All 30 Marvel Movies Ranked from Worst to Best

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who watches superhero movies to keep company with friends and family, you probably recognize many characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The MCU began as a hugely popular comic book series in the early 1960s, and since 2008 Marvel Studios has released 30 feature films.

Some entries became cultural touchstones—“Captain Marvel” inspired many young viewers with its message of empowerment, while “Black Panther” raised the bar for representation and storytelling in the genre. Across the MCU, filmmakers blended humor, action and character-driven drama in ways that redefined superhero movies, and the financial results were staggering: four Marvel films rank among the top 10 highest-grossing movies ever.

Which MCU films do fans and critics return to most often? Using Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes scores, the following ranking lists all Marvel Studios theatrical releases to date. Do you agree with the order?

30. Eternals

Release Date: Nov. 15, 2021

Metacritic Rating: 52

Tomatometer: 47

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 77

Combined Score: 58.6

“Eternals” follows an immortal group of beings who have secretly protected Earth for millennia. When hidden threats and cosmic directives force them to confront their purpose, the story expands the MCU’s mythology. Despite an ambitious cast and an acclaimed director, the film divided critics and audiences and landed at the bottom of this ranking.

29. Captain Marvel

Release Date: March 8, 2019

Metacritic Rating: 64

Tomatometer: 78

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 48

Combined Score: 63.3

Captain Marvel chronicles Carol Danvers’ origin—how she gained flight, super strength and energy projection. The film performed exceptionally well at the box office, crossing $1 billion worldwide, though audience reactions at release were polarized for reasons beyond the film itself. As Marvel’s first female-led solo blockbuster, it remains notable for its cultural impact.

28. Thor: The Dark World

Release Date: Nov. 8, 2013

Metacritic Rating: 54

Tomatometer: 66

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 76

Combined Score: 65.3

In this sequel, Thor must rescue Jane Foster after she becomes host to the Aether and stop the Dark Elf Malekith from unleashing chaos. While it delivered action and spectacle, critics felt the film didn’t fulfill its promise and ranked it lower among Thor’s outings.

27. Thor: Love and Thunder

Release Date: July 8, 2022

Metacritic Rating: 57

Tomatometer: 64

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 77

Combined Score: 66

This installment finds Thor confronting Gorr the God Butcher and reconnecting with Jane Foster, who wields Mjölnir as the Mighty Thor. The film’s tonal shifts and comedic approach divided viewers and critics, making it one of the more controversial entries in the Thor series.

26. The Incredible Hulk

Release Date: June 13, 2008

Metacritic Rating: 61

Tomatometer: 67

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 70

Combined Score: 66

Bruce Banner searches for a cure for his gamma-induced transformations while evading capture and confronting the Abomination. Though it introduced the Hulk into the MCU, the film received mixed reviews and sits in the lower half of the list.

25. Iron Man 2

Release Date: May 7, 2010

Metacritic Rating: 57

Tomatometer: 73

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 71

Combined Score: 67

Tony Stark faces personal and technological threats while the military and new adversaries attempt to claim his technology. As a follow-up to the film that launched the MCU, it entertained but didn’t reach the heights of its predecessor.

24. Thor

Release Date: May 2, 2011

Metacritic Rating: 57

Tomatometer: 77

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 76

Combined Score: 70

Banished to Earth by Odin, Thor must learn humility and adapt without his powers while threats from the Frost Giants and other forces loom. The film introduced a mythic, fish-out-of-water chapter to the MCU.

23. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Release Date: May 6, 2022

Metacritic Rating: 60

Tomatometer: 74

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 85

Combined Score: 73

This sequel sends Doctor Strange and America Chavez across alternate universes in a darker, more supernatural entry for the MCU. With elements of horror and multiversal stakes, it broadened the franchise’s scope and introduced familiar faces from other superhero franchises.

22. Iron Man 3

Release Date: May 3, 2013

Metacritic Rating: 62

Tomatometer: 79

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 78

Combined Score: 73

Tony Stark faces a new, domestic-scale threat while coping with trauma from earlier events. Praised for its script and Robert Downey Jr.’s performance, this installment proved a satisfying capstone to the original Iron Man trilogy.

21. Captain America: The First Avenger

Release Date: July 19, 2011

Metacritic Rating: 66

Tomatometer: 80

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 74

Combined Score: 73.3

Set during World War II, this origin story follows Steve Rogers’ transformation from an eager, undersized recruit into Captain America through a supersoldier program—an inspiring foundation for the character’s future arc.

20. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Release Date: May 1, 2015

Metacritic Rating: 66

Tomatometer: 75

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 83

Combined Score: 74.67

The Avengers unite to confront Ultron, an AI bent on eradicating humanity. The film expanded the team’s roster and introduced Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, though critics noted it struggled to reach the emotional heights of other entries.

19. Ant-Man

Release Date: June 29, 2015

Metacritic Rating: 64

Tomatometer: 83

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 86

Combined Score: 77.67

A heist film with superhero trappings, “Ant-Man” blends humor with inventive visuals: Scott Lang inherits the shrinking technology and a mission to stop a former protege of Hank Pym. Paul Rudd’s charm helped make this a fresh, lighter addition to the MCU.

18. Ant-Man and the Wasp

Release Date: July 4, 2018

Metacritic Rating: 70

Tomatometer: 88

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 76

Combined Score: 78

The sequel balances family dynamics with quantum-mysterious adventures. Teaming up Ant-Man and the Wasp produced a fun, fast-paced film that critics particularly enjoyed for its creativity and humor.

