• 22. Thor: The Dark World (2013). Sitting at the bottom of the list is Thor's second film, Thor: The Dark World. Directed by Alan Taylor, the film grossed over $200m at the box office. Why is it last? Many will agree that this movie has the weakest effects, the dullest characters, and a plot that does very little to arouse excitement. Luckily, the third Thor film made up for The Dark World's shortcomings, and some. IMDB: 6.9/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 66%. Courtesy Marvel
    22. Thor: The Dark World (2013). Sitting at the bottom of the list is Thor's second film, Thor: The Dark World. Directed by Alan Taylor, the film grossed over $200m at the box office. Why is it last? Many will agree that this movie has the weakest effects, the dullest characters, and a plot that does very little to arouse excitement. Luckily, the third Thor film made up for The Dark World's shortcomings, and some. IMDB: 6.9/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 66%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 21. Iron Man 2 (2010). Another sequel, Iron Man 2's failings aren't quite like Thor's though. What this movie suffers from the most is the sheer drop in quality when compared to the first Iron Man film, which evidently kick-started the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mickey Rourke's performance as the villain Whiplash could have been one that set a standard for Marvel films, but ended up being a forgettable mess. Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer is the highlight though, watch it for his performance. IMDB: 7/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 73%. Courtesy Marvel
    21. Iron Man 2 (2010). Another sequel, Iron Man 2's failings aren't quite like Thor's though. What this movie suffers from the most is the sheer drop in quality when compared to the first Iron Man film, which evidently kick-started the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mickey Rourke's performance as the villain Whiplash could have been one that set a standard for Marvel films, but ended up being a forgettable mess. Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer is the highlight though, watch it for his performance. IMDB: 7/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 73%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 20. The Incredible Hulk (2008) Released right after the first Iron Man film, The Incredible Hulk is often forgotten when mentioning films in the MCU, but a cameo by Tony Stark at the end cements its place. Doesn't hold the same level of quality as the others, but Hulk shows he can helm a blockbuster on his own. IMDB: 6.7/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 67%. Courtesy Universal Pictures
    20. The Incredible Hulk (2008) Released right after the first Iron Man film, The Incredible Hulk is often forgotten when mentioning films in the MCU, but a cameo by Tony Stark at the end cements its place. Doesn't hold the same level of quality as the others, but Hulk shows he can helm a blockbuster on his own. IMDB: 6.7/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 67%. Courtesy Universal Pictures
  • 19. Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015). The second Avengers film was widely anticipated, after everyone enjoyed all our favourite superheroes teaming up three years prior. The villain of the piece, Ultron, wasn't as bitey as Loki was. The film also suffered from attempting at emotionally heavy scenes that ultimately faltered. Thankfully for film fans, Mad Max Fury Road was released a week later and everyone forgot this movie existed. IMDB: 7.3/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 75%. Courtesy Marvel
    19. Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015). The second Avengers film was widely anticipated, after everyone enjoyed all our favourite superheroes teaming up three years prior. The villain of the piece, Ultron, wasn't as bitey as Loki was. The film also suffered from attempting at emotionally heavy scenes that ultimately faltered. Thankfully for film fans, Mad Max Fury Road was released a week later and everyone forgot this movie existed. IMDB: 7.3/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 75%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 18. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). There's nothing objectively wrong with Ant Man's second film, mostly it's this low on the list because it feels like a filler movie. The first Ant Man film was a great introduction to a funny and enigmatic character, who is portrayed wonderfully by Paul Rudd. This sequel doesn't have the same levels of excitement or comedic value. Worth watching, but with lowered expectations. IMDB: 7.1/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 88%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
    18. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). There's nothing objectively wrong with Ant Man's second film, mostly it's this low on the list because it feels like a filler movie. The first Ant Man film was a great introduction to a funny and enigmatic character, who is portrayed wonderfully by Paul Rudd. This sequel doesn't have the same levels of excitement or comedic value. Worth watching, but with lowered expectations. IMDB: 7.1/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 88%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
  • 17. Iron Man 3 (2013). Moving into fine margins territory now, the third instalment in the Iron Man film series was very much an upgrade on the second film. The stakes are raised with the destruction of Tony Stark's home, and the addition of a villain that knew our hero very well. Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin is very memorable, for more reasons than one. Mr Stark really grapples with his emotions in this one. Definitely worth a watch. IMDB: 7.2/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 79%. Courtesy Marvel Entertainment
    17. Iron Man 3 (2013). Moving into fine margins territory now, the third instalment in the Iron Man film series was very much an upgrade on the second film. The stakes are raised with the destruction of Tony Stark's home, and the addition of a villain that knew our hero very well. Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin is very memorable, for more reasons than one. Mr Stark really grapples with his emotions in this one. Definitely worth a watch. IMDB: 7.2/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 79%. Courtesy Marvel Entertainment
