Every MCU Release Ranked From Phase 1 to the Present Day

For the last few years, I've begun the new year by watching the entire MCU catalog from start to finish. The beginning of 2024 was no exception. It's a chance for me to revisit some of my favorite moments from Marvel's wide array of movies, shows, and specials. In 2020, I made a list ranking every movie from the first three phases of the MCU, which at that point was 23 films. A lot has changed over the last few years. We've seen the introduction of several new characters and stories to help shape the ongoing Multiverse Saga. Since 2020, there have been 24 new entries, making this year's rewatch a long one. I decided that if I'm going to watch them all again, I might as well give my thoughts on them all. 

I've officially watched them all back and looked at all of them from six different lenses. I've scored them and come up with my 2024 ranking of all 47 movies, shows, and specials. This is what they were judged on:

The Leads (25)- The performance of the main hero(es).

The Villain (25)- The performance/memorability of the villain.

The Story (15)- How well the story was told.

The Action (15)- How well each action sequence looked.

The Final Fight (15)- Whether or not the final confrontation was satisfying or memorable.

The End/Post-Credit Scene (5)- The overall importance of each post-credit or end-credit scene to the greater MCU.

It's hard to judge movies next to series because there is a lot more to unwrap during a five-to-nine-episode show compared to a two-to-three-hour movie. For each show, I judged each episode individually and took the average. It's not an exact science, but it's as good as I could do. Here is my ranking of Marvel's releases through February 2024. 

F Tier

47. Thor: The Dark World

There are very few movies in the MCU's library that I genuinely loathe going back to watch. Unfortunately, Thor: The Dark World is the one I loathe the most. In retrospect, the first two Thor films are major disappointments because of what Thor would eventually become in his third installment and other appearances in other group films. The film features my least favorite MCU villain and one of its weakest stories. Chris Hemsworth and Tim Hiddleston are two of the very few redeeming qualities, and the death of Frigga is a pivotal point across the MCU. Post-Credit Scenes- There are two, and while one is a bit of a throwaway, the other introduces the viewers to The Collector, played by Benecio Del Toro, which becomes important later on.

46. The Incredible Hulk

Usually, I skip The Incredible Hulk during my rewatches, but I decided to include it this time. It was the first time I've watched it all the way through, so I tried to go into it with an open mind. By the time it was over, I was glad they opted to re-cast Bruce Banner. No disrespect to Edward Norton because I think he's a brilliant actor, but Mark Ruffalo is the only actor I can envision in that role now. I thought Tim Roth was good, but I've preferred him in other appearances within the MCU. I never got invested in the story of Bruce and Betty Ross. I think I'd like it more with subsequent viewings, but for now, it's low on the list. Post-Credit Scenes- We had another throwaway, especially considering Norton never returned to the role. Still, the second scene gives us a Tony Stark cameo to set up the first group film. 

45. Thor

Just to prove I'm not trashing the Thor films all of a sudden, I had this one as the fourth-lowest during my initial rankings in 2020. This one barely edges out the original for a few reasons. First, Loki is a far superior antagonist to Malekith. Second, it feels like Thor actually has a satisfying story arc. Third, I think the action overall is superior to the sequel. It didn't feel like there was a satisfying final fight in this one, which is a major knock on it. Ultimately, I think it's the stark difference in tone between the first two Thors films and the next two that really hurt it. I don't have anything against the character of Thor, but this leaves me needing more. Post-Credit Scene- The one scene at the end of the film gets you excited for The Avengers and sets up Loki as the film's main villain. 

44. Captain Marvel

I love Brie Larson. I also love Samuel L. Jackson. Logic would dictate that I'd really like this one. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I don't dislike it for the same reasons most others did. I actually think Larson's performance was solid. To me, this film lacks a strong villain and features one of the movie tropes I dislike the most. Jude Law is fine, but if I hadn't looked up his character's name, I wouldn't have remembered it. I'm also not a fan of the mid-film "I've been working for the bad guys" realization. Seeing Nick Fury before The Avengers was cool, though Carol "Avenger" Danvers is way too on the nose. The introduction of Captain Marvel was an important one to the greater MCU, but this debut was a little underwhelming. Post-Credit Scene- The one thing this film did do is get you excited for Endgame. There was also the scene of Goose regurgitating The Tesseract, which is fine. 

43. Secret Invasion

You might sense a theme in the last two entries. I'm not the biggest fan of the Skrulls. I tried to like this on a rewatch, and I can admit that I probably liked it more the second time around. The humanization of Nick Fury is one of the most interesting aspects of the show. His relationship with Talos is an interesting one, as is the fact that he's married to a Skrull. I also thought Olivia Colman stole most of the scenes she was in. Otherwise, I didn't like much else. Gravik is a decent villain, but it's hard to take him seriously by the end of the series after he was dismantled by G'iah. It's a shame because he started the serious strongly by killing Maria Hill. In my opinion, this has been my least favorite MCU show to date. Post-Credit Scenes- This is one of two MCU products to not have anything at the end of any of its credits. 

42. Doctor Strange

I have conflicting feelings about Doctor Strange because I love Benedict Cumberbatch's performance and the visuals of the film, but that's about it. Mads Mikkelson is another great actor who is strapped with a villain in the MCU who I don't remotely care about. The film avoids the standard final battle by opting instead to have Doctor Strange bargain with Dormammu, thus rendering a final battle useless. It's a shame after all of the great fight sequences the film produces. Strange's arc is another of the best arcs in the MCU, setting him up to be a fixture in the universe for a long time. It's a tame entry by the modern standards of Marvel, granted one that I wasn't particularly high on the first time around, either. Post-Credit Scenes- I don't have an affinity for either scene. The first is a cut-down scene to tease Thor: Ragnarok, while the other would be meaningful if they ever follow up on it. Karl Mordo's next appearance has nothing to do with this scene, making it feel pointless.

