Marvel Cinematic Universe Ranked

With the release of Avengers: Infinity War, it can be difficult to know what's going on in the film without first seeing some of the previous installments. Here's a guide as to the best of what the MCU has to offer, so you can be caught up for the latest film!

 

 

19. The Incredible Hulk.

Easily the least entertaining and captivating film of the bunch, Edward Norton cemented his reputation as difficult to work with (and would later be replaced by the superb Mark Ruffalo)- but the real disappointment was the effects, limp story, and brutal characters.

18. Thor: Dark World.

The God of Thunder Thor’s second movie features more of his bland Uncanny Valley world of Asgard, combined with the bleak and dismal world of Svartalfheim (the title of which says it all). Featuring likely the worst (and under utilized) villain in the MCU (Christoper Eccleston), Natalie Portman’s talents would also be wasted here for the last time.

17. Thor.

We’re introduced to Thor, prince of the bland aforementioned Uncanny Valley of Asgard. With the additional earth scenes not having much more authenticity, Thor’s self seriousness is hard to take seriously, especially with the listless Destroyer robot shooting laser beams out of its (not) face. A decent introduction but ultimately disappointing showing for the villain, Loki.

16. Iron Man 2.

Coming out only 2 years after the original, part 2 featured more Downey Jr, more mechanical suits, and robots fighting each other, but is also a rushed product that feels more like a check list than an actual movie. A waste of Mickey Rourke (and his poi spinning talents), but a rousing introduction to the Black Widow.

15. Doctor Strange.

Doctor Strange’s origin story features jaw dropping effects- and little else. With a couple of non descript villains, the story is a bit of a fizz and neglects the finer points of Eastern mythologies. Plus, finding a new Marvel love interest to squander (Rachel McAdams) is the real trick for this cosmological sleight of hand.

14. Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Probably the toughest ranking, Ultron brings back the gang from the original smash hit, but similar to Iron Man 2, feels oddly hollow. More corporate tick box than complete movie, it features some memorable scenes but would really benefit from more of the gang chopping wood at the farm or trying to lift Thor’s hammer.

13. Iron Man 3.

Another tough one, likely Marvel’s most interesting writer/director Shane Black brings his trademark Christmas based quips to a story involving Tony learning how to cope with his PTSD from the New York attack in The Avengers. While some interesting character growth is introduced, and its snarkiness at times amusing, it’s also uneven and introduces developments that are dropped for later films.

12. Thor: Ragnarok.

The third time proves a charm as Thor has a sort of reboot, with him bringing more of a snappy attitude into an irreverent universe full of Jeff Goldbloom’s. A fresh and funny take from director Taika Waititi with rocking music- but I liked it better when it was called Guardians of the Galaxy.

11. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol: 2.

The Guardians return for even more irreverence, classic music, and space travel- but bigger is not necessarily better. The freshness and underdog status, so prominent in the original, fades significantly. Features my favourite scene in the entire MCU.

10. Ant Man.

The origin story of the tiny sized Ant Man has the most comic chops in the MCU, and has thrilling scenes of micro adversity. But its tone varies wildly and the movie struggles the most when Ant Man is normal sized and grappling with his domestic life.

9. Spider Man: Homecoming.

The origin story (and 6^th spiderman film!) of Spidey brings a fresh high school perspective to things and a sympathetic villain, but its army of writers mean this is more like a patchwork of scenes than a cohesive web of a story.

8. Captain America: The First Avenger.

Captain America’s origin story gets off to a great start with runty Steve Rogers getting a super serum to become WWII’s greatest hero. The well cast Chris Evans shows off his athletic prowess and the film is historical (while wildly diverging from actual history)- it’s a lot of fun with a wonderfully campy villain.

7. The Avengers: Infinity War.

MCU’s busiest and most combustible film, it’s the culmination of 18 films that came before it- and an enormous hype machine. It’s also a fast moving roller coaster of action and characters. With the sheer amount of multitasking, it’s a bit of a miracle it works at all. It’s exhilarating- and physically exhausting. Suffers from having too much to do and needs to take a breath, similar to Ultron.

6. Black Panther.

One of MCU’s most popular origin stories, Panther features an authentic home land that the hero hails from, and the best villain in the MCU. Its effects can be questionable, but its authenticity is one of a kind.

5. Captain America: Civil War.

Essentially an Avengers sequel, the Russo brothers continue their strengths of globe hopping and inspired hand to hand combat. While at times overstuffed with characters, it’s an amusing, rousing, and plants sometimes bittersweet seeds of the end of a super partnership.

4. Guardians of the Galaxy.

A team up that didn’t even bother with origin stories, Guardians came out of nowhere and won the hearts of many with its oddball cast, rapid fire quips, kick ass soundtrack, and swashbuckling adventure. A dangerously re-watchable treat that maybe is as influential as The Avengers.

3. Iron Man.

The first movie in the MCU is also one of its best.  We are introduced to the most iconic character in Marvel history- Tony Stark. Robert Downey Jr. is electrifying as the arms industry titan that uses his magnetic personality to earn back his soul while working out the kinks in his super suit. A pleasure, with underrated work by Jeff Bridges.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

A comic book movie that has more in common with Jason Bourne than Superman, the Russo brothers deliver a thrilling ride that features almost as much paranoia as it does action. Thawed after being on ice for 70 years, we join Cap, who has to negotiate a world that no longer resembles the one he used to fight for. One of the best MCU movies,  and proof of why the Captain America series is the most consistent of the Avengers group.

1. The Avengers.

The reason there is an MCU. Along with Dark Knight, one of the most influential comic book movies ever made. It set an impossibly high standard that both Marvel and DC have continually tried to ape ever since. Exquisitely paced, tightly executed, fun, exciting, and full of funny moments, it also features a strong villain at his best.