The Marvel Cinematic Universe has produced one hit after another (but also the occasional flop), grossing a whopping $31 billion at the worldwide box office since 2008.
That makes it one of the biggest franchises of all time, and what Marvel Studios has accomplished is unprecedented. Under the watchful eye of Kevin Feige, it has produced a series of interconnected films – and now television series – that are essentially as if the comics came to life. The MCU has set an impossibly high bar that rival studios continue to try – with little success – to emulate.
The year 2024 marks the release of Marvel Studios’ only film, and with the Multiverse Saga getting a bit of an overhaul at Comic-Con, we’ve decided to give you our take on the 10 best MCU movies.
Remember, this is an opinion and you can share your in the comments section. To see which of the 34 MCU films made the cut here – and which one we think is the best – just click the “Next” https://comicbookmovie.com/ “View List” buttons below.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3
We have thought long and hard about which Guardians of the Galaxy The film is the most deserving of a place on this list, and although the first two parts are just as deserving in many ways, Volume 3 surpasses them.
Just as funny as its predecessors and featuring another stellar soundtrack, the third installment offered everything that made James Gunn’s trilogy so great (including another round of phenomenal performances from his cast). Featuring the franchise’s best villain yet and Rocket’s tragic origin story at its core, Volume 3 is taken to the next level.
Gunn’s brief foray into the DCEU brought him back into the MCU with renewed confidence, as evidenced by an incredible opening sequence to “Creep” and that breathtaking corridor battle. We see no future Guardian Films that top that.
9. Iron Man
Next up is the film that started the MCU as we know it… and yes, we are well aware that Iron-Man would rank much higher for many of you!
Honestly, it’s a damn good blockbuster with incredible visual effects that were way ahead of their time, brilliant work from Robert Downey Jr., and an introduction of Tony Stark that put the character on the map in a way we never expected from a C-list superhero (which Iron Man was back then, even if it’s hard to believe now). What Jon Favreau did is amazing.
However, despite Jeff Bridges’ outstanding work, the film also has many familiar hallmarks of a superhero origin story, including the obligatory love story and a largely forgettable villain. That’s why it doesn’t fare any better; but don’t be fooled: it remains a classic.
8. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain America: The First Avenger was an effective introduction to the MCU’s Steve Rogers, but the sequel brought him to the present day (after his team-up with the Avengers) for a story inspired by one of his best comic book adventures.
We would have liked to see a little more of this brought to the screen, Captain America: The Winter SoldierThe Russo brothers have left their mark on the MCU with exciting action scenes, plenty of great character work, and a mostly satisfying return for Bucky.
This film felt like Marvel Studios really wanted to deliver something different by telling a superhero story against the backdrop of a political thriller. 2014 was an important year for them between this and Guardians of the GalaxyAnd The Winter Soldier remains a game changer.
7. Deadpool and Wolverine
Some of you may think this is a knee-jerk reaction due to it being the latest film from Marvel Studios. However, we would argue that Deadpool and Wolverine absolutely deserves a place here because it is both a great and damn historically oriented film.
We went into the film expecting Marvel Studios to “kill” the Fox universe, and who cares, right? Instead, not only did they celebrate it and make us appreciate the franchise through its ups and downs, but this collaboration also told a wonderfully touching and fan-pleasing story about Wade Wilson and Logan.
Shawn Levy delivered some of the MCU’s best action scenes, telling a multiverse story better than pretty much any other current film or television series outside Lokiand gave us moments that we had previously only dreamed of seeing on the screen.
6. Captain America: Civil War
Captain America: Civil War was basically another avenger Film and a trial run for the Russo Brothers before they took the helm Avengers: Infinity War And Avengers: Endgame. Needless to say, they absolutely succeeded.
While this film lacked much of what made the comic book of the same name so special, it improved the story in other ways, including a focus on Bucky and the debut of Black Panther, Baron Zemo… and Spider-Man!
This historic debut alone justifies Civil Warhas its place on this list and everything from the battle at the airport to the final clash between Captain America and Iron Man remains etched in our psyche. But #TeamCap forever…
5. Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War is in many ways a Thanos movie. The Mad Titan was only in post-credits scenes and for a few short scenes in Guardians of the Galaxybut this story made him the MCU’s most fearsome threat yet.
This became clear when the impossible happened and he…won?! Yes, Infinity War ends with the Mad Titan successfully completing his mission and wiping out half the universe, resulting in one of the biggest cliffhangers since The Empire Strikes Back.
Before that, the Russo brothers gave fans great team-ups, epic action, unforgettable scenes, and a film that ranks among the best in the MCU (which is why it’s listed here).
4. Black Panther
Cultural, Black Panther was a phenomenon and not something that can be easily reproduced (which we think is evident from the still very good sequel, 2022 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever).
Yes, the film goes the familiar route of computer-animated battle in the final act, but even that was still great. Otherwise, we were treated to great performances from Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, and the rest of the truly impressive ensemble.
They were surrounded by stunning visuals, a compelling, relevant story, and the creation of a new corner of the MCU that inspired millions around the world. In many ways, this was more than just a movie; what Ryan Coogler delivered was a masterpiece.
3. The Avengers
This could be controversial, especially since some of the films are objectively better than those of 2012 The Avengers. But just like Black PantherThe reach of this blockbuster went beyond the theaters and changed the genre as we know it.
Not only did the film accomplish what we all thought was impossible by bringing together superheroes from other franchises and uniting them on screen, but it also put Marvel Studios on the map and made Hollywood realize that comic book movies needed to be taken seriously.
Although it is a relatively small scale by today’s standards, The Avengers is packed with unforgettable scenes and character interactions. Joss Whedon tells a funny, action-packed story that influences everything that follows. Seeing this film on the big screen in 2012 was a once in a lifetime experience.
2. Spider-Man: No Way Home
For this Spider-Man fanboy there is (almost) nothing better Spider-Man: No Way Home. While the film has some telltale signs of being shot during a pandemic—Rhys Ifans and Thomas Haden Church appear in reused footage from previous appearances—there’s still little to fault with this film.
Even before Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield show up, it’s a joy to watch Tom Holland’s Peter Parker battle Doctor Octopus, Electro, the Green Goblin, and even Doctor Strange, a trio that arguably gives his best performances.
In the final act, it is taken to the next level: we see the three Spider-Men unite on screen to fight the Sinister. Six Five is, quite simply, breathtaking. Jon Watts has outdone himself with this film and the cherry on top is the long-awaited classic suit and final flourish.
1. Avengers: Endgame
Yes, yes, we know that many of you Avengers: Infinity War above Avengers: Endgame but this film deserves the top spot in this writer’s opinion. There is so much more that the Russo Brothers did here than just that Portals scene, although, let’s be honest, that Was unreal to look at.
From the way the characters are used to fan-pleasing moments like Captain America wielding Mjolnir, this 2019 blockbuster hit the ground running. It also delivered absolutely perfect send-offs for some beloved fan favorites.
Topping this will not be an easy task for the Russos in their MCU return with Avengers: Endgame And Avengers: Secret Wars. But maybe that is not necessary, because Final is truly a unique film from Marvel Studios and for us the best of all.
