Preston Smith
Marvel’s cinematic universe (MCU) is massive and ever-growing, with multiple blockbuster films being released each year and television shows constantly appearing on our screens. However, with twenty films currently out, some are bound to be better than others. The following list is my ranking of the films:
20. The Incredible Hulk
Does this being last even need an explanation? This would have been better if it had more lasting effects on the MCU and if Mark Ruffalo was playing Hulk in this film.
19. Thor: The Dark World
It’s no secret that the first couple Thor movies kind of missed their mark, especially when compared to Ragnarok. Because of this, it’s at the bottom of the list.
18. Thor
Like The Dark World, the first Thor film didn’t quite impress as much as I wanted it to. However, it is better than its sequel.
17. Iron Man 3
By the third film in this franchise, I was kind of worried where his narrative was going. It started to feel a little sporadic for me. However, it’s still a decent film, just not better than the others.
16. Iron Man
The movie that started it all. It’s not a bad film by any means. I enjoyed watching it, but its successors just work better, which isn’t its fault considering it’s the first of 20 films.
15. Doctor Strange
This movie is really good, but it suffers from the other movies just being better. None of the movies on this list are particularly bad, so it just falls victim to its brethren.
14. Iron Man 2
The best of the Iron Man trilogy, this film highlights everything that makes Iron Man as a character great.
13. Guardians of the Galaxy
A good introductory movie, but like Doctor Strange, it simply falls victim to other films being better (plus, Vol. 2 expands on it so much, making it arguably better as well).
12. Ant-Man
I always felt this film was underrated. Paul Rudd was the perfect choice to play Ant-Man, and him trying to break into the Avengers’ base is kind of iconic.
11. Captain America: The First Avenger
It shouldn’t be a surprise that this film marks the entrance of the top 10 of the list. Steve Rogers has one of the best origin films in the MCU, and Peggy Carter is also an outstanding character.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Like some of the other franchises, this one finds the sequel better than its predecessor. The backstory given and the relationships developed, along with the introduction of Mantis, make this movie stellar.
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming
This new take on a Spider-Man film really worked. Rather than being an origin story, we get a teenage Spidey under the mentorship of Iron Man himself. With a pairing like this, how could the film be bad?
8. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Another good Captain America movie. Rogers working with Black Widow and S.H.I.E.L.D is great to see, and the darker tone in the film works.
7. The Avengers
The first time our heroes banded together leading up to Infinity War. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but this is basically a classic at this point.
6. Thor: Ragnarok
Easily the best Thor movie. The characters all work extremely well together, the comedy is great, and Hela, in my opinion, is one of the best villains the MCU has had yet.
5. Ant-Man and the Wasp
I am probably the only person that will put this film in their top five… but I absolutely loved this film. Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lily are perfect in their roles, the characters bounce off of each other naturally, and the credits scene broke my heart. Great!
4. Black Panther
The story. The representation. The beautiful scenery. The comedy. Need I go on?
3. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Sequels are hard, but Marvel had no trouble here. Age of Ultron is easily better than its predecessor. The gang works well together (that opening scene!!!), and the introduction of Wanda and Pietro Maximoff was wonderful. The film also had lasting consequences on the MCU, proving how important it was to the overall narrative.
2. Avengers: Infinity War
The film to which everything has led… and it didn’t disappoint. This film balanced all of the characters well, which was shocking considering the vast amount of characters it had. It simultaneously brought humor, love, death, and motivation all in one film that culminated in the seemingly end of an era (looking at you, Avengers 4).
1. Captain America: Civil War
And finally, we have my favorite MCU film. Civil War, which is basically a pseudo-Avengers film, just… works. All of the characters have their own reasons for being on either side of the Sokovia Acords, and, like in Infinity War, the characters are balanced really well. We get more backstory on Bucky Barnes, which is also a plus. This film also has one of the best openings in my opinion, with the gang working to thwart a bio-terrorist, leading to Scarlet Witch reflecting on herself and her powers. And Peggy Carter’s funeral… heartbreaking. All in all, this is my favorite MCU film.
What are your favorite Marvel movies? Do you agree with my assessment? Comment below and tweet us @Fuzzable with all of your MCU opinions!
