‘Marvel Zombies’ Is Getting a Season 2

The superpowered undead are set to rise for a second season of Marvel Zombies.

The popular animated series on Disney+, What If…?, is getting a second season of its zombie-themed spinoff. After remaining quiet for six months following the first season’s release in late September 2025, the show is officially returning.

Brad Winderbaum, head of Marvel Television, announced that Season 2 of Marvel Zombies is already in production during an April 6th interview on the Escape Pod podcast.

Winderbaum hinted at a wild ride for Season 2 of Marvel Zombies, sharing that he’s seen the initial storyboard for the first episode and found it incredibly intense.

A Marvel Television executive suggested the next season will feature a first for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but wouldn’t reveal any details about what it is.

I can’t reveal any details, but this project satisfies fans of both zombies and something completely new for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and we’re really thrilled about it.

Inspired by an episode of What If…? and set in an alternate Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline before Infinity War, Marvel Zombies debuted on Disney+ on September 24, 2025. This first season included four episodes, all centered around a zombie virus outbreak.

This dark and intense show follows a team of heroes – including Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop, and Ironheart – as they battle zombie versions of familiar faces like Scarlet Witch (now the Queen of the Dead), Captain America, and Hawkeye. Their mission? To save the world from a superpowered undead outbreak.

The animated series What If…? aired for three seasons, from 2021 to 2024, and presented stories that imagined different possibilities within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Every Marvel Movie Ever Made, Ranked From Worst to First

80. Elektra (2005)

Elektra is a highly skilled assassin known for being meticulous – she even scrubs her floors to eliminate any trace of DNA. Ironically, she’s also incredibly reckless, often socializing with her neighbors while on a mission, and completely oblivious to the fact that these neighbors are actually her targets. To top it off, after dying and being resurrected in Daredevil, she gained the power to foresee and even manipulate time, making her practically immortal. Despite all this power, she chooses to spend her time fighting ninjas with a pair of sai. Interestingly, Jennifer Garner reportedly didn’t want to make the Elektra film but was contractually obligated to after appearing in Daredevil. And somewhere out there is someone who first experienced the Marvel universe with this movie – let’s send them some sympathy!

79. Captain America (1990)

The 1990 Captain America movie is delightfully bad – the kind of film that unnecessarily labels a shot of the White House with “WHITE HOUSE – WASHINGTON D.C.” as if the audience wouldn’t know. (A similar shot appears later, simply labeled “WASHINGTON D.C.”). While the opening scenes, set in the 1930s, aren’t terrible and actually have some similarities to the modern Marvel Cinematic Universe version, the movie quickly declines in quality once Captain America wakes up in the 1990s. It’s accompanied by a cheap, overly-synthesized soundtrack. Though Matt Salinger’s Captain America costume looks decent for the time, he rarely wears it, and spends a strangely large portion of the film stealing cars by pretending to be sick, then quickly jumping into the driver’s seat while the owner is distracted.

78. Fantastic Four (2015)

Let me tell you, Josh Trank’s Fantastic Four is… a lot. The basic story – young scientists building a dimension-hopping machine and getting powers (or, uh, changes) – actually mirrors what happened behind the scenes. You’ve got a talented group of filmmakers with big ideas trying to put a fresh spin on these classic characters, only to have their vision compromised by studio interference focused on profits. The film itself can’t seem to decide what it wants to be – it’s part horror, part superhero flick, and feels like a chaotic blend of about ten different ideas that just don’t gel. Honestly, it’s a bizarre mix – imagine a salad with lettuce, gummy worms, and carpet pieces, topped with Mike’s Hard Lemonade. And seriously, can we talk about The Thing being completely naked the entire time? Was I the only one who found that… distracting?

77. Morbius (2022)

As a film fan, I have to say that Morbius, which came out on April 1st, 2022, felt like a really elaborate April Fool’s joke. The actual movie was so different from what the trailers showed – entire scenes and plotlines were just gone! It really seemed like, during editing, they actively tried to distance it from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and honestly, that was the clearest thing about the whole film. Morbius felt like it was stitched together – like a Frankenstein creation – with random storylines and characters that just didn’t quite fit, resulting in a messy and disjointed final product.

76. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

The film’s title hints at its biggest problem: it tries to be too many things at once – an X-Men movie, a Wolverine story, and an origin story all rolled into one. Director Gavin Hood might have made a better film if he’d focused on a single idea. From the start, this movie felt overloaded, attempting to cram in pieces of multiple X-Men and Wolverine storylines. Hugh Jackman’s character, Logan, even complains to Liev Schreiber’s Victor, “We didn’t sign up for this,” which ironically feels like a commentary on the film itself. Other lines, like “We’ve done enough!” and “Wake me when it’s over,” also seem to acknowledge how messy the movie is.

