‘Captain America’ Recap: What to Know Before ‘Brave New World’

Captain America 4 could potentially showcase the Sentinel of Liberty stepping into a fresh, modern era. However, the Captain America character has been a significant presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for more than a dozen years. This iconic figure isn’t just the protagonist of his own film series, but also plays a pivotal role in the Avengers films and the TV show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

If you’ve been absent from some of these movies or shows, or if you need a quick recap before watching Captain America: Brave New World, our newest Marvel video is at your service. It provides an overview of Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, the Red Skull, and various other Marvel characters’ lives and times. Our video delves into Steve Rogers’ transformation from a scrawny Brooklynite to the ultimate Marvel hero, as well as Sam Wilson’s journey from being the Falcon to taking on the Captain America mantle. Check it out below:

If you enjoyed our Captain America series up until Brave New World, don’t forget to explore more of our videos! We’ve got an intriguing analysis on a potential Watcher cameo in the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer and its implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Additionally, we’ve meticulously uncovered all the Easter eggs hidden in the new Fantastic Four: First Steps teaser. And for those who are keen on understanding if Doctor Doom was the secret villain throughout the MCU, we’ve got a video on that too! Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel at ScreenCrush for more exciting episodes. By the way, Captain America: Brave New World is set to hit theaters this Friday!

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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

34. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have imagined that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and adapted from some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in the least crucial title for the company. Regrettably, Eternals failed to coalesce effectively. It generally adheres to Kirby’s fundamental concepts with a few minor but bothersome alterations, such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into uninspired monsters lacking purpose or motivation. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles by Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, yet the main characters, played by Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris, struggle to convincingly portray their purported passionate relationship (which spans over 6,000 years but appears more like an awkward first date gone wrong). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes about the relationships between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to repeatedly discard them for a succession of generic fight sequences featuring dull monsters. It’s challenging to conceive of a less engaging film about immortal alien robots striving to prevent total apocalypse than this one.

33. The Incredible Hulk

The production of this film seems to have been haphazard and rushed, as if Marvel was taken aback by the success of Iron Man and hastily put it together. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier, a character who transforms into a large, bony creature, feels like an unfortunate choice that falls short compared to the original comics. (Continue reading .)

32. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, we ended up with a film that felt gloomy and monotonous, chasing after a mystical object (MacGuffin) with one of the least engaging villains in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s any silver lining, it might be that this movie’s underperformance could have discouraged Marvel from being as reluctant to make bold changes like they did with Thor: Ragnarok (read more here).

31. The Marvels

In my opinion, while it’s not the weakest Marvel film, I must admit it’s quite a tangled web and intense affair. Three captivating Marvel superheroes – Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau – find themselves in an unexpected alliance to thwart a Kree warlord with a penchant for causing chaos. Despite the stars’ fantastic chemistry, the narrative, though concise, is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that seem to defy logic.

30. Doctor Strange

Intriguing imagery is certainly a plus, but “Doctor Strange” struggles to move beyond the sensation that it’s essentially an updated version of “Iron Man” with some added magic. The clever twist at the end involving Dormammu is definitely commendable, but the strange cape design leaves something to be desired. (For further reading, check out the link provided.)

29. Iron Man 2

Remarkably improved compared to your memory, yet not entirely impressive. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skillfully conceals many flaws, but not all of them. Trimming 15 minutes of setup from Avengers could potentially yield a more compelling result. (Read further here.)

28. Ant-Man

Ant-Man isn’t poor quality, but it feels like a smaller version of what Edgar Wright’s movie would have been. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the best non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.” (Read more here.)

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself (portrayed by the intimidating Jonathan Majors) admits that Scott Lang is out of his depth. This seemingly lopsided matchup can be seen as a symbol for the movie itself: The relatable, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series, known for its dry humor and lovable human characters, struggles to keep pace with the grandiose multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5. As a Marvel blockbuster on the big screen, it’s satisfactory. However, as a follow-up to the Ant-Man franchise, it leaves something to be desired. Unfortunately, fans hoping to see Michael Peña’s beloved character Luis in this installment will be disappointed, as he does not make an appearance at all.

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it emphasizes its smaller aspects, with Paul Rudd bantering with his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt monologues, and a tender family drama focusing on a fractured family striving to mend itself. (Read more .)

25. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers is arguably the most potent hero, yet her film fell short in delivering a strong emotional impact. However, it remains engaging due to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his remarkable de-aging visual effects, portraying the youthful Nick Fury. (For more details, check out this link.)

