The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) saw it’s conclusion earlier this year in Avengers: Endgame, which saw the team save the planet once again. In celebrating the wonderful cinematic universe created by Marvel Studios over the last 11 years, we decided to list the best 10 films in the entire saga.
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
The best part of Captain America: The Winter Soldier is that it begins to truly build Captain America as a character. Steve Rogers takes a leadership role in this story as he and Natasha Romanoff are instructed by S.H.I.E.L.D to infiltrate enemy lines and gain intel on operations. To their surprise, the enemy has breached their organisation.
Steve Rogers, being the good soldier that he is, has to put his faith and trust in a former spy, Natasha Romanoff. Together they work to defeat Hydra’s forces, which is a tough battle thanks to the elite killing machine that is the Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes).
9. The Avengers (2012)
This first Marvel’s Avengers film saw a team of superheroes come together in order to save the world (that’s what superheroes do). With S.H.I.E.L.D at the forefront of leadership, the team must fight against an alien invasion, (who doesn’t love alien invasions) led by the person we all love and hate simultaneously; Loki.
This film is action-packed, showing both leadership and teamwork from the Avengers in a battle that will haunt certain characters in films proceeding this. Epic fight battles in which the Hulk smashes everything he sees, aerial maneuvers that will leave your head spinning, and Iron Man bouncing his laser off Captain America’s Shield to take down a number of enemies. This film had a load of memorable set-pieces that just really created a fun-filled viewing experience.
8. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
With the world seeing the threats that superheroes bring to the planet, it was clear that someone was going to be held accountable for the damages. The highlight of Captain America: Civil War was you having to decide which side you’re on. Are you Team Cap or Team Iron Man?
It’s always easier when you are fighting against external enemies, but when your friend becomes the enemy, it’s a totally different story. This is the focal point in the film. Steve Rogers believes in his ability to save the planet (just a little too much), which he uses to justify his belief of not wanting to be governed by the United Nations. However, Tony Stark believes otherwise.
The introduction of Spider-Man and Black Panther bring in some interesting dynamics to the team, leading to the unforeseen all out brawl between Captain America and Iron Man, with the help of the Winter Soldier.
Which side are you on?
7. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardian of the Galaxy isn’t your standard superhero feature. This film takes you on an adventure into outer space with a team trying to save the galaxy (hence Guardians of the Galaxy), but the composition of this team is unconventional. You find a human, assassin, raccoon, warrior and a glorified tree working together to make the impossible, possible. Their mission is to stop the powerful Ronan, who is under the rule of Thanos.
This film gives you your first glimpse of the bigger picture. Although you don’t realise it yet, the Power Stone changes ownership regularly, before being used to defeat Ronan by Star-Lord himself. This non-conventional superhero film was fun just because it shows viewers that although everyone might be different, when working towards a common goal, you are still able to accomplish what you set out to do.
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Tom Holland‘s performance in Spider-Man: Homecoming was what you would expect from a Spider-Man movie. It was brilliant. You could clearly see the high school student innocence in Holland’s portrayal. He is timid at the beginning of the film, trying his best to impress Tony Stark. All he wants to do is be a part of the Avengers! His only issue is that he needs to learn the basics first.
This is all shown in the film as we watch the character develop into becoming a fully-fledged superhero as he takes down the Vulture. A big positive aspect of the film is the transparency that we see of being a high school student, while being a superhero. We see Peter Parker try to juggle his superhero duties along with simply trying to be a normal teenager by spending time (or protecting) his friends. He acts like most of would if we were suddenly superheroes, and that’s what has always made Spider-Man so fun
5. Dr. Strange (2016)
Dr. Strange tells the story of an esteemed doctor who goes on a spiritual journey, which starts off with him losing everything he had and having to find a way to bring his reality back; a reality he would never experience again.
Once he meets The Ancient One, everything changes. The world as he knows it changes dimensions several times over, eventually landing in him becoming possibly one of the strongest spirit realm protectors after The Ancient One. The visual affects within some of the scenes are extraordinary and truly bring the film to life.
He moves up the ranks pretty quickly, with his photographic memory and ability to grasps the different concepts, but his arrogance and injuries prove it more difficult for him to begin his journey. Once at the top he gains control of the Eye of Agamotto to defeat Dormammu, saving the earth from its terror.
4. Thor: Ragnorak (2017)
Where is a good place to start with Thor Ragnarok? Perhaps, let’s start with its comedic aspect. The opening scenes of the film show a typical fighting scene with Thor taking on Surtur’s army. Thor spins around interrupting Surtur villain monologue, which proves to be hilarious.
This is only the beginning though; as witnessed throughout, the focus of the film was to not make a typical Thor movie, but to add a lighter side to all the action-packed, character building, heart-breaking moments. This is Chris Hemsworth’s trial moment. Throughout, Thor goes through a variety of trials to bring out his closing character, who does not rely on Mjolnir for his powers, and in doing so, becoming the Thunder God that Odin always knew he was.
After the battle between Thor and Hulk, they recruit Valkyrie and Loki to join their battle against their older sister, who claimed the thrown after Odin’s death. Thanks to a new hair cut from Stan Lee, Thor sheds his old character and introduces a new and improved version. As we witness the final battle and Thor’s new proclaimed power, everything comes to completion with Asgard falling.
3. Black Panther (2018)
Set within the majestic plains of Africa, Black Panther unveils the hidden city of Wakanda. Black Panther is definitely among the best Marvel movies to date. The one-on-one fights scenes, together with the intellect and advancement in technology, supported by the sought-after metal Vibranium make this film a top contender.
King T’Challa is faced with some challenging tasks that will ultimately determine the sort of king he will become. A twist of events as N’Jadaka is crowned as the new Black Panther, with every intent to distribute Vibranium weapons as revenge for his father’s betrayal.
The soundtrack elevates the content of the film and highlights the main points and has inspired many Marvel fans to indulge in the Wakanda Forever sign. It brought a new feel to the Marvel movies, almost changing the way Marvel Studios approached the basis of their storyline from here on.
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Endgame; what a film! An ending we all hoped for, but one we had never imagined. There are so many aspects of this movie that make it one of the best; how do you define each of them? The Avengers slay Thanos, but the damage has been done.
Having to live with the aftermath of half the population being erased for five years, brings the remaining Avengers to their final plan. Although the movie did not contain as many fight scenes as previous films, it did take us through each character’s history to show us how they have become their own superhero, giving them the strength to achieve their plan. The film brings us to a conclusive ending that is fit for the MCU.
1. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War saw Thanos take on the entire universe; a feat that viewers didn’t think possible. The nature of this story is a collection of the past Marvel movies combining to create one memorable moment. A few selected henchmen help Thanos achieve his dreams, which sees him sacrificing his favourite daughter to collect the Soul Stone. The Avengers come together on journey that proves to be a legendary tale, and leaving you speechless at the end.
The reason this movie is my favourite Marvel film is that it shows just how determined Thanos is to achieve his dreams. I am happy that this is not an ordinary Marvel movie in which there is a villain, superheroes comes together to fight the villain, and save the day once again. I like that Thanos won. For once, a VILLAIN is VICTORIOUS. It is very reminiscent of The Empire Strikes Back.
This is our take on Marvel Studio’s Top 10 films. What are thoughts? Send us your list of top 10 and we can compare.
