Ranking the Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies: Positions 34 to 21 - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek.

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Ranking the Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies: Positions 34 to 21

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become a cultural juggernaut, offering audiences a wealth of superhero stories. The latest instalment arrives next week in the form of Captain America: Brave New World, with Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson taking on the mantle of one of the most popular characters in the MCU. How it fares against some of the recent output, remains to be seen, which brings us to this ranking article. With 34 movies (and counting), some inevitably shine brighter than others. In this first article of a three-part series, we’ll begin the countdown from 34 to 21, exploring the films that, while entertaining, didn’t quite make it to the top. Let’s get started.

34. The Marvels (2023)

Despite its promising cast and intriguing premise, The Marvels struggles with pacing and an overstuffed narrative. While the chemistry between Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan is a highlight, the film feels more like a stepping stone for future projects than a cohesive story.

33. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Often considered the MCU’s weakest link, Thor: The Dark World fails to deliver a compelling villain in Malekith and suffers from a muddled tone. However, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki remains a scene-stealer, and the exploration of Asgard adds some depth.

32. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

A heartfelt tribute to Chadwick Boseman, Wakanda Forever excels in its emotional resonance but falters with pacing and an overabundance of subplots. Angela Bassett’s commanding performance is a standout in an otherwise uneven sequel.

31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Introducing Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror, Quantumania has its moments but struggles with an over-reliance on CGI and a lack of grounded stakes. Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang continues to bring charm, even in a less cohesive narrative.

30. Iron Man 2 (2010)

While Robert Downey Jr. continues to shine as Tony Stark, Iron Man 2 suffers from an overcrowded plot and underwhelming villains. The film’s saving grace is the introduction of Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow.

29. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Overambitious and uneven, Age of Ultron juggles too many storylines to fully satisfy. However, it introduces key characters like Wanda Maximoff and Vision, and its exploration of Tony Stark’s hubris lays groundwork for future conflicts.

28. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

A fun but ultimately lightweight entry, Ant-Man and the Wasp delivers humour and creative action sequences but lacks the freshness of its predecessor. Evangeline Lilly’s Wasp, however, is a welcome co-lead.

27. Captain Marvel (2019)

Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers brings much-needed representation to the MCU, but the film’s safe storytelling and uneven pacing keep it from soaring. Samuel L. Jackson’s de-aged Nick Fury is a nostalgic delight.

26. Eternals (2021)

Chloé Zhao’s ambitious epic boasts stunning visuals and a thought-provoking premise, but its sprawling cast and slow pacing make it a divisive entry. The philosophical themes, while intriguing, don’t fully land.

25. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Sam Raimi’s horror-tinged direction gives this sequel a unique edge, but its chaotic narrative and underdeveloped characters hold it back. Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch is a highlight, showcasing a mix of menace and vulnerability.

24. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Doubling down on the humour of Ragnarok, Love and Thunder struggles with tonal inconsistencies and an overstuffed plot. Christian Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher, while compelling, deserved more screen time to fully realise his potential.

23. Black Widow (2021)

A long-overdue solo outing for Natasha Romanoff, Black Widow delivers solid action and heartfelt moments but feels out of place in the post-Endgame MCU. Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova is a standout addition.

22. Ant-Man (2015)

A refreshing heist movie within the superhero genre, Ant-Man introduces Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang with humour and charm. The inventive shrinking effects and Michael Peña’s hilarious Luis make this a fun, if not groundbreaking, entry.

21. Thor (2011)

Kenneth Branagh’s Shakespearean approach to Thor lends it a unique tone, but the Earth-bound sequences drag the story down. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston’s debuts as Thor and Loki, however, set the stage for one of the MCU’s most compelling rivalries.

Final Thoughts for Part 1

You will notice that the majority of recent MCU movies feature within the lower-tier positions on our ranking list, but each still offers entertainment and expanded the universe in meaningful ways, even if they lacked the polish of its top-tier films. Stay tuned for Part 2 later this week, where we’ll explore positions 20 to 11 and inch closer to the best of the best.

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