Warning: This discussion may contain spoilers for the ending of Thunderbolts, as suggested by the title “Explaining the Ending of Thunderbolts.” Proceed with caution if you prefer not to know the final outcome.
Please be aware that this conversation might reveal the ending of Thunderbolts. The title “Thunderbolts Ending Explained” hints at potential spoilers, so proceed with care if you wish to avoid knowing the final events.
Indeed, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is brimming with excitement once more! The long-awaited Fantastic Four have officially joined the MCU. The mystery behind the asterisk in the Thunderbolts title has been solved. It seems we’re on the verge of a major Avengers faction conflict, if I recall correctly (or should I say, it appears there will be another civil war among the Avengers).
In our most recent Marvel video, we’re diving right into a fast-paced analysis of the thrilling finale of “Thunderbolts”, exploring its implications for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, “Avengers: Doomsday”, and “Secret Wars”. We’ll also delve into the distinctions between the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Sentry and his comic book counterpart, not forgetting to discuss that intriguing Red Guardian scene featuring a Wheaties box.
Watch our full ending explained video below:
If you enjoyed the video discussing the end of Thunderbolts and the future of the MCU, don’t forget to explore more content below! You’ll find videos like one summarizing all the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and shows leading up to Thunderbolts, another analyzing every Easter egg in the first full Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer, and a third focusing on the Fantastic Four: First Steps footage shown at CinemaCon. Additionally, there’s plenty more videos waiting for you over on ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on all our upcoming episodes. Right now, Thunderbolts is playing in theaters!
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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
36. Eternals
In a surprising twist, I wouldn’t have anticipated a Marvel film helmed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics to potentially be the least vital addition to the franchise. Regrettably, Eternals failed to coalesce effectively. The movie maintains the essential elements of Kirby’s original concepts with a few minor yet significant alterations, such as reimagining the malevolent Deviants as generic monsters lacking objectives or motivations. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting acts from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the primary characters—Gemma Chan portraying Sersi and Richard Madden embodying Ikaris—find it challenging to convey their alleged passionate relationship. Their romance spanning 6,000 years feels more akin to an awkward first date than a long-standing affair. The dialogue occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to retreat repeatedly in favor of conventional fight sequences involving uninspiring adversaries. It’s challenging to conceive of a more tedious film about immortal alien beings striving to thwart impending doomsday than this one.
35. The Incredible Hulk
In a disjointed and rushed manner, it seems Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man became a massive hit, prompting them to hastily produce this movie. The casting of Tim Roth as the world’s supreme soldier, who transforms into a bulky bony creature, is a decision that Loki would find more criminal than any act he has ever committed. (Continue reading
34. Thor: The Dark World
As a movie critic, I was hoping for a cinematic masterpiece along the lines of Patty Jenkins’ Thor. Unfortunately, what we got was a dreary pursuit of a mystical MacGruder, featuring one of the most uninteresting villains in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. If there’s any silver lining here, it’s that this film’s underwhelming performance may have pushed Marvel to take risks and create the dynamic and exhilarating Thor: Ragnarok we all enjoyed later on. (Read more [here](url)).
33. The Marvels
A somewhat disorganized Marvel film, albeit superior to three others on this list, can be described as the most confusing and action-packed. Three captivating Marvel characters (Captain Marvel played by Brie Larson, Ms. Marvel portrayed by Iman Vellani, and Monica Rambeau embodied by Teyonah Parris) are unexpectedly thrown together to prevent a Kree warlord from causing havoc for questionable reasons. The actors deliver impressive performances, but the plot, though concise, is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that seem illogical and lack coherence.
32. Captain America: Brave New World
31. Doctor Strange
In a nutshell, the surreal imagery is impressive, but “Doctor Strange” struggles to shake off the sensation that it’s merely an upgraded version of “Iron Man,” with a dash of magic. The film earns praise for its intelligent conclusion involving Dormammu, but the strange cape leaves something to be desired. You can read more about it [here](link).
The movie is cool, but it feels like a revamped “Iron Man” with some magic thrown in. I liked the smart ending with Dormammu, but the cape was odd. More details can be found [here](link).
30. Iron Man 2
Despite being better than anticipated, it’s fair to say that it’s not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skills can certainly mask some imperfections, but they don’t completely hide them all. Trimming approximately 15 minutes of the preamble from this could potentially yield a much stronger piece. (Read more
29. Ant-Man
The Ant-Man film isn’t terrible, but it feels like a scaled-down version of what Edgar Wright’s movie could have been. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the most memorable non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (For more details, check out the link.)
28. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
In the epic showdown between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, portrayed by the intimidating Jonathan Majors, acknowledges that Scott Lang is biting off more than he can chew. This seemingly unfair confrontation mirrors the film itself: The relatable, lighthearted universe of the Ant-Man series, known for its clever humor and lovable human characters, struggles to keep pace with the grandiose multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5.
