TWE Collective: MCU Phase 1-4 Ranking

Ranking the MCU

With Phase 5 set to begin soon with Ant-Man and the Wasp : Quantumania, it feels right to reflect on MCU up to this point.  After polling the members of Time Warner Entertainment, this ranking represents the collective opinion on MCU.  But first, a few things to address.  Anything that directly ties into the MCU is a part of this list.  This includes the various Spider-Man films including Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.  This does not include the X-Men films, however, as Professor X in the Multiverse of Madness is different from the ones that appeared in those films.  Similarly, the various shows not produced by Marvel Studios aren’t in consideration, as their place in the MCU is still uncertain.  With those rules set, this is our ranking of the MCU.

D Tier : Average Rank of 5.5/10 : Eternals

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

The only film with this score, Eternals is far from awful.  In fact, there are quite a few positives to this film.  Its willingness to depart from the traditions of the MCU are appreciated.  All the cast and characters have distinct personalities, and have something memorable to them.  The scale and shots can be breathtaking.

At the end of the day though, this story was far too grand for a 2.5 hour film.  Not enough time is given to properly develop the ideas and characters in this film.  In addition, the constant flashbacks can make the film hard to follow at times. It doesn’t help that it has the least interesting villain in the MCU(something Maleketh must feel grateful no longer being).

C- Tier : Average Rank of 6.5/10 : Spider-Man 3, Ant-Man & the Wasp, Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Each of these films have a common flaw; there’s too much going on, and not enough time for each idea.  Ant-Man & the Wasp, the shortest of these films, is constantly moving forward.  Fitting for a heist-based film, but with the number of characters introduced, and the emphasis on humor that’s hit or miss, the result is a film that seems to overstay its welcome.

As for the two Sam Raimi directed films, both have the benefit of the unique vision of the iconic director.  Visually they are stunning, and the action sequences are highlights.  Still, both films suffer from too many plot-lines and underdeveloped ideas.  Add onto that disappointing takes on iconic characters such as Venom, and the Illuminati, and the result is films that aren’t bad, but disappointing.

C Tier : Average Rank of 6.75/10 : The Incredible Hulk, Thor The Dark World

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Charismatic actors,  awesome action sequences, and greater importance to the MCU in the long run help prevent these two movies from being entirely forgotten any time soon.  Otherwise, the word that most commonly describes these films in discussion is boring.  Both films would go on to find some appreciation after Avengers : Endgame.  Still, glimmers of excellence can only go so far to prop up films that are mostly forgettable.

C+ Tier : Average Rank of 7/10 : The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man : Far From Home, What if…?, Thor : Love and Thunder

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Starting with the Spider-Man films, the similar points of praise for both go to their leads.  Both Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland knock it out of the park with their respective performances.  Tom’s anxiety at taking over the mantle of Iron Man, and Andrew’s emotional grief of Gwen highlight their talents as actors, and shows why they were each chosen to play the iconic web-slinger.  The action in both is also great, with the Mysterio illusion and the web-swinging of Garfield’s Spider-Man standing as highlights.  Still, both have notable problems.  The Amazing Spider-Man 2 suffers the same problems as Spider-Man 3, being overly stuffed with too many plot lines.  Far From Home meanwhile suffers upon closer inspection of its writing.  Mysterio’s plan isn’t entirely well thought out, and being another villain motivated by scorn for Stark is unoriginal.

As for Love and Thunder, humor is this film’s biggest killer.  Underneath all of the excess of MCU humor, a compelling story of Gods, Death, and loss, the writing of this film comes across as parody.  Still, Gorr is a highlight, and Jane Foster stands as a more compelling character in this film than previous films.  What if…? meanwhile can be inconsistent with its quality.  Episodes such as the Dr. Strange’s or the Zombie focused are amazing and creative, while the finale and first episode feel rushed and unfulfilling.  Still, the animation works surprisingly well, and exploring different ways the MCU could’ve plated out is fun.

B- Tier : Average Rank of 7.25/10 : Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, She-Hulk : Attorney at Law

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Looking at this tier, there doesn’t seem to be anything major connecting these in terms of similar strengths and weaknesses.  That said,what links all of these together is that they each have a few major weaknesses that take away from an otherwise fine story.  Captain Marvel was a fine film, with great side characters and a solid soundtrack.  That said, the titular character turned out to be the worst part of the film, with no clear arc or personality.  She-Hulk meanwhile suffers from polarizing humor, with some instances working, while others really don’t.  Despite that, it has a unique premise and its experimental, 4th wall breaking nature makes it memorable.

Finally, Hawkeye introduces the wonderful Kate Bishop, and explores the grief of one of the most under rated MCU characters.  That said, the finale leaves a lot to be desired as it forces in Kingpin.  The finale falters as such; his inclusion feels done more to set up future events, and its hard to see how he really ties into Clint or Kate as a character.

B Tier : Average Rank of 7.5/10 : The Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man 3, Ant-Man, Spider-Man : Homecoming, Black Widow, Ms. Marvel

Courtesy of Sony/Marvel Studios

Much like the previous tier, some of these projects have at least one major issue which can take away from the quality of the project.  From the controversial twists involving the Mandarin in Iron Man 3, and Taskmaster in Black Widow, or the messy CGI of the latter.  Still, each of these projects have something which elevates it to slightly above average.  From the fun and bubbly relationship between Gwen Stacy and Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker, the unique high school perspective of a superhero world in Ms. Marvel or Spider-Man : Homecoming.  Even the movies with more notable or controversial aspects have something to offer.  Iron Man 3 shows a hero coming to terms with a new reality after an earth shattering event, and Black Widow shows the power that family, even found family, can have.

