Ranking Every MCU Movie: From Epic Wins to Major Flops – Where Does Your Favorite Stand?
Every MCU Movie Ranked: From Best to Worst
Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, get ready! We’ve got a full ranking of every MCU movie, from the absolute best to the ones that didn’t quite hit the mark. Whether you’re into epic team-ups, solo hero journeys, or cosmic adventures, this list breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and everything in between. Plus, the latest entry, Fantastic Four: First Steps, kicks off Phase 6 with a fresh take that might just change the game.
- Overview of every MCU movie ranked
- Highlights and low points of each film
- Insights into the evolving MCU storytelling
- Discussion on the impact of recent releases like Fantastic Four: First Steps
Fantastic Four: First Steps – A New Beginning?
The MCU’s Phase 6 kicks off with Fantastic Four: First Steps, a retro-styled superhero flick set in an alternate universe called Earth 828. It’s a simpler, more accessible story that doesn’t demand prior MCU knowledge, making it perfect for new viewers. The movie focuses on the close-knit team dynamics of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm as they face the cosmic threat of Galactus.
While the straightforward story and 1960s vibe are refreshing, some fans feel it lacks the depth and uniqueness that previous Fantastic Four attempts tried to capture. Still, the solid character work and nostalgic flair make it a promising start for the new phase.
The Not-So-Great: Bottom-Tier MCU Movies
At the lower end of the spectrum, movies like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Thor: Love and Thunder receive mixed reviews. Quantumania struggles with overwhelming exposition and a visually heavy Quantum Realm journey, though Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang remains a bright spot. Thor: Love and Thunder tries to balance humor and heart with Taika Waititi’s signature style but ends up uneven, especially with its tonal clashes between Christian Bale’s Gorr and Korg’s narration.
Other films like Thor: The Dark World and Iron Man 2 are often remembered for their forgettable villains and overstuffed plots, despite some entertaining moments and important MCU world-building.
Mid-Tier Marvel: Solid But Not Spectacular
Movies such as Captain America: Brave New World and Eternals fall into the middle of the pack. Brave New World attempts to tackle political themes and character depth but sometimes feels confused and toothless in its messaging. Eternals stands out for exploring deep relationships and featuring a diverse cast but struggles with pacing and fitting into the larger MCU continuity.
Other mid-tier entries like The Incredible Hulk and Avengers: Infinity War have their strengths—such as emotional weight and exciting crossovers—but also face criticism for overstuffed plots or underdeveloped characters.
The MCU’s Finest: Top-Tier Films
At the top, you’ll find fan favorites like Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, and Thor: Ragnarok. Black Panther is praised for its cultural significance and heartfelt storytelling, despite a somewhat underwhelming final battle. Endgame delivers a satisfying conclusion to a decade-long saga with epic stakes and emotional payoffs, even if some plot mechanics feel a bit messy.
Thor: Ragnarok reinvigorated the franchise with vibrant humor, strong character chemistry, and a bold visual style, making it one of the most beloved MCU movies.
Other standouts include Iron Man for launching the MCU with Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic performance, and The Winter Soldier for its serious tone and compelling spy thriller elements.
Special Mentions and Fan Favorites
Some films deserve a shoutout for unique qualities. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 dives into personal and emotional territory with its quirky team, while Spider-Man: No Way Home thrills with multiverse chaos and nostalgic villain appearances. Meanwhile, Deadpool & Wolverine brings irreverent humor and meta-commentary, though it leans heavily on fan service.
Also, Thunderbolts* offers a fresh take on lesser-known characters dealing with trauma and redemption, blending road-trip vibes with superhero action. For a deeper dive into the cast and plot, check out the trailer posted by Letterboxd:
Exclusive new look at @MarvelStudios' THUNDERBOLTS* starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus 👀
The film will be released in theaters on May 2. pic.twitter.com/CQEL2zqlIU
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) March 7, 2025
Wrapping It Up
The MCU is a sprawling universe with hits, misses, and everything in between. Whether you love the high-stakes team-ups or prefer the smaller, character-driven stories, this ranking offers a comprehensive look at where each movie stands. As Marvel continues to evolve, especially with Phase 6 underway, it’ll be exciting to see how new films like Fantastic Four: First Steps shape the future.