41. Iron Man 3

If I'm being honest, I'm a little surprised by this placement because I initially expected it to be lower. It was second to last on my initial ranking, so it moved up quite a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's still the worst of the three Iron Man movies by a considerable margin. The Mandarin fake-out is something I still roll my eyes at all these years later. I like that Travis Slattery has gotten more chances within the MCU, but this was a rough beginning. I think the film does too much to try and fake us out that it makes it painfully obvious who the villain is. This is also my least favorite of Robert Downey Jr.'s performances as Iron Man. He has plenty of charm still, but I prefer all his other performances. The one thing it does better than any of the other films is its final fight. While the second film's fight is good, this is my favorite. Post-Credit Scene- After two of the first three films were focused on Iron Man, it was nice to tease the introduction of another character. This time, we saw Mjolnir in the desert, preparing us for Thor's arrival. 

D Tier

40. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantummania

Of Marvel's recent film releases, this is one that was incredibly disappointing. I've liked Paul Rudd's run as Ant-Man since his first appearance, and I still do, but I was a little underwhelmed by the entire ensemble. Rudd was fine, and the rest of the heroes had their moments, but something was missing. I think it was the humor and charm the first two installments had. With The Blip, Marvel had to age up Cassie, which is a shame because young Cassie was one of the best parts of the pre-Endgame films. This was also our first full look at Jonathan Major's Kang the Conqueror. Real-life circumstances make this tough to judge because I liked his performance, but it also is rendered moot by what he did. It casts a bit of a shadow, especially on a movie that is seriously lacking. Post-Credit Scenes- Both scenes were Kang-centric, which made them tough to grade. On the one hand, it sets up an interesting future for the MCU. On the other hand, we don't exactly know who will be playing Kang.   

39. She-Hulk

This is the third time I've watched She-Hulk, and it still remains something I can't describe as being really good or really bad. It's a little lower on the list, but I don't think it's the biggest abomination Marvel has produced, pun intended. It's incredibly campy, which isn't always a bad thing. The guest appearances from Emil Blonsky, Wong, Matt Murdock, and others are great. Some of the obscure characters are fun. None of the villains are particularly memorable. I think Tatiana Maslany plays Jen Walters well. The lowest points were the villain moments. Titania and HulkKing are stale and uninteresting. I also remain firm in my stance that the finale was a letdown. There are plenty of name-drops to get fans interested, but it falls flat for me. The series as a whole is fine, though Marvel has done much better. Post-Credit Scenes- There are five post-credit scenes, and they're largely interesting. The only one I didn't love was the one where she helped her dad around the house. I still think Wong and Madisynn need their own show.

38. Thor: Love and Thunder

Much like Quantommania, the fourth film in Thor's collection is a letdown. While Taika Waititi returns to helm the film, he's unable to re-capture the magic of Ragnarok. I've never been the biggest fan of Jane Foster, so having Natalie Portman return didn't move the needle for me. She has a good story, albeit a tragic one. I was hoping for the Guardians of the Galaxy to stick around a little longer. Worst of all, the comedy doesn't hit the same way. A lot of the comedic moments feel incredibly awkward. I also didn't like the subplot featuring Thor and his weapons. Christian Bale tries his best to make Gorr a memorable villain, though he doesn't have much to work with. The action sequences are the best part of the film. The fight in black and white was particularly great. I also didn't mind the ending. Gorr wins, but the world doesn't come to an end. There's likely to be a fifth Thor film in the future, making it imperative that they clear the low bar this one sets. Post-Credit Scenes- The first scene confirms that Zeus isn't dead and sets up the introduction of Hercules sometime in the future. The second is the one I like more as Jane Foster enters Valhalla with Heimdall there to greet her. 

37. What If...?, Season 1

When Marvel announced this series, I was ecstatic. During my initial ranking of Phase 4, this was the release I ranked the lowest. While it doesn't hold that distinction anymore, I still don't find it as interesting, especially with how much I liked the second season. I found myself liking and disliking the same episodes without much of a change in my opinion of the series overall. The Party Thor episode tanked the season for me. It's the least interesting story with the least interesting characters. The episode with Hank Pym killing The Avengers remains my favorite. I have a newfound appreciation for the art style. It still looks great and is still one of the most unique releases Marvel has had. I'm glad the second season was so much better. Post-Credit Scene- The only extra scene came after the finale, setting the stage for an episode in the second season. It wasn't ground-breaking and didn't do much to inspire excitement at the time. 

36. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

This was the hardest one to grade because of how different it is from the rest of Marvel's catalog. There is no villain or major conflict, wiping out two of the big things I was looking at during my rewatch. I had to get a little creative. It combines two of my favorite things, Christmas and Marvel. This might be a little lower than I expected it to be, but I attribute that to how little it connects the overall universe. The only substantial development is the revelation of Mantis and Peter being siblings. It comes up in the third film briefly, but that's it. Kevin Bacon is fun in his role, playing a fictionalized version of himself. His range is great, though he might've been a little more forgiving than I would've been in his position. Drax and Mantis were the real stars, and their chemistry was great. As a holiday offering, this works. In the context of the MCU, I might not revisit it as much. Post-Credit Scene- They tease the potential for a second special, which would be interesting given the direction they're going with the Guardians of the Galaxy moving forward. 

35. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

I think my stance on this film has softened with subsequent viewings, though I still feel strongly after a few things. The biggest complaint I have is the lack of resolution we get from the first Doctor Strange film. The post-credit scene with Karl Mordo suggests that he'd play a larger role in a potential sequel. The movie eludes to Mordo hating Strange, but outside of a small part with The Illuminati, it's never addressed. I'd have also liked to see more multiverses for a movie called Multiverse of Madness. The performances of the film's stars remain its strongest point. I think Elizabeth Olson gives her best performance here, as does Benedict Cumberbatch. America Chavez feels like someone who will be a major player moving forward. Hopefully, this sets the stage for the Young Avengers to come together. Post-Credit Scenes- The only important development between the two scenes is Clea's introduction to set up Doctor Strange's next appearance. Pizza Poppa, not hitting himself anymore, failed to produce a chuckle. 