24. Black Widow

2021 saw me, as a movie enthusiast, eagerly anticipating Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing with “Black Widow.” However, instead of a standout performance, I found myself predominantly serving as the straight man to my quip-filled Russian superhero clan. This included David Harbour’s self-centered Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, “Black Widow” didn’t quite deliver the fitting farewell the character deserved. Nevertheless, it was another well-executed Marvel blockbuster, boasting some remarkable stunt sequences and a truly intriguing villain in the shape of Taskmaster, who possesses the ability to replicate the fighting styles of anyone he confronts.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Viewing Taika Waititi’s second Thor movie, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” can be akin to observing a magician performing the same trick twice in quick succession. The initial performance left you spellbound. However, while the repeat act is still captivating, it lacks the element of surprise. Christian Bale portrays Gorr the God-Butcher effectively, but his intense and highly emotional villain seems somewhat discordant with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, who is constantly delivering witty one-liners. Essentially, “Thor: Love and Thunder” retains many of the elements that made “Thor: Ragnarok” successful; they just don’t blend together quite as harmoniously.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

In my opinion, the camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in this movie is simply outstanding. The unexpected appearances are quite a surprise, if not downright shocking! However, the storyline pushes the limits of how much backstory a film can have without becoming utterly confusing. (Seriously, one character’s tragic past would be enough, but this movie gives us at least two!) If you manage to ignore everything happening on screen for even a moment, you’ll probably have a fairly enjoyable time. And let me tell you, Reynolds and Jackman truly embody the dynamic duo of Deadpool and Wolverine, despite their initial reluctance to work together to save the Fox X-Men universe. I must admit, I sometimes wish the scriptwriters, including Reynolds himself, had been a bit more consistent in their delivery.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

A less conventional take on “Iron Man 2”: Less appealing than you might recall, yet still worth a watch. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect excessively, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon significantly enhances the franchise, and Chris Evans remains as solid and reliable as Captain America. However, it continues to grate on me that Nick Fury, the world’s foremost spy, was clueless about everyone in SHIELD except for him and his two companions being completely villainous. Come on, man. Widen your perspective. (For more details, see [here](http://www.exampleurl.com).)

20. Avengers: Infinity War

This movie is grand in scale and ambition, with an ending that’s truly memorable, but there’s a sense that something essential is lacking. If you’re primarily seeking high-octane action and witty quips from a Marvel film, then this might be what you’re looking for. However, if you value character development and camaraderie, as well as the more tranquil moments amidst the battles, then this movie may not resonate with you as deeply. (For further discussion, click here.)

19. Iron Man 3

The film was quite enjoyable, but the influence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe somewhat diminished it. The movie culminates in Tony Stark deciding to leave his Iron Man life behind and ride off into the sunset. However, he ended up starring in five more movies after that. While Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, was underwhelming, Robert Downey Jr.’s tired exchanges with a bright child were excellent. (Continue reading here.)

The movie was generally good, but the Marvel Universe’s impact on it made it less impressive. The story reaches its peak when Tony Stark decides to give up being Iron Man and rides off into the sunset. Unfortunately, he then went on to star in several more movies afterwards. Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, was a letdown, but Robert Downey Jr.’s weary conversations with a sharp-witted child were top-notch. (Read further here.)

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

Initially: The climax, featuring dragons and beasts clashing within a thick gray haze, is a chaotic CGI disaster. However, before that, Shang-Chi could potentially be Marvel’s finest action movie, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight scenes. For instance, the one on the San Francisco bus is incredibly entertaining. Simu Liu delivers a compelling lead performance, while Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh offer profound supporting roles. Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina provide ample comic relief throughout, with Kingsley’s portrayal of former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, who wasn’t the most beloved Marvel villain initially, now transformed into a delightful side character.

17. Thor

In an unexpected twist, this space-exploring saga predominantly unfolds in the tiniest corner of New Mexico – a setting you’d least expect for a blockbuster like Thor. Despite its flaws, it marked the beginning of Marvel movies where exceptional actors and captivating portrayals managed to overshadow structural and script problems, which later became a signature trait of the Marvel series. (Continue reading .)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler confronted an extraordinarily tough task with “Wakanda Forever”: Apart from creating a sequel that matched the excellence of the original “Black Panther”, he had to accomplish this without his captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away in the summer of 2020, just as filming was about to commence. The movie shines brightest when it weaves Coogler and the cast’s grief for Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. Unfortunately, the remainder of the film can be a bit disorganized; a blend of intriguing concepts, an overabundance of characters, and a somewhat confused antagonist, Namor the underwater king.