75. Madame Web (2024)

Despite never having her own comic book series, Madame Web received a film origin story thanks to Sony’s desire to expand its Spider-Man universe. The movie stars Dakota Johnson as the titular character—though surprisingly, no one actually calls her “Madame Web” in the film. After a traumatic event gives Johnson’s character the power to see the future, she must safeguard three young women who are being hunted by a villain with spider-like abilities. It’s clear the storyline was heavily revised after filming, with noticeable dubbing and reshoots, and the special effects and costumes are particularly unappealing. Ultimately, Madame Web is fortunate that Morbius came out first, otherwise it would be considered the worst Spider-Man spin-off ever made.

74. The New Mutants (2020)

After a long wait and lots of speculation, the final X-Men movie from Fox finally arrived in theaters in the summer of 2020. While the film stayed true to the characters from the New Mutants comics – like the quiet werewolf Rahne Sinclair (Maisie Williams) and the confident Bobby da Costa (Henry Zaga) – it failed to deliver on its central idea. The premise, involving a large hospital for mutants with emerging powers and seemingly only one doctor, didn’t make much sense. Connections to the broader X-Men universe actually added to the confusion (like, where’s Colossus, and why is he comfortable with his sister being treated by this questionable doctor?). Ultimately, New Mutants felt like a wasted chance.

73. Kraven the Hunter (2024)

Ever been curious about Kraven’s signature vest? Then this movie might be for you. However, if you’re not particularly interested in Kraven’s wardrobe, you likely won’t enjoy Kraven. It’s a very long and rambling Spider-Man spin-off—oddly, without Spider-Man—focused on a hunter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who’s mostly defined by his physique. The film centers on his conflicts with his father (Russell Crowe, playing him with over-the-top Russian flair) and the Rhino, who is portrayed as a goofy Russian criminal constantly carrying a small backpack of medication to prevent him from transforming into a monstrous, gray-skinned creature. While Sony has produced excellent Spider-Man films, these spin-offs consistently fall short.

72. Blade: Trinity (2004)

Apparently, Wesley Snipes and director David Goyer clashed so much during filming that they communicated only through Post-It notes, which Snipes would jokingly sign “From Blade.” Eventually, a stand-in performed all the shots that didn’t require a close-up of Snipes, and it’s something most viewers wouldn’t even notice.

71. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

There’s a funny moment in the movie where Spider-Man (Peter Parker) goes to Dr. Curt Connors for help with a giant lizard. Connors brushes him off, saying he’s too busy with a secret project and needs to be left alone. He tells Peter to leave, but then Connors is the one who walks out! He leaves Peter in his lab, where Peter discovers the evidence proving Connors is actually the Lizard. It’s a classic movie trope: one character tells another to leave, but then reverses the situation. It just goes to show, making movies isn’t as simple as it seems.

70. Eternals

Honestly, before Eternals came out, I never would have guessed a Marvel movie directed by an Oscar winner and based on Jack Kirby’s amazing work would end up being so… forgettable. It just didn’t quite work. While the movie stays pretty true to the core ideas from Kirby’s comics, there were a few changes that really bothered me – like making the Deviants, who were originally complex villains, into just generic monsters with no real purpose. The cast is huge, and Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry deliver some good supporting performances, but Gemma Chan and Richard Madden, as the leads Sersi and Ikaris, just didn’t have the chemistry to pull off their supposed epic, millennia-long romance. They looked like they were awkwardly on a first date! The script would hint at some really cool connections between superheroes, mythology, and religion, but then it would just drop those ideas in favor of the usual Marvel action sequences. Eternals was definitely ambitious, but ultimately, it just didn’t come together – and that’s a shame.

69. The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Honestly, watching this felt like Marvel wasn’t prepared for Iron Man‘s success and just threw this together quickly. It’s really disjointed and just…doesn’t work. And the biggest mistake? Casting Tim Roth as the ultimate soldier – it was a terrible choice, and the final monster design was just awful. I wish they’d taken more time with it. You can read more about why people feel this way here.

68. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

The first Venom film was a dark and scary movie with over-the-top acting, but Let There Be Carnage feels more like a romantic comedy. It focuses on the bickering and complicated relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom, who argue over everyday things and even consider going their separate ways. Unlike the first film, which got lost in unnecessary storylines and a confusing plot, this movie is very streamlined—almost to a fault. It leaves some basic questions unanswered and certain characters don’t appear until late in the film. The story has plenty of plot holes and the action sequences are often hard to follow.

67. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

It’s strange to take one of the most attractive actors, Oscar Isaac, and cover him in terrible blue makeup, have him use a silly voice, and make him do uncool things like touch a TV screen while groaning the word ‘learning.’ This misuse of Isaac is just one problem with the movie X-Men: Apocalypse. The film also had a ridiculous opening sequence and completely failed to build on the success of the much better X-Men: Days of Future Past.

