With Avengers: Infinity War (2018, Joe Russo/Anthony Russo) about to hit theatres I thought it would be good to look back on the long road travelled and pick the top 10 films produced by Marvel Studios. Just to clarify, this list is completely subjective so this list may differ from your own personal list. Also, I will only be focusing on the films that are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So any films made by Fox or Sony won't make the cut.
10. Doctor Strange
The Introduction of magic into the MCU, Doctor Strange (2016, Scott Derrickson) is a fun watch. Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, The Imitation Game) does a fine job as the titular character and has a really good message of picking yourself up and rebuilding yourself when you've hit a really low point in life. The film also sports some very good visually interesting use of magic, with fight scenes that are quite suspenseful and more action-packed, unlike other fantasy films where two characters just stand in one place and cast spells at one another. Unfortunately, it's not higher up on this list because it is more or less the same story as Iron Man (2008, Jon Favreau) but with magic. So it has little points on originality. But it is still a good film and a good watch.
9. The Avengers
The film that showed how much of a powerhouse Marvel Studios is. At the time it became the third highest grossing film worldwide and cemented Marvel as a huge cinematic franchise. Marking the first Superhero Team-Up movie, the film has some very good character moments, an explosive third act and villain that people still can't get over! The only reason that it's not higher up on this list is that, until the third act, it's a little bit boring. Not a lot happens until the Battle In New York. But overall, it was a fun movie and it was really good seeing all of these characters coming together.
8. Ant-Man
Marvel's take on a heist movie. Ant-Man (2015, Peyton Reed) I feel is Marvel's most under-rated film. The way it uses the size-manipulation aspect to create some incredible fight scenes like the finale between Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Yellow-Jacket (Corey Stoll). But Paul Rudd does a very good job here. Bringing a lot of humour and heart to the role. But what's also good to mention is the relationship he has with the character of Hope (Evangeline Lily) who also does a really good job portraying the emotional side of her character but also working as the "Straight-man" archetype to Paul Rudd's funny man. In fact, their relationship was so good in this film that they're now sharing the sequel! This is a fun movie with some very interesting action set-pieces and good character relationships.
7. Captain America: Civil War
Captain America: Civil War (2016, Joe & Anthony Russo) is the film that tore the Avengers apart. Setting Iron Man and Captain America at odds. Whilst I do like this film, I did find it difficult to support either side. Neither side really has a proper discussion about their position in the argument. It was more of an "I'm right, you're wrong and that's the end of it!" kinda deal instead of a proper discussion. But what saves this film is the action scenes. This film has arguably the best action in the MCU, maybe even in the whole Superhero genre. The Airport scene is still a great example of Superhero action done right. And the final fight between Iron Man and Cap is very emotional and intense.
6. Thor: Ragnarok
I never thought I would put a Thor film on a Marvel: Top 10 list. But Thor: Ragnarok (2017, Taika Watiti) proved me wrong. Whilst I initially had an issue with the over-use of humour when this first came out, it has started to grow on me. At the end of the day, this is a fun movie. And even beyond the humour, this is one of the most visually interesting Marvel movies made! With its great use of colour and brilliant cinematography. Taking a lot of inspiration from 80's cartoons like He-Man and Thundercats, and from album art of 80's Retrowave bands.
5. Guardians Of The Galaxy
No one was expecting this film to be as big a hit as it became! But fans adored Marvel's take on the Space Opera genre. Introducing new characters like Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and Groot (Vin Diesel) that fans immediately took to. Particularly Pratt who got into great shape for the role and shot to become an A-list Hollywood star! The film also features some amazing visuals and set-pieces such as Knowhere, and a great soundtrack from the 70's and 80's that everyone enjoyed.
4. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Marvel proved that no one knows how to portray their characters better than them. And Spider-Man is no exception! After the first reboot with Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge, Breathe) couldn't find its footing, the second reboot with Tom Holland (The Impossible, In The Heart Of The Sea) managed to go down a lot better with fans and critics, and deservedly so! Holland is great in the role, both in the action and humour as Spider-Man and the troubled teenage side of Peter Parker. The film also features a really good villain in the Vulture (Michael Keaton) who was both sinister but you could understand where he was coming from. A brilliant Spider-Man film and a great start to this new version of the character!
3. Black Panther
This film has only been out a couple of months but has become one of the biggest films of all time. Passing the $1 Billion mark in a short length of time and becoming the 10th highest grossing film worldwide, just behind Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017, Rian Johnson). Chadwick Boseman (42, Get On Up) shines as the title character. Depicting a man struggling with the responsibility of being a leader. With brilliant fight scenes. Beautiful visuals, a great villain in Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and a powerful message about working together to make a better world and to not let hatred control us.
2. Iron Man
The film that started it all! Iron Man (2008, Jon Favreau) has held up rather well, and is still the best Iron Man film to date! Robert Downey Jr. shines in the role that brought him back to the top with a killer performance. Doing a good job with Tony Stark's arc through the film. Going from cocky billionaire businessman to a man looking for redemption, all while having fun with the role as much as he can. The film also has some really good action scenes, such as Iron Man taking on terrorists and the final act between Iron Man and Iron Monger (Jeff Bridges). Overall, it's a really good film that got the MCU off to a good start!
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Taking the top spot is a film that did Captain America justice! Whilst I did enjoy Captain America: The First Avenger (2011, Joe Johnston) this sequel blew it right out of the park. With terrific action and fight scenes from the Russo Brothers, which they would improve on in Civil War, but it also serves as a good character study for Captain America (Chris Evans) himself. After years of people complaining how, much like Superman, Cap was a little too perfect for any good storylines. But the Russo brothers proved that wrong with this film. Diving into what it is Captain America truly stands for and fights for. Arguably the best film to come out of MCU!
So that's my list of top 10 films for MCU. What did you think of the list? Do you believe a film should be higher or lower? Or was there a film that I missed that you felt deserved to be on this list? If so then please leave a comment down below. And, if you liked this post then you can follow this blog for more content. Thank you for reading. :)
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