Why You Should Be Worried About ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

These two upcoming films, titled “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars,” boast a host of exciting features. They promise to bring back some fan-favorite Marvel heroes to rebuild the Avengers team. The stories will provide a grand resolution to the Multiverse Saga, potentially altering or momentarily dismantling the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it. There are also whispers of the return of missing Marvel stars like Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson, with speculation that they might make appearances in these movies. It is confirmed that Robert Downey Jr will reappear in these films, this time portraying Doctor Doom from the MCU. Additionally, the directors of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Avengers: Endgame,” Anthony and Joe Russo, are set to oversee both new installments of the Avengers series.

What’s causing all this anxiety about these films? In our recent Avengers series, we delve into the current status of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the forthcoming Avengers sequels. These have undergone numerous transformations from their initial ideas – remember The Kang Dynasty? Will Doomsday flop or will Secret Wars turn out to be a hidden gem? Check out our full discussion on the MCU’s future in the video below…

If you enjoyed our discussion about your expectations and anticipations towards the upcoming movies, Avengers Doomsday and Secret Wars, don’t forget to explore more videos from us! You might find interesting content like our recap of the Netflix Daredevil series before its reboot, Daredevil Born Again. We also have a video explaining how Captain America: Brave New World sets up Avengers: Doomsday. Additionally, we’ve got a video addressing all the plot inconsistencies and unanswered questions in Brave New World (and possible solutions). Don’t forget to visit ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel for more engaging videos! Make sure to subscribe so you won’t miss our future episodes. Avengers Doomsday is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, while Secret Wars is scheduled for May 7, 2027.

Sign up for Disney+ here.

Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

35. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have anticipated that a Marvel film, directed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics, would result in one of the company’s least indispensable films. Regrettably, Eternals fell short of cohesion. It generally adheres to Kirby’s fundamental concepts with minor yet bothersome alterations, such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into faceless monsters lacking objectives or motives. The ensemble cast boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the main characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – find it challenging to convincingly portray their supposedly passionate relationship. (Their romance spans 6,000 years; they appear as if they’re on their inaugural date, and it’s going disastrously.) The script occasionally delves into intriguing concepts regarding the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to frequently abandon them for a string of routine battles with uninteresting monsters. It’s challenging to conceive of a more tedious film about immortal alien robots striving to thwart impending doomsday than this one.

34. The Incredible Hulk

Haphazardly produced and lacking finesse, it seems Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man turned out to be a blockbuster hit and quickly put this together. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate warrior (who transforms into a large bony creature) as Loki is one of their worst mistakes, if not the worst. (For more information, see [here].)

33. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ “Thor”, we ended up with a rather dreary pursuit of a mystical MacGruffin, featuring one of the least engaging villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s a silver lining, it could be that this movie’s underperformance might have encouraged Marvel to take more risks and create the dynamic changes we saw in “Thor: Ragnarok” (for further reading, click here).

32. The Marvels

This Marvel film isn’t the poorest in quality – it surpasses three others on this list, after all – but it’s arguably the most disorganized and intense. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau) are thrown into a situation where they must collaborate to prevent a Kree warlord from causing havoc for unclear reasons. The actors shine in their roles, but the narrative, while concise, is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that seem nonsensical.

31. Captain America: Brave New World

Incorrect setting, suitable hero: This phrase could apply to several underwhelming Marvel films (including “The Marvels”) and it certainly fits “Captain America: Brave New World,” a film that gives the charming Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) his own storyline, only to burden him with a dull antagonist and a tale riddled with unnecessary references to “The Incredible Hulk.” (Yes, we were all eagerly waiting to find out about Betty Ross’ fate, weren’t we?)

30. Doctor Strange

In a nutshell, while the imaginative scenes are impressive, “Doctor Strange” struggles to escape the sensation that it’s essentially just an updated version of “Iron Man 2 with a touch of magic.” However, kudos for the creative ending featuring Dormammu. On the flip side, the peculiar cape worn by Strange leaves much to be desired. (For further reading, click here.)

The movie “Doctor Strange” has some cool visuals, but it feels like just a magical version of “Iron Man 2.” I liked the clever ending with Dormammu, but I wasn’t too fond of Doctor Strange’s strange cape. (For more details, check out here.)

29. Iron Man 2

Despite being better than you may recall, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skill can mask some imperfections, but not all. By trimming 15 minutes of setup from the Avengers, it could potentially be something truly engaging. (Continue reading here.)

28. Ant-Man

Ant-Man is decent enough, but it’s challenging not to compare it to the grander scale Edgar Wright film we could have had. Nevertheless, Michael Peña as Luis might just be the most outstanding character without superpowers in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it here.)

Ant-Man is okay, but it’s hard not to feel like we missed out on a bigger Edgar Wright movie. However, Michael Peña’s portrayal of Luis stands out as one of the best non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (More information can be found here.)

