10 Best MCU Movies Since Endgame, Ranked

6 years have passed since the initial release of “Avengers: Endgame” in cinemas. Since then, it has introduced fans to fresh characters, exotic worlds, and subsequent films. The climactic end to “The Infinity Saga” set an unprecedented standard for the franchise that remains unmatched to this day.

After the release of Endgame, numerous outstanding movies have emerged within the MCU, enriching it and contributing to the captivating “Multiverse Saga” that unfolded post-MCU’s initial grand narrative. Movies such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Deadpool and Wolverine have both delighted fans and advanced the multiversal plotline.

While Introducing Fans to New Mainstays

Black Widow functioned as a fitting farewell for Natasha Romanoff and a well-deserved leading part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for Scarlett Johansson, which seemed past due. It was gratifying to catch sight of Natasha once more following her sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame. Viewers had been yearning for more time with that character, and fortunately, they got it in this film. Additionally, audiences were granted a glimpse into her enigmatic past. However, the release date made the movie seem like it came at the wrong moment, too little and too late. Black Widow could have had numerous solo escapades throughout the Infinity Saga, which would have improved its overall impact.

Among the standout aspects of “Black Widow” is the debut of Natasha’s allies, Black Widow and Red Guardian. Their acting prowess alone is commendable, but it’s their interaction with Natasha that truly shines. These aren’t fresh faces; they share a deep history with her, and this bond is tangible on screen. They seamlessly fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, largely due to their unique relationship with the esteemed MCU character, Natasha Romanoff.

To Mask An Identity Crisis

Building upon the triumphant reception of “Thor: Ragnarok”, “Thor: Love and Thunder” amplified the whimsical, unconventional, and grandiose action that audiences were eagerly advocating for. This time, the playful atmosphere expands across the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the incorporation of the Guardians of the Galaxy. It was delightful to witness the progression of these relationships post-“Avengers: Endgame”, and to observe the Guardians contributing significantly to Thor’s journey towards self-discovery and redefining his purpose.

Thor’s persistent silliness throughout the film serves as a humorous vehicle for examining his identity turmoil. Beneath the laughter lies a hint of PTSD-like trauma from the harrowing experiences of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Having been pushed to his limits, Thor avoids confronting his deep emotions by immersing himself in missions, aggression, and comedy. This is both heart-rending and profoundly impactful as the story unfolds, revealing that Thor finds his meaning not in a romantic bond with Jane, but in a paternal role towards an adopted daughter.

And Gave Fans More of the Strange They Were Looking For

In “Avengers: Infinity War”, viewers were excited to learn about Doctor Strange’s next individual journey. It seemed like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” needed to be something extraordinary, and fortunately, director Sam Raimi was there to make it happen. His distinctive style truly differentiated the film, making Doctor Strange seem uniquely peculiar. Moreover, audiences got to witness Strange using his powerful magic against a massive one-eyed octopus, engaging in a musical duel with himself, and dealing with a deceased Strange from another dimension.

In “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” we encountered The Illuminati and a host of surprise appearances, delighting long-time fans. These cameos effectively expanded the MCU’s multiverse, making it seem vast and intriguing. This creative casting allowed for fresh portrayals of characters alongside familiar ones, which felt revolutionary and sparked excitement about potential future narratives.

Kamala, Carol, and Monica Shine Together

The Marvels delivered classic Marvel Cinematic Universe enjoyment. Kamala Khan, a character worthy of her own film, was given the spotlight here, sharing screen time with renowned figures like Carol Danvers and Monica Rambeau. Kamala’s enthusiasm truly enlivens the movie, making it a joy to behold as she embarks on an MCU adventure. At its heart, The Marvels showcases these three compelling characters and their captivating camaraderie, creating a perfect blend that resonates with audiences.

In this MCU, it sometimes seems overly focused on Earth’s events. Considering where we are now in the storyline, it was refreshing to explore another cosmic adventure, serving as a reminder of just how vast the universe portrayed in these films truly is. Questions about Carol’s absence during certain threats become less relevant as viewers witness her battles in space. This film offered fans an intimate look at these events, complete with captivating and inventive action sequences.

*The New Avengers Feel Classic

At its peak, Thunderbolts* offers a unique blend, reminiscent of the unconventional camaraderie seen in Guardians of the Galaxy, combined with a hint of the epic teamwork displayed by The Avengers. While audiences have witnessed teams joining forces before, the Thunderbolts* manage to present this familiar concept in a refreshing and relatable manner. Unlike other ensemble films, this group consists of characters who have previously experienced setbacks but rise again, as opposed to being written off as failures from the start.

