Controversial but data-backed ranking of the 10 best MCU movies

As someone who has grown up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I can confidently say that these films have been a significant part of my life. The list you’ve presented is a testament to the brilliance and consistency of the franchise.

For more than 15 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a powerful force in Hollywood, with no end in sight to its success. Despite facing some setbacks in recent times, the Marvel Studios brand continues to attract massive audiences to cinemas (and Disney Plus, as well), setting new box office records and generating much-anticipated films for each year.

From 2008’s Iron Man to 2024’s Deadpool and Wolverine (and beyond), there is plenty of entertainment to be found in the MCU franchise. That’s one of the many reasons that fans find it so hard to rank which of the films are the very best in the series. The Multiverse Saga isn’t as consistent as the Infinity Saga, but there have been some gems in there that can go toe-to-toe with the heavy-hitters. But when your heavy-hitters are plentiful, how do you choose which ones are the best?

It’s all subjective, really, which is why everyone’s MCU rankings look so different. But there is one way to get a clearer picture of which films in the franchise might be the strongest from a critical standpoint – and that is to look at the data. And thus, we decided to look at Rotten Tomatoes’ iconic Tomatometer, which aggregates collections of critic reviews (both positive and negative) to generate a score for every film, in a bid to find out what the 10 best MCU movies really are.

This list offers a more defined perspective on critically acclaimed movies. However, remember that this doesn’t mean everyone will agree. You may find some films in the Top 10 that you wouldn’t expect, as well as some surprising absences.

10. Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings

Without a shadow of a doubt, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings stands out as one of the finest movies in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga. This cinematic masterpiece was beautifully crafted under the guidance of director Destin Daniel Cretton, who managed to create an exceptional piece filled with breathtaking visuals and exhilarating fight sequences. Truly, the combat scenes were a sight to behold, making us even more eager for Cretton to step into the director’s chair for Spider-Man 4.

In this retelling, Simu Liu played the leading character, who pledged to master the Ten Rings and rediscover his heritage concurrently. His journey was filled with vibrant, magical experiences, and Liu excelled in this pivotal role, demonstrating his potential as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming Avengers.

The movie garnered exceptional praise from both critics and viewers, scoring a high 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. Surprisingly, it managed to break into the Top 10 rankings, not because the film lacks quality, but due to several highly acclaimed movies it surpassed. Nevertheless, given its status as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s finest origin tales in a long time, there’s no disputing that it deserved this position.

Continued on the next slide…

9. The Avengers

The release of The Avengers in 2012 transformed the MCU from a promising venture into an unparalleled success story, surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time among many subsequent instances. By gathering characters from prior films for the first time, it featured Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, Chris Evans’ Captain America, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, and Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye reprising their roles, with Mark Ruffalo stepping into the role of the Hulk, replacing Edward Norton. Together, these six heroes propelled the Marvel Studios franchise forward, eventually achieving global acclaim.

In this movie, The Avengers, the ensemble cast and intricate storyline built over the franchise were skillfully employed. From the clash between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, as well as Thor, to Black Widow outsmarting Loki, it was a thrilling ride watching these diverse interactions unfold, despite spending a considerable amount of time on one of SHIELD’s helicarriers to make it happen.

The instant the truth emerged about the Chituari being controlled by Thanos marked a pivotal point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), demonstrating its potential to craft complex, multi-part narratives. Although The Avengers concluded that initial phase of the franchise, it was actually the start of the bigger tale. This is just one example of many reasons why the 2012 film remains a standout in the MCU’s impressive collection.

The movie, boasting a 91% fresh rating on the Tomatometer, has proven its longevity and continues to rank among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s top-tier productions.

8. Spider-Man: Far From Home

This one came as a surprise to me, but I assure you it was a pleasant one. I just rewatched Spider-Man: Far From Home and stand by the fact that it’s one of the MCU’s most entertaining movies. It’s certainly a much-needed palette-cleanser after the trauma of both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame that also services the character of Spider-Man himself really well.

Despite receiving positive reviews when it first came out, some fans tend to view Far From Home as the weakest in the Homecoming trilogy, seemingly overlooking its merits. However, this ranking doesn’t necessarily reflect the film’s true quality. In fact, the movie boasts a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its significance for Peter Parker’s character development, his relationship with MJ, and his adjustment to life after The Blip. They also appreciate the complex portrayal of Parker dealing with the burden of being seen as “the next Iron Man”.

Far From Home” is hilariously entertaining, yet it significantly contributes to the development of Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe hero we know today. Tom Holland shares an excellent rapport with Jake Gyllenhaal throughout the movie, while established MCU stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, and Jon Favreau deliver their own memorable scenes.