  • 16. Captain Marvel (2019). The latest entry into Marvel's pantheon of heroes, Captain Marvel was certainly a fresh change. The first Marvel film to be spearheaded by a female super-heroine, Captain Marvel did just enough for viewers to hold them over until Avengers Endgame was released. Brie Larsen, our titular hero, was abused online for her less than enthusiastic portrayal of the heroine, but she brushed it off, and the fans loved her all the more for it. IMDB: 7.1/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 78%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
    16. Captain Marvel (2019). The latest entry into Marvel's pantheon of heroes, Captain Marvel was certainly a fresh change. The first Marvel film to be spearheaded by a female super-heroine, Captain Marvel did just enough for viewers to hold them over until Avengers Endgame was released. Brie Larsen, our titular hero, was abused online for her less than enthusiastic portrayal of the heroine, but she brushed it off, and the fans loved her all the more for it. IMDB: 7.1/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 78%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
  • 15. The Avengers (2012). The Avengers stormed our cinemas with its assembly of familiar and beloved superhero line-up. Fans and newcomers to the series were treated to an all-out display of action and wit. Many people were turned into Marvel fans after the success of this film, and the studio proved they could create an episodic series of movies that had quality as well as fun. IMDB: 8.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%. Courtesy Marvel Entertainment
    15. The Avengers (2012). The Avengers stormed our cinemas with its assembly of familiar and beloved superhero line-up. Fans and newcomers to the series were treated to an all-out display of action and wit. Many people were turned into Marvel fans after the success of this film, and the studio proved they could create an episodic series of movies that had quality as well as fun. IMDB: 8.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%. Courtesy Marvel Entertainment
  • 14. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 (2017). When the first Guardians of the Galaxy film was released, cinema-goers were delighted to see characters they probably had never heard of before. The crew of the Milano were goofy, funny, and could hand it to their enemies when they needed to. The sequel, while never reaching the same heights, managed to do enough to remind us of the quality of the first. If nothing else, the movie gave us another awesome mix-tape. IMDB: 7.7/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 84%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
    14. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 (2017). When the first Guardians of the Galaxy film was released, cinema-goers were delighted to see characters they probably had never heard of before. The crew of the Milano were goofy, funny, and could hand it to their enemies when they needed to. The sequel, while never reaching the same heights, managed to do enough to remind us of the quality of the first. If nothing else, the movie gave us another awesome mix-tape. IMDB: 7.7/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 84%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
  • 13. Thor (2011). It is important to mention that the first Thor film was directed by Shakespearean actor and director Kenneth Branagh, whose influence on the film and characters was very clear. The story of Thor is very much a Shakespearean story set in a mythical kingdom in another universe. The god of thunder's introduction into the universe doesn't hold up as well as it used to, but still better than most. IMDB: 7.0/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 77%. Courtesy Marvel
    13. Thor (2011). It is important to mention that the first Thor film was directed by Shakespearean actor and director Kenneth Branagh, whose influence on the film and characters was very clear. The story of Thor is very much a Shakespearean story set in a mythical kingdom in another universe. The god of thunder's introduction into the universe doesn't hold up as well as it used to, but still better than most. IMDB: 7.0/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 77%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 12. Ant-Man (2015). The production process on Ant-Man was turbulent to say the least. Director Edgar Wright was initially attached to direct, and fans were very much looking forward to his interpretation of a superhero movie. After deciding he wouldn't have the creative freedom to make the film he wanted, Edgar Wright left the project, and Peyton Reed took over. This was worrisome to some at first, but the fans needn't worry. The Ant-Man film we got was everything the fans wanted to see and more. Paul Rudd's take on the character was funny and heartbreaking at times. IMDB: 7.3/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 82%. Courtesy Marvel
    12. Ant-Man (2015). The production process on Ant-Man was turbulent to say the least. Director Edgar Wright was initially attached to direct, and fans were very much looking forward to his interpretation of a superhero movie. After deciding he wouldn't have the creative freedom to make the film he wanted, Edgar Wright left the project, and Peyton Reed took over. This was worrisome to some at first, but the fans needn't worry. The Ant-Man film we got was everything the fans wanted to see and more. Paul Rudd's take on the character was funny and heartbreaking at times. IMDB: 7.3/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 82%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 11. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). What makes The First Avenger special is that it was a World War 2 movie, directed by the man who gave us The Rocketeer, with a pinch of Marvel characters here and there. Seeing the evolution of Steve Rodgers from a malnourished short man to the first Avenger is gripping. The kid from Brooklyn who was worthy enough to carry Mjolnir had very humble beginnings, but grand adventures since then. IMDB: 6.9/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 80%. Courtesy Marvel Entertainment
