#19: The Incredible Hulk
From a production and storytelling standpoint, this is clearly the weakest of the MCU. It's not a horrible film, per se. Its' just not memorable. Bruce Banner's transformation into the character is limited to just a flashback and shadows, and Edward Norton pales very much in comparison to Mark Ruffalo. He's very wooden and just doesn't give a performance that sticks in your head.. The film basically plays out as a nonstop chase film of sorts. The only real interesting moment is when Bruce meets "Mr. Blue", as that's the only character with real personality throughout the movie. The villain, in the meantime, is one of the most cartoonish and odd of Marvel's entire universe.
#18: Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 followed two years after its' predecessor. Despite its' appealing setpieces, this is one of those movies that has too much going on. Between Tony, Pepper taking CEO, SHIELD and the villain, it all feels a little rushed and disjointed. There's also a handful of unnecessary scenes and lines of dialogue here and there that really don't advance the story. On the positive end, Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) is introduced, and there's a strong scene between Tony and his dad's outtakes of Stark Expo's recording. There's plenty of interesting action too. But ultimately, the story and character development here is pretty weak, and Justin Hammer qualifies as the MCU's most annoying villain ever.
#17: Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 2
Essentially not much different from Iron Man 2. The problems are kind-of the same. A lot going on, and everything that made the first film fun at times is way overdone here. From the visuals to the 80's music to the characters, its' all put in hyperdrive. The ending action scene and conflict also goes on for WAY too long (not to mention the mythology is a little weird). In the meantime, the mean-spirited and sitcom-like settings are painfully present here too. On the more positive side of things, however, there's a surprising character redemption late in the game. Sylvester Stallone has a great extended cameo, Sean Gunn's role is expanded nicely, and there's a couple of neat pop culture references here that are funny. Kurt Russell gives a great performance as one of the better villains of the MCU, and is definitely an improvement on Ronin from the first film. Overall though, these get lost to a degree in some weird, out-of-left field situations and a "trying too hard" vibe.
#16: Doctor Strange
From a narrative perspective, Doctor Strange is perhaps the most "been there, done that" MCU film. Besides the groundbreaking visual effects (and Tilda Swinton's fantastic supporting performance), just about everything else here is essentially recreated from an earlier Marvel or superhero movie. It doesn't help that (outside of Swinton), the actors don't quite engage emotionally most of the ride (Benedict Cumberbatch may sound like good casting, but he's literally the least appealing and engaging of the Avengers). That being said, the film does become more interesting in its last half-hour, as the action scenes do thrill and sparkle.
#15: Iron Man 3
An improvement over Iron Man 2 but often too serious for its own good. Iron Man 3 does pack some interesting twists and perhaps Tony Stark's most intriguing and involving character arc. But, the overall film relies a little too heavily on exposition at times and in the end, both Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce fail to really be memorable as antagonists. I will admit, the Tony/Bruce Banner post-credits scene is one of my favorite post-credit clips the MCU has had, and it does end pretty strong. At the same time, however, I wasn't a fan of how Tony treated the boy Harley (Jurassic World's Ty Simpkins). There's a happy ending for him, sure, but Tony was borderline cruel towards him in the process (at least he does a better job with another kid the second go round).
#14: Guardians of the Galaxy
From its 80's music to its characters and storyline, Guardians is definitely one of the most unique and interesting movies Marvel has made. Chris Pratt, while a little over-the-top and crude, does give Peter Quill some emotional depth here and there. Groot is given the film's best moments, and there's some genuinely fun and colorful moments too. It also gives a suitable introduction to the Infinity Stones. However, Ronin is definitely a weak, one-dimensional villain that really isn't memorable. In the meantime, save for the final half-hour, there's a mean-spirited feel among the characters that really hinders the overall film.
