Every MCU Movie Ranked from Worst to Best (Updated for Phase 5)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has reshaped blockbuster cinema with its sprawling web of heroes, villains, and cosmic stakes. Since 2008, it’s delivered thrills, laughs, and heartbreak, but not every film lands with the same punch.
We’ve ranked all 36 MCU movies, from the forgettable to the iconic, including the latest Phase 5 entries. Let’s dive into what makes each film soar or stumble, counting down to the very best.
36. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Quantumania’s messy plot and dodgy CGI sink what could’ve been a bold kickoff for Phase 5. Scott Lang’s Quantum Realm adventure feels like a theme park ride gone wrong.
Jonathan Majors’ Kang had potential, but the film’s tonal whiplash and wasted cast, including Bill Murray, make it the MCU’s lowest point. It’s a rare miss we’d rather forget.
35. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Bruce Banner’s solo outing is a generic action flick with a forgettable villain. Edward Norton’s Hulk lacks the charm Mark Ruffalo later brings.
Its gritty tone feels out of place in the MCU’s vibrant world. A few cool fights can’t save this clunky relic from Phase 1.
34. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor’s second film is a lifeless slog with a bland villain in Malekith. The Asgardian lore drags, and the plot feels like filler.
Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston’s chemistry as Thor and Loki is the only spark. It’s a misstep before the God of Thunder’s redemption.
33. Iron Man 2 (2010)
Iron Man 2 stumbles with a bloated story and weak villain in Whiplash. It’s more about setting up The Avengers than telling Tony Stark’s tale.
Robert Downey Jr.’s charisma carries it, and Sam Rockwell’s Justin Hammer steals scenes. Still, it’s a rushed sequel that lacks focus.
32. Eternals (2021)
Eternals bites off more than it can chew, juggling ten immortal heroes and centuries of lore. The result is a visually stunning but emotionally distant film.
Its diverse cast and bold ideas shine, but the pacing sags. It’s a brave swing that doesn’t quite connect.
31. Black Widow (2021)
Natasha Romanoff’s overdue solo film feels like a prequel out of time. The spy thriller vibe is fun, but the villain Dreykov flops.
Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova outshines Scarlett Johansson, making it her movie. It’s solid but lacks the stakes to stand out.
30. Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
Sam Wilson’s debut as Captain America is weighed down by a thin plot and too many villains. Anthony Mackie shines, but the Red Hulk reveal feels forced.
Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross adds grit, yet the film’s CGI stumbles. It’s a decent start but overshadowed by Steve Rogers’ legacy.
29. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
This lighthearted heist flick leans hard on Paul Rudd’s charm, but its plot is a jumbled mess. Ghost is a cool villain, yet the stakes feel low.
The size-shifting gags, like a giant PEZ dispenser, keep it fun. It’s breezy but forgettable in the MCU’s grand tapestry.
28. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Taika Waititi’s follow-up to Ragnarok drowns in goofy humor, undermining its emotional beats. Christian Bale’s Gorr is wasted as a forgettable foe.
Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor arc is a highlight, but the film’s tonal chaos holds it back. It’s a colorful mess we wanted to love.
27. The Marvels (2023)
The Marvels is a fun cosmic romp with stellar chemistry between Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani. Kamala Khan’s fangirl energy steals the show.
A weak villain and rushed pacing dim its shine. It’s a step up for Carol Danvers but needs more polish.
26. Doctor Strange (2016)
Stephen Strange’s origin story dazzles with trippy visuals and Benedict Cumberbatch’s sharp wit. The mystic world expands the MCU boldly.
Its formulaic plot and bland villain, Kaecilius, keep it grounded. It’s a solid start for the Sorcerer Supreme, but not a classic.
25. Captain Marvel (2019)
Carol Danvers’ 90s adventure is a fun blast, but its script lacks spark. Brie Larson’s charisma and Nick Fury’s dynamic carry it.
The Skrulls and Goose the Cat add charm, but the villain Yon-Rogg falls flat. It’s good, not great, in a crowded saga.
24. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Tony Stark’s PTSD-driven story dives deep into his psyche, but the Mandarin twist divides fans. Robert Downey Jr. delivers a raw performance.
The action pops, and Shane Black’s humor lands. It’s a bold, if flawed, chapter for the Armored Avenger.
23. Thor (2011)
Thor’s fish-out-of-water tale introduces Asgard with Shakespearean flair. Chris Hemsworth’s charm and Loki’s scheming elevate it.
The Earth-bound romance with Jane Foster drags, and the villain Destroyer lacks menace. It’s a decent launch for the Thunder God.
22. Ant-Man (2015)
Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang brings heart to this quirky heist film. The shrinking tech delivers creative action, like the Thomas the Tank Engine fight.
Its low stakes and generic villain, Yellowjacket, limit its impact. It’s a fun, small-scale gem in a cosmic saga.
21. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Joss Whedon’s Avengers sequel juggles too many threads, from Ultron to Vision’s birth. James Spader’s villain is menacing but underdeveloped.
The team’s banter and Hulkbuster fight shine, but it feels overstuffed. It’s a messy bridge to bigger things.
20. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Wakanda Forever honors Chadwick Boseman with a heartfelt story of grief. Letitia Wright’s Shuri and Angela Bassett’s Ramonda deliver raw emotion.
Namor’s introduction is strong, but the pacing sags. It’s a moving tribute that doesn’t quite match its predecessor.
19. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Sam Raimi’s horror-tinged sequel explores the multiverse with wild visuals. Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch steals the show as a tragic villain.
The Illuminati cameos feel gimmicky, and the plot rushes. It’s a thrilling, if uneven, ride for Strange.
18. Thunderbolts* (2025)
This anti-hero team-up delivers gritty action and heart with Yelena Belova leading the charge. Florence Pugh’s performance grounds the chaos.
Its smaller scope feels fresh, but some cameos distract. It’s a surprising Phase 5 highlight with Avengers-level charm.
17. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Peter Parker’s European vacation mixes teen drama with Mysterio’s illusions. Tom Holland’s charm and Jake Gyllenhaal’s villainy spark.
The multiverse tease excites, but it leans hard on Tony Stark’s shadow. It’s a fun Spidey sequel with heart.
16. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
James Gunn’s cosmic sequel dives into Peter Quill’s family drama with Ego. The visuals pop, and the team’s bonds deepen.
Some jokes miss, and the pacing dips, but its emotional core lands. It’s a vibrant follow-up with soul.
15. Iron Man (2008)
The MCU’s launchpad still shines with Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic Tony Stark. Its grounded story of redemption feels fresh even today.
The villain Obadiah Stane is forgettable, but the suit-building montage thrills. It’s the spark that started it all.
14. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Steve Rogers’ WWII origin blends war epic with superhero grit. Chris Evans’ earnestness makes Cap a timeless hero.
The Red Skull’s plan feels standard, but the 1940s vibe charms. It’s a solid foundation for the MCU’s moral core.
13. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Shang-Chi’s martial arts spectacle dazzles with Simu Liu’s grounded hero. Tony Leung’s Wenwu is a complex, tragic villain.
The Ten Rings mythology expands the MCU beautifully, though the CGI-heavy climax overwhelms. It’s a bold new chapter.
12. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
James Gunn’s misfit team brought cosmic fun to the MCU. Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord and Rocket’s snark make it a blast.
The villain Ronan is weak, but the soundtrack and team chemistry soar. It’s a game-changer for Marvel’s scope.
11. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s R-rated romp rides nostalgia to glory. The meta humor and brutal action deliver pure fun.
Its multiverse plot is messy, but the heart and cameos keep it electric. It’s a Phase 5 standout with bite.
10. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Tom Holland’s Peter Parker shines as a high school hero mentored by Tony Stark. Michael Keaton’s Vulture is a grounded, chilling foe.
The teen angst and action balance perfectly, though it leans on Iron Man. It’s Spidey’s best MCU solo outing.
9. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Taika Waititi’s vibrant reinvention of Thor is a cosmic comedy masterpiece. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, and Jeff Goldblum shine.
Cate Blanchett’s Hela is a fierce villain, but the humor occasionally overshadows the stakes. It’s a bold, hilarious pivot.
8. The Avengers (2012)
Joss Whedon’s team-up united the MCU’s heroes with epic flair. The team’s clashing egos and Loki’s schemes drive the action.
The Chitauri invasion feels generic, but the shawarma scene seals its charm. It’s the crossover that changed cinema.
7. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
The MCU’s best team-up pits Cap against Iron Man in a personal, political clash. Spider-Man and Black Panther’s debuts thrill.
Zemo’s plan is clever, but the airport fight steals the show. It’s an emotional juggernaut with stakes that stick.
6. Black Panther (2018)
Ryan Coogler’s Wakanda epic is a cultural milestone. Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa and Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger deliver raw power.
The world-building and visuals stun, though the final fight falters. It’s a groundbreaking triumph for the MCU.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
James Gunn’s trilogy capper is a heartbreaking, hilarious send-off. Rocket’s backstory and the High Evolutionary’s cruelty hit hard.
Every Guardian gets a moment, and the emotional payoff soars. It’s Phase 5’s peak and a cosmic classic.
4. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Tom Holland’s multiverse adventure is a love letter to Spider-Man. The returning villains and heroes spark pure joy.
The emotional weight of Peter’s choices grounds the spectacle. It’s a nostalgic triumph with massive heart.
3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
The Russo Brothers’ spy thriller redefined the MCU with gritty action. Steve Rogers’ clash with the Winter Soldier is personal and intense.
The political intrigue and elevator fight are iconic. It’s a near-perfect blend of heart and thrills.
2. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Thanos’ quest for the Infinity Stones delivers the MCU’s darkest chapter. Josh Brolin’s Mad Titan is a complex, terrifying force.
The sprawling cast and gut-punch ending balance spectacle with emotion. It’s a bold setup for the saga’s climax.
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The MCU’s epic finale delivers a three-hour emotional rollercoaster. The time heist, Cap’s shield moment, and Tony’s sacrifice are legendary.
Every arc lands, and the fan service feels earned. It’s the ultimate payoff for a decade of storytelling.
Which MCU movie is your top pick, or did we miss the mark on any ranking? Share your thoughts in the comments!