    11. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). What makes The First Avenger special is that it was a World War 2 movie, directed by the man who gave us The Rocketeer, with a pinch of Marvel characters here and there. Seeing the evolution of Steve Rodgers from a malnourished short man to the first Avenger is gripping. The kid from Brooklyn who was worthy enough to carry Mjolnir had very humble beginnings, but grand adventures since then. IMDB: 6.9/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 80%. Courtesy Marvel Entertainment
  • 10. Iron Man (2008). In 2008, when Iron Man was released, the superhero film landscape was very different. That same year, we saw Batman take on The Joker, and it wasn't silly or funny at all. Most people hungered for more gritty takes on comic book movie adaptations. Tony Stark's take on Iron Man presented a balance though. A character who can be surrounded by darkness and harsh environments, but still be funny and confident in himself. Tony Stark's first film set a very strong infrastructure, wherein the rest of the films built upon this. IMDB: 7.9/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 93%. Courtesy Marvel
    10. Iron Man (2008). In 2008, when Iron Man was released, the superhero film landscape was very different. That same year, we saw Batman take on The Joker, and it wasn't silly or funny at all. Most people hungered for more gritty takes on comic book movie adaptations. Tony Stark's take on Iron Man presented a balance though. A character who can be surrounded by darkness and harsh environments, but still be funny and confident in himself. Tony Stark's first film set a very strong infrastructure, wherein the rest of the films built upon this. IMDB: 7.9/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 93%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 9. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). Spider-Man's return to Marvel, after being with Sony, was a huge achievement. Sony were making money off the character, regardless of how good or bad the last three films were. Spider-Man joining the Avengers in Civil War was an event in itself, and fans couldn't believe it. We had to wait to see him in his own film, but it didn't disappoint. Peter Parker will continue to swing between buildings in New York, and we'll be there to see it. IMDB: 7.5/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 92%. Courtesy Sony Pictures
    9. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). Spider-Man's return to Marvel, after being with Sony, was a huge achievement. Sony were making money off the character, regardless of how good or bad the last three films were. Spider-Man joining the Avengers in Civil War was an event in itself, and fans couldn't believe it. We had to wait to see him in his own film, but it didn't disappoint. Peter Parker will continue to swing between buildings in New York, and we'll be there to see it. IMDB: 7.5/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 92%. Courtesy Sony Pictures
  • 8. Marvel's Doctor Strange (2016). Doctor Strange offers something that most other superheroes don't in their films: time manipulation. Bending reality at his will, and shaping the future with the time stone is an immense amount of power. With his trusty cape, Steven Strange had to go through hell and make it out the other side to become the superhero he is. The psychedelic scenes were mind bending. IMDB: 7.5/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 89%. Courtesy Marvel
    8. Marvel's Doctor Strange (2016). Doctor Strange offers something that most other superheroes don't in their films: time manipulation. Bending reality at his will, and shaping the future with the time stone is an immense amount of power. With his trusty cape, Steven Strange had to go through hell and make it out the other side to become the superhero he is. The psychedelic scenes were mind bending. IMDB: 7.5/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 89%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 7. Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). The second film in the Captain America series packed a punch. Fans and critics praised the film for its strong action scenes, and what ultimately amounted to being a spy thriller dressed as a superhero movie. It's interesting to note that while Iron Man is the leader of the group, it is Captain America's film which set the tone for the series moving forward every time. IMDB: 7.8/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 90%. Courtesy Marvel
    7. Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). The second film in the Captain America series packed a punch. Fans and critics praised the film for its strong action scenes, and what ultimately amounted to being a spy thriller dressed as a superhero movie. It's interesting to note that while Iron Man is the leader of the group, it is Captain America's film which set the tone for the series moving forward every time. IMDB: 7.8/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 90%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 6. Avengers: Endgame (2019). The end of a saga, and the last brick in the house that Tony Stark built. Being the last entry into the series, and with an attempt to avoid spoilers, all that needs to be said about this film is it made for a great ending to an 11-year journey. Through 21 films leading up to it, fans grew attached to the characters, and Endgame puts forward a closure to the series that is sure to satisfy many. IMDB: 9.0. Rotten Tomatoes: 95%. Marvel Studios
    6. Avengers: Endgame (2019). The end of a saga, and the last brick in the house that Tony Stark built. Being the last entry into the series, and with an attempt to avoid spoilers, all that needs to be said about this film is it made for a great ending to an 11-year journey. Through 21 films leading up to it, fans grew attached to the characters, and Endgame puts forward a closure to the series that is sure to satisfy many. IMDB: 9.0. Rotten Tomatoes: 95%. Marvel Studios
