Few studios have made movies at which audiences marvel like Marvel. Since the 1990’s, Marvel has made unforgettable movies. Whether the Avengers, guardians defending galaxies or web-swinging superheroes, the studio created many characters. Given the number of movies the studio has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of a studio that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Avengers: Endgame
The Avengers are a spectacular superhero team that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a teacher that loved a superhero team giving him dreams to follow. I remember a high school teacher that loved a heroic team in pop culture. A comic-book nerd, he adored heroes that made him feel heard. Through his appreciation of a superhero team in the comic-book genre, my teacher gave me lifelong love for Cinema. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that became fond of the Avengers, I adored “Avengers: Endgame”. Released in 2019, the Russo Brothers’ blockbuster did an extraordinary job of bringing the Avengers’ journey to a satisfying closure. It isn’t easy to bring a beloved franchise to a satisfying conclusion, but the Russo Brothers pulled it off successfully in “Endgame”. Packed with breathtaking action sequences, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it represents Marvel at its best. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Robert Downey Jr., who bid emotional farewell to his iconic role of Iron Man. For instance, the scene in which Iron Man snaps his fingers sacrificing his life to save the world remains one of the most memorable moments in the MCU. Ultimately, what makes “Avengers: Endgame” the best Marvel movie is its emotion. The film managed to turn invincible superheroes into relatable humans facing hardships everyone could identify with. Unlike most Marvel movies targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackled universal themes that would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards a commemorated superhero team, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a supreme franchise that has always inspired audiences to follow their dream.
2. Black Panther
Fathers are inspiring figures shaping children’s future. As far as I remember, I have always shared a strong bond with my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams I am pursuing. Without his wisdom, I may not have achieved dreams I am passionate about. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture fatherhood as powerfully as “Black Panther”. Released in 2018, Ryan Coogler’s comic-book blockbuster was the first ever superhero movie featuring an African-American cast. It forever changed the comic-book genre through its depiction of African-American culture. Unlike most Marvel movies which focus solely on spectacle, the film manages to tell a compelling story about fatherhood. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Chadwick Boseman, who created one of the most inspiring heroes in the MCU. Boseman brought emotional depth to the role of Black Panther before his tragic death from Cancer. For instance, the scene in which T’Challa returns from the dead to save his kingdom remains one of the greatest moments of Marvel’s movies. Ultimately, what makes “Black Panther” one of the best Marvel movies is representation. It’s one of those rare movies that proved anyone could become a superhero regardless of ethnicity. As precious as Wakanda, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a studio that has never lost its abilities to make unforgettable movies that are treasured in Cinema.
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3. Captain America: Civil War
Friendships are relationships that are destined to face hardships. I remember forming friends with a kid in school I grew up to treasure. We enjoyed playing soccer creating a bond with each other. However, all of a sudden our strong bond came to a closure. No longer the companion I had grown to adore, he became a stranger that didn’t want to meet me anymore. Friendship is a common theme that’s explored in all of Marvel’s movies, but it is perhaps most evident in “Captain America: Civil War”. Released in 2016, the Russo Brothers’ blockbuster captured friendships between the Avengers experiencing disaster. Unlike previous Marvel movies, “Captain America: Civil War” took risks by exploring serious themes that paid off tremendously. The film focused on Tony Stark’s doomed friendship with Captain America coming to an end because of worldviews. For instance, the scene in which Tony Stark expresses rage after discovering Captain America knew about his parents’ death is one of the best moments of the Marvel franchise. Ultimately, what makes “Captain America: Civil War” a great Marvel movie is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of superheroes in a civil war, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a franchise that has raised the bar.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy
Teamwork is one of those skills that has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have commonly found it challenging to work within groups. I recall memories of struggling completing group projects in school. I’ll never forget a group project in which peers treated me without respect. As someone that has often struggled to work within groups effectively, I loved “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Released in 2014, James Gunn’s comic-book blockbuster celebrated an iconic superhero team with a sharp sense of humour. What makes “Guardians of the Galaxy” stand out in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is its strong sense of humour. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Chris Pratt, who embodies a comical superhero. Ultimately, what makes “Guardians of the Galaxy” a great comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of teamwork which would resonate with everyone. The guardians develop a strong dynamic which everyone would relate to regardless of whether they are comic-book fans. As strong as the guardians’ desire to defend their galaxy, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a celebrated studio that has always made movies audiences regard highly.