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, deems Scott Lang as being beyond his depth. This seemingly unfair contest symbolizes the film itself: The relatable, low-key universe of the Ant-Man series with its humorous undertones and lovable human characters struggle against the grandiose multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5. As a cinematic Marvel experience, it’s passable. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man storyline, it leaves something to be desired. Regrettably, if you were anticipating Michael Peña’s character Luis in this installment, you will be disappointed as he does not make an appearance here.

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The film “Ant-Man and the Wasp” excels when it emphasizes its compactness, featuring Paul Rudd’s humor with his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt monologues, and a personal drama revolving around a fractured family working to mend their bonds. (For further details, click here.)

25. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers could be the most potent hero, yet her movie seemed to miss some emotional depth. However, it remained engaging thanks to two outstanding performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos and Samuel L. Jackson (as well as his impressive de-aging visual effects) portraying a younger Nick Fury. (For further details, check out the link here.)

24. Black Widow

2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing from the Avengers ensemble, but instead of taking center stage as anticipated, she primarily served as a straight character for her wisecracking Russian superhero cohort, comprising David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow might not have been the fitting farewell the character merited. However, it remains another strong Marvel production, boasting some spectacular stunt sequences, and an intriguing antagonist in Taskmaster, who can replicate combat styles of any adversary encountered.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Viewing Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” can be likened to observing a magician perform the same trick twice in succession. The first time was mind-blowing. The second time, it’s still captivating, but less shockingly new. Christian Bale delivers a chilling portrayal of Gorr the God-Butcher, yet his intense and highly emotional villain character doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his constant humor. Essentially, “Thor: Love and Thunder” contains all the same components as Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together quite as effortlessly this time around.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

In this film, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s camaraderie is everything you’d expect. Their cameos are surprising, almost shocking! However, the story seems to push the limits of how much background information a movie can have while still remaining confusing. (Is it necessary for one character to have so many sad pasts? This film has at least two!) If you can ignore what’s happening on screen for even a moment, you’ll have an enjoyable experience. Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver the team-up of Deadpool and Wolverine that fans crave, even if it feels like the writers (including Reynolds himself) could have provided a slightly more coherent script.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The Alternate Version of Iron Man 2: Less enjoyable than you might recall, yet still passable. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect too much, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon is an excellent enrichment for the series, and Chris Evans delivers another solid performance as Captain America. Despite this, it remains bothersome that Nick Fury, the world’s most skilled spy, was clueless about the sheer evil within SHIELD, apart from himself and his two companions. I find it hard to believe such a seasoned agent would be unaware of such a significant threat. For more insights, check out the link below. (Read more here.)

By using “Alternate Version” instead of “Bizarro,” I aimed to provide a more accessible and natural-sounding phrase that retains the original’s meaning while being easier for readers to understand.

20. Avengers: Infinity War

This movie certainly has an impressive scale and a memorable ending, but it leaves me feeling like something is amiss. If you’re primarily seeking an action-packed Marvel film with some witty dialogues, then this might satisfy you. However, if you prefer character development, camaraderie, and quieter moments amidst the battles, this movie may not resonate as deeply with you. (For more in-depth analysis, check out the link.)

19. Iron Man 3

The film was generally enjoyable, but the Marvel Universe context somewhat dulled its impact. The plot essentially revolved around Tony Stark retiring as Iron Man and departing, only for him to appear in several subsequent films afterwards. Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, fell short of expectations, but the scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s exasperated interplay with a bright child were top-notch. (You can read more about it [here](http://exampleurl)).

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

Initially, the climactic scene, featuring dragons and monsters clashing amidst a thick gray mist, is visually disappointing due to poor CGI. However, before reaching that point, Shang-Chi could be Marvel’s finest action film yet, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. The bus fight scene in particular is highly enjoyable. Simu Liu delivers a strong performance as the lead, while Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh offer rich supporting roles. Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently provide comic relief throughout the movie, with Kingsley’s portrayal of former Mandarin Trevor Slattery becoming increasingly endearing, despite his less popular status among Marvel villains at the time. Marvel has managed to transform him into a delightful side character.

17. Thor

In an unexpected twist, we have an epic cosmic tale, primarily unfolding in the tiniest town of New Mexico. Despite some flaws, such as those found in Thor, this Marvel production stands out for its outstanding casting and captivating performances. These elements managed to overshadow structural and script issues that later became a distinguishing characteristic of the Marvel series. (You can read more about it here.)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In the task of directing “Wakanda Forever,” Ryan Coogler encountered an immensely tough predicament. Apart from crafting a sequel that matched the brilliance of the initial “Black Panther,” he had to achieve this feat without the captivating actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, mere months before filming began. The movie shines most when it seamlessly intertwines Coogler and the cast’s grief for Boseman with the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. Regrettably, the remainder of the film is somewhat disorganized; a jumble of intriguing concepts, excess characters, and an antagonist, Namor, who lacks clarity in his motivations.

