Ranking the Marvel Cinematic Universe: from Worst to Best

I haven’t had the chance to update my ranking for the MCU but now, I can. And now that we have the shows this list doesn’t only include the movies but the shows too. Enjoy!

25. The Incredible Hulk

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It’s still at the bottom of the list and most likely, always will.

24. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

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This movie has dropped down the ladder drastically over the years. As much as I loved the first film this movie just gets on my nerves, besides the fact that it’s gorgeous.

23. Thor: The Dark World

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Thor: The Dark World is kind of fun, in its own way. And Loki’s inclusion alone beats Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and The Incredible Hulk.

22. Iron Man 3

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The Iron Man movies are pretty good but Iron Man 3 is easily the trilogy’s weakest entry. I’ve seen it a few times and while it manages to entertain it’s just…not that great.

21. Thor

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I’ve acquired a slight fondness for this movie since the last time I watched it. It’s got one of the most emotional and best acted scenes in the MCU between Tom Hiddleston and Anthony Hopkins and it’s funnier than expected too. Hence, its rise up the ladder.

20. Ant-Man and the Wasp

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Ant-Man and the Wasp is a fun, entertaining film that leaves one ultimately satisfied and pleased for its quality as a sequel but after three years it’s become almost hard to watch it in full. In fact, I haven’t watched this movie all the way through in maybe a year.

19. Captain Marvel

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I love Captain Marvel but her solo film could’ve been better. Its’ 90s’ theme was inviting but felt a little forced at times with the song choices. The story is honestly a bit boring until the second half of the film. I do like the musical score and some of the action scenes are legitimately entertaining but like I said before, it could be better.

18. Iron Man 2

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It’s good but not great. But I do love that it introduced Don Cheadle’s War Machine and ScarJo’s Black Widow to the MCU. And Sam Rockwell was such a great villain. I hope he returns for Armor Wars.

17. Ant-Man

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Fun, funny, and with a legitimately epic battle between Ant-Man and Yellow Jacket, this movie delights on all sorts of levels.

16. Avengers: Age of Ultron

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Avengers: Age of Ultron is a fun midday flick but it’s nowhere near as good as its predecessor nor the sequels that follow it.

15. Spider-Man: Homecoming

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Spider-Man: Homecoming is a really good first solo outing but over the years it’s become kind of boring.

14. Iron Man

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The first Iron Man film is clearly written very well and manages to be an engaging superhero origin story but for me, eh, I’ve seen better movies. But without it would we be here today, eleven years later, with so many Marvel movies to enjoy? Probably not, so I thank this movie very much for beginning a journey I won’t soon forget.

13. Spider-Man: Far from Home

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Spider-Man: Far from Home is good but it isn’t spectacular. It’s ultimately Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio that keeps me coming back to see this film over and over again. I hope he returns for Spider-Man: No Way Home.

12. Captain America: The First Avenger

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Over the years, this movie has become greater and greater. After Endgame, it feels like the perfect origin story. Clearly the greatest origin story in the MCU, The First Avenger is so good. There’s an emotional depth to this film that leaves me invested in the movie and yeah, it makes me cry like a baby.

11. Doctor Strange

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I loved Doctor Strange after the first time I watched it and even now, in 2021, it still manages to carry a bit of the same magic that it once did. This movie is a perfect origin story for the “wizard” named Doctor Strange and I can’t wait to see his sequel.

10. WandaVision

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WandaVision was fun, fresh, and new. Plus, the way it shined a light on Wanda’s evolution into becoming the Scarlet Witch was pretty fantastic. It’s not perfect but it sure was and still is fun to watch.

9. Captain America: Civil War

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Captain America: Civil War is a remarkable film, through and through. It takes these heroes, pits them against each other in a legitimate way (unlike Batman vs. Superman which forced Batman and Superman to fight for practically no reason at all), and delivered a powerful conclusion that actually left some serious repercussions for these characters. This is a good movie.

8. Black Panther

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Black Panther is great but over the years it has become one of the Marvel movies that I don’t tend to watch as much. But it still has its charm and I love the music in this movie.

7. The Avengers

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After watching Endgame this movie has actually grown more special. Seeing that this was the first film in the MCU that brought our heroes together in an epic collaborative event it’s become a movie of nostalgia and happiness more than anything.

6. Thor: Ragnarok

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Thor: Ragnarok is such a good movie! Thor’s makeover is amazing and truly was a genius move on Marvel’s part. Every character in this film is fun to watch and helps make the movie that much better. And the action scenes in this film are pretty good too.

5. Avengers: Endgame

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Despite being such an incredible film it lacks the surprise that these four other stories were able to provide in stunning abundance. But what saves this movie is undoubtedly the last hour which is nothing short of outstanding. And anything that makes me cry as much as this movie makes me cry deserves a thumbs up.

4. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Marvel Fans React to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Finale | Den of Geek

You all, this show has touched my heart in so many ways. On a weekly basis it managed to surprise me and when it concluded last Friday, well, I still haven’t gotten over it yet. I love Sam and Bucky so much and I hope we have them around for a while because they’re so great!

I’m so EXCITED for Captain America 4.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy

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Look at these characters. This could’ve been such a flop and yet it would become one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. The humor is spot on, the characters are all very lovable, and the music is stellar. Even after five years, this movie has seemed to only get better!

The timelessness of this simple but impeccable storytelling is going to be hard for James Gunn to top.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

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Who would think Captain America’s sequel would end up becoming one of the best superhero films of all time but it’s very true. This movie is amazing! From the stunning plot twists and stellar action scenes to the emotional depth Steve and Bucky’s arc manages to bring to the movie, The Winter Soldier shines in ways most superhero films can’t.

1. Avengers: Infinity War

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Avengers: Infinity War is one of those movies that you watch and then watch again and then watch again and find yourself just absolutely blown away. I knew this movie was going to be good but dang I didn’t know it was going to be this good!

With so many surprises and well, Thanos, Infinity War stands as the pinnacle of Marvel’s storytelling.

What’s your updated ranking of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

I thank you for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day.

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