Well Avengers: Endgame is in fact out and I have seen it, but before I share my thoughts, I thought it'd be fun to go through every single addition to this franchise and rank them from the worst, to the very best. I have seen every entry since becoming a fan around June 2015, and these films have been one of my primary sources of exciting and fun entertainment since then.
I should begin by saying that the worst rating I'd give any of these films of a 5/10, so I don't think any of them are bad. The worst they get is just bland. The best rating I've given to one of these films is a 9/10, with one that almost got a 10/10, but didn't quite. Also on ratings, they don't necessarily impact the order here, so don't be shocked if, for example, a film with a 7/10 can be above an 8/10. I also should say that even though I have seen every single one, some more than others, so if I'm vague about a film then I probably haven't seen it many times. Also, don't expect in depth thoughts here, these will be more like what you see in the conclusions of my regular film reviews. SO, let's get started!
Also, try to keep count of every time I say MCU, because it's a lot.
Also, try to keep count of every time I say MCU, because it's a lot.
21. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
It's kind of annoying that this film is part of this franchise because it's so inessential. The action is fine and there are some good moments, but I really have a hard time remembering anything noteworthy about this film. Edward Norton does a fine job as Bruce Banner but he's no Mark Ruffalo for sure. So, definitely not a big fan of this one and I really think this could be removed from MCU canon and it wouldn't make a slight difference.
Rating: 5/10
20. Thor (2011)
Another
really bland movie. I can't remember much of what happened in this film
but what saves it are some scenes. The whole fish-out-of-water trope
being applied to Thor had some good moments but the Thor we see in this
film and really the majority of this franchise is too bland and serious
for my liking. Tom Hiddleston is fantastic as Loki and Natalie Portman
also does a good job as Jane, one of the more interesting MCU love
interests. But on the whole, this is really just okay at best.
Rating: 6/10
19. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
I haven't seen this one in ages, almost 2/3 years but from what I remember, it was alright. I like the World War aesthetic and I think it is most appropriate for Captain America. The general problem with this and a lot of these phase 1 movies is that Marvel weren't really settled on a particular tone and were generally warming up, so they all lack a lot compared to more recent entries. I can't remember much else from this movie, but it's higher than films like Thor because without this film, we wouldn't have two of the best films in the MCU. So I appreciate it more.
Rating: 6/10
18. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
I think this is much better than the original Thor simply because the events, while essentially inconsequential in the grand scheme of this franchise, were a bit more exciting. That's not to say it's much better because it's still bland and boring Thor and the villain is very weak and unmemorable, but it passed the time better than its predecessor.
Rating: 6/10
17. Iron Man 3 (2013)
The
biggest issue with Iron Man 3 is that there really isn't enough of the
titular character. There's plenty of Tony Stark and Robert Downey Jr is
as good as ever but I really think this film is lacking the right amount
of Iron Man himself. Beyond that, this is a pretty standard movie, a
bit bland and not an awful lot of great things in it. It does get better
during the climax as you finally see some actual Iron Man, but that
doesn't make up for what's really just a middle-of-the-road entry into
this franchise, but an improvement from a lot of the offerings from phase 1.
Rating: 6/10
16. Iron Man 2 (2010)
Iron Man 2 also isn't adding much to the MCU and doesn't have an interesting villain or story, but there are some things that make me like it a bit more than other films in the series. The characters introduced are good, Don Cheadle is a much better Rhodey and Scarlett Johansson, while slightly bland in this film, is still perfectly fit as Black Widow. There are also some interesting set pieces and a few action scenes that I can remember, so it definitely isn't a great movie, but I had enough fun while it was on.
Rating: 7/10
15. Captain Marvel (2019)
I've written a review of this so you can see that if you'd like to hear my thoughts. But, in summary, this is an adequate Marvel movie that does have weak storytelling, an unremarkable style and a slow first half, but the lead performance, the music, Goose the cat, and some of the action make this a perfectly fine and enjoyable watch.
Rating: 7/10
14. Iron Man (2008)
Despite
the fact that a lot of people think this is one of the best in the
whole of the MCU, I disagree. It is by far the best of the solo movies
in phase 1 and has a great lead performance, but I feel like it's just a
bit standard when you put it up against some of the more recent films.
