Stan Lee (2023): Cast & Ratings
Stan Lee is a 2023 biographical documentary directed by David Gelb, starring Stan Lee. It runs 1 hour 26 minutes. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 58 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 26m (86 min)
- Director
- David Gelb
- Genres
- Biography , Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Disney+
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Stan Lee About?
The premise of Stan Lee without spoilers.
This documentary offers a revealing look at the life and career of Stan Lee, the iconic figure behind Marvel Comics. Through personal anecdotes and rare archival footage, Lee reflects on his extraordinary journey, from his early years to becoming a pop culture legend. He discusses his pivotal role in co-creating unforgettable characters that have entertained and inspired generations, and examines the lasting impact of his work on the world.
Stan Lee Themes & Keywords
· 9 tags- marvel
- marvel comics
- comic book
- legend
- life
- career
- reference to stan lee
- birthday
- entertainment documentary
Stan Lee Cast
Stan Lee stars in Stan Lee. Directed by David Gelb.
-
Director David Gelb
-
Stan Lee as themselves
Stan Lee Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Stan Lee 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 58 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (58).
Stan Lee Echo Score Breakdown
The documentary offers a visually appealing tribute to Stan Lee that succeeds in celebrating his cultural impact, yet its narrative depth is uneven. Critics commend the striking art direction, polished animation, and heartfelt moments, while noting a lack of critical exploration and reliance on idolization. Audience reactions echo this split, with fans appreciating the nostalgic footage and soundtrack, but many pointing out the superficial treatment of controversies. Consequently, the film serves as an enjoyable homage for admirers but falls short of a comprehensive biography.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of art and craft, the film is praised for its vivid visual style and meticulous assembly. Critics highlight the "astonishing art" and "gorgeous tribute" created through glossy animation and well‑curated archival footage. Viewers also note the effective use of puppets and a resonant soundtrack that enhance the documentary's aesthetic. Despite a few remarks about limited technical ambition, the overall production quality is regarded as strong and engaging.
- Character & Emotion 60
When evaluating character and emotion, responses are mixed. The documentary captures Lee's charismatic presence, delivering moments that feel inspiring and heart‑warming. However, reviewers criticize the shallow exploration of his personal complexities and the omission of controversial aspects, resulting in a near‑hagiographic tone. While some viewers find the emotional resonance sufficient for fans, the lack of depth and nuance reduces the overall character impact.
- Story & Flow 58
The story and flow present a concise overview rather than an exhaustive biography. Critics acknowledge the film's ability to engage through nostalgic anecdotes, yet they also point out its limited narrative depth and occasional disappointment in pacing. Audience comments similarly describe the documentary as a pleasant but surface‑level glimpse, offering enjoyment without comprehensive insight. This balance of accessibility and incompleteness yields a modest story rating.
- Sensory Experience 78
Sensory experience receives strong commendation across reviews. The documentary’s soundtrack, sound design, and visual cohesion are repeatedly described as vibrant and immersive. Praise centers on the effective integration of animation, puppetry, and high‑quality archival visuals that complement the narrative. Although a few critics note a lack of technical innovation, the overall sensory package is considered polished and supportive of the film’s celebratory tone.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Rewatch factor is viewed positively by fans who find the documentary enjoyable and uplifting, often recommending it to Marvel enthusiasts. The nostalgic elements and smooth pacing make it a comfortable repeat viewing for those interested in Lee’s legacy. Nonetheless, the limited analytical depth and perceived one‑sidedness may reduce its appeal for viewers seeking a deeper dive, tempering the overall rewatch potential to a solid but not exceptional level.
-
IMDb 6.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 80% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 83%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 58 Metascore
User score 5.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 72% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.4 /5
9154 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.5 /5
See on Movie Insider
Stan Lee Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 teasers.
- Teaser Announcement
- Teaser Now Streaming
Stan Lee Also Known As
8 alternative titles, including “Stan Lee, an Original documentary” and “스탠 리”.
- Also known as
-
- Stan Lee, an Original documentary
- 스탠 리
- 斯坦·李
- スタン・リー
- סטן לי
- 永遠懷念 史丹李
- Стен Лі
- Стэн Ли
Seen Stan Lee?
Movies Like Stan Lee
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, Bruce Lee: The Legend Lives On and The Life of Bruce Lee.
-
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way 1988 -
Bruce Lee: The Legend Lives On 1999 -
The Life of Bruce Lee 1994 -
Stans 2025 -
Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked 2003 -
How Bruce Lee Changed the World 2009 -
Fantastic Four: The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine 2007 -
Marvel’s Behind the Mask 2021 -
Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures 2001 -
STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces 2024 -
The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee 2024 -
The Masters of Comic Book Art 1987
Stan Lee FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Stan Lee, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Stan Lee?
Stan Lee runs 1 hour 26 minutes (86 minutes).
When was Stan Lee released?
Stan Lee was released on June 16, 2023.
Who directed Stan Lee?
Stan Lee was directed by David Gelb.
More films by David Gelb Who is in the cast of Stan Lee?
Stan Lee stars Stan Lee.
How is Stan Lee rated?
Stan Lee has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.
Does Stan Lee have a post-credit scene?
No. Stan Lee has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
