Top 10 Best Films in the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown to be one of the greatest film franchises of all time. Marvel Studios have perfected the formula for creating successful superhero films, and there seems to be no sign of them slowing down. With that in mind, here’s are the Top 10 Best Movies in the MCU.

(Spoilers Alert!)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

After years of struggling to perfect Thor for audiences, director Taiki Waititi not only perfected him, he transformed him completely. This film’s comedic approach and stunning visuals were a welcome change to the franchise. Ragnarok looks as if it pulled Jack Kirby’s cosmic world straight from the comics. We also got some stellar performances from Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum as some of the MCU greatest villains to date.

9. Guardians of the Galaxy

No one expected this movie to be as good as it was. Director James Gunn succeeded in turning a group of unknown heroes, including a raccoon and tree that can talk, into household names overnight. Guardians of the Galaxy showed us all that you could make a successful film about just about anything if you put enough heart and respect into it. It also doesn’t hurt to have a killer soundtrack. Blue Swede, anyone?

8. Spider-Man: Far From Home

Sony Pictures Releasing

After Iron-Man’s death in Endgame, Spider-Man looked prime to take over the MCU as its central hero. But that doesn’t mean he needs a break from all the pressure. Similar to Spider-Man 2, Peter questions whether or not he’s meant to be this great hero and just wants to live a normal life. We thus join him on a fantastic journey through Europe as he vacations with his classmates. From there, we witness Peter and MJ’s romance begin to grow. We also get another fantastic villain in Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio, who brings some of the most mind-blowing visuals in the MCU, along with the most shocking twist ending in any superhero film.

7. Iron Man

Paramount Pictures

This was the movie that started it all. Back before the Avengers, the Guardians, and even the Infinity Stones, there was only Iron Man. With an improvised script and a surprisingly enthralling performance from Robert Downey Jr., the film succeeded in bringing a flawed but sympathetic hero to life. He perfectly encapsulated the character to the point that nobody else could’ve rivaled him.

6. The Avengers

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Comic book fans had waited decades for this film, and Marvel Studios delivered them all cinematic masterpiece. They succeeded in uniting multiple superhero franchises to create the next Star Wars. Every hero is fleshed out to perfection, bringing out each of their flaws and strengths as they team up against a common enemy. This all culminates in a spectacular final battle in New York City, where they unleash their powers together in all their glory.

5. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Like Taiki Waititi did with Thor: Ragnarok, the Russo Brothers took Captain America and presented in a completely new light, as he struggles to live in an unfamiliar era. But when he discovers that Hydra has infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D., Steve Rogers also realizes that he’s fighting for a country he doesn’t recognize anymore. This sequel leaves the war film of the original and gives us a political spy thriller with some of the most exciting action scenes in Marvel history. The elevator battle remains one of the most significant scenes in the MCU, breaking new grounds for what the franchise can accomplish.

4. Avengers: Infinity War

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

From the moment that this film began, we knew this was going to be dark. Moviegoers were fully introduced to the Mad Titan Thanos in all his fearsome glory. Every character felt the weight of the universe on their shoulders, creating some of the most emotional moments in the franchise. However, Marvel Studios succeeded by making Thanos the protagonist of his own story. He’s a sympathetic strongman who wants to do what he thinks is right, and his indomitable will is what allows him to achieve his goals, making him the best villain in the MCU. Infinity War isn’t just one of the greatest superhero movies ever, it raised the bar for what superhero films should be in general.

3. Black Panther

This revolutionary film took cinematic diversity to a whole new level. With a Black cast leading this movie, Marvel Studios introduced us all to the world of Wakanda in the most spectacular way possible. With a rich story including well-rounded characters, an unforgettable villain, and relentless social commentary, Black Panther stands out as one of the greatest superhero movies of all time.

2. Captain America: Civil War

This film showed us that the Avengers are their own worst enemies. After the government doubles down on the destruction these heroes have inadvertently caused, the Avengers are split down the middle. Like The Winter Soldier, Civil War analyzes hard social issues in the post-9/11 era, which once again conflict with Cap’s classic American ideals of freedom. This disagreement leads to an unforgettable clash of titans in the film’s iconic airport battle. Civil War wasn’t afraid to end on a somber note, and this honorable risk succeeded in changing the Avengers and the MCU forever.

1. Avengers: Endgame

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

After Thanos shocked the entire world by wiping out half of the Marvel Universe, fans were anxious to see what was going to happen next. Though the Mad Titan was the main villain of this story, it introduced another terrible threat to the universe: depression. One half of the world suffers after the other half disappears. The film then gives us a glimmer of hope as the Avengers execute a time heist that takes a look back to what made the MCU so beloved in the first place. Endgame‘s third act caps it all off with a final battle to end all final battles, marking the perfect ending to the Infinity Saga.