Despite that, I do really like this film and I have massive appreciation
for it because this was the film that kick started this entire
franchise, so I have to respect it for the effect it had. That and it's a
really entertaining and engaging movie.
Rating: 8/1013. Black Panther (2018)
Ah, this is the ranking that most will probably disagree with. Don't take this as me being against Black Panther or not a fan of it at all. I really like this film, the great action, excellent performance by Michael B Jordan as Killmonger, interesting themes and nice sounding score make it a great film. The reason why it is so low is because there are simply more films that I like more than this, and also because this feels the least like a Marvel movie out of the recent ones. There isn't enough of the quippy charm or charisma from the lead in this film and it makes it feel less like a Marvel movie which means it'll be lower in my list of Marvel films. Seriously, T'Challa as a character was really dull and his role in Civil War was more interesting. I should also mention that the best picture nomination for this film was slightly hyperbolic in my opinion. If the academy were finally willing enough to nominate a superhero movie, films like Spider-Verse or Infinity War were more deserving in my opinion. That said, I was glad to see it get the nomination because it should hopefully mean more appreciation for the genre, and I was also really pleased to see the impact it made culturally, so this is still a brilliant film and proof Marvel is more than just explosions when it comes to their filmmaking, it just doesn't hit all the marks with me.
Rating: 8/10
12. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
I've written a review of this film so if you'd like to hear more in depth thoughts you can check that out, but to summarise, this is a really fast paced and energetic film that fully utilises its concepts of changing the size of things. The only thing I didn't like was the amount of characters, some of which were pointless. Aside from that, this is a great, albeit somewhat irrelevant, Marvel flick.
Rating: 8/10
I've written a review of this film so if you'd like to hear more in depth thoughts you can check that out, but to summarise, this is a really fast paced and energetic film that fully utilises its concepts of changing the size of things. The only thing I didn't like was the amount of characters, some of which were pointless. Aside from that, this is a great, albeit somewhat irrelevant, Marvel flick.
Rating: 8/10
11. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Much like Ant-Man and the Wasp, this is a great follow-up to an already great origin story but what I like more about this one and the Guardians movies in general is the characters. They're all so likeable with such quirky characteristics and the dynamic between them feels very genuine. Additionally, the visuals are great, the action is exciting, there's some much appreciated emotion and the soundtrack is spot-on. Plus it has Baby Groot, which is one of the best things ever and something everyone needs.
Rating: 8/10
Much like Ant-Man and the Wasp, this is a great follow-up to an already great origin story but what I like more about this one and the Guardians movies in general is the characters. They're all so likeable with such quirky characteristics and the dynamic between them feels very genuine. Additionally, the visuals are great, the action is exciting, there's some much appreciated emotion and the soundtrack is spot-on. Plus it has Baby Groot, which is one of the best things ever and something everyone needs.
Rating: 8/10
10. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
My opinion on Age of Ultron is slightly skewed because I have some personal attachment to it that makes me like it more. It was the first MCU film I saw in the cinema and one that I think is really good fun. The villain, while not the best these characters have seen, was still entertaining and interesting. The characters are all still likeable and the whole climax is really well executed, juggling some literal earth-shattering threats with some genuine excitement. Sure it has its issues, and it is the weakest of the Avengers films, but what works is more than enough to make up for those things.
Rating: 8/10
My opinion on Age of Ultron is slightly skewed because I have some personal attachment to it that makes me like it more. It was the first MCU film I saw in the cinema and one that I think is really good fun. The villain, while not the best these characters have seen, was still entertaining and interesting. The characters are all still likeable and the whole climax is really well executed, juggling some literal earth-shattering threats with some genuine excitement. Sure it has its issues, and it is the weakest of the Avengers films, but what works is more than enough to make up for those things.
Rating: 8/10
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
An example of a film in the MCU that does more with its story than you'd expect in an interesting way is definitely this. As you'd expect, there's an excellent array of tense action and great characters, but unlike other offerings from this franchise, a message about trust and secrecy. So, it isn't one of my favourites in the franchise, but I largely appreciate this film for trying to do something beyond what you expect to see on top of delivering more of what you do expect to see. It is also one of the best standalones in the MCU.