66. Dark Phoenix (2019)

Simon Kinberg’s second attempt at adapting “The Dark Phoenix Saga” – he also helped write X-Men: The Last Stand – has both improvements and drawbacks compared to his first try. (It doesn’t come close to the quality of the original comic books, though.) As with many of the recent X-Men films, Michael Fassbender as Magneto is a standout, bringing a seriousness to the character that the series benefits from. And, it’s a little strange that Magneto is supposed to be 60 years old in this movie, but Michael Fassbender doesn’t look a day over it – maybe all that magnetic therapy really does work!

65. The Punisher (2004)

Okay, so as a fan, I have to say The Punisher really stumbled. It tried to cram way too much into one movie – bits from his origin story and a storyline about him coming back after being gone for a while, which is just weird! The source material it borrows from, “Welcome Back, Frank,” is actually pretty great – it’s got this dark humor and over-the-top violence that I love. But the movie needed a villain who fit that vibe, and honestly, John Travolta’s character just didn’t cut it. He was way too serious and lacked the playful edge the story deserved.

64. Howard the Duck (1986)

For years, Howard the Duck was considered the worst Marvel movie, but that reputation doesn’t hold up anymore. While Marvel is now incredibly skilled at making consistently enjoyable films and TV shows, they’ve lost the ability to create something as surprisingly bizarre as Howard the Duck. It’s a truly strange movie – genuinely frightening in places (the villain is actually scarier than Thanos!), and oddly preoccupied with adult themes for a film about a talking duck. It remains by far the most unusual movie Marvel has ever produced. (You can read more about it here.)

63. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

The second Amazing Spider-Man movie is a slight step up from the first. The action is good, Andrew Garfield feels more natural as a witty hero compared to Tobey Maguire, and his chemistry with Emma Stone is clear on screen. However, the villains are a major weakness. Jamie Foxx’s Electro quickly and unconvincingly transforms from a shy outcast to an overly dramatic villain, and Dane DeHaan’s Harry Osborn looks bizarre – like a strange mix of a Mad Max character and a troll doll. While there are some genuinely strong moments, you have to sit through some truly bad scenes to enjoy them.

62. Fantastic Four (2005)

The Fantastic Four, Marvel’s First Family, haven’t had much luck with movie adaptations. The first film was so poorly received that Marvel actually bought back the rights to prevent it from being released and harming their comic book reputation. The recent attempt wasn’t much better, and the two movies Fox made in between were just okay, featuring an uninspired cast and some incredibly obvious product placement.

61. Ghost Rider (2007)

It feels like Sam Elliott is playing the same character here as he did in The Big Lebowski. And honestly, this movie would be even better if The Dude from that film was cast as Ghost Rider. Nicolas Cage is certainly unique and fun to watch—he drinks coffee straight from the pot, talks like a drugged-up Elvis, and constantly touches his face as if he’s newly inhabiting a body. But everything feels a little artificial. A sequel could add some much-needed realism and grit to the story.

60. Daredevil (2003)

Wow, can you believe Ben Affleck’s Daredevil is creeping up on 20 years old? Honestly, watching it now feels even older than that, thanks to all the leather outfits straight out of The Matrix and that seriously early 2000s nu metal soundtrack – Hoobastank, Saliva, Drowning Pool, Evanescence… the whole deal. Director Mark Steven Johnson really tried to cram years of Daredevil comic book history into just over an hour and a half, and it definitely feels rushed and messy. Though, if you’re curious, the director’s cut is a little better – it adds about half an hour and includes a whole storyline about Matt Murdock working as a lawyer that they cut from the original release.

59. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

It’s fascinating to think how close we were to a very different Thor movie, potentially directed by Patty Jenkins. What we got instead was a rather dull adventure centered around a magical object, and a villain who didn’t make much of an impact. On the bright side, this film’s poor performance might have pushed Marvel to take the bold, creative risks that ultimately led to the success of Thor: Ragnarok. (You can read more about this here.)

58. The Marvels (2023)

This isn’t the worst Marvel movie, but it’s definitely one of the most confusing and awkwardly paced. It brings together three likable heroes – Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau – to fight a Kree villain with vague motivations. While the actors have great chemistry, the story feels rushed, chaotic, and doesn’t always make logical sense.

57. Venom (2018)

The movie Venom is chaotic, but it finds its strength when Tom Hardy’s character merges with the alien symbiote. Once the symbiote starts communicating with him as a rough voice in his head (also voiced by Hardy), the film becomes genuinely funny. Hardy essentially has a hilarious internal debate with his alter ego, and their interactions lead to slapstick fights and absurd moments – like an insatiable craving for tater tots. It’s a bizarre combination, imagining Laurel and Hardy as the same person, except one of them has a taste for…extreme measures.

56. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

While not a total disaster, The Last Stand is a bit better than most people remember. There are some genuinely good moments – Ian McKellen is great as Magneto, the Danger Room scene lives up to expectations, and Kelsey Grammer perfectly embodies Beast. However, the Dark Phoenix storyline is pretty weak, and everything with Juggernaut is just exhausting.

55. Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Many recent Marvel movies, including The Marvels, have talented actors but weak stories. This is particularly true of Captain America: Brave New World. While it’s great to finally see Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson in his own film, the movie is held back by an uninteresting villain and unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk. (Seriously, were audiences clamoring to find out what happened to Betty Ross?)

54. Punisher: War Zone (2008)

Look, as a huge Punisher fan, I can confidently say Ray Stevenson is the definitive Frank Castle. He embodies this self-loathing, like he hates himself as much as the criminals he’s hunting, and visually? He looks ripped straight from the pages of a Tim Bradstreet comic. But honestly, Punisher: War Zone itself feels… disposable. It’s like one of those filler comic issues you get between big story arcs – totally forgettable. Frank doesn’t really change throughout the movie, he just… is. There’s a ton of action, sure, but most of it is just kind of messy and uninspired, except for that one awesome rocket launcher scene, of course. The only character who gets any real development is Jigsaw, and even that’s a letdown. Dominic West is usually fantastic, but here he’s way over the top and cartoonish, which clashes completely with the gritty, realistic tone Stevenson brings to the role.

53. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

While it’s not a perfect film, I believe this sequel doesn’t get enough credit, and it’s a clear improvement over the original. Chris Evans surprisingly delivers a strong performance, playing the Human Torch just as well as Captain America. The portrayal of the Silver Surfer is a standout – it’s amazing how a somewhat cheesy movie managed to create such a compelling, visually stunning, and cool version of the character. Plus, it’s a quick watch, clocking in at under 90 minutes.

52. Doctor Strange (2016)

While visually impressive, Doctor Strange feels a bit like a magical version of Iron Man 2. The ending, with Dormammu, was a clever highlight, but Strange’s cape felt a little silly. (You can find more details here.)

51. Iron Man 2 (2010)

It’s an improvement over what you might recall, but still falls short of being truly good. Sam Rockwell’s charismatic performance helps distract from the film’s flaws, though not completely. If they trimmed about 15 minutes—specifically the parts that set up future movies—it could have been much better. (You can read a more detailed review here.)

50. Deadpool (2016)

The film’s cold and unemotional villain perfectly reflects the movie itself: it offers clever commentary on superhero films but doesn’t have much substance. There’s even a self-aware joke from Deadpool about the limited number of X-Men cameos, hinting at budget constraints – it’s both funny and likely true, serving as both a joke and an explanation.

49. The Wolverine (2013)

This movie struggles to decide what it wants to be. It begins as a realistic and focused character piece, but gradually transforms into a typical, effects-heavy action film. It would have worked better as either a much smaller, intimate story or a larger, more ambitious one. While The Wolverine was passable when it was released, it feels unnecessary now that Logan exists. The only real highlight is arguably Hugh Jackman’s best Wolverine hairstyle.

48. Hulk (2003)

I have to admit, Ang Lee’s Hulk is a bit of a strange beast, and honestly, I think that’s what makes it work. Like Howard the Duck before it, it’s interesting precisely because it doesn’t play by the typical superhero movie rules. Lee really leaned into the comic book source material, visually mimicking panels, and he treated Bruce Banner – played with a suitably brooding intensity by Eric Bana – as a deeply troubled, psychologically complex character. It wasn’t all perfect, though. Let’s just say the climax, with Nick Nolte transforming into a giant electrical monster, was… a choice. You win some, you lose some when you swing for the fences like that.

47. X-Men: First Class (2011)

This movie tries to cram too much story into its runtime. It feels like years’ worth of events happen in just a week, covering everything from the first meeting of Magneto and Xavier, the formation and training of the X-Men, and even their involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis. However, the actors James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender were excellent choices for young Xavier and Magneto, respectively. The scenes showing Magneto seeking revenge on Nazis for the death of his Jewish parents were particularly compelling and felt like the kind of focused Magneto story fans had been hoping for.

46. Ant-Man (2015)

While Ant-Man isn’t a bad movie, it’s difficult to watch without feeling like a smaller-scale version of the more ambitious film Edgar Wright originally intended. On a brighter note, Michael Peña’s character, Luis, might be the best non-superhero character in the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it here.)