15. Captain America: Civil War

The story lacks credibility, not even a moment’s examination is needed to spot its flaws. However, the film was primarily crafted to culminate in an impressive showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, which unfolds at the airport. And let me tell you, the battle at the airport is absolutely thrilling! (Continue reading here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality comparable to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share a common trait: they’re jam-packed with numerous villains. However, this film excels in its portrayal of Peter Parker as a character – a man who may stumble but always perseveres to make things right the next time. Additionally, it introduces the multiverse into MCU films on an unprecedented scale, making it a significant milestone within the ongoing saga.

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

15 years after stepping away, director Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with a thrilling, unconventional tale that revolves around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi managed to blend his unique style and elements – such as humor, maniacal zombies, and jump scares – into the conventional Marvel narrative. (For more details, check out here.)

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite criticisms that it’s not as good as the first Avengers movie and has issues with Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, the climactic scene where the Avengers unite to rescue everyone in Sokovia encapsulates the essence of Marvel at its finest. (You can read more about it here.)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The film is excessively lengthy, featuring at least four post-credit scenes. Yet, it’s impressive how they managed to take Marvel’s most humorous franchise and create a sequel that concludes on a somber note. It’s the only Marvel movie that has left me in tears, and it even includes jokes about alien deity phallic symbols. In my opinion, this unique blend of emotional depth and humor is a recipe for success. (Continue reading here.)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

The second film starring Tom Holland as Spider-Man, titled “Far From Home,” is slightly less impressive than its predecessor but still offers a mix of love, action, humor, and emotion. Although the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” isn’t explicitly mentioned, this movie delves deeply into that concept, just like any other Spider-Man film. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, is caught between his longing for romance with MJ (Zendaya’s humorous and witty portrayal) and the orders from a rather irritated Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) to combat a group of destructive elemental beings.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy, delivering a movie that perfectly blends the Marvel essence: Thrilling action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and compelling characters whose emotions deeply resonate with us. By the finale of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon transitions from a minor Marvel character to one of the company’s most intriguing and heartbreaking heroes. Following a series of average films, Gunn effortlessly makes it seem simple. Unfortunately, he is now moving on to work with DC.

7. Avengers: Endgame

Stepping up the stakes significantly from “Infinity War,” and arguably second only to the best of the Avengers saga, this movie delivers on a grand scale with towering action sequences, hearty doses of humor, and what might just be an unprecedented number of Easter eggs across all cinematic universes. (Read more here.)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s movies that are hard to resist watching again, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man, which he performs. Aren’t you hooked? (Continue reading here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

At roughly the middle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline, the initial “Guardians” movie played a significant role in making Marvel appear more relaxed and demonstrated that their reputation was robust enough to pull in viewers for properties with minimal mainstream popularity. Before James Gunn came along, the Guardians were practically an afterthought, but he transformed them into a massive surprise hit. It’s indisputable and undeniable that Rocket is the superior Guardian; there’s no need to debate this point, it’s simply a fact as you can read more about [here](here).

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Despite having some issues with the plot structure, as it condenses an entire war into a montage, Captain America, played by Chris Evans, stands out as a remarkably successful adaptation of a character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film transformed a hero often criticized for being too conventional or stale into a captivating, charismatic individual embodying classic human values. When you’re in need of inspiration, this MCU movie is the one to watch. [Read more here.]

3. Black Panther

In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for expansive links with the cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the strength of a self-contained narrative. Towards the end of the film, Black Panther decides to share Wakanda with the world (and its characters become available for future appearances), which is meant to be a joyous conclusion. However, if this move means that the sequel will become more spread out and packed with guest appearances, it might not be such a cheerful outcome after all. (Read further here.)

2. The Avengers

Despite the epic events unfolding in “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains an extraordinary feat of balance and finesse. Each character is meticulously crafted, the dialogue is concise yet impactful, and the climactic Battle of New York is undeniably one of the most impressive action sequences of recent times. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

The original remains unsurpassed to this day. Looking back, the freedom from having to adhere to a broader universe’s continuity undoubtedly enhanced its quality. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, tests his suit and takes flight for the first time more effectively convey the exhilaration of superpowers compared to any movie ever made by Marvel or another studio. (Read more here.)

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