Rating: 8/10
An example of a film in the MCU that does more with its story than you'd expect in an interesting way is definitely this. As you'd expect, there's an excellent array of tense action and great characters, but unlike other offerings from this franchise, a message about trust and secrecy. So, it isn't one of my favourites in the franchise, but I largely appreciate this film for trying to do something beyond what you expect to see on top of delivering more of what you do expect to see. It is also one of the best standalones in the MCU.
Rating: 8/10
8. Doctor Strange (2016)
If there's one film that delivered a thoroughly entertaining origin story about an obscure character, it's Doctor Strange. Lead by a fantastic performance from Benedict Cumberbatch, an excellent supporting cast, the standout being Benedict Wong as Wong, as well as some of the best action and most dazzling visual effects in the whole franchise. This also works well on its own and is overall a very solid Marvel movie. This is the minimum of what I want to see from these films.
Rating: 8/10
7. Ant-Man (2015)
If there's another film that delivered a thoroughly entertaining origin story about an obscure character, it's Ant-Man. What gives this the upper hand over Doctor Strange is that the idea of shrinking in size as a super-power is much more interesting of a concept in my opinion. The film fully utilises this concept and delivers some fascinating visuals and terrific, small-stakes action. Beyond that, the performances, particularly from Paul Rudd and Micheal Pena, were absolutely fantastic. So as a whole, this is a very entertaining, fairly straight forward film, and that's really all I want from a film called "Ant-Man."
Rating: 8/10
If there's another film that delivered a thoroughly entertaining origin story about an obscure character, it's Ant-Man. What gives this the upper hand over Doctor Strange is that the idea of shrinking in size as a super-power is much more interesting of a concept in my opinion. The film fully utilises this concept and delivers some fascinating visuals and terrific, small-stakes action. Beyond that, the performances, particularly from Paul Rudd and Micheal Pena, were absolutely fantastic. So as a whole, this is a very entertaining, fairly straight forward film, and that's really all I want from a film called "Ant-Man."
Rating: 8/10
6. Avengers Assemble (2012)
I had an odd experience with this film. I always liked it but it was quite low on my list. But upon rewatching it recently, I enjoyed it so much more than before. I have so much appreciation for this film. This was the cinematic event that reinvented the superhero genre. Of course, the cinematic universe concept is heavily exploited nowadays, but this was incomprehensible at the time. This was the first of all the MCU films to have settled on the tone that is still apparent to this day, that being tons of fun yet still somewhat dramatic. Without this film, we wouldn't have the great things we get from the MCU nowadays. This is definitely the best of the phase 1 bunch. Additionally, the villain is terrific, the action is exciting, and the cast are all at their best here. Sure, it doesn't have a great amount of depth, and the style may be a bit plain compared to other entries, but this is one of the most important films in the entire series, as well as another brilliant one in general.
Rating: 8/10
I had an odd experience with this film. I always liked it but it was quite low on my list. But upon rewatching it recently, I enjoyed it so much more than before. I have so much appreciation for this film. This was the cinematic event that reinvented the superhero genre. Of course, the cinematic universe concept is heavily exploited nowadays, but this was incomprehensible at the time. This was the first of all the MCU films to have settled on the tone that is still apparent to this day, that being tons of fun yet still somewhat dramatic. Without this film, we wouldn't have the great things we get from the MCU nowadays. This is definitely the best of the phase 1 bunch. Additionally, the villain is terrific, the action is exciting, and the cast are all at their best here. Sure, it doesn't have a great amount of depth, and the style may be a bit plain compared to other entries, but this is one of the most important films in the entire series, as well as another brilliant one in general.
Rating: 8/10
5. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
The peak of origin stories in this franchise for me is this. For one reason only, the characters are so likeable. I actually prefer this set of characters to the original six Avengers. Chris Pratt is the stand out as a great lead, and everyone else is brilliant. The story also has a lot of heart, there are countless entertaining action scenes, and the film manages to get the perfect balance of story and humour. That and it is hilarious, one of the best comedies in the franchise.
Rating: 8/10
The peak of origin stories in this franchise for me is this. For one reason only, the characters are so likeable. I actually prefer this set of characters to the original six Avengers. Chris Pratt is the stand out as a great lead, and everyone else is brilliant. The story also has a lot of heart, there are countless entertaining action scenes, and the film manages to get the perfect balance of story and humour. That and it is hilarious, one of the best comedies in the franchise.
