Ranking MCU Origin Movies: From Iron Man to Captain Marvel

With the addition of Venom to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it's time to revisit how we rank the origin movies. Here’s a comprehensive look at each film, highlighting their unique aspects and performances.

Tom Holland is Leaving Spider-Man, and Sony Might Recast

One thing to note is that Tom Holland, the current Spider-Man, is soon leaving the role. There have been rumors suggesting that Spider-Man might be recast in the MCU, possibly due to Sony's successful franchise with Venom. This possibility is purely speculative, but it's worth considering.

Iron Man: The Best Character Arc in the MCU

Rating: 10/10 - Iron Man marks the absolute best character arc in the MCU. Iron Man serves as an excellent kickoff for the cinematic universe, setting the tone and introducing the world of superheroes.

Doctor Strange: Mind-Bending Magic and Action

Rating: 10/10 - The visuals and fight scenes are simply amazing. This movie leaves us excited for the upcoming Multiverse of Madness. Doctor Strange's relationships with other characters are captivating, making this film a must-watch in the MCU.

Spider-Man: Homecoming - A Fan-Favorite

Rating: 9.5/10 - This movie excels in showing the dynamic between Peter Parker and Iron Man. The origin story is cut out because everyone knows it already, which works well. The villain, Vulture, is surprisingly good and adds depth to the narrative.

Guardians of the Galaxy: A Surprise Success

Rating: 9.5/10 - No one expected this to be so good. Guardians of the Galaxy features many great characters and excellent action. It made lesser-known characters relevant and significantly contributed to the MCU's success.

Shang-Chi - Hit and Miss

Rating: 9.5/10 - A surprise hit with only a few unfunny jokes holding it back. The movie is packed with amazing action and fight scenes. Shang-Chi's origin story is particularly moving and deeply emotional.

Black Widow: A Spy Thriller

Rating: 9/10 - Arguably, the most unique MCU movie. It's a spy thriller that provides a fantastic send-off for Black Widow. While Tony’s absence makes this film a bit weaker, Aleksandar’s participation as Taskmaster and more screen time for Yelena could have made this even better.

Venom: Eddie Brock’s Anti-Hero Solo Movie

Rating: 9/10 - My favorite Spider-Man villain gets his deserved solo movie. Tom Hardy’s performance as Eddie is top-notch, and the dark yet often comedic tone adds a unique flavor to the movie. The extended runtime with a little more action is a welcome change.

Black Panther: Representation and Action

Rating: 9/10 - em{Black Panther} offers amazing representation and an exceptional performance from Chadwick Boseman. Although his passing is deeply felt, the film's action and characters are virtually flawless.

Captain America: The First Avenger - Timeless Classic

Rating: 8.5/10 - This movie has a timeless quality that allows it to be enjoyed multiple times. Steve Rogers is an underdog who deserves the serum that changes his life. Agent Carter is a character overshadowed by her potential. While Red Skull isn't the best villain, the overall experience is comforting and nostalgic.

Ant-Man: A Smooth Ride

Rating: 8/10 - Ant-Man is a great movie with a likeable cast and a new favorite hero. Although it's excellent, it falls short in comparison to some of the other origin stories in the MCU.

The Incredible Hulk: Underrated

Rating: 7/10 - This movie is underrated. The Hulk’s screen time is more than the previous movie, which is a significant improvement. It still manages to entertain, but it's not as groundbreaking as some of the other entries.

Thor: A Moderate Introduction

Rating: 7/10 - Thor is a good introduction to the character but not as interesting as Captain America: The First Avenger and Iron Man, which were released around the same time. It introduces the Asgardian realm and features impressive action sequences.

Captain Marvel: A Disappointing Start

Rating: 6.5/10 - While Captain Marvel is a perfectly fine movie, it falls short of its expectations. Brie Larson's Carol Danvers lacks a strong personality, and the film is less impactful compared to other MCU origin stories.

Each of these movies has its unique strengths and weaknesses. From Spider-Man's tear-inducing origin to Iron Man's revolutionary introduction, each entry has contributed to the rich tapestry of the MCU. For Spider-Man enthusiasts and fans of the MCU, revisiting these films can be a delightful journey.