Let’s revisit “Far From Home” as the ideal, humorous conclusion to the Infinity Saga. Following “Endgame,” it was exactly what we all required.

7. Guardians of the Galaxy

2014 saw Marvel Studios astonishing everyone with a film featuring a team of less famous heroes – the Guardians of the Galaxy. Although these characters were somewhat recognized by readers of Marvel Comics, they were largely unfamiliar to mainstream moviegoers. Consequently, the franchise’s ability to achieve such a significant success so early in its lifespan is indeed one of Marvel’s most impressive achievements.

The “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie remains highly acclaimed as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s top origin tales. Its diverse band of castaways, including Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana’s Gamora, Dave Bautista’s Drax, Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon, and Vin Diesel’s Groot, have captured hearts in this film and every subsequent appearance in the Infinity Saga. The cast’s chemistry made it an immediate classic, while characters like Groot, Rocket Raccoon, and Drax the Destroyer added an extraordinary level of enjoyment to the movie.

As a die-hard fan, I can confidently say that James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” stirred up chaos and revolutionized the MCU. It’s no wonder why this film is still highly appreciated by both fans and critics. With a remarkable 92% score on the Tomatometer, it’s evident that the Guardians made an impressive debut. For many, it remains their most thrilling journey yet, and it’s hard to find anyone who disagrees with that statement.

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

As a die-hard Marvel enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the fact that “Spider-Man: Homecoming” made it to our top 10 list for our second Spidey film. While many might expect its inclusion given its positive reception in 2017, what might surprise you is just how high it ranks. This is especially noteworthy when considering the movies it outdid in terms of Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer score. It truly showcases the exceptional quality of this film!

Critics highly commended “Homecoming” for seamlessly fitting into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) without getting overly entangled in the broader narrative, making it accessible to a wider audience of Spider-Man enthusiasts who may not have followed the MCU closely. The movie also garnered positive reviews for its storytelling style reminiscent of John Hughes, lending it a sincere, emotional core. Additionally, Tom Holland’s mature portrayal of Peter Parker was widely lauded, while Michael Keaton’s multi-dimensional performance as the Vulture was applauded for delivering one of the strongest standalone villain performances in the franchise.

As a devoted fan, I must confess that the movie did garner some criticism from fellow enthusiasts for making Peter overly dependent on Tony Stark. This reliance, unfortunately, took away from the traditional Spider-Man movie vibe. Nonetheless, with a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s officially certified fresh. Despite newer blockbusters emerging since then, it’s heartening to see this take on Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man maintaining its ground, just outside the Top 5.

5. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In the latest Spider-Man film, “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the character has once again proven his prowess, earning a spot among Rotten Tomatoes’ Top 10 Marvel Studios movies. Given its massive success as one of the biggest Hollywood productions ever made, this shouldn’t come as a shock. Remarkably, it met and even surpassed lofty expectations, offering an exciting adventure reminiscent of the Avengers, fulfilling the wishes of countless fans.

The returns of Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Men were undoubtedly among No Way Home‘s biggest-selling points but the movie works on its own merits too, providing a larger-than-life conclusion to the MCU’s Spider-Man: Homecoming trilogy that takes Peter Parker to a crossroads in his life where he must make a decision about what kind of hero he wants to be next.

The movie had a strong resemblance to an Avengers film, both in its narrative structure and overall feel. It successfully delivered on the expectations it created for itself, and one of its most moving endings in recent Marvel Cinematic Universe history added to its appeal. This heartfelt finale earned it a 93% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and given that it also boasts a 97% approval rating from fans (as per the Popcornmeter or Audience Score), it’s clear that fans found it equally impressive.

Regarding the acclaimed Spider-Man duos and unexpected plot turns, Spider-Man: No Way Home is often ranked among the top MCU films, with a significant number of fans even placing it in their top 5 favorites. Therefore, there’s little debate about its position on the list.

4. Thor: Ragnarok

Initially, Thor, the God of Thunder, was among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) initial powerhouses, but his films didn’t always rank as the franchise’s biggest successes. While the 2011 film Thor garnered generally favorable reviews, its 2013 sequel Thor: The Dark World is often considered one of the MCU’s less impressive movies. Consequently, when it was time to create a third Thor film featuring Chris Hemsworth as the hammer-wielding character, director Taika Waititi was given the task of making the journey more vibrant and engaging.

In a whirlwind debut, Thor: Ragnarok captivated audiences with its clever banter, lighthearted vibe, and wildly thrilling journey. The movie’s grandeur mirrored the hero’s own epic stature. Reactions from fans and reviewers were overwhelmingly favorable, with many considering it Thor’s finest escapade yet. Although some might find the playful tone an acquired taste, most critics agreed that this shift in tone was essential to elevate the Thor series to the level of a major event, as befits the character it portrays.

