The Marvel Cinematic Universe has come a long way since the first Iron Man film in 2008, and has expanded to new lengths to include comic fans’ favourite characters.
5. Iron Man (2008)
The film that started it all has made number 5 on our list. Other than the fact that Robert Downey Jr shines as Tony Stark, the ensemble cast including Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts) and Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan) made Iron Man the perfect film to kick-start Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and help it develop into what it is today.
Iron Man was Marvel Studios’ first self-financed film and made an impact even then on the film industry, becoming one of the most successful films of 2008 and effectively setting up the introduction for more Marvel characters to make their first appearances. If you want to see where it all started, then look no further.
4. The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers assemble for the first time in the MCU in this film, and prove to audiences and critics alike why these movies are so successful. Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) are just three of Earth’s mightiest heroes that are given the task of defending Earth from Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s adopted brother.
Whilst at this stage the idea of these Avengers teaming up was new to us, director Joss Whedon shows us each character’s individual skill set, introducing us to the MCU as a whole and how each character has their own important role within the team.
3. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
The two previous Thor films didn’t sit well with fans for a number of reasons, Chris Hemsworth’s dyed blonde hair being one. However, Ragnarok gave Hemsworth and the Thor universe a brand new look and allowed the MCU to delve deeper into its comedic side with new director Taika Waititi, who also plays comedic character Korg.
The film’s story tells us about the legend of Ragnarok that is destined to destroy Asgard (Thor’s home planet) and everything on it. This film surprised even the biggest MCU fans, and is hilarious and exciting throughout, also becoming one of the biggest films of 2017.
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Marvel’s most recent release and the most financially successful MCU film to date, Avengers: Endgame is currently taking the world by storm and changing everything we once thought and believed surrounding the cinematic universe Marvel have created.
In the fourth Avengers film, the remaining heroes try to undo the actions of Thanos (Josh Brolin), who has wiped out half of all living beings on the planet. The Avengers are broken and are no longer the team we witnessed in the previous films, but are united in the attempt to get back their fallen friends like Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan). A cinematic success that will surely make you laugh and cry, possibly at the same time.
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Finally, number one on our list is the second Captain America film, The Winter Soldier, which shows Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Falcon (Anthony Mackie) fight against the influences of S.H.I.E.L.D., whilst also encountering an unexpected and lethal enemy.
This film has made the top spot on our list due to its character development and well-paced plot, that effectively makes use and shows the strength of the MCU characters who are born without super powers. The fight scenes in this film are expertly choreographed, and the intricate nature of the villains in this film makes the plot one of the most enticing in the saga. All in all, an exciting and must-see film, even if you’re not a fan of the MCU.
What are your favourite MCU films? Let us know in the comments!
By Faith Pring