVA, where Mobius, O.B., and Casey observe two Earths on the brink of collision.
Reassemble the team & relive the experience as Avengers Endgame: Encore returns to theaters September 25.
Tickets now available for IMAX and Infinity Vision screens: https://t.co/pZZ4PiOyQb pic.twitter.com/2wKSVG4FLz
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 25, 2026
However, the reaction has not been universally positive. ComicBook.com reported that some fans have had lukewarm responses to the new scenes, particularly regarding perceived changes to the emotional impact of Steve Rogers’ conclusion. Nonetheless, this mixed feedback has not deterred audiences from purchasing tickets.
Anthony Russo mentioned that the directors aimed to preserve the essence of the original film. The additions were intended to connect to the next installment rather than alter the original narrative, a strategy that seems to have resonated with most viewers.
The score also serves as a valuable indicator for Marvel. The studio is gearing up for December 18, when ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ will see the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, and it is crucial for fans to feel excitement rather than fatigue. A Verified Hot badge and five-star exit polling indicate that enthusiasm remains strong.
The re-release has also contributed to Marvel Studios surpassing $35 billion at the global box office, as reported by Disney. The film’s lifetime worldwide total is now approaching ‘Avatar’. In an age of franchise fatigue, maintaining such momentum is essential.
While there is no set end date for the Encore’s fall run, audience scores may fluctuate as more viewers weigh in. Nevertheless, a 96% opening is a strong indicator of interest. For a film that debuted seven years ago, such a response is quite rare.
The next challenge will be whether this goodwill translates to ‘Doomsday’. Marvel has certainly given fans plenty to discuss in the meantime. For now, the Popcornmeter suggests that the Avengers still know how to draw an audience.
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