On the big screen as a Marvel adventure, it’s quite satisfactory. However, when viewed as an extension of the Ant-Man series, it falls short of expectations, especially for fans eagerly anticipating more of Michael Peña’s beloved character, Luis, who unfortunately does not appear in this installment.
27. Ant-Man and the Wasp
The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest 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 striving to mend their bonds. (For further details, please click here.)
26. Captain Marvel
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers could be the most powerful hero, yet her movie seemed to fall short on emotional depth. Nevertheless, it remains engaging thanks to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson (and his impressive de-aging visual effects) portraying a youthful Nick Fury. (You can read more about it here.)
25. Black Widow
2021 saw Scarlett Johansson embark on her long-awaited solo journey, departing from the Avengers, only to find herself primarily serving as the straight character opposite the witty Russian superheroes in her team, such as David Harbour’s arrogant Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow may not have provided the fitting farewell that the character deserved. However, it remains another well-executed Marvel blockbuster, boasting some spectacular stunt sequences and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who possesses the ability to copy the fighting styles of any adversary he encounters.
24. Thor: Love and Thunder
Experiencing Taika Waititi’s second Thor movie, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” is somewhat like watching a magician perform the same trick twice in rapid succession. The first time was breathtakingly amazing. The second time still holds its charm, but it loses some of the initial shock value. Christian Bale delivers an eerie 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” retains all the components of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together as smoothly this time around.
23. Deadpool & Wolverine
In this movie, the dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is simply fantastic, making it a must-watch. The surprise appearances are nothing short of astonishing. However, the narrative pushes the limits of how much backstory a film can have without becoming confusing. (It seems like each character has an excessive amount of tragic history; in this case, at least two!) If you manage to ignore everything happening on screen for even a moment, you’ll probably enjoy it. What’s more, Jackman and Reynolds convincingly portray Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly teaming up to protect the Fox X-Men universe. You might find yourself wishing that the writers (including Reynolds) had provided a slightly clearer storyline.
22. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
An alternate take on the movie “Iron Man 2“: Less impressive than you might recall, yet still reasonable. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect excessively, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon is a terrific new character for the series, and Chris Evans delivers another solid performance as Captain America. However, it remains frustrating that Nick Fury, supposedly the world’s greatest spy, was clueless about the fact that everyone in SHIELD except him and his two associates were utterly corrupt. Come on, Nick, wake up! (Read more here.)
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21. Avengers: Infinity War
This film boasts an impressive scale and ambition that’s hard to match, and its finale is truly remarkable. However, it seems there’s a certain depth lacking. If you’re primarily seeking nonstop action with some witty dialogue, then this movie should suffice. But if you prefer character development, camaraderie, and more subtle moments amidst the battles, this film might not fully satisfy your expectations. (For further insights, check out the full review here.)
20. Iron Man 3
A film with great potential that was somewhat diminished by its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie culminates in Tony Stark retiring from his Iron Man role, only to return for several more films afterward. Although Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, falls short, Robert Downey Jr.’s exchanges with a bright youngster are top-notch. (For further details, check out the full article here.)
19. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
From the get-go: The final scene, featuring dragons and beasts clashing amidst thick gray fog, is a disorganized CGI spectacle. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi could potentially be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous thrilling and intricate fight sequences. (The one on the San Francisco bus is particularly enjoyable.) Simu Liu heads a Marvel cast with depth, as Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh deliver nuanced supporting performances, while Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently bring humor to the table. (Kingsley as the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, may not have been the most beloved Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has cleverly transformed him into a delightful secondary character.)
18. Thor
In an unexpected twist, we have a sweeping, universe-wide saga that primarily unfolds in the tiniest town of New Mexico. While Thor does come with its flaws, it manages to shine due to exceptional acting and captivating performances. These elements effectively overshadowed initial structural and script issues, a trend that later became characteristic of Marvel productions. (Continue reading here.)
17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In the task of creating “Wakanda Forever”, director Ryan Coogler confronted an extraordinarily tough predicament. Apart from crafting a sequel that matched the greatness of the original “Black Panther”, he had to accomplish this feat without his captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, mere months before filming commenced. The movie shines brightest when it weaves Coogler and the cast’s feelings of sorrow for Boseman into the narrative of a grief-stricken Wakanda dealing with its late king’s demise. Regrettably, the remainder of the film can be rather chaotic; it’s a jumble of intriguing concepts, an overabundance of characters, and a somewhat confusing adversary in the form of Namor, the oceanic monarch.
16. Captain America: Civil War
The narrative of the film is questionable, and it seems to primarily focus on the epic clash between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me tell you: Wow, that airport battle between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers is absolutely incredible! (You can read more about it here.)