Rating: 8/10
4. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
I originally had Winter Soldier higher than this, but when I really thought about it, there are so few things problematic about this film. It has such a grounded conflict and actual consequences to a lot of the events, something rare in an MCU movie. That and the impact this film left on the MCU is remarkable. It divided the main team, introduced my favourite version of Spider-Man and fan-favourite Black Panther, as well as reshaping the series going into phase 3. Of course all the usual stuff like action and performances are top notch, but as I said regarding consequence, it's more grounded and thus more investing as the stakes feel real. And it's enforced as we see the gradual conflict between Cap and Iron Man develop. So, this is a great entry into the franchise, I love it so much and never have a problem rewatching it.
Rating: 9/10
I originally had Winter Soldier higher than this, but when I really thought about it, there are so few things problematic about this film. It has such a grounded conflict and actual consequences to a lot of the events, something rare in an MCU movie. That and the impact this film left on the MCU is remarkable. It divided the main team, introduced my favourite version of Spider-Man and fan-favourite Black Panther, as well as reshaping the series going into phase 3. Of course all the usual stuff like action and performances are top notch, but as I said regarding consequence, it's more grounded and thus more investing as the stakes feel real. And it's enforced as we see the gradual conflict between Cap and Iron Man develop. So, this is a great entry into the franchise, I love it so much and never have a problem rewatching it.
Rating: 9/10
3. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
There's a reason why I'm so happy Civil War introduced Tom Holland's Spider-Man, because it gave me one of the best solo MCU movies ever. Spider-Man: Homecoming succeeds not because the action or other typical elements these films is great, even though they are, it works because it's a blend of a superhero movie and a teen movie, two genres I really enjoy. Some people complain about the amount of slow scenes in this film, but I think they strengthen it because I really enjoyed seeing Peter Parker when he wasn't being Spider-Man. It made the character more engaging as I could relate to him more. Beyond that, there's a terrific action scene at the Washington Monument, the characters are super likeable and endearing, especially Peter, Happy and Ned, the villain is great and feels genuinely threatening, and it has an understandable and powerful message. So, I'm really fond of this movie and have high hopes for its sequel later this year.
Rating: 9/10
There's a reason why I'm so happy Civil War introduced Tom Holland's Spider-Man, because it gave me one of the best solo MCU movies ever. Spider-Man: Homecoming succeeds not because the action or other typical elements these films is great, even though they are, it works because it's a blend of a superhero movie and a teen movie, two genres I really enjoy. Some people complain about the amount of slow scenes in this film, but I think they strengthen it because I really enjoyed seeing Peter Parker when he wasn't being Spider-Man. It made the character more engaging as I could relate to him more. Beyond that, there's a terrific action scene at the Washington Monument, the characters are super likeable and endearing, especially Peter, Happy and Ned, the villain is great and feels genuinely threatening, and it has an understandable and powerful message. So, I'm really fond of this movie and have high hopes for its sequel later this year.
Rating: 9/10
2. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
I've talked about Infinity War so much over the past few months almost to the point where this feels like overkill. But, in case you didn't know, I adore this film and thought it was super satisfying to see all these films culminate into one coherent, emotional, hilarious, shocking, entertaining, exciting, and all round brilliant film. I thought it might be my favourite in the whole franchise, but there's one thing that the number 1 film has above this.
Rating: 9/10
I've talked about Infinity War so much over the past few months almost to the point where this feels like overkill. But, in case you didn't know, I adore this film and thought it was super satisfying to see all these films culminate into one coherent, emotional, hilarious, shocking, entertaining, exciting, and all round brilliant film. I thought it might be my favourite in the whole franchise, but there's one thing that the number 1 film has above this.
Rating: 9/10
1. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
The one thing that Thor: Ragnarok has above Infinity War is its simplicity. As much as I adore watching and enjoying the latter, it is so enormous and complex that I feel like it is sometimes tricky to enjoy on its own. Thor: Ragnarok, despite being the third in the Thor franchise and the seventeenth film in the MCU, works well on its own and as its own thing, and that is why I like it so much. But what this also has above other standalones in this franchise like Winter Soldier or Homecoming is that this embraces the nature of the source material unlike any other comic book movie. The visuals are eye-catching and colourful, the action is unbelievably bonkers, the new characters are really charming and likeable, and it is ever so funny! Putting this solo series in the hands of one of my favourite directors, Taika Waititi, was exactly the right move because his flare for comedy is so well implemented here as nobody needed it more than Thor, the most dull of the original six Avengers. It makes the film such fun to watch. Even though the humour undercuts some genuine drama, there's enough of a story there for me to appreciate. So, all that combined is what makes this my favourite MCU movie ever.
