Marvel has become a juggernaut in the entertainment industry, with their cinematic universe spanning over a decade and their television shows becoming increasingly popular. Here is a ranking of Marvel movies and TV series, based on their popularity and critical reception.
Movies:
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Endgame is the epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga and the highest-grossing film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film brings together all of the major characters from the franchise for an epic showdown with Thanos. The film’s emotional depth, satisfying conclusion, and stellar performances from its ensemble cast make it a fan favorite. Additionally, it was praised for the way it tied together all of the storylines and characters from the previous films in the franchise, making it an incredibly satisfying watch for longtime fans.
2. Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther is a groundbreaking film for its portrayal of a fictional African nation and its all-black cast. The film tells the story of T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), the newly crowned king of Wakanda, and his struggle to protect his nation from enemies within and outside its borders. The film’s themes of identity, heritage, and representation were praised, as were its stunning visuals and excellent performances from the cast.
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War is the first half of the epic conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga. It brought together all of the major characters from the franchise for an epic battle with Thanos, who seeks to collect all of the Infinity Stones and wipe out half of all life in the universe. The film received critical acclaim for its action sequences, storytelling, and shocking ending, which left audiences eagerly anticipating the next installment.
4. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a visually stunning animated film that explores the idea of a multiverse of Spider-Men and Women. The film tells the story of Miles Morales, a teenager who gains spider-like abilities and must team up with other versions of Spider-Man to stop a threat to all of their universes. The film received critical acclaim for its unique animation style, storytelling, and representation of diverse characters.
3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a political thriller that sees Steve Rogers (aka Captain America) teaming up with Black Widow and Falcon to uncover a conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. The film explores themes of government surveillance, freedom, and the price of freedom. It received critical acclaim for its action sequences, storytelling, and political commentary, and is often cited as one of the best films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
TV Series:
1. WandaVision (2021)
WandaVision is a groundbreaking television series that explores grief, trauma, and the power of storytelling. It follows Wanda Maximoff (aka Scarlet Witch) and Vision as they navigate a series of sitcom-inspired realities, which serve as a coping mechanism for Wanda’s trauma. The series received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling, performances, and themes. It also showcased Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany’s impressive range as actors, as they had to portray characters in a wide variety of different settings and genres.
2. Daredevil (2015-2018)
Daredevil was the first Marvel Netflix series and it set the standard for others to follow. It follows Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil) as he fights crime in Hell’s Kitchen and struggles to balance his vigilante persona with his day job as a lawyer. The series received critical acclaim for its dark and gritty tone, performances, and fight choreography. Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Daredevil was widely praised for its intensity and authenticity.
3. The Punisher (2017-2019)
The Punisher is a brutal and violent series that follows Frank Castle (aka The Punisher)
As he seeks revenge against those responsible for the death of his family. The series received praise for its gritty realism, intense action sequences, and Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of the titular character. It explores themes of PTSD, morality, and the price of vengeance.
4. Jessica Jones (2015-2019)
Jessica Jones is a noir-inspired series that explores trauma, addiction, and power. It follows Jessica Jones, a private investigator with superhuman strength, as she tries to move on from a traumatic past and face her abuser. The series received critical acclaim for its dark and mature tone, Kristen Ritter’s performance as Jessica Jones, and its exploration of sensitive topics such as consent and abuse.
5. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is a series that explores the legacy of Captain America and the consequences of the blip (the event that caused half of all life in the universe to disappear for five years). It follows Sam Wilson (aka Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (aka Winter Soldier) as they team up to stop a new threat to the world. The series received praise for its action sequences, performances, and exploration of the characters’ pasts and futures.
Overall, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has produced some of the most beloved and successful films and TV series of the past decade. These rankings are based on popularity and critical reception, but every fan will have their own favorites. With new projects in the works, including films like Black Widow and TV series like Loki, the Marvel universe shows no signs of slowing down.