#13: Spider-Man: Homecoming
I admit, I went into Spider-Man: Homecoming still disappointed that the previous film series was cancelled after a stunning cliffhanger (Amazing Spider-Man 2 ties Spider-Man 2 as one of my favorite superhero films ever). But, its' also important to note that this particular iteration is the least-emotionally involving of all 6 Spider-Man movies. Now, the film definitely has plenty of strengths. It's fun, its' well-paced, its' got some good characters, and Michael Keaton's unique villain is definitely one of the MCU's best. I also appreciated that it was relatively restrained in terms of scope and visual scale. Tom Holland definitely captures the youthful and bubbly persona of Peter Parker very well. However, considering Spider-Man is supposed to be Marvel's most kid-friendly superhero, the movie makes some content choices that (to me) were surprising (and unforgivable).
#12: Iron Man
The one that started it all. While Iron Man is far from my favorite Marvel movie, it does work as a suitable (yet unspectacular) introduction to the MCU. From the introduction to SHIELD to the suit's construction to the character development, it does work pretty well. The film does seem too slow-paced at times, and there's a few running gags that I'm not the biggest fan of. However, as a solo superhero introduction, its' definitely a complex, interesting and fairly thrilling entry.
#11: Ant-Man
Taking a unique spin on the superhero origin story, Ant-Man earns extra points for bringing a more simple and honest approach. Scott Lang is one of the more believable and involving protagonists of the MCU, with some honest emotional depth here and there. The supporting characters have some nice development around him too, with both Evangeline Lilly and Michael Douglas providing plenty of great moments. The visual effects are some of the most unique the MCU has done also. On the downside, however, the villain is pretty one-note, and Michael Pena's Luis is probably the most annoying and out-of-place Marvel movie sidekick.
#10: Black Panther
Black Panther is certainly a unique and solid entry in the Marvel Universe. T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is a great hero, there's some great laughs and the visual effects are great (if a little overdone). Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger is definitely one of the best Marvel villains, with some believable motivations, and there's a great supporting cast (even if some of them aren't given enough to do). In the end, what keeps Black Panther from going higher on the list is some too shaky cinematography as well as a lack of any genuine surprises or real emotional heft.
#9: Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok feels like a comic book coming to life at many moments. There are some truly interesting twists and surprises, some great (mostly good-natured) laughs and the Thor and Hulk battle does not disappoint. Tessa Thompson's Han Solo-like Valkyrie and the rock creature Korg make for interesting supporting characters, and the techno-music score is fantastic. The film does try to destroy everything that came before it in the Thor trilogy, and Jeff Goldblum isn't particularly enticing here. But, for pure comic spectacle, Ragnarok is definitely one of the MCU's most fun films.
#8: Thor: The Dark World
This may be the one that others may disagree with me on a lot. Thor: The Dark World is unoriginal (its villain especially) and has a little too much exposition, but its' also one of the most purely entertaining entries in the MCU. Unlike the intentionally comical and over-the-top Ragnarok, The Dark World carries honestly-earned laughs along with an easy-to-follow story and one of the most fun final battle scenes Marvel has had. The characters are all given enough time to shine, and there's a couple of twists and very emotionally-engaging scenes (Bryan Tyler's music score has a couple of memorable moments too). The visual effects often soar. In the end, I find The Dark World more memorable and fun than a lot of Marvel's other films.
#7: Avengers: Infinity War
On first viewing, Avengers: Infinity War definitely succeeds in being the most shocking and surprising of the Marvel universe (if not getting a little too carried away in the process). The battle scenes are impressive and some of the twists are very well-executed emotionally. Not to mention, Thanos is perhaps the most downright evil and intriguing villain Marvel has ever brought to the big screen. Now, unlike other team-up films in the MCU, a few characters aren't given nearly as much to do as others. The film is also quite a challenging watch at times (the cliffhanger ending is impressive, mysterious and startling). But, it does wildly succeed in leaving you in suspense in ways previous Marvel movies haven't dared to go.
