15 Best Marvel Animated Movies Ranked

Marvel movie universe is currently the most popular franchise in history, and rightly so. Still, their animated movies are unfortunately not even close. But, as you will see in this article, they are getting better and better, and hopefully, now when Disney has its own streaming platform, they will step up its game on the animated front as well. That said, if you are a Marvel fan, you will want to see their animated movies, and in this article, we are bringing you the 15 best Marvel animated movies ranked, from worst to best.

As you will see, it was actually not so easy to make a list of 15 animated Marvel movies, because not all of them are that great. We tried our best, and if you are a big Marvel fan, you will want to watch them all. So, lets jump in.

Best Marvel Animated Movies

We will be ranking Marvel animated movies from worse to the best. Keep in mind, some of them are really not so great, unfortunately, so you can easily skip a few of the first ones from this list. Still, the top five movies are really amazing, and even if you are not a Marvel fan, but you love animated movies, you should give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.

We also have an article about all DC animated movies set in the same universe, so if you want more superhero animated movies, check them also out.

15. Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United (2013)

Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United is direct to video animated film by Marvel Animation. The film is the first long-form of animation for Marvel since its Marvel Universe TV block and was targeted at children. The film stars Adrian Pasdar as Iron Man, Fred Tatasciore as Hulk/Banner, and Dee Bradley Baker as Zzzax.

The studio used a new process that they invented referred to as a “2-D wrap”. This process starts with traditional animation then scanning into the computer to wrap it around the “characters to give texture and weight to backgrounds and strongly emphasize facial expressions.

Two Hydra scientists enlist the Abomination to help them capture the Hulk and siphon his gamma energy into their own version of Tony Stark’s arc reactor. By the time Iron Man arrives to investigate, he and Hulk find themselves facing the newly created energy creature Zzzax. They also fight a Wendigo and a fleet of Mandroids.

This movie is actually a huge disappointment, and it is hard to call it ‘best’, but it just shows that Marvel is not so great at making good animated movies. Fortunately, as you will see down the list, they are getting better. We included it on this list, just to give you a bigger number of movies if you would like to watch them all. Just be warned, this is not a great animate movie.

14. Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013)

Iron Man: Rise of Technovore is a direct-to-video superhero anime film by Madhouse that follows up on the Marvel Anime series. It is directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki, an anime director best known for works like Shigurui: Death Frenzy and Texhnolyze, and based on a story written by Brandon Auman. Matthew Mercer and Norman Reedus voiced Tony Stark and Punisher respectively.

The young and insane tech genius Ezekiel Stane has developed a new techno-organic armor that seemingly outclasses Iron Man. When Stane unleashes a terrorist attack during the launch of Tony Stark’s newest satellite, Iron Man is blamed. Now he must evade S.H.I.E.L.D.’s man hunt and find a way to clear his name.

This is a step up from the first entry on our list of best animated movies, but unfortunately not a big one. There are more interesting characters that make it feel like a bigger movie, but their development is not so great. The dialogues are bad, and the action animations lack thrill. If you are a big Marvel fan, you might find it good.

13. Iron Man and Captain America: Heroes United (2014)

Iron Man and Captain America: Heroes United is a digital animated film by Marvel Animation. It was released on Digital HD, On-Demand, and Disney Movies Anywhere on July 29, 2014. It stars Adrian Pasdar as Iron Man, and Roger Craig Smith as Captain America.

While Tony Stark and Steve Rogers challenge each other on their different ways of solving problems, things take their own hands into the contest. That comes in the form of the Taskmaster who is sent by the Red Skull to capture Stark’s technology and abduct Rogers himself. With Taskmaster performing both objectives successfully, The Red Skull starts his scheme of world domination into operation and captured Rogers being the key to that. Now, Stark must try to free his friend and they must stop the Red Skull in their own ways.

It is the second part of Marvel’s animated effort called Heroes United, and while it is much better than the first one, Iron Man & Hulk, it is still not a great animated movie. The animation and the graphics are still pretty bad, the voice acting is not so great and feels boring, and the constant fighting between them soon becomes irritating. Still, the story is actually pretty good, and that is the only plus side for this one over the previous entries on our list of the best Marvel animated movies.

12. Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors (2018)

Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors is a 2018 made-for-television animated superhero film produced by Marvel Animation. It includes lesser-known characters, such as Ms. Marvel, Quake, Squirrel Girl, Patriot, and others. It is the first of the Marvel Rising franchise and was released on September 30, 2018, simultaneously on Disney Channel and Disney XD.

Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors bringing together Marvel’s newest and beloved characters that have garnered major fan excitement over the last few years. Powered teens Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Quake, Patriot, America Chavez, and Inferno join forces as an unlikely, but formidable crew of aspiring heroes. When a threat no one could have expected bears down on the Marvel Universe, this ragtag, untrained band of teens have no choice but to rise together.

This is actually a big jump from the previous entries on our list of best Marvel animated movies. The most disappointing part is the development of the characters, as they feel heavily rushed. Especially because these characters are much less known to the general public, and this could’ve been a great way to introduce them better. Still, the kids are probably going to love it, and they will have a chance to meet some new Marvel characters.

11. Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)

Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher is a 2014 direct-to-video superhero anime film by Madhouse. The film is produced by SH DTV AC BW&P Partners, another partnering of Marvel Entertainment with Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Madhouse, following up on the Marvel Anime series. The film was released in North America on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital on March 25, 2014.

After getting involved in a secret mission, Punisher was arrested by a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and a member of the Avengers, Black Widow. At the behest of director Nick Fury, Punisher and Black Widow go on a mission to stop Leviathan, a global terrorist group that plans to sell stolen technology to whoever offers the most money. Now the avenger and the spy must work together to prevent this technology from falling into the wrong hands. The fate of the world and the Avengers hangs in the balance.

This next entry in Marvel Anime is much better than the last one, Iron Man: Rise of Technovore, even it still has some problems. It has bad dialogues and it’s not building its characters the right way. On the other hand, it has very good fight scenes and a complex and effective story.

10. The Invincible Iron Man (2007)

Marvel Animated Features (MAF) is a series of eight direct-to-video animated superhero films made by MLG Productions, a joint venture between Marvel Studios (later Marvel Animation) and Lions Gate Entertainment.

The Invincible Iron Man is the third film in the series and is based on the classic Marvel Universe version by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The film was produced by Starburst Entertainment and was released on January 23, 2007. Marc Worden returns as Tony Stark/Iron Man from the Ultimate Avengers films.

The genius billionaire Tony Stark unleashes an old curse that envisions the resurrection of the Mandarin, the emperor of China’s darkest and cruelest dynasty. When his best friend is kidnapped, he goes to China to save him. To deal with the dark forces, Tony will create a high-tech protective suit that is also his greatest weapon. He is the famous Iron Man.

The Invincible Iron Man starts slow and builds the story in the good way and has some good looking fights. On the other hand, second part feels a bit rushed, things get crazy really fast.

9. Thor: Tales of Asgard (2011)

Thor: Tales of Asgard is a part of Marvel Animated Features (MAF), and it is actually the last movie in it. This animated feature was released on May 17, 2011, 11 days after the Thor film.

Thor and his faithful brother Loki embark on the adventure of a lifetime. What seemed like a simple sword quest turns into a deadly trap so the brothers have to reunite and prove they are worthy of saving Asgard!

Thor is known to everyone for his magic hammer called Mjolnir, but before it, Tor had a sword. This journey takes us through an old mystery, dark places you have never seen before, monsters and giants in the ice … Where will the brothers find the lost Sword of Surtur?

With this movie, we start to be getting to some really good Marvel animated movies. This movie showed some really nice, new look at Thor and Loki’s relationship. There were some funny dialogues, even a bit of adult humor. It offered romance, as well as some really dark scenes and conversations. It also has epic music.

8. Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008)

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow, tentatively titled Teen Avengers then Avengers Reborn, is the fifth movie in the Marvel Animated Features, and was released on September 2, 2008. Preliminary work had begun on “Teen Avengers” before January 18, 2007. By the release of its first look preview in August 2007, the title had changed to “Avengers Reborn”. Fred Tatasciore repeats as the Hulk from the Ultimate Avengers movies.

