Ranked: Top 20 Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stands as a testament to the power of storytelling on an epic scale. Over a decade of filmmaking, it has woven individual tales of heroes and villains into a grand narrative that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Below are the top 20 MCU movies, ranked from the phenomenal to the noteworthy.

1. "Avengers: Endgame" (April 26, 2019): As the final instalment of both Phase 3 and the Infinity Stones saga, this film sees Iron Man, Captain America, and the rest of the team embark on a time-traveling mission to undo the cataclysmic snap of Thanos. It marked a powerful end to an era in the MCU, earning a staggering $858 million in the US and $2.798 billion worldwide.
2. "Iron Man" (May 2, 2008): Robert Downey Jr.'s charismatic turn as Tony Stark kickstarted the MCU with a bang. This film, which earned $318 million in the US and $585 million globally, laid the foundation for a franchise that would revolutionize superhero cinema.
3. "The Avengers" (May 4, 2012): The first ensemble film in the MCU, "The Avengers" brings together an unlikely group of heroes to save the world. It earned an impressive $623 million in the US and $1.518 billion worldwide.
4. "Black Panther" (February 16, 2018): A groundbreaking film that showcased diversity in superhero movies with Chadwick Boseman as King T'Challa. It was well-received both critically and commercially, raking in $700 million domestically and $1.346 billion worldwide.
5. "Guardians of the Galaxy" (August 1, 2014): This refreshing space opera-comedy about a band of misfit heroes charmed audiences to the tune of $333 million in the US and $772 million globally.
6. "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (April 4, 2014): This film's compelling narrative and political undertones elevated the storytelling of the MCU, earning it $259 million in the US and $714 million globally.
7. "Thor: Ragnarok" (November 3, 2017): Injecting new life into the Thor series, this film blends cosmic adventure with humor, earning $315 million domestically and $853 million worldwide.
8. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (July 7, 2017): Tom Holland's debut solo outing as Spider-Man offers a grounded perspective of a superhero in high school. It charmed audiences, earning $334 million in the US and $880 million globally.
9. "Avengers: Infinity War" (April 27, 2018): This film set the stage for "Endgame" with a stunning cliffhanger. It grossed $679 million domestically and $2.048 billion worldwide.
10. "Doctor Strange" (November 4, 2016): Benedict Cumberbatch's introduction as Doctor Strange brought magic into the MCU, and earned $232 million in the US and $677 million globally.
11. "Captain America: Civil War" (May 6, 2016): A semi-Avengers film with an epic superhero showdown, it grossed $408 million in the US and $1.153 billion worldwide.
12. "Iron Man 3" (May 3, 2013): Tony Stark's final solo outing demonstrated the personal consequences of being a hero. It grossed $409 million in the US and $1.214 billion worldwide.
13. "Ant-Man and The Wasp" (July 6, 2018): The second Ant-Man movie showcases a fun, lighthearted adventure with Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly. It grossed $216 million in the US and $622 million worldwide.
14. "Captain Marvel" (March 8, 2019): Brie Larson's debut as Captain Marvel was an empowering addition to the MCU, grossing $426 million in the US and $1.128 billion worldwide.
15. "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (May 5, 2017): The sequel deepened the relationships within the loveable rogue team, earning $389 million in the US and $863 million worldwide.
16. "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (May 1, 2015): The second Avengers movie further expanded the universe and grossed $459 million in the US and $1.402 billion worldwide.
17. "Ant-Man" (July 17, 2015): Paul Rudd's debut as Ant-Man offered a smaller scale yet charming narrative. It earned $180 million in the US and $519 million globally.
18. "Spider-Man: Far From Home" (July 2, 2019): This follow-up to "Homecoming" further established Spider-Man as a pivotal figure in the MCU's future. It grossed $390 million in the US and $1.131 billion worldwide.
19. "The Incredible Hulk" (June 13, 2008): Often forgotten, this early MCU film is a solid superhero movie, earning $134 million in the US and $263 million worldwide.
20. "Iron Man 2" (May 7, 2010): Tony Stark's second outing saw the billionaire grapple with his newfound status as a superhero, grossing $312 million in the US and $623 million globally.

In conclusion, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has not only changed the landscape of superhero films but also the entirety of Hollywood with its interconnected storytelling model. It continues to captivate audiences with its balance of action, drama, and humor, all underpinned by compelling characters and relationships.

Which is your favourite MCU movie?