C Tier

34. Eternals

I have plenty of controversial opinions regarding the MCU, but the following sentence might be my most controversial. Eternals is a great film. I rated this as the worst movie of Phase 4 last year. After watching it again, I've shifted my stance on it considerably. There are still plenty of things I don't like about it. Kro, the lead Deviant, is still not a great villain. The reveal of Ikaris as the twist villain is okay. Sprite is still annoying. Trying to introduce a ten-person team is a hard thing to do, and it doesn't always land. Still, I loved the action overall. The fights were visually interesting, for the most part. Gemma Chan is easy to root for. Druig and Makkari remain a relationship I need to see more of. There was enough in this movie to get me interested in a sequel when it comes. I won't pretend that it's a masterpiece, though it's certainly different than most of the other films in the MCU. However, I don't think it's nearly as bad as it's made out to be. Post-Credit Scenes- Both scenes set up future projects. The first introduces Harry Styles as Eros for the sequel. The second gets us prepared for Blade, starring Mahershala Ali. 

33. Iron Man

The movie that started it all being this low on my list is a little bit of a surprise. I initially had it as my favorite of the Iron Man films four years ago. My thoughts have changed a little since then, but this is still a solid offering. Outside of the large-group films, Robert Downey Jr.'s performance in this one is my favorite from any of the solo films. His charm as Tony Stark makes this one of the best casting decisions of the 21st century. The overall story is a good one, too. Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane is my least favorite villain from the three Iron Man movies. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is about his performance that I don't like. I just think it falls flat by comparison. This was the MCU in its infancy. Not everything was going to be perfect, but it lays the groundwork for the universe that we know and appreciate today. Post-Credit Scene- The post-credit scene is a perfect example of laying the ground. We get our first introduction to Samuel L. Jackson as Nicky Fury as we get excited about the prospect of The Avengers finally coming to the big screen in a few years. 

32. WandaVision

Each viewing makes me like this show even more. Not only is it a great homage to sitcoms through the years, but it also tells the heartbreaking story of a woman grieving after one of the most traumatizing moments of her life. Wanda Maximoff can't catch a break. The first few episodes play as a normal sitcom would, giving us little indication of anything to come. Once we hit the fourth episode, we finally understand the full depth of the situation. Not only do we get to see some familiar faces, we get a few new ones, too. Kathryn Hahn is fantastic, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with her show. I don't think it's all great. The Evan Peters/Pietro fake-out felt a little mean, making us all get our hopes up. There wasn't a ton of action outside of the final fight. It helps set the stage for Wanda's next appearance in Multiverse of Madness, though her future seems uncertain now. Post-Credit Scenes- The series features three additional scenes. We get a little more Evan Peters, the introduction of White Vision, and a tease for the next Doctor Strange movie, none of which were particularly memorable. 

31. Ant-Man

On paper, a movie about Ant-Man doesn't seem like a big deal. Adding Paul Rudd to pretty much anything makes it instantly better. Rudd's humor and timing are arguably the best part of the film. He was another of the many perfect casting choices by Marvel. The rest of the movie is fine. I don't feel too strongly about much here. Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly are both good. Scott Lang's crew is fun. Corey Stoll, as the main villain, doesn't move the needle much for me. I really liked the final fight between Ant-Man and Yellowjacket. It was a creative use of the technology from the film. Plus, it featured a giant Thomas the Tank Engine. It's not the best of the trilogy, but it's also not the worst. Post-Credit Scenes- Both scenes set the table for upcoming works, teasing Ant-Man and the Wasp and Captain America: Civil War. The teaser for Civil War did the one thing I don't like, and that's using a cut-down scene from the film. It feels lazy to me.

30. Black Widow

After an extended break during the pandemic, Marvel began releasing films again in 2021. Their first one was the long-awaited solo film for Black Widow. Taking place before the events of Infinity War, the one thing I noted when I ranked Phase 4 was that it is more likely to be remembered for the new characters than as a final send-off for Natasha Romanoff. Her adoptive family, played perfectly by Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz, steals the show. Scarlett Johansson has some good moments, but most of her memorable scenes are opposite Pugh. I'm not a fan of the Dreykov and Taskmaster antagonist duo. Taskmaster is interesting in concept, though less so in execution. They do more telling than showing at times. I'm not sure this is quite what we expected from a Black Widow film, but the new characters are likely to have a lasting impact on the MCU. Post-Credit Scene- If you weren't satisfied with the film before it, the final scene with Yelena and Valentina left you excited for Yelena's next appearance. We got a tease for the upcoming Hawkeye series, with Pugh returning for the final few episodes.

29. Iron Man 2

While Robert Downey Jr. is undoubtedly the most charismatic actor in the MCU, it's a little surprising that all three of his solo films are in the bottom half of my list. In my initial MCU rankings, Iron Man 2 was the third-lowest film. Rewatching it made me realize how much better it is than the other two, though not every aspect of it is superior to the others. The decision to re-cast Terrance Howard for Don Cheadle was good. He feels more natural in the role. I've come around a lot on Whiplash and Justin Hammer. Sam Rockwell steals the scenes he's in. We also get the introduction of Natasha Romanoff, who would become a mainstay for many years to come. Given the MCU was still in its infancy, this was good. I'm sure if there'd been a longer gap between the first two films, maybe we'd have gotten a better Iron Man project. Post-Credit Scene- With Phil Coulson making the trip out to New Mexico, we were set to welcome the next major player of Phase 1. Thor's impending arrival in the next film helped to build The Avengers. 

 

B Tier

28. Guardians of the Galaxy

It says a lot about the rest of the MCU that this is as low as it is. The Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is one of the strongest in the entire canon. The original serves as a solid introduction to the team. The entire team is perfectly cast. Chris Pratt is incredibly charismatic, while Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper provide excellent moments, too. The surprise is Dave Bautista, who joined a legacy of former wrestlers who've stepped into Hollywood and shocked us all with their acting chops. My opinion of Ronan the Accuser has soured a little over time, though I attribute that more to the performances of subsequent villains in the trilogy. While this is good, I see the sequels as more memorable. I don't hold onto the original as much as I do the sequels. Still, if you're looking for a fun intro film, this is a good place to start. Post-Credit Scenes- Neither of the scenes do anything to set up future films, though they are both fun in their own right. The first introduces us to a reborn Groot as he dances in his pot. The second gives us Howard the Duck in a cameo.

