Who doesn’t love a good superhero movie? Whether they wear a cape, an armored suit or are from another planet; superheroes are cool and seeing them come to life on the Big Screen is even more of a joy that reminds us of when we opened our first comic book.
2008 was when the MCU released their first film and since then a total of twenty-two films have been made and nine more are on the way. With Spider-Man Far From Homeswinging into theaters, let’s countdown the best of the best and explore which five MCU films are the grandest of them all.
#5 – Avengers: Infinity War
Featuring a truly menacing villain and the most superheroes seen on screen at once, Infinity War was an impressive film that succeeded in story-telling, action and an ending that left viewers shocked and eager for Endgame. Thanos (portrayed by Josh Brolin) is a villain whose motivations are understood even if we don’t agree but his traits are worth an important character study. It’s not really an Avengers movie but more about Thanos himself.
While Endgame was good, I enjoyed seeing the big, bad villain in Infinity War. The action is very impressive, the set design takes us away from home and the fate of all our superheroes is one that kept audiences on the edge of their seats! While some left the theaters in tears, I personally enjoy tragic endings because they leave the audience talking and makes you root for the good guys once they exact their revenge and Thanos isn’t ready to back down from this fight.
4# – Captain America: The Winter Soldier
More than just another action sequel to Captain America, this movie brings Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) into the modern world and faces off against a threat known as “The Winter Soldier”. With the past behind him and everyone he ever cared about long gone, Cap has to understand that he’s no longer in world that he recognizes.
With a great performance by Robert Redford (who’s retired from acting) and a story that encompasses the power of the government, this feels more like a government conspiracy film instead of your typical superhero feature. Think of Captain America caught in a world similar to Enemy of the State! It’s a thrill ride from start to finish and the debut of Directors Anthony and Joe Russo in the MCU seat.
#3 – Captain America: Civil War
Proving that a trilogy can truly be great, The Captain America trilogy ends with Civil War! This examines the consequences of when our heroes go unchecked by the government and that people can get hurt in the process when the fighting gets too intense. It’s a question of what’s right and wrong.
Are you for Captain America or Tony Stark? This is the breaking point, but both parties have a common enemy and goal and for that they will have to do something they’ve never done before…fight each other. Featuring the first appearance of Spider-Man and another memorable characters, our heroes duke it out and leave us with a satisfying story, excellent action sequences and themes not usually present in films of this nature.
#2 – Black Panther
With a phenomenal cast, impressive set designs and the most incredible soundtrack of the entire MCU film list, Black Panther is one of the most interesting characters played perfectly by Chadwick Boseman. With a story that’s well told and introducing us to a very memorable villain Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), Black Panther is more than a superhero film. It’s Boyz N The Hood of superhero features.
With a fascinating world of Wakanda and impressive action, Director Ryan Coogler was sadly snubbed for a Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards. With Fruitvale Station and Creed under his belt, Coogler proved that he’s a director who has more than made a name for himself and Black Panther is a film that was not only fun to watch but has tough themes to analyze and featured one thing that separates it from other MCU films…culture.
#1 – Iron Man
The very first MCU film released was Iron Man and no one ever thought that Robert Downey Jr could deliver an exceptional performance. Iron Man was fun, hilarious and showed off the most badass suiting up sequence ever! He may be an arrogant playboy millionaire, but Tony Stark is the man who helped develop the Avengers Initiative, especially that closing credits scene that got everyone excited in the first place.
The sequels to Iron Man have never fared in comparison to this one, but Iron Man is the one that started it all and the world will never be the same. Robert Downey Jr nailed the role and will forever be remembered as One of the Greatest Superhero characters brought to life on the Big Screen!