5. Iron Man
Not many superheroes have gained a fan following as huge as Iron Man. I remember a friend that grew up to treasure a superhero that changed his life forever. Years ago, I bonded with a friend that was once a huge fan of the superhero. He grew up to care deeply about a starkly rich millionaire. Through his love for an iconic hero with stark charisma, my friend gave me a lifelong love for Cinema. As someone treasuring fond memories of a friend that was a huge fan of Iron Man, I adored “Iron Man”. Released in 2008, Jon Favreau’s captivating comic-book blockbuster introduced one of the most celebrated superheroes in popular culture. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert Downey Jr., who embodied Iron Man. A stroke of genius, RDJ’s casting is one of the main reasons why “Iron Man” is a masterpiece. Ultimately, what makes “Iron Man” one of Marvel’s best movies is its perfect balance. It’s one of the first films that established the studio’s aptitude for creating balanced films providing both storytelling and spectacle. An incredible introduction to a rich superhero that’s iconic, it’s a commemorated reminder of a franchise creating movies about heroic characters audiences consider fantastic.
6. The Avengers
When it comes to the most fun movies Marvel has ever made, it’s worth discussing “The Avengers”. Released in 2012, Joss Whedon’s blockbuster changed the comic-book genre through introducing an iconic superhero team. I remember the time I went to see the movie in the theatre. Watching the team of superheroes assembling on the big-screen for the first time was incredibly entertaining. The iconic scene in which the Avengers assemble for the first time remains one of the greatest moments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Out of all the movies Marvel has made, “The Avengers” best captured the studio’s flair for exciting entertainment. As strong as the Avengers’ desire to assemble, it’s a powerful reminder of a franchise that hasn’t lost abilities to marvel by creating unforgettable movies audiences consider special.
7. Avengers: Infinity War
Marvel is a studio that has always been known for its strong sense of spectacle. The studio has always excelled at creating big-budget movies that are driven by breathtaking action. Each film that Marvel has produced has raised the bar for spectacle, but none more so than “Avengers: Infinity War”. Released in 2018, the Russo Brothers’ comic-book blockbuster raised the bar for spectacle in Marvel movies. It isn’t easy to throw multiple superheroes from various universes into one movie, but the Russo Brothers’ succeeded immensely. What makes “Infinity War” stand out in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is its risks. The film took huge risks that paid off tremendously. As strong as the Avengers’ desire to collaborate, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a comic-book franchise that has never lost its abilities to captivate that fans appreciate.
8. Black Widow
One of the most common criticisms levelled against Marvel’s movies is that they lack strong female characters. Since creation years ago, the studio has always lacking strong feminist heroes. For instance, Black Widow is a character that has often been depicted as a sexual object rather than a person that’s relatable. However, in 2021 the studio took audiences by surprise when it created a feminist hero in the film “Black Widow”. In the most feminist film that the studio has ever made, Marvel brought emotional depth to the character of Black Widow. Scarlett Johansson was finally given an opportunity to showcase her strengths as an actress in her most feminist role. As strong as Black Widow’s desire to become a feminist hero, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a studio that has always given audiences dreams to follow.
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain America is a captivating hero that has become an icon in the comic-book genre. With his righteous nature, heroic personality and strong powers, Steve Rogers has always been one of the highlights of the Marvel movies. I love all the movies that have depicted the character but my favourite film has always been “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. Released in 2014, the Russo Brothers’ blockbuster celebrated the heroic comic-book character. A spectacular sequel, the film celebrated a hero that audiences consider to be special. Chris Evans was extraordinary as Captain America, bringing emotional depth to the superhero missing from the original. As strong as the shield of Captain America, it’s a riveting reminder about a franchise that has never lost its abilities to attract audiences to the Cinema.
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10. Iron Man 2
Iron Man is one of those heroes that hasn’t always been portrayed perfectly on the big-screen. While most movies have captured stark appeal of the hero in entertainment, others have fallen short of expectations causing disappointment. Unfortunately, “Iron Man 2” is one of those movies that failed to celebrate an iconic superhero audiences value. Released in 2010, Jon Favreau’s film is widely regarded as one of the worst comic-book movies ever made. While the film is flawed, it isn’t a total disaster. Robert Downey Jr. has delivered phenomenal performances, and here he remains the bright spot of a bad movie. As precious as suits constructed by Tony Stark, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a franchise that hasn’t lost its bright spark which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to pursue dreams of film criticism leaving a lasting mark.
The Film Buff 