The battle with Ultron leaves the Avengers defeated with six heroes killed. Tony Stars decides to take the children of these heroes and hide them above the Arctic Circle. The children are James, Henry, Azari and Torun. Stark secretly raises and trains children for a full 12 years, hiding the true truth about their origins. After many years, it is time for the Avengers to find out the real truth.

This Marvel animated movie can be seen as an alternative story because it is not based on any existing comics. Also, this movie is meant more for a younger audience, as it introduces children of some of the Avengers. The characters are good and very fund, but it is a bit of a mystery why all the kids have almost the same powers as their parents have. I mean it is obvious why is it so, but to be almost identical, without any changes, is not really that great. It would be more fun to see some new powers from them. On the other hand, the story is not so great. Still, it offers some nice fights and it is pretty fun overall.

7. Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload (Mini-series 2013)

Iron Man, Thor, Iron Fist, Captain America, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Falcon, Wolverine and other superheroes fight Venom, Doc Ock, Mandarin and Red Skull, led by Loki in an attempt to conquer Earth.

Another great collab between Marvel and LEGO. After some of the best LEGO games, they have made a mini-series called Maximum Overload. There are a lot of heroes and villains in this extremely fun ride. It looks great, it is funny as hell, and you need to watch it if you haven’t.

6. Ultimate Avengers II (2006)

Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther, is the second film in the series and a sequel to Ultimate Avengers: The Movie, produced by Dong Woo Animation. The film was released on August 8, 2006. In the film, the Black Panther teams up with the Ultimate Avengers to continue their fight against the aliens when they invade Africa.

Behind the Ultimate Avengers are numerous battles. They defeated powerful enemies, both independently and as a team. They also celebrated many victories. But nothing was even close to what awaited them now. This time The Ultimate Avengers will face an army of thousands of evil space enemies, ready to conquer the Earth. The Black Panther knows he can’t win this battle alone. So he will seek help outside its people of the mysterious Wakanda, he will seek the help of the undefeated, the incredible, the one and only, the Ultimate Avengers.

It is a good movie and a good sequel. I would say almost the same quality as the first one. It features a great antagonist. Still, there are a few bad things, some characters look a bit weird, and Black Panther has some strange powers.

5. Ultimate Avengers: The Movie (2006)

Ultimate Avengers: The Movie is the first film in the Marvel Animated Features based loosely on the first six issues of the Ultimates by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. The film was released on February 21, 2006, and produced by DongWoo Animation.

During World War II, Captain America was hit and disappeared somewhere deep in the ocean. 60 years later, using advanced technology, a human impulse was identified in the deep ice of the North Atlantic. They begin to revive the found frozen body of the Captain who was in the secret experimental program Super Soldier that was led and designed by scientist Dr. Bruce Banner.

Great animated Marvel movie, with a lot of characters, but with most focus on Captain America. It started a series of Marvel Animated Features, some of which are in the higher places on this list than it. It loosely follows adult comics Ultimates, and it makes it more kid-friendly, while still keeping the characters of the Ultimate universe. Animations are good, not the best but good, and the same can be said about dialogues.

4. Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007)

Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (with the on-screen title of Doctor Strange) is the fourth film in the Marvel Animated Features series and is based on the character of the same name by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, separate from the Ultimate Avengers universe. The film was released on August 14, 2007. It was nominated at the Annie Awards and won the Golden Trailer Award for Best Anime Film.

Dr. Stephen Strange embarks on an exciting journey to the high Tibetan mountains where he seeks healing under the feet of the Ancient One. But before all his wounds heal, Dr. Strange must let go of his painful past and awaken in himself a gift that not many have received – the gift of magic. Powerful as the Supreme Wizard, Dr. Strange examines his limits, confronts beasts and monsters, and confronts the most terrifying creature in the universe.

Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme is a very good origin story. It is very fun to watch, and yet serious enough to keep you excited. The animations are good, even though it could be better. Still, with the budget it had, not more could be expected. A very good Marvel animated movie.

3. Planet Hulk (2010)

Planet Hulk is the seventh film in the Marvel Animated Features series. The movie was released on February 2, 2010. It was the second film produced by Madhouse. The movie is based on the Planet Hulk storyline in the comic book published in 2006–2007 by Greg Pak and Carlo Pagulayan.