#6: Avengers: Age of Ultron
As a direct sequel, Age of Ultron succeeds very much so in being exciting and very entertaining. The film ably juggles characters' backstories, while adding additional layers, a few subverted elements, (some strong, some odd) and giving hints at where the MCU would be headed for Phase 3. The only thing that doesn't click into place quite as well is Ultron himself. He's ably voiced by James Spader, but his development is sadly rushed. However, Age of Ultron gives two of the best battle scenes in the MCU as well as my favorite final battle scene in the franchise's history.
#5: Thor
As a solo film and origin story, Thor is one of a few MCU films I can call a classic. It's simple storytelling, appealing mythology, grand scale and believable character story make it one of the most effective entries in Marvel's history. There's great and memorable characters (along with agent Phil Coulson's biggest role outside of The Avengers), a great score, one of the best MCU villains (Loki), Kenneth Branagh's simple and elegaic direction, and a handful of great laughs. A couple of odd moments aside, Thor is dynamite entertainment.
#4: Captain America: The First Avenger
From his honesty to his down-to-earth genuineness, Steve Rogers is my favorite of the Avengers. His first movie, Captain America: The First Avenger, is definitely one of my favorites. The old-fashioned wartime feel, the believable characters, some stunning surprises and a potentially sad and emotionally-involved ending make for another classic. There's even a memorable song added in written by Disney great Alan Menken. While the very end of the film wasn't exactly necessary (it could have been saved for the movie following it), it does suitably work as a set-up.
#3: The Avengers
In terms of entertainment, heart, soul, spectacle, villain and just the novelty of it all, The Avengers will always be one of the best Marvel movies and superhero movies. It remains fun and interesting while adding much-needed emotional depth to a handful of scenes. Director Joss Whedon gives a believable internal conflict for the characters while giving Loki (the villain) one of the best villain plots the MCU has had. Not to mention, the film cleverly introduces Thanos in a mid-credits scene and never resorts to too much exposition. Avengers' final battle scene is appropriately big and involving, without ever becoming too over-the-top.
#2: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The best of the Phase 2 Marvel movies. Captain America: The Winter Soldier truly brought the Marvel universe in a completely different and unexpected direction, with some of the franchise's most well-executed twists and truly stunning action sequences. Winter Soldier also carries some strong character development for Steve and a subtle political undercurrent that makes it one of the most interesting and flat-out engaging movies they've ever made. The lack of overwhelming visual effects is also welcome along with some of the most effective quiet moments Marvel has pieced together. No wonder directors Joe and Anthony Russo would be utilized again later.
#1: Captain America: Civil War
On a storytelling level, I found Civil War to be the most impressive of Marvel's repertoire. It's my favorite Marvel film because of its' impressive action scenes (including the awesome airport scene), a somewhat haunting ending, and the most sophisticated Marvel villain to date (Helmut Zemo's motivations might be some of the most relatable and saddening in Marvel's 19-movie universe). In addition to that, it furthers the political tensions developed in The Winter Soldier while juggling multiple characters so impressively well without feeling bloated or too much (all the while introducing Black Panther and the new Spider-Man). Even more impressive is that in the midst of all the characters, the Russos still remember that it is Cap's story. And his overall story arc comes to a very surprising culmination. With all of that in mind and very few issues I can think of (Hawkeye might be the only underused character), Civil War is a masterpiece.
In the end, Marvel has had quite a history. 19 movies in 10 years. It's been an intriguing ride, with some awesome films, some pretty good films, and a few not so good ones. What's to come? Sequel Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 6) looks a little promising with a similarly-simple feel to its' predecessor. The one I am actually most interested in right now is Captain Marvel (March 2019), as that character essentially is Marvel's version of "Wonder Woman". And, of course, there's a lot of speculation and nerves heading into the untitled Avengers movie (the follow-up and continuation of Infinity War) out next May.
After that, Marvel is pretty quiet about what is to come for a possible fourth phase. There's sequels to Spider-Man: Homecoming and Black Panther planned, as well as a third Guardians of the Galaxy talked about.