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

The new movie pits Ant-Man against Kang the Conqueror, and even Kang (played by the intimidating Jonathan Majors) admits Ant-Man is outmatched. This difference in power actually reflects the movie itself: the down-to-earth, humorous world of the Ant-Man films feels small compared to the large-scale, universe-hopping story Marvel is building. It’s a perfectly fine superhero movie, but as an Ant-Man sequel, it’s just okay. And if you were hoping to see Michael Peña’s beloved character Luis, you’ll be disappointed – he’s not in this one.

44. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

The movie Ant-Man and the Wasp is most enjoyable when it focuses on the humor of its small scale – like Paul Rudd’s comedic timing, Michael Peña’s rambling stories, and the emotional story of a family working to reconnect. (You can read more about it here.)

43. Captain Marvel (2019)

While Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel is arguably the most powerful character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the movie itself felt a little emotionally flat. It’s saved by two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the clever Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson—who looks remarkably young thanks to impressive visual effects—as a younger Nick Fury. (You can read more about it here.)

42. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)

While a definite improvement over the original Ghost Rider, Spirit of Vengeance doesn’t quite reach the over-the-top energy you’d expect from a Nicolas Cage superhero film directed by Neveldine and Taylor. The visual design of Ghost Rider and his motorcycle are better this time around, but he isn’t featured prominently. Though Cage has some great moments, he was actually more memorably eccentric in the first movie – particularly with his strange Elvis impression and more noticeable quirks. Here, he sounds more like himself, saving his wilder outbursts for just a few scenes. At only about 90 minutes long, and with limited action, Spirit of Vengeance feels like a much bolder and more exciting movie was trimmed down to get here.

41. Black Widow (2021)

Although Scarlett Johansson finally starred in a standalone Black Widow movie in 2021, the film focused more on her interactions with her quirky team of Russian superheroes – including the boastful Red Guardian (David Harbour) and the standout Yelena (Florence Pugh) – than on giving her character a truly satisfying send-off. Despite this, Black Widow is still a strong Marvel action film, featuring exciting stunts and a memorable villain in Taskmaster, who can copy the fighting style of anyone he faces.

40. Deadpool 2 (2018)

The second Deadpool movie is even better than the first, offering a surprisingly touching storyline for Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson. Josh Brolin is perfectly cast as Cable, providing a great contrast to Deadpool’s constant talking. The scene where X-Force is introduced is one of the funniest extended jokes you’ll find in any movie. (Make sure to watch the original R-rated version, as the PG-13 cut is a very different experience.)

39. Captain America (1944)

For around 40 years, Captain America was the only Marvel hero to appear in a major movie, starring in a surprisingly good serial film in 1944. Interestingly, this version of Captain America wasn’t Steve Rogers; instead, he was a crime-fighting district attorney named Grant Gardner. The film ignored his well-known origin story about the Super-Soldier Serum and he didn’t use his iconic shield. Instead, Captain America fought a typical 1940s villain called “The Scarab,” who was after a series of advanced technological devices. The first of these was a powerful engine that could destroy buildings—referred to repeatedly as a “vibrator” by the characters, with lines like, “The vibrator! If it doesn’t shut off, the building will collapse!” You’ve been warned. (You can find more details here.)

38. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Taika Waititi’s Love and Thunder feels similar to his previous Thor film, Ragnarok. The first movie was a delightful surprise, but this one, while still enjoyable, doesn’t have the same impact. Christian Bale delivers a chilling performance as the villain Gorr, but his serious and emotional portrayal clashes a bit with Chris Hemsworth’s comedic take on Thor. The movie includes many of the elements that made Ragnarok work, but they don’t quite come together as smoothly this time around.

37. Deadpool & Wolverine

The playful dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is a definite highlight. The surprise appearances are genuinely shocking. However, the plot is overloaded with explanations and ultimately doesn’t make a lot of sense – it feels like the characters have too many tragic backstories! If you can switch your brain off and just enjoy the ride, it’s a reasonably fun film. Reynolds and Jackman deliver on the promise of seeing Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly team up to save the X-Men universe from Fox. It’s just a shame the writing, even with Reynolds’ involvement, wasn’t quite as strong as it could have been.

36. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

While not as bad as some remember, Iron Man 2 is still a fairly average movie. The trailers focused too much on a mystery plot that didn’t really deliver, but the introduction of Anthony Mackie as the Falcon is a highlight, and Chris Evans remains a solid Captain America. It’s just frustrating that Nick Fury, supposedly the world’s top spy, was completely unaware of the widespread evil within S.H.I.E.L.D. – he really should have noticed! (You can read a more detailed review here.)

25. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

This movie is incredibly ambitious and large in scale, with a truly memorable ending. However, it doesn’t quite feel complete. If you’re looking for a classic Marvel action movie with fun lines, you’ll probably enjoy it. But if you prefer deeper character development and heartfelt moments between the action, this one might not be for you. (You can read more about it here.)

34. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

I’ve always felt Spider-Man 3 gets a bad rap – even Sam Raimi himself has been critical of it! And okay, it’s not perfect, but there’s so much to enjoy, especially some of the most thrilling action scenes from Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man movies, like the incredible rescue of Gwen Stacy. A lot of people take issue with Venom, and how Raimi handles the black suit – that scene of Peter dancing in the streets is definitely… memorable. It felt a little silly compared to the darker tone a lot of superhero films were going for back then. But I think when you see Spider-Man 3 as Raimi intentionally poking fun at the trend of overly serious comic book movies with Venom, it actually works brilliantly. It’s a clever satire, and I really appreciate that about it.

33. X-Men (2000)

That line about Toads and lightning is pretty bad, and the black leather outfits really show the movie’s age. Hugh Jackman looks much more muscular in later films – he seems quite small here! Despite its flaws, the first X-Men movie was important in starting the wave of superhero films in the 2000s. It understood the characters and presented them effectively, focusing on their core qualities to appeal to a wide audience. Interestingly, Hugh Jackman almost didn’t get the role of Wolverine. He was the filmmakers’ second choice, and only landed the part when Dougray Scott, who was originally cast, had to leave due to scheduling conflicts with Mission: Impossible II.

32. Iron Man 3 (2013)

This movie is pretty good, but feels a little diminished by being part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. The story focuses on Tony Stark’s attempt to retire as Iron Man, which feels undercut by the fact that he appears in so many subsequent films. While Guy Pearce’s villain is underwhelming, the interactions between Robert Downey Jr. and his young sidekick are excellent. (You can read more about it here.)

31. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Let’s be honest, the final battle with all the dragons and monsters looks pretty bad due to the special effects. However, before that, Shang-Chi is arguably Marvel’s best action film so far, packed with exciting and well-choreographed fight scenes – the one on a San Francisco bus is especially enjoyable. Simu Liu is at the head of a surprisingly strong cast, with fantastic performances from Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh, and plenty of laughs provided by Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina. Kingsley’s character, Trevor Slattery, wasn’t a hit as a villain originally, but Marvel has cleverly turned him into a lovable supporting character.

30. Thor (2011)

The movie Thor is a large-scale, universe-spanning story, but surprisingly, much of it takes place in a tiny New Mexico town. While it’s not perfect, Thor stands out as the first Marvel film where fantastic casting and strong acting truly saved the day, overcoming problems with the plot and script – a trick Marvel would use often in future movies. (You can find more details here.)

29. The Punisher (1989)

The movie features Frank Castle living in a sewer, fighting underwater ninjas – it’s reminiscent of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He even speaks with a similar mumbling delivery as Dolph Lundgren. There’s a wild scene where he battles the Yakuza in an old-fashioned amusement park, complete with dozens of goons riding a giant slide and firing machine guns. And after Frank destroys a mobster’s home, a journalist blurts out, “Holy cow, it’s the Punisher!” While it might not be the best Punisher movie, it’s definitely the most fun and over-the-top.

28. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

As a fan, I think Ryan Coogler really had his work cut out for him with Wakanda Forever. Not only did he need to follow up the amazing first Black Panther, but he had to do it after the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. Honestly, the movie shines brightest when you can feel the grief of Ryan and the whole cast – it really connects to Wakanda dealing with the death of their king. Beyond that, it felt a little overstuffed, with a lot of different ideas and characters, and the villain, Namor, wasn’t quite as clear as he could have been.

27. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Marvel’s new Fantastic Four movie, First Steps, is a definite upgrade from the previous four attempts made by Roger Corman and 20th Century Fox. Honestly, it had a low bar to clear – those earlier films ranged from just okay to pretty bad. First Steps looks great, with impressive sets and a compelling villain – Galactus, a lonely space god with a big appetite for planets. However, the Fantastic Four themselves feel a bit bland and don’t quite come to life. Is it an enjoyable movie? Yes, but not as much as I’d hoped. Director Matt Shakman seemed to have perfect casting choices, but the actors didn’t quite find their footing in the roles. It’s possible the script didn’t give them enough to work with. Overall, it’s a solid start, and there’s potential for the series to improve.

26. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The plot falls apart with the slightest examination, and the entire film feels like a setup for the epic fight between Iron Man and Captain America at the airport. However, that airport battle is truly spectacular. (You can find more details here.)

25. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Jon Watts’ latest Spider-Man movie is similar in quality to Sam Raimi’s third film – both are packed with too many villains. However, this new movie does a great job of capturing what makes Peter Parker so relatable: he’s someone who struggles and fails, but always keeps trying. It also significantly expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe by introducing the multiverse in a major way, making it a landmark film for the franchise.