The Hulk was a monster that was impossible to control. That is why the Earth’s most powerful heroes banished him to space. The Hulk was sent to a harsh planet where he is enslaved as he was weakened because of the travel through space. Now the Hulk has become a gladiator on the distant planet Sakaaru, after being sold into slavery.

Planet Hulk is an amazing Marvel animated movie. The animation is great, with some really good and detailed backgrounds, atmospheric colors, and stylish character animation. Battles are well-choreographed and exciting, and the music has a haunting quality that is ideal for the tone of this movie. The writing is smart and intelligent, and while the basic concept is somewhat standard the story is even in tone and compelling. The characters are mostly well-developed and interesting, Hulk is charismatic and brooding, the Emperor is a worthy villain and Beta Ray Bill is a great inclusion. The voice acting is also very good. The only problem would be that it is not longer, and, probably because of the length, Beta Ray Bill’s exit is somehow silly.

2. Hulk Vs. (2009)

Hulk vs. is a double feature film released on January 27, 2009, and the sixth in the Marvel Animated Features series. The two features are Hulk vs. Thor and Hulk vs. Wolverine. The latter is based on The Incredible Hulk #181 by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr. Hulk vs. was selected over a proposed Ultimate War/Thor double feature film. The film was produced by Madhouse.

Hulk vs. Thor

When the forces protecting Asgard are weakest, Loki uses the opportunity to destroy his damn half-brother Thor forever. He teams with the Enchantress in order to use the Hulk against him. In an epic battle that opposes God and a monster, Thor must deal with the only creature whose strength is equal to his – the Incredible Hulk.

Hulk vs. Wolverine

The Incredible Hulk destroys Canadian nature, leaving desolation behind. He must be stopped at all costs, and only one was up to the task – the best in his job, but not too kind is Wolverine. Logan is sent by the Canadian government to take care of the Hulk. However, they both get captured and must deal with a mysterious figure and his own mutant team.

Both stories are great, but Hulk vs. Thor is my favorite here. The story is amazing and very well executed. The animation in both is excellent. Fights in Hulk vs. Thor are off the chart, some of the best in animated movies, while that is not so much a case in Hulk vs. Wolverine (even those are also still pretty good). Hulk vs. Wolverine also has some not-so-great ending. Also, if you think this a kids cartoon, think again, there is a lot of blood and violence here. This is our all time favorite Marvel animated movie.

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spider-Man: The New World is a 2018 American animated superhero film based on the character of Marvel Comics, Miles Morales / Spider-Man, produced by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation in collaboration with Marvel, and distributed by Sony Pictures Release.

This is the first animated feature film in the Spider-Man franchise and is housed in a common multiverse called “Spider-Verse,” which has alternate worlds. The film was directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman and written by Phil Lord and Rothman, and stars Shameik Moore as Morales, alongside Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Luna Lauren Velez, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, and Liev Schreiber.

In Spider-Man: In Spider-Verse, Miles Morales becomes one of many Spider-Mans as they team up to save New York City and stop Kingpin. It’s about the new Spider-Man world and a completely different story that will make us rethink everything we’ve known so far about the most famous Spider-Man in the world. We are introduced to the story of a teenager from Brooklyn – Miles Morales, who reveals the unlimited possibilities of the Spider-Man world, but also that – he is not alone.

Fun animated movie for the whole family. Children will laugh and rejoice just as much as their parents. It is fun and tense from start to finish. It has a smart and super fun script and dialogue between the characters. The characters are fantastic and although there are plenty of them you manage to connect with everyone in the right way. The film is literally full of humor and it’s not just some childish humor that will make parents turn a blind eye. I can tell you that you will laugh from your heart no matter how old you are.

It also looks amazing, just amazing! Rarely does something like this manage to come together within a single film. Animated combination with a comic book version – total madness. We see scenes like from that extra bad Batman series from the 1960s, but superbly made – tras, bam… All this is accompanied by great music throughout the film.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is by far the best Marvel animated movie, but also probably one of the best animated movies of all time.