Fans Cast Their Votes for the Top 10 MCU Movies, Surprising Us With Omissions You Won’t Expect

The MCU has grown big with 33 movies and many TV shows. Lately, the quality seems to be dropping. But still, it’s clear that the MCU has made some top-notch superhero movies.

Fans on Ranker voted for their favorites, with over 200,000 votes. The list has some unexpected picks and some you’d totally anticipate.

10. ‘Black Widow’ (2021)

‘Black Widow’ came out after Natasha’s character had already met her tragic end, prompting fans to rush to theaters to bid her farewell in her standalone movie. The film was largely liked, featuring great action scenes and a strong supporting cast. However, much attention was drawn to Johansson’s legal battle with the studio over its early release on Disney+. Despite these issues, ‘Black Widow’ managed to secure a spot in the top 10, which is somewhat surprising considering the circumstances.

9. ‘Black Panther’ (2018)

‘Black Panther’ wasn’t simply a film; it became a cultural sensation, offering African-Americans a significant representation within the MCU. It inspired social movements and even became a source of memes. Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal made an indelible impression on the cinematic landscape, despite his tragic passing from colon cancer. The impact of the movie extended beyond the MCU, with ‘Wakanda’ becoming a household name, reshaping perceptions. In my view, it deserves a much higher ranking.

8. ‘Iron Man’ (2008)

The film that ignited everything. ‘Iron Man,’ now sixteen years on, stands as proof that a single movie can launch the most successful and esteemed franchise in cinema history. It not only propelled Marvel Studios to instant success but also revitalized RDJ’s career. While there have been arguably better films since its release, ‘Iron Man’ holds a special place, driven by sentimental value.

7. ‘The Avengers’ (2012)

When it premiered, ‘The Avengers’ ranked as the third highest-grossing movie ever, smashing numerous records and earning rave reviews from critics. It established a benchmark for future team-up ventures and unquestionably merits a spot on the list.

6. ‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)

‘Civil War’ tried something new in the MCU by having “two heroes fight each other,” and it succeeded. The Russo Brothers said they got ideas from ‘Batman V. Superman.’ People still praise ‘Civil War’ as an intriguing storyline done right.

5. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

James Gunn transformed obscure characters into a successful movie series with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ The first movie’s success paved the way, featuring humor, a quirky main character, a touching storyline, a powerful female lead, and a memorable supporting cast.

4. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

For many fans, ‘Endgame’ marked Marvel Studios’ last great movie and the start of the MCU’s decline. It’s understandable; a regular superhero flick can’t match the emotional climax of the earlier MCU phases. Hopefully, ‘Avengers 5’ and ‘Secret Wars’ can surpass it. Still, I’m surprised it’s ranked relatively low on the list.

3. ‘Captain America: Winter Soldier’ (2014)

‘Winter Soldier’ centered on classic action, espionage, and politically savvy themes. Critics praised its shift away from CGI overload towards engaging action and character growth, even drawing comparisons to ‘The Dark Knight.’ While I wouldn’t rank ‘Winter Soldier’ higher than ‘Endgame,’ it’s because espionage films aren’t quite my cup of tea.

2. ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017)

Thor had a string of really bad movies in the MCU until Waititi stepped in and changed things. ‘Ragnarok’ had what it takes to be a hit—a mix of darkness and humor, a great supporting cast, and a terrifying villain. While it’s the top movie in the franchise, I don’t think it’s good enough to be the second-best in the MCU.

1. ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

The ending of ‘Infinity War’ hit MCU fans hard emotionally, surpassing even ‘Endgame.’ The movie was applauded for its grand scale, storyline, and how it brought together so many MCU characters seamlessly. Critics and audiences loved its intense stakes, emotional depth, and impressive visuals. I’m totally on board with it being ranked number 1 on the list. What about you? Share your thoughts in the comments!