In honor of recent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) releases (Moon Knight, Morbius and Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) we have made a ranking of the top five Marvel films within the MCU. This list is based on our opinions on plot, comedy, acting and cinematography. Since we are ranking some of the newer films, this list will include spoilers.

5. Black Widow (2021)

“Black Widow” took a deep dive into Natasha Romaoff’s (Scarlett Johansson) backstory as she reunited with her family. This film excelled at character portrayal. Her parents, Alexei Shostakov (also known as the Red Guardian played by David Harbor) and Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz), and her sister, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), bring a level of humor through their antics to the otherwise very serious movie. As Natasha deals with her past, viewers are able to learn more about who she was before she became an Avenger and understand the trauma her and all the other Black Widows have been through under Dreykov’s (Ray Winstone) care. “Black Widow” was incredible and introduced the MCU fanbase to some amazing characters.

4.Eternals (2021)

“Eternals” consists of ten unique superheroes who work together to rid the world of the invasive species known as Deviants. Rumored to have exterminated them, the group went their separate ways, however, after 500 years, they are reunited, learning that some Deviants are still terrorizing the world. This film was well done due to it being entirely different from the mainstream stereotypes fans see from the majority of the Marvel movies. It features a diverse cast, including Marvel’s first disabled superhero and Marvel’s first LGBTQ+ superhero. While the film first received some rocky reviews because of this, I fell in love with the film. From cinematography to costume design, director Chloé Zhao checked off all the boxes. I think this was a huge step out of Marvel’s comfort zone but was executed beautifully. It also showed a unique perspective into the very early side of the MCU timeline. 

3. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

The movie starts out in the same spot that “Spider-Man: Far From Home” ended. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) discovers how hard it is to keep his superhero and high school persona separate, so he turns to Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for aid. However, his spell to make everyone forget Spider-Man’s identity goes wrong, causing beings from other universes to fall into the MCU. Most MCU films are hard to understand, especially if they build upon prior movies; however, the MCU did a wonderful job with “No Way Home” and were able to make it understandable for even first time Marvel viewers. They also delve into the theme of grief very well. Spider-Man goes through all the stages of grief and can be seen receiving help which is good for impressionable viewers to see.

2. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was Marvel’s first Asian led film. Shang-Chi was called back home and was forced to team up with his sister to prevent his father from unleashing havoc upon the world. The movie did a great job breaking down walls with its stereotype defying characters. The two main female roles, Katy (Awkwafina) and Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), don’t rely on their more femine traits but throw themselves into the action and fight alongside everyone else. Also, in the comics, Shang-Chi’s (Simu Liu) father was known as Dr. Fu Manchu, a common hurtful Asian stereotype. In the movie they developed the character now known as Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung Chiu-wai). They also brought back Sir Ben Kingsley, who reprised his role as Trevor Slatterly from “Iron Man 3” and brought a much needed comic relief to the more serious tone of the film. This movie was just all over an amazing film from the acting to the writing.

1. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

The film starts off with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) arriving back on Asgard and learning that Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is still alive, once again. The two are then introduced to their long lost sister, Hela (Cate Blanchett) who is on a mission to take back her “rightful” place as the ruler of Asgard. This cast had amazing chemistry throughout the entire film and worked incredibly well together. Taika Waititi has done it once again by creating one of Marvel’s most phenomenal films to date. “Thor: Ragnarok” is a timeless movie with its incredible cinematography, an outstanding cast, impeccable comedy and acting. As the third film of the “Thor” franchise it definitely outshines the other two and is for sure a fan favorite. 

Contact Adeline Gruen and Anna Baustert at [email protected]