27. Echo

One thing Marvel has done in the last few phases is told stories about heroes from a diverse set of backgrounds. Echo is the most recent series to do so, giving us more context to the character of Maya Lopez, who debuted in Hawkeye. Alaqua Cox is another of the memorable additions to the MCU during Phase 4, and she shines in this series centered around her character. The series dives deep into her backstory and her ancestry. With the mature rating, the series doesn't pull many punches. It's dark and brutal, satisfying those of us who appreciate some blood and violence. Vincent D'Onofio returns as Kingpin, playing into his fatherly ways in a menacing and foreboding way. He's being set up to be a major player moving forward, and I'm here for it. The series is far from perfect, using some convenient flashback mystical powers stuff that doesn't always work. The pros far outweigh the cons, and I hope we get to see a lot more of Echo in the future. Post-Credit Scene- The only extra scene we got was after the finale, showing Kingpin contemplating running for the mayor of New York. This appears to be setting up Daredevil: Born Again, set to be released in 2025.

26. Loki, Season 1

Loki's death to begin Infinity War was a major shock when I watched it the first time. My hope was that it wouldn't be the last time he'd be seen in the MCU. Imagine how excited I was to know he'd be getting a series. Picking up where he exited during his brief appearance in Endgame, this was an incredible concept to bring him back for. Tom Hiddleston's brilliance shines as he returns to play Loki. The arc Loki goes through during the first season turns him from one of the bigger antagonists in the MCU to one of its best anti-heroes. The entire cast turns in great performances. I was concerned about Owen Wilson joining the MCU, but he fit in perfectly. I didn't love the idea of two Lokis falling in love, which isn't the fault of Sophia Di Martino's performance as Sylvie. The season finale and the introduction as He Who Remains was easily my favorite part of the season. The entire finale was so much fun as Jonathan Majors gave us a glimpse of what was to come. It was an excellent return, though it would eventually be outdone by the second season. Post-Credit Scene- We were treated to a small tease after Loki was pruned at the end of the fourth episode. As Loki woke up at the end of time, he was confronted by a few more variants of himself. It sets the stage for a fun fifth episode with these new variants.

25. Spider-Man: Homecoming

I appreciate Marvel for not giving us another Spider-Man origin story. We'd already seen it done twice, so there was no point in doing it a third time with Tom Holland taking up the mantle. He'd made his first appearance in Civil War, but it was only a matter of time before he'd get his own movies. His first is a down-to-earth story that settles us into what we could expect moving forward from Spider-Man. Holland plays both sides of his character well, balancing his newfound status as a superhero with his nerdy Peter Parker persona. He has a fun supporting cast to play off, especially Jacob Batalon and Laura Harrier. Michael Keaton's Vulture is sinister, but he's also not too over the top compared to other villains. The reveal that he's Liz's father still gives me goosebumps. Not only do I think Holland is the best Spider-Man, but I also think Marisa Tomei is the best Aunt May we've seen. Robert Downey Jr. makes a few appearances, too, which is fun. It's a standard coming-of-age film about a person learning how to be a hero. Post-Credit Scenes- Neither scene we see teases anything. The first shows Vulture in prison talking to Scorpion, who had been given a new look during the film. It does more to show that even Vulture can appreciate what Peter did for his daughter. The second is a cameo from Captain America as he filmed the educational videos.

24. Captain America: The First Avenger

Speaking of the captain, we've now reached the part where we talk about Captain America's first film. Pound-for-pound, the Captain America trilogy is the best in the MCU. The first is a solid starting point, taking place during World War II. As the final pre-Avengers film, this felt different from the other introduction films before it. The setting might have a big part in that, using a real event to serve as the backdrop. He's surrounded by good supporting characters. I think Hayley Atwell shines, as do Sebastian Stan and Tommy Lee Jones. Hugo Weaving's Red Skull is a classic extremist character and isn't anything special in my eyes. I also wasn't a fan of the seduction scene with Natalie Dormer. It felt of place. The ending is heartbreaking, though I liked that it ended with Steve Rogers realizing he was now in modern-day New York. Much like with the first Guardian of the Galaxy film, this film's placement is largely contributable to the other films being so good. Post-Credit Scene- The only extra scene we got was a cut-down scene from The Avengers, with Nick Fury handing Steve his next assignment. I've already voiced my disdain for cut-down scenes like this.

23. What If...?, Season 2

After I didn't love Season 1, I wasn't sure what to expect when Marvel released the second season at the end of 2023. It turns out I liked it a lot more. I'm not sure if there's anything specific that the second season did better than the first. It might've just been that I was more interested in the stories each episode told. The season offered a wide variety of stories. My favorites were the story of Kahhori in the sixth episode and the finale with Strange Supreme returning to bring his universe back. Inversely, I wasn't a fan of the Die Hard-inspired Christmas episode with Happy Hogan and Darcy. I found it was too campy, even as someone who loves Christmas. We also got to see a 1602 story, the return of the Ten Rings, Death Race with Iron Man, and the old-school Avengers against a child version of Peter Quill. If Marvel decides to do a third season, I would be all for it. Post-Credit Scene- In a throwaway gag after the Iron Man and Gamora racing episode, the only post-credit scene was the Grandmaster, who'd been turned into a puddle at the end of the episode, asking to be cleaned up. It doesn't really go anywhere. 

22. Werewolf By Night

Another of the experiments Marvel tried out was the introduction of Special Presentations. The first was Werewolf By Night, which I can admit I knew nothing about before watching it. After initially being released in black and white, a colorized version of it was released last year. There's a beauty to both that makes them incredibly different despite being the same story. This was so different than anything else we've seen in the MCU. It's a story about mythical creatures instead of superheroes. Gael Garcia Bernal shines as Jack Russell, while Laura Donnelly also kills it. After watching it the first time, Man-Thing was my favorite character, and the colorized version gave me a creature appreciation for his design. While having no discernable lines, Ted provides some of the more light-hearted moments. It also has some solid violence. I'm certain this won't be the last time we see these characters because I feel like there is a lot that could be done with them. Post-Credit Scene- This was the first release within the MCU to not feature a post-credit scene, seeing as it's just a Special Presentation.