15. Captain America: Civil War

The plot is questionable, to say the least, and it appears that the entire film is constructed to culminate in the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me tell you, that airport battle scene is absolutely thrilling! (You can read more about it here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share a common trait of being packed with numerous villains. On the brighter side, this production effectively portrays the charm of Peter Parker as a character, someone who repeatedly stumbles but never gives up on making things right next time. It also introduces the concept of the multiverse into Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films in a significant and substantial manner, thus marking an essential milestone in the storyline.

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

After a 15-year absence, film director Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with this exhilaratingly unconventional tale centered around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi creatively incorporated his unique style and motifs – such as slapstick humor, maniacal zombies, and sudden jumps – into the conventional Marvel narrative structure. (For further reading, click here.)

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Even though I acknowledge that this movie isn’t as great as the initial Avengers film and agrees that the storyline involving Wanda and Pietro could use some improvement, I found the final sequence, where the Avengers unite to save every life in Sokovia, to be a brilliant representation of Marvel’s essence. (Continue reading .)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The sequel to Marvel’s jokiest franchise is excessively long and features at least four post-credits scenes. Yet, it’s remarkable how they managed to turn a lighthearted series into a film that ends on a melancholic note. It’s the only Marvel movie that makes me tear up, and it even includes humorous references to alien deity phallic symbols. In my opinion, this unique blend of emotions is a formula for success. (Read more here.)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the second Marvel Spider-Man movie, starring Tom Holland as the incredible web-slinger, the film takes a slight dip compared to its predecessor but still delivers on romance, action, humor, and emotion. Despite no one explicitly saying “with great power comes great responsibility,” the film Far From Home heavily explores this concept just as much as any other Spidey movie. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, finds himself in a tricky situation, torn between his feelings for MJ (Zendaya’s humorous and witty portrayal) and his obligations from Nick Fury (Jackson’s amusing yet irritated performance), who tasks him with stopping a group of elemental villains.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that strikes an excellent Marvel balance: Thrilling action, quirky sci-fi visuals, and characters who evoke deep emotions, leaving us deeply invested. By the end of Vol. 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a secondary Marvel character to one of the company’s most complex and tragic heroes. Following a series of unremarkable films, Gunn effortlessly makes it seem easy. It’s unfortunate that he’ll be moving on to work with DC instead.

7. Avengers: Endgame

A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second greatest Avengers film, featuring immense action sequences, plenty of humor, and potentially a record-breaking number of Easter eggs for any movie within the scope of any cinematic universe. (For further details, see [here](url).)

Or more informally:

“Infinity War” has some serious competition with this Avengers sequel! It’s jam-packed with massive action scenes, lots of laughs, and more Easter eggs than any movie in the history of a cinematic universe. (For more info, check out [here](url).)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s films that are highly enjoyable to watch multiple times, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man, which he performs. Aren’t you intrigued? (For further details, check out the article here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

As we reach the halfway point of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the original Guardians film served as a turning point for Marvel Studios, demonstrating that their brand was robust enough to draw audiences to lesser-known properties. Prior to James Gunn’s direction, the Guardians were merely footnotes, but they became an unexpected blockbuster hit. It is indisputable and self-evident that Rocket is the best of the Guardians; this is a fact, so there is no need for debate on the matter. (Continue reading here.)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Despite some inconsistencies in its narrative flow (as it condenses an entire war into a montage), the portrayal of Captain America by Chris Evans in this film stands out as one of the most impactful character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie took a hero often criticized for being dull or outdated, and transformed him into a dynamic, endearing, multifaceted figure embodying basic human values. A must-watch MCU film when seeking motivation. [Source: Read more here]

3. Black Panther

Unlike many Marvel films that strive for intricate ties with the cosmic realm, Black Panther demonstrates the merits of a self-contained narrative. The closing scene, where Black Panther decides to expose Wakanda to the global community and its characters to future appearances, is intended as a joyful resolution. However, if this decision leads to a sequel that’s more scattered with numerous guest appearances, it might not be as satisfying. (Read more here.)

2. The Avengers

To this day, the original Avengers movie continues to leave me in awe. Each character is skillfully crafted, ensuring a harmonious balance that’s nothing short of extraordinary. The script is meticulously woven, and the climactic Battle of New York remains one of the most spectacular action sequences of our century. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

Reflecting on it now, I firmly believe that no film has surpassed its initial brilliance. Looking back, the freedom from obligations to a broader universe undeniably contributed to its excellence. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, tests his armor and experiences his first flight in the skies embody the exhilaration of superpowers better than any other movie ever made, be it by Marvel Studios or another production house.

[Reference: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/the-iron-man-movie-that-started-it-all/]

Read More

2025-03-03 20:56