The Marvel Cinematic Universe spans for almost 15 years. 15 Years’ worth of interconnected storytelling, moments and game changing topics. Naturally, the more movies that release, the more divided opinions get. That’s the beauty of a shared universe most other studios have tried but haven’t quite done as well as Marvel.
That being said, this countdown will be strictly opinion based so feel free to read with a grain of salt. From ‘Iron Man’ to ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, let’s see which stories were the best.
Thor: Ragnarok
After the first two Thor films, the franchise seemed to have been sticking to a medieval story. In other words, the movies were more of the same, not doing much with the characters. Thanks to director Taika Waititi, the storytelling changed for the better. Out with the old and in with the new.
This was new even for Marvel, Waititi was able to take the Marvel narrative and use it toward a comedy yet dramatic aspect. The movie felt like it had real stakes for Thor and co, while also not taking itself too seriously all the time.
With great new character introductions and a subtle yet daunting tease for Infinity War, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ is one of the most memorable and enjoying MCU movies around.
Avengers: Endgame
The finale of the Infinity Saga, this was it. After one of the biggest cliffhangers in cinematic history, fans were itching to see what happens next. The culmination of 10 years’ worth of stories all wrapped in a 3-hour finale of fan services, laughter and tears.
The film focuses on our Avengers at a loss for the first time, with one out of this world plan to redeem themselves. Nobody knew what the future held, audiences just had to sit back and witness history.
Now genuinely I don’t like to judge comic book movies off of how many fan services it has. However, for the sake of all the stakes and context this movie had to offer, it would be a shame not to at least include it on this list. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ achieved what no other franchise had ever done in history.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Speaking of culmination, No Way Home was the best Spider-Man movie you could ask for. Bringing together 20 years of Spider-Verse stories. Even without all the returning characters, it’s still a grounded story.
It teaches Peter Parker the cost of being a hero, while challenging him in the hardest ways possible. Through every trial to every last-minute decision, he learns the true meaning of “with great power, comes great responsibility”.
Avengers: Infinity War
The definitive Avengers movie, the one with the biggest threat and loss. The buildup to this was like no other. Our heroes were vulnerable from the start, due to the events of Civil War. Which made it much easier for Thanos to map out his plan.
Featuring all of the MCU heroes in one movie, this was hands down the biggest thing the studio had done. There’s no Endgame without the events of Infinity War. It truly changed the game and shocked the world.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
There shouldn’t be any surprise, all these films are here for a reason, Winter Soldier no different. The universes go-to espionage story changed the character arcs of many and took the trajectory of the MCU to a much better direction.
This was Steve’s big moment; it was the first time he really felt like a protagonist and evolved into more of an action star. For Natasha, same concept. Instead of being just a SHIELD agent or apart of the Avengers, she steps into more of an independent role. It’s also the introduction of Sam Wilson, who now is a pivotal character in Phase Four.
Mix that into a political thriller of a plot with a formidable opponent like The Winter Soldier, with all the twists and emotion attached, and you got one of best comic book movies of all time. Remember, this released in 2014, a story like this was unheard of. Quickly proving stereotypes wrong and creating a movie loved by many.