21. The Marvels

This was the last thing I needed to watch since it came out on Disney+ a few weeks after Echo. I remembered seeing it being panned by most commenters online, but considering how much I liked Ms. Marvel, I was skeptical about all of the hate. Having finally watched it, I really liked it. The chemistry of Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani was incredible. Vellani stood out in all of the best ways imaginable. She has cemented herself as the best new addition to the MCU post-Infinity Saga, which featured some stiff competition. Dar-Benn was a by-the-numbers villain. Zawe Ashton is good, but her character didn't stand out. The musical number was also a bit misplaced. Still, the Khan family is one of the MCU's most wholesome families. The Flerken stuff was funny. The tease for a future Young Avengers team-up has me all sorts of excited. The callback to Iron Man's post-credit scene was a brilliant way to end the movie. Post-Credit Scene- The X-Men are in the MCU, and I'm not talking about the reboot group. I mean the original early-2000s crew. Seeing Hank McCoy, played by Kelsey Grammer, also teases the eventual arrival of the mutants. Hopefully, that will come sooner rather than later.

A Tier

20. Hawkeye

The first recruit for the Young Avengers appears to be Kate Bishop, who made her MCU debut in this series. While the focus of the series is Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye trying to put his past as Ronin behind him, Hailee Steinfeld is infectious as Bishop. New York at Christmastime is a perfect setting for this series, which is all about family on multiple levels. We also meet Maya Lopez for the first time, and we see Vincent D'Onofrio back in his role as Kingpin. The Track Suit Mafia is an interesting group because sometimes they're serious, but often they're not that threatening. Florence Pugh's return as Yelena for the final few episodes was great, allowing her to showcase incredible chemistry with Steinfeld. Their interactions in the final two episodes provide some of the best moments of the series. I'm talking a lot about everyone other than Hawkeye, which highlights just how deep this cast was. I haven't even mentioned Vera Farmiga or Tony Dalton. It hits all of the important notes and allows Hawkeye to ride into the sunset for now. Post-Credit Scene- To close the series, the final scene after the final credits isn't anything important. We're treated to the full-length rendition of "I Can Do This All Day" from the musical Hawkeye and his kids are at in the series premiere. 

19. Spider-Man: Far From Home

Being the first film after Endgame is not the easiest spot to be in, but there was no better character to focus on than Spider-Man. The entire film is about Peter Parker trying to be the new Iron Man and realizing he doesn't need to be. The romance between Peter and MJ is another major story, and both actors play the dorkiness of their characters well to make it believable. Jake Gyllenhaal gives another unhinged performance that takes a serious turn halfway through to showcase just how dastardly a villain he is. Happy and May are a fun story. Ned and Betty's short dating story is fun. The whole thing with Brad is a little stupid. The final fight is creative and cool. It's a story-driven film that sets up a post-Iron Man world for the MCU, and it does a good job at it. Post-Credit Scenes- We got a pair of scenes once everything was over. One of them involved the reveal that Nick Fury and Maria Hill were Skrulls the entire time, which I didn't care for. The other was the shocking return of J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson, reprising his role from the Raimi trilogy in a major move that shocked audiences everywhere. 

18. Loki, Season 2

After the first season left us with an incredible cliffhanger, I was very excited when the release date for the second season was announced. This can be a tough one to follow at times, but it weaves its story so beautifully that you can excuse the momentary confusion. We get an extended look at Jonathan Majors as Victor Timely, showing Majors' range after playing Kang in Quantummania. Ravonna Renslayer is a little more sinister this season, straight-up killing some people in one episode. Miss Minutes gets a larger role and is also scarier. I liked seeing everyone's backstories in the penultimate episode. The introduction of Ouroboros, played by Ke Huy Quan, was a highlight. Tom Hiddleston remains the star, and if this is his final time playing Loki, we were given the perfect ending for him. He has become the God of Stories, a fitting way to complete Loki's arc within the MCU. This felt like a satisfying conclusion. Post-Credit Scene- The only extra scene came after the season premiere, showing Sylvie for the first time this season as she walks into a 1980s McDonalds. It sets up her arc for the season.

17. Moon Knight

Portraying characters with Disassociative Identity Disorder can be tricky, especially when it isn't done correctly. I think Marvel does a solid job with it, as Oscar Isaac takes on multiple roles. It's another example of an actor showing incredible range within the MCU. Steven Grant gets a little tiresome because of how exaggerated Isaac's British accent is, but I really liked the edge of Marc Spector. While I like Isaac, I think Ethan Hawke is the real star. As he has shown in other projects, Hawke plays a cult leader very well. He's not someone you'd want to come across in an alley. He comes off as passive-aggressive but has a serious mean streak to him. The transition we see Moon Knight go through to become suited up is really cool. The final fight between Khonshu and Ammit is cool, while Moon Knight and Layla going at it with Arthur Harrow is fun. The best episode to me is the one when they show Marc's past and explain how Steven came about. It's incredibly sad, but humanizes him. This is another series that doesn't shy away from the brutality. Post-Credit Scene- In the season finale, we get to fill in some of the holes from throughout the season when neither Steven nor Marc were in control. As Harrow is wheeled out of a hospital, he's killed by the third identity, Jake Lockley, setting up a potential second season. 

16. Ant-Man and the Wasp

In 2020, I called Ant-Man and the Wasp the most underrated and underappreciated film in the MCU's library. Almost four years later, I still believe it is. Everything good about the original is made even better in the sequel. Picking up after Captain America: Civil War, we start by taking a look at Scott Lang's life in lockdown. The original cast is back with a few fun additions. Chief among them is Ghost, played by Hannah John-Kamen. She's not the traditional supervillain we see in most superhero movies. She's more of a sympathetic antagonist. The only thing this film lacks is a solid final fight. I think they try to do a little too much in the third act, focusing less on the action and more on the story. The end product is a fun, albeit silly, movie. My enjoyment of this only makes my disdain for the third film all the most upsetting. Post-Credit Scenes- While the first scene is just a giant ant playing the drums, the second one is far more important. In another post-credit scene that sets the stage for Avengers: Endgame, we see Scott get trapped in the Quantum Realm as Hope, Hank, and Janet are all blipped away. It's one of the biggest moments that helps kickstart The Avengers' eventual mission in Endgame. 

15. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3

Most of Phase 5 has faced tough scrutiny from fans and critics, but most can agree that the third installment in the Guardians of the Galaxy series is one of its best. Billed as the end of an era for the group, the strength of this one is its story. While Rocket is out of commission for most of it, we get to learn more about his backstory, along with his relationship with the film's villain, the High Evolutionary. It makes you feel sympathetic for him as you see how he went from a baby to a cynic. I don't feel like the entire team is together for much of the film, though it allows them to highlight some of the good duos and trios within the group. The villain is one of the best in recent memory. On the surface, his ambitions make sense, but you realize the glaring flaws in his plan. I think my two biggest qualms are the deployment of Adam Warlock and the ending. After the second film's tease, I didn't think Adam added much. It also felt weird for this to be the end of the group, for now, because the MCU has so much more to tell. I'm sure we'll see these characters again in some capacity, but it felt a little awkward. Post-Credit Scenes- We saw a new lineup for the team, with Rocket and Groot leading a new crop of Guardians into battle. I doubt we'll see this exact group if we get another movie, but it's an interesting group. We also see a glimpse of Peter Quill with his grandfather eating breakfast together. 

14. Avengers: Age of Ultron

It speaks volumes about how great the major team-up films are that this is the lowest in the group. This is the beginning of The Avengers as we'd come to know them. The original group was great, but this is when the final group started to take form. This is our first formal introduction to Scarlet Witch, Vision, and Quicksilver. It's my least favorite story of the four Avengers films, but it features one of the best final fights in Sokovia and plenty of other solid brawls. The opening fight balances action and humor well. The fight through Seoul is interesting, mostly because I recognized where it was shot. The scene with Thor's hammer is hilarious. Hawkeye is given some character development before being saved by Quicksilver. Ultron is a good villain, and James Spader does an excellent job bringing him to life. For the greater MCU, this might be the most important film Marvel has released. So many of the important moments set the stage for later storylines that span for years to come. Post-Credit Scene- For my money, this is the best post-credit scene of any MCU release. It's also one of the most simple. Josh Brolin's Thanos reaches for the Infinity Gauntlet and says, "Fine, I'll do it myself," setting in motion the beginning of the end. 

13. Falcon and the Winter Soldier

I rated this as the best release during Phase 4 a few years ago. Upon another viewing, I've moved it down slightly, ranking it as the fifth-best project of the phase. The Captain America films, especially the latter two, always feel the most grounded to me, which might explain why I appreciate this series so much. In this one, the groundedness comes from Sam Wilson being in New Orleans with his family. I don't think there is a bad performance among the leads. Erin Kellyman, as the leader of the Flagsmashers, Karli Morgentheau, is arguably the weakest of the group. Still, she's another good example of an understandable antagonist until she murders a bunch of people. Wyatt Russell plays the most unlikeable "good" guy. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan have had incredible chemistry since being paired together during Civil War. It's showcased in spades throughout this series. The Dora Milage proved they're more than just one person. Arguably, my favorite part of the series is the return of Daniel Bruhl as Zemo. He's my favorite MCU villain, so getting him back for a few episodes for him to work his magic was great. He gets to show off a sillier side to the character, too. It's a good series that touches on important societal issues. I'm not sure why people find it so divisive. Post-Credit Scenes- The final two episodes feature a little extra at the end. Following Episode 5, we see John Walker putting together his own shield after Sam and Bucky take the one he was originally given by the government. After the finale, we see Sharon Carter get pardoned after what she did during Civil War. This is almost certain to be a big part of the next Captain America film. 

12. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Despite having nothing but positive things to say about it, this was #9 on my Phase 4 list. Clearly, I didn't appreciate it enough the first time because this was so much better on a second viewing. This is so much more than another entry in the MCU. To this day, we're still feeling the emptiness left by Chadwick Boseman's passing. I think my initial objections might've been seeing Shuri taking over the mantle of Black Panther. She was the obvious choice, but it was weird seeing it for the first time. Subsequent appearances will likely help me feel more comfortable. The story is beautiful, serving as a fitting celebration of Boseman's life while also furthering the character. Namor is a good anti-hero, and his final fight with Shuri is a highlight of the film. It's probably the best action sequence of the film. We get another car chase, which I think the original does better. Talokan is a beautiful setting. The extra stuff with Ross and Valentina is fine, though I could've done without it. I still think the runtime could've been cut by 15-20 minutes. Boseman's absence was felt, but the film celebrates his life beautifully, and that's about the highest compliment you can give. Post-Credit Scene- As if you weren't already emotional at the end of the film, the reveal that Okoye and T'Challa had a son and named him T'Challa will get you good. Unless the MCU shifts forward a long time, or goes on forever, we likely won't see this amount to anything, but it was still cool. 

S Tier

11. The Avengers

While Iron Man was the one that got it started, The Avengers showed us what a massive team-up film could look like. Bringing together the core six members of the team, we got to see the growth of the group as they learned to navigate issues as a group instead of as individuals. I still think the smartest decision they made was having Loki be the main villain. While Loki is fun in later films and shows, this version is my favorite. He's unapologetically evil in his pursuit of supremacy. He was a familiar face that those who'd seen the preceding films would recognize. It's inviting to the newbies to Marvel. The final fight in New York is epic and has ripple effects throughout the rest of the MCU in later projects. The only reason I rank it here is because we've seen these characters better in subsequent appearances, where I think they are much stronger and defined. Still, for a first-time team-up, this was a blast. The first time I watched it in theaters, I had no clue it was connected to a larger universe. All these years later, it still holds up. Post-Credit Scenes- While we didn't know just how big the MCU was going to get, the scene with Thanos during the credits helped to create a sense of excitement. We got to see a different look to Thanos than the final version played by Josh Brolin. The final scene is a callback to a moment during the final fights when Tony Stark suggests they get shwarma.  

10. Ms. Marvel

Of the projects in my Top 15 or so, this could likely be seen as my most controversial placement, though it really shouldn't be. If you couldn't tell from my review of The Marvels, I've become a huge fan of Ms. Marvel. I said it there, and I'll say it again. Iman Vellani is the best addition to the MCU after Endgame. She has some serious competition, but I stand by my opinion. It was one of my favorite releases during Phase 4 and cemented its status as my favorite MCU show after another rewatch. Culturally, it's one of the most interesting shows. As far as the action, it's solid.

