The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) commenced in 2008 with *Iron Man*, presenting viewers with a billionaire intellect who champions justice. Over the last 16 years and more than 30 films, the MCU has not only showcased a plethora of comic book heroes and villains but has also transformed the Hollywood blockbuster scene.
Reflecting on the journey, it’s quite the challenge to remember every twist and turn experienced by Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, the Hulk, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, Spider-Man, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, and their continually growing ensemble. But if you’re gearing up for a rewatch, we have you sorted with this ultimate ranking of the MCU films—from the least favorable to the crème de la crème.
With *Captain America: Brave New World* now in theaters, we’ve refreshed our rankings, taking into account thrilling action, clever humor, star appeal, and even the most significant letdowns.
### MCU Movies Ranked from Worst to Best
#### 35. *Iron Man 2* (2010)
This disappointing sequel to the sleek excellence of *Iron Man* introduces a threatening yet amusing Mickey Rourke, but falters in its artistic decisions. Black Widow makes her first appearance, though it’s tainted by outdated 2010s misogyny. The movie does little to propel Tony Stark’s character development, leading to a sluggish path to the hero seen in *Endgame*.
#### 34. *The Incredible Hulk* (2008)
Although it’s technically a part of the MCU, *The Incredible Hulk* was so unremarkable that Bruce Banner got recast, and the character only became interesting in *The Avengers*. Lacking both an origin narrative and a captivating romance, the film predominantly features the Hulk causing destruction—an unsatisfying spectacle compared to subsequent MCU graphics.
#### 33. *Avengers: Age of Ultron* (2015)
Despite featuring some great scenes, *Age of Ultron* is a chaotic, sluggish film. While the Avengers’ chemistry is entertaining, the introduction of new characters feels contrived, and Ultron’s motives lack depth. Black Widow’s storyline is especially disappointing, reducing her to a love interest defined by her biology.
#### 32. *Thor: The Dark World* (2013)
Even with Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster possessing an Infinity Stone, the film doesn’t utilize her character effectively. While the interactions between Thor and Loki add some levity, the antagonist Malekith is forgettable, and the film does not deliver a gripping narrative.
#### 31. *Eternals* (2021)
With no recognizable MCU characters and a vast new mythology to present, *Eternals* faced a tough challenge. Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, the film is visually striking and promotes representation, but its deliberate pacing, complicated storyline, and focus on its antihero hinder its success.
#### 30. *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* (2023)
The third *Ant-Man* installment missed the mark on humor, pushing aside Paul Rudd’s charm for a convoluted storyline packed with excessive CGI. Kang the Conqueror didn’t make a memorable villain, and even the return of Michelle Pfeiffer couldn’t salvage this misfire.
#### 29. *Captain America: Brave New World* (2025)
Sam Wilson’s first solo venture as Captain America proved to be a significant disappointment. The movie leaned too much on forgotten storylines from *The Incredible Hulk* and *Eternals*, and even the presence of Harrison Ford couldn’t uplift the fragmented narrative.
#### 28. *Doctor Strange* (2016)
Fundamentally a rehash of *Iron Man* without the charisma, *Doctor Strange* suffers from whitewashed casting and squanders Rachel McAdams’ potential. Although the visuals are striking, the plot itself lacks memorability.
#### 27. *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* (2023)
James Gunn’s concluding *Guardians* movie carries a darker tone and is less enjoyable than its predecessors. While it provides emotional beats and introduces a compelling villain, the film is weighed down by heavy themes like eugenics and animal cruelty, resulting in a challenging viewing experience.
#### 26. *Thor: Love and Thunder* (2022)
Following the triumph of *Ragnarok*, this follow-up struggles to merge humor with its darker narrative. Despite solid performances from Natalie Portman and Christian Bale, the film’s overloaded storyline and contrived happy ending lead to disappointment.
#### 25. *The Marvels* (2023)
This follow-up to *Captain Marvel* unites Carol Danvers, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau for an intergalactic escapade. While there are enjoyable moments and a standout performance from Iman Vellani, the hurried pacing and inconsistent tone hinder its overall impact.