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

Director Sam Raimi returned to the Marvel universe after a 15-year break with this fun and chaotic movie about a fight to save all realities. Similar to his earlier Spider-Man films, Raimi brought his signature style – including silly humor, scary zombies, and sudden surprises – to the familiar Marvel format. (You can read more about it here.)

23. Thunderbolts (2025)

Many of Marvel’s recent films and shows feel like they’re made from leftover ideas and pieces of existing stories. But Thunderbolts actually feels like a complete movie, with a compelling plot and some genuinely interesting characters. Florence Pugh is particularly strong as the new Black Widow, portraying someone who’s unhappy with her life and doesn’t enjoy her work. She finds a sense of purpose when she teams up with a group of equally disillusioned mercenaries, including Wyatt Russell’s confident U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost. With exciting action and a meaningful message about overcoming negativity through teamwork and taking action, Thunderbolts shows what Marvel can achieve when it’s at its best.

22. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

I’m still not sure why people dislike this movie so much. It’s definitely not as good as the first Avengers film, and the storyline with Wanda and Pietro is a bit confusing – though WandaVision did a great job of building on it. However, the ending, where the Avengers team up to save everyone in Sokovia, is classic Marvel. (You can read more about it here.)

21. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

This movie is definitely overlong, especially with all the extra scenes after the credits – there are way too many! But you have to admire the boldness of taking Marvel’s most comedic series and ending the sequel on a surprisingly sad note. It’s the only Marvel film that actually made me cry, and it still manages to include jokes about, well, alien anatomy. That combination is a win in my opinion. (You can read more about it here.)

20. Big Hero 6 (2014)

Blending the heart of Disney with the action of Marvel, Big Hero 6 is a surprisingly good film. While the story gets bogged down in a complicated plot about stolen technology and a villain’s schemes, the emotional core—dealing with grief and loss—is genuinely touching. Ultimately, the film proves that soft, huggable robots are the best, and Baymax is the perfect example!

19. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

This movie successfully blends the original and newer X-Men characters, anchored by another strong performance from Hugh Jackman. It introduces exciting new mutants – Blink’s abilities are particularly well-used – and features a standout action sequence with Quicksilver (Evan Peters) using his speed to rescue Wolverine, Magneto, and Professor X. The main drawback is how the film essentially rewrites the events of First Class, with key characters dying off-screen, the mutant school quickly failing, and even Professor X regaining the use of his legs for a time.

18. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

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

17. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man in Marvel’s Far From Home, a sequel that’s nearly as good as the first film. It delivers a satisfying mix of romance, action, humor, and emotional moments. While the famous line about responsibility isn’t spoken, the movie perfectly captures its meaning as Peter Parker struggles to balance his feelings for MJ (played with great comedic timing by Zendaya) with his mission from Nick Fury (a wonderfully exasperated Samuel L. Jackson) to defeat a series of elemental villains.

16. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

James Gunn ends his Guardians trilogy on a high note, delivering a classic Marvel experience with exciting action, imaginative visuals, and characters you truly care about. Volume 3 especially elevates Rocket Raccoon, transforming him into a compelling and heartbreaking hero. This film is a welcome success after a run of less impressive Marvel movies. It’s a shame he’s now moving over to lead DC films.

15. Blade (1998)

Before Marvel movies became popular, Wesley Snipes recognized the exciting possibilities of comic book storytelling. In a humorous interview while playing the character Blade, Snipes explained the freedom of the role: “You can invent a unique voice, appearance, sound, and even a completely different way of moving and speaking.” Snipes’ Blade film was groundbreaking, essentially paving the way for the interconnected Marvel Cinematic Universe we know today, with its world of heroes and villains.

14. X2 (2003)

As a huge film fan, I honestly think X2 is one of the most important superhero movies ever made. The first X-Men and Spider-Man films showed us that comics could work on the big screen, but X2 proved they could be better. Think about the Nightcrawler scene at the White House – it didn’t just copy his teleporting ability from the comics, it improved on it, making it way more dynamic and visually stunning than anything we’d seen in static panels. To me, the climax with the bursting dam felt like a real turning point – it was like Hollywood suddenly realized the full potential of superhero movies, and things just exploded from there. Honestly, nothing felt the same after X2.

13. Logan (2017)

Hugh Jackman finally found success with a standalone Wolverine movie in Logan. The film delivered a raw, heartbreaking portrayal of the character, and its R-rating allowed for a much darker and more impactful story about the hero’s final chapter. It also avoided the crowded feel of many X-Men films by focusing on a small group of key characters, including a fantastic performance by Patrick Stewart as an aging Professor X struggling with his failing powers and mental state.

12. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Spider-Man: Homecoming is one of the most enjoyable movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It features great characters, fantastic action sequences, and even a funny moment where a street vendor asks Spider-Man to do a flip – which he happily does! It’s a really fun watch. (You can find more details here.)

