The MCU Movies That Defined Their Franchise!!

While the vast MCU continues to grow, some iconic movies have come to define the ever-evolving franchise.

The MCU’s Phase 5 is well underway, starting with the recently released Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and continuing with the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. While the franchise continues to expand with new and varying works, some films have left a more lasting impact as they’ve come to define the MCU.

Whether it be Captain Marvel’s empowerment or the Guardians’ fun debut, there are many films that have characterized the MCU. Reflecting the vastness and versatility of the franchise itself, the MCU’s most defining films thrive through their differences while still being tied together through its formulaic base of emotions.

10Ant-Man (2015)

In a franchise full of high-stakes and morally torn heroes, Ant-Man‘s lighthearted approach came as a breath of fresh air. By following Scott Lang’s hilarious adventures, Ant-Man proved that the MCU can at times be as fun as it is serious.

This was especially important as the film was wedged between Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War. Ant-Man is an important tribute to the comedic side of the MCU’s comic source material.

9Captain Marvel (2018)

Prior to its prominent representation of strong women, MCU movies were a predominantly male-dominate space. Even the beloved Natasha Romanoff wasn’t granted her own film until 2021. This is why Captain Marvel was so monumental for the MCU: it set the precedent for portraying an empowering female superhero.

Introducing the strong character amidst the aftershock of Avengers: Infinity Waralso proved the MCU’s prowess toward maintaining ongoing momentum. This momentum is a defining factor for the franchise.

8Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Most film series in the Infinity Saga tended to follow a similar storytelling style. Whether it was the comedy of the Guardians or the moral complexity of Tony, viewers knew what to expect from specific character stories.

But Thor: Ragnarok broke that mold. Under Taika Waititi, the threequel took the Thor series in an entertaining new direction. Its refreshing take turned it into one of the best Marvel movies, encouraging other series in the MCU to take the experimental approach, as seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

7Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Bringing back Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s beloved renditions, Spider-Man: No Way Home merged the three distinct series into one ultimate Spider-Man tribute film. The epic crossover served as a testament to the vast possibilities of the MCU.

Not only is the franchise providing memorable adaptations of characters, but it is also finding ways to honor and incorporate those from the past. The movie’s fan service and explorative plot reflect the ever-evolving yet nostalgic aspects that define the MCU.

6Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Full of empowering and emotional messages, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever represents everything that has come to define the MCU. Through Shuri’s moral dilemma, diverse representation, and its portrayal of grief, the Black Panther sequel serves as the amalgamation of the franchise’s core values.

However, it is the honoring and advancement of Chadwick Boseman’s legacy that sets it apart. Honoring Boseman has emphasized the franchise’s reel and real-life impacts and importance.

5Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The previously cohesive and close-knit team saw itself divided in Captain America: Civil War. Apart from delivering one of the best MCU movie team-ups, the movie pitted fan-favorite heroes together without anyone emerging as a true antagonist (not even Zemo).

By showcasing valid points from both sides, the film highlighted the complexities of being a hero, a key element of the MCU franchise. This fickleness of morality eventually goes on to play a huge role in MCU arcs, whether through Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War or Wanda in WandaVision.

4Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

The Guardians have managed to form their own niche within the MCU franchise. Right from their introduction in The Guardians of the Galaxy, the ragtag team became a symbol of found family and fun.

The film’s balance of humor and deep emotion was especially significant, offering a take that was much more unique and distinct from the Avengers. Plus, the film managed to develop multiple characters and bring them together in a wholesome yet epic way, setting a high standard for future MCU team-up films to live up to.

3The Avengers (2012)

The MCU franchise may have come a long way since its Phase 1 roots, but The Avengers remains one of its earliest defining films. Bringing together the MCU’s first heroes, the film served as the MCU’s first epic team-up film.

Honing in on their distinct abilities and the unlikely friendships formed between them, the film established the original six Avengers that would go on to lead the events of the Infinity Saga. Plus, the Battle of New York serves as the basis of many other MCU arcs, from Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming to Kate Bishop in Hawkeye.

2Iron Man (2008)

The MCU was kick-started in 2008 with Iron Man, a film that has since come to define the franchise and its long journey since the humble beginning. By depicting Tony’s slow transformation from a cocky and selfish playboy to a people-serving superhero, the film set the precedent for every future MCU movie.

Iron Man also set up Tony as one of the MCU’s most complicated and beloved leaders. This significance is exemplified in Avengers: Endgame and its touching post-credit reference.

1Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Serving as the culmination of everything the Infinity Saga had been building toward, Avengers: Endgame has come to be the most defining film of the MCU. The film intertwined the franchise’s many stories while also bringing the focus back to the original Avengers, offering both an emotional goodbye to some heroes and a promising start for new legacies.

From its developed characters to its stunning final battle scene, the crossover represented the best parts of the MCU. Avengers: Endgame gave the MCU an epic tribute while opening up new possibilities. ​​​​​