As a film enthusiast, I must say this movie’s strength lies in its deeply developed characters, serving as the foundation upon which the story is built. This character-centric narrative sets it apart from other films, offering a unique perspective. Unlike many action movies that revolve around global catastrophes, this one focuses on personal struggles and redemption – the journey of overcoming one’s own flaws and finding comfort in companionship. The message is both powerful and relevant. What truly makes this movie stand out is its unconventional climax, which reinforces this theme without resorting to a typical escalation in fighting sequences, offering a breath of fresh air.

The True Celebration Was the Friends We Made along the Way

The movie featuring Deadpool and Wolverine successfully rejuvenated the classic character Wolverine and introduced Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It seemed fitting to conclude Deadpool’s trilogy in this manner. Numerous elements made it an ideal backdrop for Deadpool to break the fourth wall, adding depth to the film. The task was daring with high stakes, but it turned out to be enjoyable and a satisfying reason to bring Wolverine back.

This movie truly excels by subtly honoring Marvel’s previous films rather than merely introducing the MCU. It was delightful to see familiar characters make a comeback, have their swan song, and be bid farewell with genuine appreciation. The surprise was delightfully unexpected and a clever way to acknowledge the elephant in the room, something only Deadpool could manage.

Ryan Coogler Masterfully Crafted This Follow-Up

As a movie enthusiast, I must say, the weight of grief was palpable in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Director Ryan Coogler and his team admirably managed to create a film that paid tribute to both T’Challa and Chadwick Boseman. Their efforts were nothing short of masterful, providing fans with a chance to mourn, express gratitude, and bid farewell in a meaningful way.

Following a significant event, Shuri takes on the role of a hero despite feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. This act of bravery endeared her to viewers, giving them a deeper understanding of her character and allowing them to cheer for her. It was moving to witness a character make such a selfless choice, reinforcing the idea that making the choice to be heroic requires its own form of heroism and courage.

Rocket Raccoon Earned His Moment

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Guardians of the Galaxy have earned a special place among viewers due to their well-developed characters and compelling stories. They demonstrated that fame and recognition are secondary compared to quality storytelling. In a landscape saturated with sequels and adaptations, they showed the impact of knowing when to conclude a story and allow characters to depart, symbolizing a journey into the sunset. This departure was refreshing, emotional, and fitting as the Guardians bid their farewell in the same fashion they arrived – guiding fans through an exciting journey.

It was logical to expect that every character in this movie would get their spotlight, but instead, it wisely centered around Rocket. Rather than a jam-packed superhero film, viewers received a poignant backstory that had space to unfold, mature, and evoke emotion. Clearly, Rocket deserves his time in the limelight, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 certainly met those expectations.

But Never Lost Sight of What Was Really Important

Watching Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield return to their iconic roles brought excitement and an invigorating cinematic atmosphere, yet it also presented an unexpected amount of lingering emotional turmoil from previous films featuring them. However, this was effectively resolved in a manner that didn’t overshadow Tom Holland’s Spider-Man storyline. The movie skillfully managed to serve as a finale for Holland’s Spidey while maintaining a sense of continuity with the past, demonstrating remarkable storytelling finesse.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the film “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” released following “Endgame,” is another excellent addition to the series. The trilogy featuring Tom Holland is supported by outstanding acting and strong on-screen bonds. The interactions between Peter and Tony in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” are remarkable, offering a mix of greatness and challenges. Similarly, the dynamics between Peter 1, Peter 2, and Peter 3 give their cameos an added layer of significance. In “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” the intricate and risky bond that Peter forms with Quentin Beck is captivating to watch. This relationship effectively portrays Mysterio as a formidable adversary, making Peter Parker seem out of his depth, particularly after Tony Stark’s demise.

Shang-Chi is the MCU’s Long-Lost Avenger

Regarding the introduction of fresh characters within the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” offered both a nostalgic sense of familiarity and a modern twist. It resonated with fans by echoing the remarkable origin stories from Phase 1, while simultaneously presenting diverse representation that was new to the audience. For spectators eagerly anticipating thrilling action sequences, this film did not disappoint as it provided fresh takes on MCU action scenes.

The experience was thrilling and enjoyable, leaving viewers eager for more. Many Marvel Cinematic Universe films since Endgame have felt like witnessing legendary heroes handing over their roles to the upcoming generation. In essence, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings presented a fresh, captivating character who seamlessly integrated into the MCU.

2025-05-16 00:21