Top 5 Marvel movies
May 17, 2023
Since its beginning in 2008, 30 movies have been released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With so many distinct movies fans can call their favorite, we have put together our top five favorites in a head-to-head list. Vote on whose list you agree with most in the poll below!
Nate’s picks
Honorable Mentions: “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017), “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014), “Captain America: Civil War” (2016)
#5: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021)
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” was one of the most anticipated Marvel movies ever. The excitement and hope fans felt going into the theater were unmatched with all the theories of which multiverse Spiderman would show up in, with all the favorite villains returning. Nostalgia aside, the struggle Peter Parker goes through in this movie, losing everyone he loves, and having to start a completely new slate alone is incomparable to any other Marvel character before. It was a perfect way to end Tom Holland’s first trilogy and set up for the other movies to come.
#4: “Black Panther” (2018)
This movie starred the late Chadwick Boseman, who stole the hearts of all Marvel fans right away as King T’Challa, or the Black Panther himself. He played the character so well, with a standout cast by his side. The chemistry between all the characters makes this movie so memorable. With my personal favorite villain Eric Killmonger, and the future of Wakanda on the line, there is constant action. The directing and score are perfect; when you think of Wakanda, you think of its iconic theme. The music and action go so well together to make an unforgettable film.
#3: “Iron Man” (2008)
This was the start of it all, the first movie made in the MCU. Marvel took a chance on a troubled Robert Downey Jr, who soon became the most loved figure in Hollywood. While bringing a generational favorite hero to life, they filled the movie with action and great characters. Iron Man was introduced to the big screen after appearing in the comics for the first time in 1963. This movie set the standard for every movie in the MCU after it, and is considered worldwide one of the best superhero movies ever.
#2: “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)
Eleven years built up to this movie, and it was most likely the most anticipated movie of all time! “Avengers: Endgame” proved its power by taking the #1 spot of highest grossing movies for a while before the re-release of “Avatar.” Every character introduced over the 11-year span was brought together on the big screen. Fans around the world loved it, and it did not disappoint, and the film capped off the “Infinity saga” in the greatest, yet saddest way possible.
#1: “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)
It’s the only superhero movie in recent history where the villain wins. The long awaited battle between the Avengers and Thanos was here at last, after being teased since 2012. The original Avengers were teamed up with new Avengers, creating new character chemistries and dynamics. The movie was all action from start to finish, with one goal in mind: to stop Thanos from getting all the infinity stones. The world turned upside down when the goal eventually failed and half of our favorite heroes were snapped out of existence. It set the stage for Marvel’s biggest movie of all time, “Avengers: Endgame.”
Andrew’s picks
Honorable mentions: “Captain America: The first Avenger” (2011), “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017), “Spiderman: No Way Home” (2021), “Dr. Strange“ (2016).
#5: “Black Panther” (2018)
“Black Panther” introduces the story of a new character, T’Challa, and how he became king of Wakanda. Through the story he has great character development with stunning scenery and a great story line. The film also features one of the best villains in any Marvel movie.
#4: “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)
“Avengers: Infinity War” sets the stage for the battle between good and evil to happen in the next movie. The dramatic ending has the antagonist Thanos winning. The main protagonists all come together to fight a common enemy. Effectively setting the scene for “Avengers: Endgame,” “Avengers: Infinity War” is a beautiful story of good versus evil where good does not win.
#3: “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)
The most successful box office movie of all time is a truly great end to a long storyline. The final battle provides the most iconic scene in all of Marvel and the death of Tony Stark (Iron Man) jerks tears every time. “Avengers: Endgame” not only brings all the MCU characters together but also displays some of the most distinguished scenes in cinematic history.
#2: “Captain America: Civil War” (2016)
Introducing a new side to known and beloved characters with a realistic twist and adding new characters that later became beloved, “Captain America: Civil War” makes the viewer think and adds perspective to the hero’s battles. An epic battle scene between heroes at an airport shows how passionate they are about doing what they think is right. The final battle between Captain America and Bucky versus Iron Man makes the viewer pick a side and root for them like it’s a sporting event.
#1: “Iron Man” (2008)
Iron man is the best character in the MCU. The first of his movies is a terrific introduction to his storyline. He starts off as a rich jerk who sells weapons, then defeats terrorists who held him captive and reflects on his effect on the world. Tony Stark shows great character development and the other characters in the movie have to adjust to the new (better) Tony. This includes his former business partner, who becomes the main antagonist and wants to exploit Stark’s inventions for profit. The movie is well-developed and entertaining, which makes it the best one on this list.