17. Black Widow

Release Date: July 9, 2021

Metacritic Rating: 67

Tomatometer: 79

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 91

Combined Score: 79

Focusing on Natasha Romanoff’s past and the people who shaped her, “Black Widow” fills in key backstory after she first appeared in “Iron Man 2.” The film’s hybrid release during the pandemic sparked controversy over talent compensation, but the story itself delivered emotional closure for the character.

16. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Release Date: May 5, 2017

Metacritic Rating: 67

Tomatometer: 85

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 87

Combined Score: 79.67

Returning with an eclectic soundtrack and a deeper look at family and identity, Vol. 2 explores Peter Quill’s roots and delivers the same mix of humor and heart that made the first film a hit.

15. Avengers: Infinity War

Release Date: April 27, 2018

Metacritic Rating: 68

Tomatometer: 85

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 91

Combined Score: 81.3

The Avengers and their allies face Thanos as he seeks the Infinity Stones. The film’s massive scale, emotional beats and shocking cliffhanger made it a landmark event and a record-breaking box office success.

14. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Release Date: Nov. 11, 2022

Metacritic Rating: 67

Tomatometer: 84

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 94

Combined Score: 81.6

Following the real-life loss of Chadwick Boseman, the sequel honors his legacy while expanding Wakanda’s world and introducing new threats, including Namor. The film balances grief, politics and spectacle in a thoughtful tribute.

13. Doctor Strange

Release Date: Oct. 20, 2016

Metacritic Rating: 72

Tomatometer: 89

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 86

Combined Score: 82.3

A neurosurgeon turned sorcerer, Stephen Strange discovers mystical realms and becomes Earth’s protector against supernatural threats. The film’s inventive visuals and mystical themes set it apart in the MCU.

12. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Release Date: April 4, 2014

Metacritic Rating: 70

Tomatometer: 90

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 92

Combined Score: 84

A tense, politically charged thriller within the superhero framework, this film pairs Captain America with Black Widow and Falcon as they uncover betrayal and corruption within S.H.I.E.L.D.

11. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Release Date: July 7, 2017

Metacritic Rating: 73

Tomatometer: 92

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 87

Combined Score: 84

This coming-of-age entry captures Peter Parker balancing school life and superhero responsibilities with Tony Stark’s mentorship and the threat of the Vulture, delivering heartfelt humor and action.

10. Marvel’s The Avengers

Release Date: May 4, 2012

Metacritic Rating: 69

Tomatometer: 92

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 91

Combined Score: 84

The first true team-up film brings Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye together to stop Loki and defend Earth. Its cultural impact and blockbuster spectacle made it a defining moment for the MCU.

9. Thor: Ragnarok

Release Date: Nov. 3, 2017

Metacritic Rating: 74

Tomatometer: 93

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 87

Combined Score: 84.67

Directed with a vibrant, comedic edge, “Thor: Ragnarok” refreshed the franchise with bold visuals, memorable performances and a cosmic scope that resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.

8. Spider-Man: Far From Home

Release Date: July 2, 2019

Metacritic Rating: 69

Tomatometer: 91

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 95

Combined Score: 85

On a school trip to Europe, Peter Parker faces global threats and must step up without the constant presence of his mentor. A blend of teen growth and blockbuster action made this sequel a crowd-pleaser.

7. Captain America: Civil War

Release Date: May 6, 2016

Metacritic Rating: 75

Tomatometer: 91

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 89

Combined Score: 85

When the Avengers are split over government oversight, ideological conflict turns teammates into rivals. The film’s emotional stakes and grounded approach elevate it above straightforward blockbuster fare.

6. Guardians of the Galaxy

Release Date: Aug. 1, 2014

Metacritic Rating: 76

Tomatometer: 91

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 92

Combined Score: 86.3

A band of unlikely heroes—Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot—comes together in a joyful, music-driven space adventure that won fans with heart, humor and a killer soundtrack.

5. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Release Date: Sept. 3, 2021

Metacritic Rating: 71

Tomatometer: 91

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 98

Combined Score: 86.6

Blending martial-arts action with family drama and mythic elements, “Shang-Chi” marked an important step for representation in the MCU and introduced an exciting new hero whose story benefited from strong performances and choreography.

4. Avengers: Endgame

Release Date: April 26, 2019

Metacritic Rating: 78

Tomatometer: 94

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 90

Combined Score: 87.3

The emotional and cinematic payoff to a decade of storytelling, “Endgame” reunites heroes to undo Thanos’ devastation. Its box office success and narrative closure made it one of the defining films of the era.

3. Spider-Man: No Way Home

Release Date: Dec. 17, 2021

Metacritic Rating: 71

Tomatometer: 93

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 98

Combined Score: 87.7

Uniting Spider-Men from multiple cinematic eras, the film balanced nostalgia with fresh emotional stakes and thrilling confrontations, becoming both a critical and box-office juggernaut.

2. Iron Man

Release Date: May 2, 2008

Metacritic Rating: 79

Tomatometer: 94

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 91

Combined Score: 88

The film that launched the MCU, “Iron Man” introduced Tony Stark—a brilliant, flawed inventor who builds an armored suit to escape captivity and later becomes a reluctant hero. Robert Downey Jr.’s performance and the film’s tone set the course for the universe that followed.

1. Black Panther

Release Date: Feb. 16, 2018

Metacritic Rating: 88

Tomatometer: 97

Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes): 79

Combined Score: 88

“Black Panther” combines blockbuster spectacle with cultural depth, following T’Challa as he returns to Wakanda to assume the throne and protect his nation. Critically acclaimed and a major awards contender, the film achieved both commercial success and significant cultural impact, earning numerous nominations and helping redefine what a superhero film could accomplish.