Rating: 9/10
Franchises Ranked
Before we finish up, I thought I'd quickly just rank all the franchises within the MCU, just to show which set of films I like the most. They also have their average ratings next to them.
6. Iron Man (7/10)
Definitely the series with the most standard set of movies, but not bad ones.
5. Thor (7/10)
The only thing this has above the Iron Man franchise is the fact that this has my favourite MCU movie, so I can look past the other installments, regardless of how bland they are.
4. Ant-Man (8/10)
Some of the most straight-forward as well as unique MCU movies, offering plenty of interesting action with some small stakes.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy (8/10)
The most entertaining of the MCU films in terms of comedy and definitely with the best set of characters.
2. Captain America (8/10)
The most real and grounded conflicts along with some extremely well executed action.
1. Avengers (8/10)
The best MCU films are generally the ones with huge arrays of characters and the Avengers films have tons of great characters with some of the most exciting set pieces and stakes.
Conclusion
Well, that's all of them. As I said, I have seen Avengers: Endgame but I didn't include it in this list because I feel like I can only truly add it once I've seen it again. But, I'll still have a review hopefully out by next week at some point.
As for other upcoming MCU movies that I am aware of, Spider-Man: Far From Home is the only one in near sight and I hope it's as good as Homecoming, delivering more of what that film offered. I also heard there's a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 which I also hope will be really good, especially as James Gunn is back to direct after briefly being fired.
So, did Marvel add another phenomenal film to their already solid series?
"Whatever it takes..."
The one thing that Thor: Ragnarok has above Infinity War is its simplicity. As much as I adore watching and enjoying the latter, it is so enormous and complex that I feel like it is sometimes tricky to enjoy on its own. Thor: Ragnarok, despite being the third in the Thor franchise and the seventeenth film in the MCU, works well on its own and as its own thing, and that is why I like it so much. But what this also has above other standalones in this franchise like Winter Soldier or Homecoming is that this embraces the nature of the source material unlike any other comic book movie. The visuals are eye-catching and colourful, the action is unbelievably bonkers, the new characters are really charming and likeable, and it is ever so funny! Putting this solo series in the hands of one of my favourite directors, Taika Waititi, was exactly the right move because his flare for comedy is so well implemented here as nobody needed it more than Thor, the most dull of the original six Avengers. It makes the film such fun to watch. Even though the humour undercuts some genuine drama, there's enough of a story there for me to appreciate. So, all that combined is what makes this my favourite MCU movie ever.
Rating: 9/10
Franchises Ranked
Before we finish up, I thought I'd quickly just rank all the franchises within the MCU, just to show which set of films I like the most. They also have their average ratings next to them.
6. Iron Man (7/10)
Definitely the series with the most standard set of movies, but not bad ones.
5. Thor (7/10)
The only thing this has above the Iron Man franchise is the fact that this has my favourite MCU movie, so I can look past the other installments, regardless of how bland they are.
4. Ant-Man (8/10)
Some of the most straight-forward as well as unique MCU movies, offering plenty of interesting action with some small stakes.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy (8/10)
The most entertaining of the MCU films in terms of comedy and definitely with the best set of characters.
2. Captain America (8/10)
The most real and grounded conflicts along with some extremely well executed action.
1. Avengers (8/10)
The best MCU films are generally the ones with huge arrays of characters and the Avengers films have tons of great characters with some of the most exciting set pieces and stakes.
Conclusion
Well, that's all of them. As I said, I have seen Avengers: Endgame but I didn't include it in this list because I feel like I can only truly add it once I've seen it again. But, I'll still have a review hopefully out by next week at some point.
As for other upcoming MCU movies that I am aware of, Spider-Man: Far From Home is the only one in near sight and I hope it's as good as Homecoming, delivering more of what that film offered. I also heard there's a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 which I also hope will be really good, especially as James Gunn is back to direct after briefly being fired.
So, did Marvel add another phenomenal film to their already solid series?
"Whatever it takes..."
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