Ranking All MCU Movies from Worst to Best: The Ultimate Guide

LOS ANGELES, CA — After more than 17 years of releases, ranking the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies from worst to best becomes increasingly challenging with each new installment. Fans often struggle to agree on a definitive list, but we’ve compiled our own rankings ahead of upcoming releases like Thunderbolts and others. As ‘Professor Hulk’ aptly stated, ‘These are confusing times.’

Among the widely accepted favorites, films like Avengers: Endgame and the original Guardians of the Galaxy shine as top entries. However, the latest phase of films, including recent debuts, seem more contentious with fans, particularly with The Marvels securing a mid-list position and Iron Man 2 remaining a disputed title from the franchise’s inception.

To kickstart the journey through the worst entries, Thor: The Dark World stands at the bottom of our list, characterized by its lackluster humor and forgettable antagonist. Although it features the first cinematic appearance of the Reality Stone, many viewers regard this sequel as an unnecessary chore for completists.

Continuing somewhat higher in the ranking is The Marvels, which expands on its predecessor yet struggles with script cohesion and execution. Despite moments of chemistry among its leads and a few humorous gags, the film fails to recapture the essence of prior MCU successes.

As we analyze Captain America: Brave New World, it’s evident that Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross provides a highlight, although the film ultimately doesn’t connect its storylines effectively. Its narrative choices seem disconnected from the cohesive world established by earlier films.

Moving along, Eternals depicts the struggles of introducing too many characters without sufficient development. Critics assert that it falls short of previous ensemble efforts, leaving audiences questioning the stakes in this complex tale.

The Incredible Hulk and Thor also face scrutiny as they fail to uphold the standards set by the MCU. The former lacks both narrative depth and a compelling conflict, while the latter’s original attempt at seriousness contrasts sharply with the franchise’s later, humor-driven successes.

On the contrary, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 illustrates a turning point, delivering both humor and emotional weight through Rocket’s backstory, despite criticism for overstuffed plots. The film showcases character growth alongside unique villainy, marking it as one of the franchise’s better entries.

For a breather, films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Civil War come in strong, with effective storytelling and character arcs that resonated well with audiences. These films integrate nostalgia while maintaining the ongoing narrative threads that elevate the MCU’s overarching story.

Closing with the pinnacle of the franchise, Avengers: Endgame stands as the crowning achievement. Its intricate blend of past and present narratives culminated in an emotional farewell to original Avengers, setting the stage for new stories in an expansive universe.

In conclusion, while every fan has their unique preferences, this ranking serves as a tribute to the exhilarating journey of the MCU, keeping us entertained and engaged for over a decade.