The Marvel Cinematic Universe commenced in 2008 with Iron Man, showcasing a wealthy playboy genius and philanthropist combating injustice. Over the span of 17 years and 37 films, the MCU has not only brought many comic book heroes and villains to the big screen but has also reshaped the Hollywood release paradigm.
Contemplating the intricacies of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, the Hulk, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, Spider-Man, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Deadpool, the Fantastic Four, and their expanding cast can be quite daunting. Whenever you’re prepared to revisit, this guide is here to assist you in navigating the enjoyable, exceptional, and the disappointing.
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps currently in theaters, our ranking of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe has been refreshed, factoring in thrilling action, sharp humor, star presence, and letdowns.
Here are the MCU films ranked from least to most favorable.
37. Iron Man 2 (2010)
Credit: Marvel
An unimpressive sequel to the polished brilliance of Iron Man, the follow-up showcases a malevolent yet comedic Mickey Rourke but makes questionable creative choices. Black Widow is introduced amidst the typical 2010 misogyny, which is the primary flaw of Iron Man 2. The first movie emphasized Tony’s development, yet the second hinders his growth. The progression to the Tony in Endgame is too sluggish. — Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter
36. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Although part of the MCU series, The Incredible Hulk was so lackluster that its lead character was recast and only became acceptable in The Avengers. It’s not an origin tale, so we don’t witness Edward Norton as Bruce Banner transforming into the Hulk; he already is. We don’t see him falling for Betty (Liv Tyler), because he already is. What we see is a lot of the big green guy getting furious, which might have been exciting in 2008 but pales in comparison to later visual effects. — P.K.
How ‘She-Hulk’ triumphed over its toxic detractors by portraying them as the antagonists