Yaasmeen Piper
Editor-in-Chief
It’s the end of an era. For 11 years, the Marvel creatives have woven together 21 films that all lead to “Avengers: End Game,” in theaters this Friday. Though Marvel has no problem when it comes to racking on money ($12 billion and counting), not every film was created equal.
Before we see the Avengers (minus a few and then add one) take on Thanos yet again, I decided to rank all 21 films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU.
Review
“The Incredible Hulk” (2008)
Thanks to the Mark Ruffalo replacing Edward Norton as Hulk in the “Avengers,” “The Incredible Hulk” is ultimately forgettable.
Even with decent CGI effects and acting, I couldn’t get over how bad the plot it. There is little to no action, and even when there is, it’s incredibly predictable.
The big battle between Hulk and the antagonist Emil Blonsky or “Abomination,” falls flat. North himself even called out the Marvel writers for creating a bad plot, which supposedly cost him his spot in “Avengers.”
“Iron Man 2” (2010)
I felt like this film was more set up than actual storytelling. Marvel used “Iron Man 2” as a way to get introduce Black Widow, War Machine, as well as give more insight to S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury.
However, the film just seems like it’s telling a bunch of different narratives and they are all fighting to get the top spot. There were times I even forgot what was going on.
Also, Ivan Vanko, the weird villain with electric whips and a pet bird who was beaten up within the first five minutes of being on screen creeped me out.
“Thor: The Dark World” (2013)
Ahh, the one where Loki dies (the first time). I like that this film gives us a glimpse of what happened to Loki after terrorizing Earth in “Avengers,” but the rest of the movie is confusing, yet forgettable.
“Doctor Strange” (2016)
Even though this film is beautiful (from what I saw) I just couldn’t get into. Blame it on the whitewashing controversy that surrounded the film before it even released, but nothing about it really moved me to give it a proper chance.
However, I grew to like Strange after “Avengers: Infinity War.” Just not enough to finish the film.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (2017)
The follow up to the “Guardians of the Galaxy” had the same witty lines and beautiful scenery as the first, but it seems like the director was trying too hard to entertain us rather than crafting a moving plot.
The movie focused around what a big deal Quil’s father was (a self-proclaimed god) and Quil discovering his own powers, but in the end, it wasn’t as moving as Marvel made it out to be. But, baby Groot still captured my heart in this film.
“Thor” (2011)
The introduction to the blonde super-god was a great mix of wit and action while still moving the plot forward. Even though the film was made to tell Thor’s story, I loved the introduction of Loki and him dealing with him finding out he was adopted (even if it did cause destruction in more than one movie). Could do without that horrid love story between Thor and Nataline Portman though.
“Captian America: The First Avenger:” (2011)
Do not kill me for putting this so low on the list Cap fans. After getting over that weird CGI where Chris Evens head is projected onto a body of a seemingly 12-year-old, the movie is incredible. Even’s embodied everything Captian America is supposed to be: kind-hearted, ambitious, critical-thinker and an overall ass-kicker.
“Ant-Man” (2015)
Paul Rudd extinguished any doubts I had about “Ant-Man” (I mean, a movie about a dude who becomes small like an Ant? Who wants to see that?) The film is more of a comedy than anything else, but there is still some bad-ass moments that had me in awe.
“Iron Man 3” (2013)
What I loved most about this film was Tony dealing with the effects of nearly dying in “Avengers.” Rarely did Marvel dive into the emotions of a superhero after a war as much as they did with Tony Stark in “Iron Man 3.”
However, this, more War Machine, and seeing Pepper Pots fight for the first time, was the only highlights of the film.
“Avengers: Age of Ultron.” (2015)
“Age of Ultron” sits at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to all the Avengers movies. The film focused more on setting up (i.e. adding Scarlet Witch and Vision) but does create one of the best Marvel Villains in the MCU.
“Ant-Man and The Wasp” (2018)
This film takes everything that worked in “Ant-Man” and stepped it up a notch. There’s more humor, action, and emotion in this film as Scott Lang and Hope Dan Dyne come together again to rescue Hope’s mother. The film may have had me laughing but the after credits had me weeping.
“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)
Ragnarok is hands down one of the best Thor movies. The costumes set designs, and CGI are definitely the stars of the show.
There were times I thought it was maybe too funny but enjoyed it nonetheless. Also, Jeff Goldblum and Tessa Thompson can do no wrong.
“Iron Man” (2008)
What a way to start the MCU. Tony Stark a.k.a Iron Man has one of the best origin films in the MCU. From getting kidnapped, creating his own suit, to eventually fighting terrorism in his upgraded suit, there is never a dull moment.
“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
Probably the weirdest crew in the MCU, but director James Gunn makes it work. “Guardian’s of the Galaxy” has stunning effects, action,
“Captain Marvel” (2019)
The first female-lead Marvel film did not disappoint. The movie focuses on Carol Denver’s learning more about herself, her powers, and becoming the badass that the Avengers need. Even with the incredible Captian Marvel and a young Nick Fury in the film, the real star of “Captian Marvel” is Goose.
“Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)
Third Spider-Man is the charm. Tom Holland fully embodies the youthful and playfulness of Spider-Man while proving that he can still keep up with the top heroes.
“The Avengers” (2012)
I wish I could go back to seeing Hulk, Captian America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Iron Man together for the first time. I loved seeing how each super played off of one another. I especially loved seeing them fight each other (and eventually made up). This film gave momentum to phase 2 of the MCU and it’s hard not to love.
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014)
Bucky Barns is not a bad guy.
“Black Panther” (2018)
There’s no wonder why they won an Academy Award.
“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)
The snap. That’s it.
“Captain America: Civil War” (2016)
Black Panther. Spider-Man. Ant-Man. Bucky Barns and so many more. There are so many characters and side stories in this film, but they all drive the plot forward. The film is classified as a Captian America film, but we see so many sides of Tony Stark, Black Panther, and Bucky.
Email Yaasmeen at:
ypiper@live.esu.edu