11. Blade II (2002)

Blade II improved upon the original by combining Wesley Snipes’ action skills with director Guillermo del Toro’s distinctive dark and visually striking horror style. The film introduced a terrifying new breed of super vampires—born from a deadly outbreak—who possess monstrous, extending jaws and feed on both humans and other vampires. Only Blade, with his incredible fighting abilities, can stop them. (As everyone knows, vampires have four key weaknesses: silver, garlic, sunlight, and, of course, powerful kicks!)

10. Spider-Man (2002)

With so many Spider-Man films coming out each year, it’s easy to overlook how groundbreaking Sam Raimi’s original was. While it might seem a little old-fashioned now, it was incredibly innovative for 2002. It nailed every detail – the costume, the action sequences, the special effects, Uncle Ben’s death, and Peter Parker’s complicated relationships with Norman and Harry Osborn. It fundamentally changed how audiences viewed superhero films, paving the way for the cinematic universes we have today. Plus, how many other superhero movies have imitated its iconic final scene of Spider-Man swinging through New York City?

9. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Released around the halfway point of the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far, the first Guardians of the Galaxy film allowed Marvel to experiment with a lighter tone and demonstrated that the studio could draw audiences to lesser-known characters. Before James Gunn’s direction, the Guardians were relatively obscure, but the film became a major hit. And, for the record, Rocket is the best Guardian – that’s just a fact. (You can read more about it here.)

8. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

While the plot feels a bit rushed in places – a whole war is summarized quickly – Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America is arguably the most successful character adaptation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film transformed a hero often criticized for being boring or outdated into a compelling, charismatic, and complex man grounded in simple, admirable qualities. If you’re looking for a Marvel movie to lift your spirits, this is the one to watch. (Read more here.)

7. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

No superhero film faced a bigger challenge than Avengers: Endgame. It needed to deliver a satisfying conclusion to a major cliffhanger, tie up storylines from over 20 previous Marvel movies, and still be a great film on its own. Amazingly, it succeeded. (Read more here.)

6. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Building on the groundbreaking style of Into the Spider-Verse, this sequel introduces Miles Morales to Spider-Man 2099 and his team, the “Spider Society.” They’re dedicated to safeguarding the multiverse from threats like the Spot, a new villain who can open portals to other dimensions. Visually, Across the Spider-Verse surpasses its predecessor with even more stunning and innovative animation – Spider-Gwen’s world looks like a living watercolor painting, and Spider-Man India comes from a vibrant, colorful city called “Mumbattan.” The main drawback? This is only the first half of a larger story, and it sometimes feels incomplete as a result.

5. Black Panther (2018)

Looking back, the vibrant and hopeful world of Wakanda in Black Panther feels even more meaningful today. While a sequel is planned, we sadly won’t see what actor Chadwick Boseman would have done with his character, King T’Challa, after bringing his kingdom together and facing opposition from figures like M’Baku and Erik Killmonger. Thankfully, we’ll always have this exciting and powerful film to enjoy. (Read more here.)

4. The Avengers (2012)

Despite the massive scope of Infinity War and Endgame, the original Avengers movie still feels remarkably special. It perfectly balances a fantastic cast of characters, features a well-written story, and culminates in the incredibly exciting Battle of New York – a truly impressive visual spectacle. (You can find more details here.)

3. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Without the pressure of establishing Spider-Man’s backstory and a new plot in one film, Sam Raimi crafted a compelling story in Spider-Man 2 focusing on Peter Parker’s connection with a gifted scientist (Alfred Molina, delivering what many consider the best performance in any Spider-Man movie). This scientist is corrupted by his own ambition and a dangerous set of robotic arms. Even after over 15 years, the film still looks fantastic – the train sequence remains a standout moment in the entire Marvel universe. The way the movie relentlessly throws problem after problem at Peter Parker makes the ultimately happy, though somewhat sad, ending all the more rewarding.

2. Iron Man (2008)

Marvel Studios hasn’t yet made a movie that’s as good as its first major production. Looking back, the film benefited from not needing to connect to a larger universe, allowing it to stand on its own. The scenes of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark experimenting with and then first flying in his armor perfectly capture the excitement of discovering superpowers, better than anything else they’ve done since. (Read more here.)

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Just because there’s a lot of something doesn’t always make it good, but Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse truly stands out as the best Spider-Man movie ever made, and the best film based on a Marvel comic. It features a large group of Spider-People, including the new hero Miles Morales, the courageous Gwen Stacy, and a downhearted Peter B. Parker. More than that, it powerfully embraces the inspiring message from Stan Lee and Steve Ditko – that anyone can be a hero – and brings it to life with stunning animation.

2026-04-07 01:46