All 30 Marvel Movies Ranked from Worst to Best

Whether you love superhero movies or only watch them to keep up with friends and family, you’re likely familiar with many characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The Marvel universe began as a hugely successful comic-book franchise in the early 1960s, and since 2008 Marvel Studios has released 30 films in its cinematic universe.

Some of these films have become cultural touchstones—“Captain Marvel” inspired many young viewers to find their inner strength, while “Black Panther” redefined what a blockbuster superhero movie could achieve. The MCU’s blend of humor, character-driven drama and action translated into record-breaking box-office returns: four Marvel films rank among the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time.

Using aggregated scores from Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes, this ranking lists all MCU films to date by combined critical and audience reception. Below you’ll find each title along with release information, ratings and a concise assessment.

30. Eternals

Release Date: Nov. 15, 2021
Metacritic Rating: 52
Tomatometer: 47
Audience Score: 77
Combined Score: 58.6

The Eternals are immortal beings assigned to protect life on Earth without directly interfering in human affairs. After centuries in hiding, they learn that the Celestials may intend to destroy Earth. Ambitious and visually striking, “Eternals” aimed for a different tone and scale but received mixed critical response and divided audiences.

29. Captain Marvel

Release Date: March 8, 2019
Metacritic Rating: 64
Tomatometer: 78
Audience Score: 48
Combined Score: 63.3

Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel traces Carol Danvers’ origin and emergence as one of the MCU’s most powerful heroes. The film was a major box-office success—crossing $1 billion globally—but audience reception was mixed, in part affected by pre-release controversies around the lead performer.

28. Thor: The Dark World

Release Date: Nov. 8, 2013
Metacritic Rating: 54
Tomatometer: 66
Audience Score: 76
Combined Score: 65.3

The sequel returns Thor to the screen as he contends with the Dark Elves and the Aether’s dangerous power. Critics found the film uneven and less innovative than other MCU entries, though it still moves the Thor storyline forward.

27. Thor: Love and Thunder

Release Date: July 8, 2022
Metacritic Rating: 57
Tomatometer: 64
Audience Score: 77
Combined Score: 66

This installment reunites Thor with Jane Foster—now wielding Mjolnir—and pits them against Gorr the God Butcher. Its tonal swings and comedic approach divided viewers and marked a controversial entry in the Thor franchise.

26. The Incredible Hulk

Release Date: June 13, 2008
Metacritic Rating: 61
Tomatometer: 67
Audience Score: 70
Combined Score: 66

Edward Norton stars as Bruce Banner, a scientist seeking a cure for his gamma-induced transformations while confronting the Abomination. Though it established the Hulk in the MCU, critics and audiences found it less memorable than other early entries.

25. Iron Man 2

Release Date: May 7, 2010
Metacritic Rating: 57
Tomatometer: 73
Audience Score: 71
Combined Score: 67

Tony Stark faces military pressure, a personal health crisis tied to the arc reactor, and the vengeful Ivan Vanko. The film delivers slick action and returning characters, though some critics felt it lacked the freshness of the original.

24. Thor

Release Date: May 2, 2011
Metacritic Rating: 57
Tomatometer: 77
Audience Score: 76
Combined Score: 70

Banished from Asgard to Earth, Thor must learn humility and protect those he cares about. This origin story established Thor’s arc and introduced Asgardian mythos into the MCU.

23. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Release Date: May 6, 2022
Metacritic Rating: 60
Tomatometer: 74
Audience Score: 85
Combined Score: 73

This sequel explores the multiverse and leans into horror elements as Doctor Strange teams with America Chavez and faces Scarlet Witch. While polarizing among critics, it delivered bold visuals and significant multiverse cameos.

22. Iron Man 3

Release Date: May 3, 2013
Metacritic Rating: 62
Tomatometer: 79
Audience Score: 78
Combined Score: 73

Following the events of The Avengers, Tony Stark faces a personal crisis and a mysterious antagonist calling himself the Mandarin. Shane Black’s script emphasizes wit and character, and the film proved both commercially successful and divisive in its twists.

21. Captain America: The First Avenger

Release Date: July 19, 2011
Metacritic Rating: 66
Tomatometer: 80
Audience Score: 74
Combined Score: 73.3

Set during World War II, this origin tale follows Steve Rogers’ transformation into Captain America through a supersoldier program. It introduced the character’s moral core and set the stage for future MCU events.

20. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Release Date: May 1, 2015
Metacritic Rating: 66
Tomatometer: 75
Audience Score: 83
Combined Score: 74.67

The Avengers must stop Ultron, an AI bent on eradicating humanity. While it expands the team’s dynamics and introduces the Maximoff twins, some critics found the sequel less surprising than the original.

19. Ant-Man

Release Date: June 29, 2015
Metacritic Rating: 64
Tomatometer: 83
Audience Score: 86
Combined Score: 77.67

Paul Rudd stars as Scott Lang, an ex-con turned hero who uses shrinking technology and clever tactics to protect the world. The film’s humor, heist structure, and charming lead revitalized the MCU with a more intimate tone.

18. Ant-Man and the Wasp

Release Date: July 4, 2018
Metacritic Rating: 70
Tomatometer: 88
Audience Score: 76
Combined Score: 78

This lighter, family-focused sequel pairs Ant-Man with Hope van Dyne as the Wasp and expands the MCU’s quantum-realm mythology while maintaining a playful tone and inventive action.

17. Black Widow

Release Date: July 9, 2021
Metacritic Rating: 67
Tomatometer: 79
Audience Score: 91
Combined Score: 79

“Black Widow” serves as Natasha Romanoff’s standalone story, following her reconnection with a surrogate family and confronting her past. The film’s delayed release during the pandemic also sparked a high-profile compensation dispute between Scarlett Johansson and the studio.

16. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Release Date: May 5, 2017
Metacritic Rating: 67
Tomatometer: 85
Audience Score: 87
Combined Score: 79.67

The sequel deepens the Guardians’ family dynamics and features a soulful soundtrack. It balances humor, emotional beats and cosmic scale while exploring Peter Quill’s past.

15. Avengers: Infinity War

Release Date: April 27, 2018
Metacritic Rating: 68
Tomatometer: 85
Audience Score: 91
Combined Score: 81.3

The MCU’s sprawling crossover brings nearly every hero together to stop Thanos from collecting the Infinity Stones. The film’s stakes, scale and cliffhanger ending made it a cultural event and a global box-office juggernaut.

14. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Release Date: Nov. 11, 2022
Metacritic Rating: 67
Tomatometer: 84
Audience Score: 94
Combined Score: 81.6

Tasked with continuing the story of Wakanda after Chadwick Boseman’s death, director Ryan Coogler reframes the sequel as a tribute while introducing new threats, including the complex Namor. The film balances national grief, political tension and blockbuster spectacle.

13. Doctor Strange

Release Date: Oct. 20, 2016
Metacritic Rating: 72
Tomatometer: 89
Audience Score: 86
Combined Score: 82.3

After a career-ending accident, Dr. Stephen Strange discovers mystic arts and becomes Earth’s primary magical defender. The film stands out for its inventive visuals and fresh take on superhero origin storytelling.

12. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Release Date: April 4, 2014
Metacritic Rating: 70
Tomatometer: 90
Audience Score: 92
Combined Score: 84

A tense political thriller disguised as a superhero film, “The Winter Soldier” pairs Steve Rogers with Black Widow and the Falcon as they uncover corruption and face a dangerous new adversary. It remains one of the MCU’s most acclaimed entries.

11. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Release Date: July 7, 2017
Metacritic Rating: 73
Tomatometer: 92
Audience Score: 87
Combined Score: 84

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man returns to high-school life while learning responsibility under Tony Stark’s mentorship. The film’s mix of youthful charm, humor and grounded stakes won broad praise.

10. Marvel’s The Avengers

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Metacritic Rating: 69
Tomatometer: 92
Audience Score: 91
Combined Score: 84

The first major crossover that assembled Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye remains a milestone in blockbuster filmmaking—an effective blend of character moments, humor and large-scale spectacle.

9. Thor: Ragnarok

Release Date: Nov. 3, 2017
Metacritic Rating: 74
Tomatometer: 93
Audience Score: 87
Combined Score: 84.67

Taika Waititi reinvigorated Thor with a flamboyant tone, colorful visuals and irreverent humor. The film pairs epic action with sharp comedy and ranks as the most popular Thor installment.

8. Spider-Man: Far From Home

Release Date: July 2, 2019
Metacritic Rating: 69
Tomatometer: 91
Audience Score: 95
Combined Score: 85

Peter Parker’s European school trip turns into an international mission as he assists Nick Fury and faces elemental threats. The film balances coming-of-age moments with globe-trotting action.

7. Captain America: Civil War

Release Date: May 6, 2016
Metacritic Rating: 75
Tomatometer: 91
Audience Score: 89
Combined Score: 85

When political pressure forces the Avengers to choose sides over accountability, the resulting conflict fractures the team and sets up significant MCU consequences. The film is praised for its drama and action, including an iconic airport battle sequence.

6. Guardians of the Galaxy

Release Date: Aug. 1, 2014
Metacritic Rating: 76
Tomatometer: 91
Audience Score: 92
Combined Score: 86.3

A surprising blend of quirky humor, heart and cosmic adventure, “Guardians of the Galaxy” assembled an unlikely team—Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot—and paired them with a standout soundtrack and strong character work.

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

Release Date: Sept. 3, 2021
Metacritic Rating: 71
Tomatometer: 91
Audience Score: 98
Combined Score: 86.6

Shang-Chi delivers spectacular martial-arts action and meaningful representation, following a reluctant hero who confronts his legacy and the Ten Rings organization. The film was praised for choreography, family themes and cultural resonance.

4. Avengers: Endgame

Release Date: April 26, 2019
Metacritic Rating: 78
Tomatometer: 94
Audience Score: 90
Combined Score: 87.3

The culmination of over a decade of storytelling, “Endgame” reunites surviving heroes to reverse Thanos’ cataclysm and deliver emotional payoffs. It became a historic box-office phenomenon and a defining chapter of the franchise.

3. Spider-Man: No Way Home

Release Date: Dec. 17, 2021
Metacritic Rating: 71
Tomatometer: 93
Audience Score: 98
Combined Score: 87.7

The third film in Tom Holland’s trilogy blends nostalgia and spectacle by bringing multiple Spider-Men and iconic villains together. Its emotional beats and fan-service moments helped it become one of the biggest box-office hits of the MCU era.

2. Iron Man

Release Date: May 2, 2008
Metacritic Rating: 79
Tomatometer: 94
Audience Score: 91
Combined Score: 88

As the film that launched the MCU, “Iron Man” introduced Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic Tony Stark—an arms manufacturer who builds an armored suit to escape captivity and becomes a reluctant hero. Its tone, performance and vision set the template for the universe that followed.

1. Black Panther

Release Date: Feb. 16, 2018
Metacritic Rating: 88
Tomatometer: 97
Audience Score: 79
Combined Score: 88

“Black Panther” combines striking production design, a powerful cultural message and a compelling story set in the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda. Praised for its performances, costume design and social themes, the film earned multiple Academy Award nominations and became a landmark in both pop culture and critical recognition.