  • 5. Captain America: Civil War (2016). Civil War felt less like a Captain America movie, and more like an addition to the Avengers series. With Steve Rodgers and Tony Stark clashing, the stakes are raised, and a crack forms between our beloved team. The introduction of Spider-Man and Black Panther are definite highlights of this film. IMDB: 7.8/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 91%. Courtesy Marvel
    5. Captain America: Civil War (2016). Civil War felt less like a Captain America movie, and more like an addition to the Avengers series. With Steve Rodgers and Tony Stark clashing, the stakes are raised, and a crack forms between our beloved team. The introduction of Spider-Man and Black Panther are definite highlights of this film. IMDB: 7.8/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 91%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 4. Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014). There's very little to dislike about Guardians of the Galaxy. All the characters are different to one another, but they manage to find a middle ground that carries them through the hardships they have to face. It is always important to mention the impact of the soundtrack on this film. Awesome mix tape number 1 is almost a character on its own, and underscores many of the movie's most important scenes. IMDB: 8.1/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 91%. Courtesy Marvel
    4. Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014). There's very little to dislike about Guardians of the Galaxy. All the characters are different to one another, but they manage to find a middle ground that carries them through the hardships they have to face. It is always important to mention the impact of the soundtrack on this film. Awesome mix tape number 1 is almost a character on its own, and underscores many of the movie's most important scenes. IMDB: 8.1/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 91%. Courtesy Marvel
  • 3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Despite the shortcoming of Age of Ultron, fans knew that the third film in the Avengers series would be more like Civil War in quality. Knowing that the team would have to put aside their squabbles and face the universe's biggest threat, Thanos, was tantalising. Boasting the biggest cast of characters in any superhero movie ever made, only outdone by its sequel Endgame. The film's emotional ending left fans gasping and speechless. IMDB: 8.5/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 85%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
    3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Despite the shortcoming of Age of Ultron, fans knew that the third film in the Avengers series would be more like Civil War in quality. Knowing that the team would have to put aside their squabbles and face the universe's biggest threat, Thanos, was tantalising. Boasting the biggest cast of characters in any superhero movie ever made, only outdone by its sequel Endgame. The film's emotional ending left fans gasping and speechless. IMDB: 8.5/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 85%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
  • 2. Thor: Ragnarok (2017). The Uniqueness of Ragnarok comes mostly from its director Taika Waititi, whose contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a welcome change to what most called a cookie cutter directing system. While being safe but successful, Marvel had up until this point not taken that many risks creatively. Ragnarok stands apart because of how colourful and wondrous it manages to be. Having lovable characters like Thor and the Hulk go up against each other made it very appealing and extremely re-watchable. IMDB: 7.9/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 92%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
    2. Thor: Ragnarok (2017). The Uniqueness of Ragnarok comes mostly from its director Taika Waititi, whose contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a welcome change to what most called a cookie cutter directing system. While being safe but successful, Marvel had up until this point not taken that many risks creatively. Ragnarok stands apart because of how colourful and wondrous it manages to be. Having lovable characters like Thor and the Hulk go up against each other made it very appealing and extremely re-watchable. IMDB: 7.9/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 92%. Courtesy Marvel Studios
  • 1. Black Panther (2018). The success of Black Panther worldwide was evidence of something the fans had cried out for for years: the world wants ethnically diverse characters. Black Panther wasn't only good as a Marvel film, it was just good as a film. Ryan Coogler does a masterful job at taking us into the hidden world of Wakanda, and an even better job at making is connect with the characters. IMDB: 7.3/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 97%.
    1. Black Panther (2018). The success of Black Panther worldwide was evidence of something the fans had cried out for for years: the world wants ethnically diverse characters. Black Panther wasn't only good as a Marvel film, it was just good as a film. Ryan Coogler does a masterful job at taking us into the hidden world of Wakanda, and an even better job at making is connect with the characters. IMDB: 7.3/10. Rotten Tomatoes: 97%.

Film

From 'Iron Man' to 'Endgame': All 22 Marvel movies ranked

It's been a lengthy and dramatic ride

Faisal Salah
Faisal Salah
Abu Dhabi

May 04, 2019

  • English
  • Arabic

Since 2008, Marvel Studios has taken everyone on a ride that has spanned 22 films across 11 years.

The story arc concluded with the release of Avengers: Endgame, but that doesn't mean the journey is over.

Spider-Man: Far From Home is set for release in July, and we can expect some sort of continuation in the future.

For now though, we look back on all 22 films, and rank them according to quality and experience.

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Read more:

Ramadan 2019: Eight new films to watch in UAE theatres

'Avengers: Endgame' assembles a $1.2 billion opening weekend at the box office

'Fantastic Beasts': Third film in the wizarding series to be released in 2021

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Film