I liked the fight in the finale against the Department of Damage Control. It's a bit childish, yet it also strikes me as a plan a normal group of people would come up with. I still haven't turned the corner on the Clandestines. I don't think they're the best villains, but having a fight scene to Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" in the third episode was awesome. The heart of the show remains the Khan family. They're one of the best depictions of a close-knit and supportive family. I like that Kamala's identity isn't kept from her family until the family. It helps to make the finale that much more special. The future is bright for Ms. Marvel in the MCU. Post-Credit Scenes- We were treated to additional scenes during the premiere and the finale. The first episode sets up the DODC's involvement in the series, painting them as a secondary antagonist. In the final, we get another preview for The Marvels, with Brie Larson stopping in for a cameo.

9. Thor: Ragnarok

While Thor has shown an ability to have a comedic side, the opening moments of Ragnarok showed that this was going to be different from the other Thor appearances. Under the direction of Taika Waititi, we saw a significant shift in tone, and the entire cast knocked it out of the park. Unlike its sequel, the comedic timing hits perfectly. Thor seems to have incredible chemistry with everyone. I laugh every time Loki says, "I swear I left him right here," when they show the old folks' home being torn down. Hela is an intense villain, and even she has some solid quips throughout the film. The time we spend on Sakaar is cool, giving us great introductions to Valkyrie and Korg, who continue to be present in the MCU. It's still funny to me that Karl Urban is in this, yet you can hardly tell it's him at times. He's not meant to be an important part of the story, but he does get an epic send-off. The return of Hulk is another great moment. We knew it was coming, though it doesn't take away from how good a moment it is. The success of Ragnarok makes it all the more disappointing that Love and Thunder wasn't good. Post-Credit Scenes- The most important development we got at the end of this one was Thanos' arrival to officially begin Infinity War. We see Thanos' ship as it approaches the Asgardians, dwarfing their ship before its eventual takeover. There is also a scene with The Grandmaster, played hilariously by Jeff Goldblum, congratulating everyone on a successful revolution while taking most of the credit.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

To me, there is little doubt that the second film in the series is the best of the group. It has the best villain, played by Kurt Russell. It has an equally as compelling story and final fight as the third film. I think the group as a whole is at their best here. This is my favorite iteration of Groot, for obvious reasons. Russell's performance as Ego is one of the best villain portrayals in the MCU and is one that I don't think is appreciated enough. The reveal that he is responsible for Peter's mom's death is an incredibly surreal moment. I think the comedic moments hit well, with very few of the jokes falling flat. I haven't even mentioned The Sovereign or The Ravagers yet. Yondu's death is the second saddest in the MCU, only behind Tony Stark. This is also our first introduction to Mantis, who became a central part of the team in future appearances. It's a feel-good film that will make you appreciate your family, no matter how crazy they might be. Post-Credit Scenes- Volume 2 holds the distinction of being the film with the most post-credit scenes, with five. Most of them don't mean much. We see Quill confront Teen Groot about his messy room, Stan Lee making another appearance, and the old Guardians of the Galaxy get back together. While Kraglin messing with Yondu's fin and arrow is important, the most consequential is the tease of Adam Warlock for the third film.

7. Spider-Man: No Way Home

I've never avoided spoilers for a film more than I did for this one. I avoided them like the plague before seeing it in theaters. I wanted to be genuinely surprised when Tobey Macguire and Andrew Garfield showed up. Even if we all saw it coming, it didn't take away from the pure nostalgia of three Spider-Men interacting with one another. This is about as nostalgic as it gets. We see five villains from the other two series, led by Alfred Molina and Willem Dafoe as Dr. Octavius and Norman Osborn, respectively. While there are three others, these two are the stars. Of the remaining three, Electro is given the biggest improvements from his initial appearance. We also got to see JK Simmons in a larger role. Tom Holland is still the central focus despite all of the other characters that come into play. As is customary for Holland's films, we get Doctor Strange to play the mentor role. This is not without its cliches. It took three films, but we finally got to see Aunt May's death to make way for the third act. Peter and MJ's relationship is great, only for it to be ruined by the end. The only negative I have is that there are too many cooks in the kitchen, meaning there are too many characters for a solo film. Not everyone gets a chance to shine. It is an excellent film, but not quite perfect. Still, it's arguably the best live-action Spider-Man film ever. Post-Credit Scenes- As if the fun cameos couldn't stop, we got to see Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock once the movie ended. He's talking to a bartender about everything that is happening in the MCU, only to be sent back to his universe in the end. A piece of Venom remains, though, setting up a potential appearance in the future. We also get confirmation that Peter Parker has been wiped off the face of the planet with some photos showing events we've seen in previous films. 

6. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

If you didn't know this film was connected to the MCU through cameos, it still works on its own. It is an awesome martial arts film with an incredible lead performance by Simu Liu. Definitively, this was the best offering from Phase 4. The action scenes are all well-designed and crisp. The lore that is set up for the rings is cool. The settings are all great. Have I mentioned I think the action is awesome? The chemistry the entire cast shares carries this over the top. Liu has very different dynamics with Awkwafina and Meng'er Zhang, both coming across perfectly. The stuff with Travis Slattery was fun, providing some good comedic moments. I think I enjoyed Ben Kingsley's performance more this time than in any other rewatch. Tony Leung is awesome, too. He teeters on the edge of terrifying but in a very real sense. He's not scary in how he looks but in how he acts with such little remorse. It might be the best origin story in the MCU, which says a lot, considering how many we've gotten. My hope is that this will set up Shang-Chi to be a much larger part of the MCU moving forward. Liu's mainstream career has taken off over the last few years, so I'm expecting big things. Post-Credit Scenes- Both of the post-credit scenes appear to set up future projects, though we haven't gotten definite word as to what just yet. In the first, Shang-Chi and Katy meet with Wong, Bruce, and Captain Marvel about the rings before going out and singing karaoke with Wong. Next, we see Xialing back at the Ten Rings compound, preparing her next moves as the organization's new leader. 