The movie garnered a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing most films in the series. This is quite remarkable considering his earlier movies were typically overshadowed by the Iron Man or Captain America trilogies. Although its audience score is at 87%, this could be due to the fact that some fans have grown weary of Thor’s more aggressive, exaggerated style following Taiki Waititi’s sequel “Thor: Love and Thunder”, as it seemed to venture too far into absurdity for some viewers.

Without a doubt, most Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts would concur that this film ranks among the Top 10, and rightfully so. In many ways, it mirrored what “Guardians of the Galaxy” did for its title characters, rejuvenating Thor as an entirely fresh hero. At the time, it was a perfect fit.

3. Iron Man

It’s tough to picture the Marvel Cinematic Universe without Iron Man, especially considering that the 2008 film marked its initial debut. In fact, this assessment couldn’t be more accurate, as the movie served as the foundation for the entire franchise, and its success was nothing short of extraordinary.

Robert Downey Jr.’s charm as Tony Stark is unrivaled. He had an extraordinary ability to captivate audiences from the moment he appeared on screen in any high-profile Avengers film. However, if you look back to the beginning, you’ll see that this magnetic appeal wasn’t something that was built up; it was present from the start. From his very first appearance as Tony Stark, it was evident that Jon Favreau and Marvel Studios had struck gold with their casting choice, and Downey never failed to live up to our expectations.

The movie “Iron Man” carries a slightly more somber tone compared to the playful, family-friendly vibe the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would later become known for. However, this works well for this particular film as it underscores a world in distress, eagerly awaiting its superheroes. The creation of the Iron Man suit by Tony Stark revolutionized the global landscape; it wasn’t just a game-changer within the MCU, but also for the entire genre of superhero movies and blockbusters, initiating a new phase that continues to flourish today.

It’s no surprise that Iron Man’s initial film ranks so highly; after all, he’s one of the main Avengers. While the top three spots might spark debate, considering how well Iron Man has stood the test of time, Downey Jr.’s exceptional performance, and its crucial role in launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I believe it deserves this prestigious position. And with a 94% critics score and a 91% audience rating, it seems that I’m not alone in my assessment.

2. Avengers: Endgame

Prepared for it, you were. The final Marvel Cinematic Universe film, “Avengers: Endgame,” marked the conclusion (or at least the Infinity Saga films) of an 11-year narrative. It served as a goodbye to one phase in the franchise and laid the groundwork for another exciting chapter.

The movie cleverly balanced the storylines of the original six Avengers and set up an epic final battle, a feat that Marvel, with its reputation for delivering quality entertainment, managed to execute flawlessly, despite the immense pressure to excel.

Avengers: Endgame is an emotional rollercoaster ride where The Avengers embark on a daring Time Heist mission to resurrect their deceased comrades and the other half of the universe, while simultaneously serving as a heartfelt tribute to the Infinity Saga. It takes us on a nostalgic journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), reminiscing the franchise’s remarkable history. Despite the numerous elements it has to handle, it manages to excel in every aspect.

With an astounding 94% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and a 90% score on the Popcornmeter, it’s clear that Avengers: Endgame is undoubtedly one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s finest works. Hardly any fans would argue with that claim. Just take a look at the countless videos showing audiences reacting to the portals scene during the epic finale – it’s exactly why we go to the movies.

1. Black Panther

Expressing that Black Panther is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece might still fall short of the mark. This movie not only mirrored the approach of Guardians of the Galaxy, transforming an unrecognized Marvel hero into a worldwide sensation, but it also garnered critical acclaim for its cultural relevance, rich diversity, and sensitive depiction of Wakanda. This unprecedented representation earned the MCU its first Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.

Summarizing all the fantastic achievements of Black Panther is quite challenging, but it’s undeniable that it stands among the finest entries not just for the franchise, but for the genre as a whole. Chadwick Boseman gave an exceptional portrayal of King T’Challa, making the character widely recognized by many mainstream viewers who were less familiar with him previously. The film also boasted a strong ensemble cast featuring outstanding performances from actors such as the unparalleled Angela Bassett.

As a gamer, I’d say this film is like diving into an incredibly detailed and captivating video game world. The visuals are so lush and vibrant, they could easily rival any high-end graphics. From the breathtaking Wakandan sunset to the intense battle scenes, every frame feels like a masterpiece. This movie has got to be one of the most immersive installments in the franchise yet.

The film “Black Panther,” directed by Ryan Coogler, has an outstanding 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for critics. Additionally, it received an Academy Award nomination, which makes it quite exceptional among superhero movies. It’s safe to say that most people’s top 10 favorite films include “Black Panther.

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2024-10-16 00:02