My heart and soul sort of revolves around the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That’s right, for the past ten years I’ve been seeing film after film in the theatre, owning a little too much merch, and crying over these fictional characters. That being said, in honor of Captain Marvel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDBsvOtd9fA) being released on March 8th, 2019, I thought I’d take a trip down memory lane and rank these films (all 20 of them!) from the worst to the best. Obviously these are just my own opinions, but I hope you still enjoy reading my little rambles about each film!
20. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
All right, let’s just get this one out of the way. To be honest, I don’t really consider The Incredible Hulk as part of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). It’s never really acknowledged because Mark Ruffalo isn’t in this film yet – they changed actors between this film and Avengers – and let’s be honest… it’s just not that great compared to the other 19 films.
19. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
I don’t want to flat out say this is the worst Marvel film of all time (if Incredible Hulk doesn’t count in the MCU Lineup)…. but I just have so many issues with this film. It has some good moments and introduces new characters, but ruins almost everything that was established in Phase One, specifically by giving Clint Barton a secret family and a farm out of all things?? Are you KIDDING me?
18. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
This is the second Thor film, and I put it so low on the list because it doesn’t contribute much to the MCU as a whole. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a fan of Jane Foster, though she plays a significant part in the first Thor film. Out of the three in this trilogy, I think this film ranks as the lowest. The only thing the film sets up is the beginning of Thor: Ragnarok, with Loki secretly ruling Asgard (Do we expect anything less? No.)
17. Doctor Strange (2016)
If someone asks me what Doctor Strange actually does, I’d probably stare at them with a blank look on my face. He’s the only character in the MCU that I can’t figure out or understand, and it is so infuriating! The film is so confusing that I’ve actually only seen it twice, because I get a headache each time I watch it. Now don’t get me wrong, he plays a MAJOR role in Avengers: Infinity War, but honestly his origin film might be the most confusing film I’ve ever seen.
16. Thor (2011)
The first Thor movie wasn’t horrible, but over the years it’s gotten pushed down on my list with the release of more films! I do enjoy this film because we’re introduced to Loki, who holds an integral part in the MCU, especially in the first Avengers. We also get introduced to Hawkeye, who deserves way better than what this franchise has done with his character.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 1 (2014)
This film is just a feel good movie, you know what I mean? It has the humor and the great music, plus Groot’s sacrifice at the end always leaves me in a puddle of tears. Overall, this film is great, but it doesn’t contribute much to the MCU since it is essentially an origin story film.
14. Ant-Man (2015)
This film is so freaking cute, honestly. Another feel good film, Ant-Man was the saving grace after Avengers: Age of Ultron in the early summer of 2015. The relationship between Scott Lang and his daughter, Cassie, is one of the main focuses of this origin story film, something that isn’t highlighted in other MCU films. Also, Cassie Lang is an actual icon.
13. Iron Man 3 (2013)
It physically pains me to put Iron Man 3 so low on this list, but you gotta do what you gotta do right? I personally really love this film because it focuses on Tony’s mental health after the battle of New York in the first Avengers film. (This film started phase 2 of the MCU). Tony’s ongoing battle with anxiety and PTSD are so raw and real that the film really stands out to me because of it.
12. Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2 (2017)
Baby Groot. Enough Said.
11. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Listen up folks… I’ll defend Bucky Barnes with everything in me for the rest of my life (more on that later). That being said, many overlook Bucky in this film because the main focus is Steve’s origin to becoming Captain America. I strongly encourage you to rewatch this film and pay close attention to Bucky’s character, because knowing what he goes through after his “death,” makes the film just THAT more emotional.
10. The Avengers (2012)
I strongly remember sitting in the theatre when this film came out after my freshman year of high school… and how obsessed my best friend and I were that entire summer. This film is the feel good film we desperately needed before going into Phase 2. However, I have strong issues with the idea that Hawkeye had TWELVE MINUTES of screentime. (and then his character was practically ruined in Age of Ultron and where was he in Infinity War???) Hawkeye is SUCH an underrated character because of this film. Also, does everyone still think Coulson’s dead when Agents of Shield is going into its 7th season? Did Fury ever tell Tony and Steve he’s alive? I NEED ANSWERS. Also… THANOS makes his first appearance and this purple space dinosaur might be the most hated character in the entire franchise. If you’ve seen Infinity War… you know.
9. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Do you ever just go into a film thinking “oh this will be a nice relaxing comedy film,” and then leave with your heart ripped out of your chest, or is that just me? This film was the feel good film I wanted after Infinity War, but that after credits scene was TOO MUCH, and I’m ashamed to say it kept me up at night because of all the Endgame theories I’ve created over the last eight months.
8. Iron Man (2008)
The film that started it all! Besides the fact that Robert Downey Jr. is an actual legend, this film is one of the best origin films I’ve ever seen. It hurts to put it low on the list, but I made sure to keep it in my top ten! I will never forget being 10 years old watching that film and being VERY upset with that cliffhanger of an ending, so I came back at the age of 11 and sat down in that theatre for Iron Man 2, and the rest is history.
7. Iron Man 2 (2010)
This is my favorite of the Iron Man films. First of all, the Mark V suit is absolutely mindblowing and yes I know that Tony’s suit in Infinity War puts the little suitcase suit to shame, but I still LOVE IT. That entire scene of Happy and Pepper racing to get the case to Tony might be my favorite in the entire MCU. Honestly.
6. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
I don’t think anything can make me cry faster than Bucky looking at himself in a museum trying to remember who he really is. I mean honestly, this film really focuses on Steve’s struggle with taking down the Winter Soldier, who happens to be his best friend who he thought died over 70 years ago? Steve was navigating the 21st century without his best friend? Also Sam Wilson is truly an underrated character and “on your left” makes me laugh every time.
5. Spiderman-Homecoming (2017)
I just want to thank Marvel for finally doing Spiderman RIGHT. The awkwardness Peter faces in high school is something every teenager goes through (except none of us are superheros… tragically) and for once this is actually showed in a Spiderman film! I can’t get over how much I love Tom Holland as Peter Parker, and Zendaya as Marvel’s MJ? Name a more iconic duo, I dare you.
4. Thor: Ragnarok
This film is the comedy relief we all needed before Infinity War. The humor is so on point that I had to watch it twice because the first time I missed everything from laughing so hard. When I watch it, sometimes I wonder how Marvel did this, because none of the films have the same amount of humor while also producing a tragic storyline at the same time!
3. Captain America: Civil War
Is this a surprise that this is in my top 3? Probably not, considering how much I love Bucky Barnes. Also, this film is practically the Avengers 2 film we never got. I’ll take this film over Age of Ultron any day.
2. Black Panther
First off… this film got THREE Oscars which is incredible! (not best picture, but I’m used to the Oscars disappointing me every year) Black Panther has made history in the Marvel Universe, and I can’t even begin to say how excited I am for the sequel!
1. Avengers: Infinity War
I don’t even want to talk about how this film ruined my emotional sanity. I just… this film is the best in the franchise, as of now. That could easily change with the upcoming releases this year. However right now, Infinity War is on an entirely different level than the rest of the films. The comedy is amazing… the scene when the Guardians meet Tony, Strange, and Peter? It kills me every time. At the same time, this film ripped my heart out and stepped on it over and over again, at least the entire last hour of the movie. The ENDING and the music in the credits where the original theme trails off on the piano? It gives me chills every time.
So there you have it! This list was a lot harder to make than I thought it would be, but I had a lot of fun. Last but not least, don’t forget to go see Captain Marvel on March 8th!