5. Black Panther

The passing of Chadwick Boseman makes you appreciate his performance in Black Panther, all the more on subsequent viewings. While he'd already appeared as the character once before, Boseman shines in his solo film. The world built around him is so beautiful and vibrant. There are so many great performances around him, too. Michael B. Jordan is the true standout as the film's villain, Killmonger. He's the perfect foil for T'Challa, showing a truly evil and remorseless side to him that comes out every time he's on the screen. I think the action is overall better than Wakanda Forever, showcasing a thrilling car chase through Busan, South Korea. The fights atop the waterfall are the best of the film. The only area I think I prefer the sequel is the final fight. While T'Challa and Killmonger's fight is good, I think the sequel one-ups it. It's a shame we didn't get to see Boseman in the role more, but the sequel does a beautiful job of remembering him. From start to finish, this is masterful. Post-Credit Scenes- The hype before Infinity War had reached a fever pitch. The two scenes set this up in different ways. First, we see T'Challa speaking to the United Nations about opening its borders, teasing Wakanda to do the same in its next appearance. We also see Bucky Barnes being briefed about what is coming their way. 

S+ Tier

4. Captain America: Civil War

Labeling this as a Captain America movie feels like cheating because it's really Avengers 2.5. Most of the group is back together for this, as Team Iron Man fights Team Captain America. Some pieces are missing, like Thor and Hulk, but they're made up for with the introduction of Spider-Man and Black Panther. While all of the stuff with the heroes is fun, the best part is Daniel Bruhl's performance as Helmut Zemo. Without a doubt, Zemo is my favorite MCU villain. In a world full of people with special abilities, Zemo is a man driven by revenge, using sheer brainpower to try and tear The Avengers apart from the inside. He doesn't need many fancy gadgets. Everyone gets their moment to shine during the airport fight. It was a perfect way to kick off Phase 3 as the Infinity Saga made its way to its epic climax. All of the action scenes are great, but the final showdown between Iron Man, Captain America, and the Winter Soldier remains the best. It's an emotional ending between two of the team's biggest faces. Post-Credit Scenes- The scenes at the end preview two of the newest members of the MCU before their future solo films. First, Bucky Barnes is put back on ice by T'Challa and the Wakandans, allowing us our first look inside the secluded land before teasing us with Black Panther. Second, we see Peter Parker in the aftermath of the airport fight, being cared for by Aunt May. We get a glimpse of his new high-tech gear in the lead-up to Homecoming. 

3. Captain America: Winter Soldier
I think part of growing up is the realization that your favorite thing isn't necessarily the best of that given thing. To me, Captain America: Winter Soldier is my favorite MCU film. However, based on the criteria I set, I don't believe it to be the best. Still, it's the best non-Avengers film after almost 16 years. Steve Rogers' trilogy is the best in the MCU, and I don't think it's particularly close. Despite my affinity for it, there are certain aspects of the film that took me time to appreciate. The most important was Alexander Pierce as the primary antagonist. I never considered him to be too much of a threat. As I've gotten older, I've realized that his threat comes from his position and his ability to control The Winter Soldier, making him more credible in the end. Speaking of The Winter Soldier, Bucky's reveal, even if it's not that big of a surprise, is awesome, and I still get chills from it. We get a great team-up between Steve and Natasha, along with the introduction of Sam Wilson. They're a fun trio to follow. Along with some solid action, this is one of the best overall stories in the MCU. The final fight is a little by the numbers, but everything else is nearly flawless. Post-Credit Scenes- The most notable tease we get here is our first look at Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch for Age of Ultron, which was set to release soon after this. We also see Bucky walking around the museum to learn more about himself and Steve after saving him from the river following their big fight. 

2. Avengers: Infinity War

I struggled with which Avengers film to put at the very top. Both have merits, and I think most people would put this at #1. For a while, I did, too. There isn't much separating the two. In fact, out of 100, they had the same score. It came down to personal preference, which is why Infinity War is at #2. We haven't seen a team-up to this scale before. Little did we know that it would only get better. We're still licking out wounds from Captain America: Civil War, but things get started quickly. Right off the bat, Loki and Heimdall are killed, and it only gets tougher from there. Every major faction comes together in this one. It's the first time we had the Guardians with the Avengers. Wakanda hosted another epic battle. I think the only big reason why I have this as the runner-up is because Endgame takes everything this does well and improves upon it. It's another instance where everyone shines when they're given the chance. For as great as it is, nothing will prepare you for the ending. We're so used to the good guys winning that Thanos reversing time to re-kill Vision and snapping his fingers with Stormbreaker piercing his chest felt unbelievable. Then, most of the heroes turn to dust. The bad guy isn't supposed to win, yet here we are. The last shot of the film is Thanos in his garden triumphant. It was a gut punch, but it had us ready for the next one. Post-Credit Scene- There is only one scene, but it's incredible. We see what Nick Fury and Maria Hill are doing during the climax before they start to realize what is happening. Both of them are turned to dust, but not before Fury can pull out a pager and send a message to Captain Marvel, teasing her arrival to the MCU. 

1. Avengers: Endgame

If you're looking for one of the most satisfying third acts in cinematic history, this one might take the cake. There is nothing negative I can say about anything that happens once they all return from their "Time Heist." It is absolute perfection. It is three hours of pure insanity. It's an experience that will forever be remembered. I saw this in theaters and was having the time of my life. The film overall isn't perfect, but it's close to it. There are some things that I can nitpick about, but there are going to be some issues when your film is almost three hours long. I could write an entire essay about everything great about it. We lay the foundation for Clint's transition into Ronin. We see the team kill Thanos, only for nothing to change. Scott Lang returns because of a rat. We get Fat Thor. Iron Man has a daughter. We visit some of the most important moments in the MCU. There is one of the saddest deaths in the MCU. Their plan works, only for their compound to be destroyed by a different Thanos. Everyone comes back in one of the coolest moments ever. Captain America says, "Avengers Assemble," for the first time. The final fight is epic. We get THE saddest death in the MCU, plus a wholesome send-off. To top it all off, Steve finally gets his dance with Peggy. Everything about this surpasses Infinity War in my books. This version of Thanos is purely seeking destruction. The story is more fun and satisfying. The epic fight speaks for itself. Everyone is at their best, creating one of the greatest movie experiences ever. If you didn't get to experience this in a packed theater, you truly missed out. It was a great ending to one of the best arcs in film history, even if it left us crying as the credits rolled. Post-Credit Scene- Technically, there isn't one. With this being the big ending, there wasn't a lot to tease at the moment. The only thing we get is the sound of Tony Stark hammering away to make his prototype suit from the original, though there isn't a scene accompanying it. It's more of a tribute to Iron Man's sacrifice.