B+ Tier : Average Rank of 7.75/10 : Avengers : Age of Ultron, Falcon & The Winter Soldier, Moon Knight

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Getting into the projects that show a lot of promise, all three projects seem to have just as many critics as defenders.  It’s not hard to see why though.  In Age of Ultron’s case, the movie can feel much like a re-imagining of the first Avengers movie.  At the time, it was also criticized for having many elements that were meant to set up future events, rather than tie into this film.  As such, many have argued that this film aged particularly well.

As for the latter two shows, both flounder by the time of the finale, but both have strong ideas and premises.  Falcon & The Winter Soldier manages to handle the issue of race surprisingly well.  In addition, the legacy of Captain America is explored well through how Sam Wilson and John Walker handle the responsibility.  That said, the Flag Smashers and their leader Karli detract from the show.  This is largely due to the disconnect of their motivations and actions.  As for Moon Knight, the show is at its best when it focuses on the dual performance of Oscar Isaac.  Playing both Stephen and Marc, and learning how the split personalities formed is tragic.  The show’s exploration of Egyptian mythology is also fascinating, being something new for the MCU.  That said, the finales of both shows are both rushed, bringing what could have been two great shows to an underwhelming end.

A- Tier : Average Rank of 8/10 : Iron Man 2, Captain America : The First Avenger, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

With both having an effective cast of characters, and important places in the story lines for their respective character, Iron Man 2 and Captain America : The First Avenger only seem to have gotten better since Avengers : Endgame.  Of course, both have problems with their villains, as do many of the early MCU projects.  Still, these films have solid performances, effects, action sequences, and important roles in the greater story.

As for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the film continues working with the strengths of its predecessor, though it changes some things up.  Ego is a more effective and memorable antagonist than Ronan in the first film.  In addition, Yondu acts as a surprisingly effective emotional center of the film.  Many of the movie’s most effective moments come from his interactions with Rocket and Quill.  Due to this, while some of the other Guardians get a fair amount of time, this is mainly a Quill-centric movie.  It’s both a strength and a weakness, as it does make it a far more personal story, though the first film was able to juggle multiple story lines so effectively that it’s hard not to feel like something is missing.  Still, with how this pays off in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, it’s hard to be upset about that.

A Tier : Average Rank of 8.25/10 : Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Captain America : The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor Ragnarok, Black Panther, Werewolf by Night, Black Panther : Wakanda Forever

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Getting to the cream of the crop, all of these projects elevate the typical super hero genre.  From the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films focusing on the drama and hardships of balancing average life with superhero life, to the out of this world creativity of Guardians of the Galaxy.  What unites these films is that they utilize the Superhero genre to elevate their stories into something truly special.  All are grand, epic spectacles, with something special at their core that everyone can relate to.  Of course, there are some minor weaknesses, from the poor CGI of both Spider-Man and Black Panther, or unmemorable villains like Ronan in Guardians of the Galaxy.  Still, these movies do so much right, that its hard to find anything too much wrong with them.

A+ Tier : Average Rank of 8.5/10 : Thor, Captain America : Civil War, Wandavision

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Something common among each of these projects was that they all either set the tone for their respective phases of the MCU, or changed the trajectory of it entirely.  Thor introduced the cosmic side of the MCU, Civil War tore the Avengers apart and set the tone for Phase 3.  Finally, Wandavision took an experimental approach to its storytelling, likewise setting up Phase 4 beyond.  Of course, each of these projects have more strengths than just that.  All have charismatic leads, interesting ideas, and all introduce characters to become fan-favorites.

S Tier : Average Rank of 8.75/10 : The Avengers, Dr. Strange, Avengers : Infinity War, Loki, Spider-Man : No Way Home

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Of all the projects that represent the best of the MCU, the projects from here on show how inventive, creative, and hype-inducing the MCU can truly be.  From the surreal visuals of Dr. Strange and the time travel shenanigans of the devious Loki.  Both of these projects experiment with the MCU in unique ways that show how creative the superhero genre can be.

Of course, the big crossover events are what solidified the MCU as a pop-culture goliath.  The original Avengers marked the first time characters from different franchises met on the big screen in such a big way.  Even after all these years, it’s still a joy to go back to.  Likewise, seeing the culmination of years of build up to Avengers : Infinity War will forever be remembered for the devastating ending and compelling character of Thanos.  The only projects to arguably beat it in hype are Avengers : Endgame, and of course, Spider-Man : No Way Home.  Not only a celebration of Spider-Man’s cinematic history, but a compelling journey of how great power, brings great responsibility.

S+ Tier : Average Rank of 9.25/10 : Iron Man, Avengers : Endgame

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Honestly, how could it not be these two projects?  The film which started it all, and the perfect ending to a story ten years in the making.  Iron Man wasn’t always seen as a huge success.  In fact, many people believed the film would be a failure.  Yet not only does it hold up the best of all the previous MCU films, it’s just a great film in general.  Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man, and the journey Stark begins in this film and goes on makes him a hero for the ages.

The conclusion to that journey, and many more in Avengers : Endgame, are so expertly handled.  The way all the heroes cope with their grief in different ways reflective of their journeys throughout all these films.  The climax to this day is still mind-blowing, given all the time, planning, and adjustments taken to making the moment work.  The MCU may still be going strong, and it’s difficult to say if it can really be topped, but it is certain that it will still be going strong for a long time.

Check out the MCU on Disney+.