15. 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 issue: they are packed with numerous villains. However, on the bright side, this production effectively portrays Peter Parker as a character who consistently strives to make things right despite his failures. Additionally, it significantly introduces the concept of the multiverse into MCU films, thereby marking a significant step in the ongoing storyline.
14. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
After a 15-year absence, director Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with this thrilling, unconventional tale centered around a fight for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi skillfully blended his unique style and elements – such as witty humor, maniacal zombies, and shocking surprises – into the conventional Marvel narrative. (For further reading, click here.)
13. Thunderbolts (2025)
Many Marvel productions after the “Endgame” seem like they’ve been cobbled together from leftovers of various comics, films, and lore, resembling Frankenstein’s monster in its creation process. However, “Thunderbolts*” stands out as a genuine film, offering an engaging narrative with several intriguing characters, notably Florence Pugh portraying the new Black Widow. Much like many of us, her character despises her life and finds her job unsatisfying. She discovers her purpose when she’s grouped with a band of disgruntled mercenaries, including Wyatt Russell as the arrogant U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen as the ethereal Ghost. With its blend of exciting action sequences and an effective metaphor about overcoming despair and apathy through camaraderie and action, “Thunderbolts*” serves as a refreshing reminder of Marvel Studios’ potential when functioning at peak performance.
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Despite its perceived drop in quality compared to the initial Avengers film, and acknowledging that the storyline involving Wanda and Pietro was confusing, I must say that the climactic scene where all the Avengers unite to save every life in Sokovia is nothing short of classic Marvel. (You can read more about it here.)
11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
The film features an excessive number of post-credit scenes, at least four to be precise. Despite this, it’s remarkable how Marvel managed to transform their lightest franchise into a sequel with a significant downer ending. This is the only Marvel movie that brings tears to my eyes and includes jokes about alien deity phallic symbols. To me, that combination makes for an unbeatable blend of emotions. (Read more here.)
10. Thor: Ragnarok
9. Spider-Man: Far From Home
In the second Spidey movie by Marvel, starring Tom Holland as the astounding Spider-Man, the film slightly falls short of its predecessor yet remains packed with romance, action, humor, and emotion. Although no one explicitly says “with great power comes great responsibility,” the movie Far From Home carries this theme just as strongly as any other Spidey tale. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, grapples with his conflicting desires to court MJ (Zendaya’s humorous and witty portrayal) and follow Nick Fury’s (Samuel L. Jackson’s irritated depiction) instructions to thwart a group of destructive elemental creatures.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy, offering a movie that delivers the perfect Marvel blend: Exciting action, quirky science fiction visuals, and compelling characters we deeply care for. (By the end of ‘Vol. 3’, Rocket Raccoon transitions from a minor Marvel character to one of the company’s most captivating and tragic heroes.) Following a series of less impressive films, Gunn makes it seem effortless. It’s unfortunate that he’ll now be moving on to DC.
7. Avengers: Endgame
Taking a significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second greatest Avengers film, this blockbuster is filled with massive action sequences, hearty laughs, and an unprecedented number of Easter eggs across any cinematic universe. (Read more
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most enjoyable films, it boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spiderman sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man, which he performs. Aren’t you enthralled? (For further details, please see here.)
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
At half the journey of the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far, the first “Guardians” film played a significant role in making Marvel lighter and demonstrated that their brand was powerful enough to captivate audiences for lesser-known properties. Prior to James Gunn’s direction, the Guardians were hardly mentioned, but he transformed them into an unexpected hit. It is indisputable and universally accepted that Rocket is the superior Guardian; any debate on this matter is unnecessary. (Continue reading here.)
4. Captain America: The First Avenger
Although the storyline could use some tightening (as it condenses an entire war into a montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America stands out as one of the most impressive character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film breathed life into a hero who was often criticized for being bland or outdated, transforming him into a captivating, nuanced individual embodying classic human values. The perfect MCU film to watch when seeking inspiration. [Read more here.]
3. Black Panther
Unlike many Marvel films that strive for profound connections with the cosmic realm, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merits of a more self-contained narrative style. Towards the end of the movie, when Black Panther decides to expose Wakanda to the global community (and characters to future appearances), it’s intended as a joyful conclusion. However, if this decision leads to a sequel with a broader scope, filled with numerous guest appearances, perhaps it isn’t such a happy ending after all. (Original source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/feb/26/black-panther-review-marvels-most-important-movie)
2. The Avengers
Despite the events of “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains an astounding feat that feels almost unbelievable. Each character is skillfully balanced, the script is concise and well-crafted, and the climactic Battle of New York stands as one of the most memorable action sequences of this century. (Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/)
1. Iron Man
The original movie remains unmatched in its greatness. Looking back, not being tied to a broader universe allowed it to excel as a film. The scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark testing his armor and subsequently flying for the first time, evoke the excitement of superpowers more effectively than any other film – Marvel or otherwise – has managed to do so far. (Read more here.)
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2025-05-02 06:28