The trailer for Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” during the Super Bowl provided a glimpse of the film’s main antagonist, The Void, and offered numerous hints about the movie’s storyline: Who comprises the Thunderbolts, who brings them together, the reasons behind their assembly at this particular time, and their upcoming mission. (Alas, we’re still unsure why there’s an asterisk in the title.)
In our most recent Marvel Universe analysis, we’ll delve into the details of the Thunderbolts trailer, revealing hidden clues, Easter eggs, and secrets you may have overlooked. We’ll discuss the current status of the Avengers, introduce the enigmatic character known as Sentry and explain his origin, and unravel how the Thunderbolts come together, hinting at the reason someone is determined to eliminate them. Check out our comprehensive breakdown in the video below:
If you enjoyed the Thunderbolts Super Bowl trailer and the elements within it that you may have missed, feel free to explore more of our videos below! You’ll find content such as our recap of the entire Falcon and Winter Soldier Disney+ series, a comprehensive look at the Captain America franchise up to Brave New World, and an analysis on the secret Watcher cameo in The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer and its implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. You’ll find even more videos on our ScreenCrush YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our upcoming episodes. Thunderbolts is set to hit theaters on May 2.
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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
34. Eternals
Initially, I wouldn’t have expected a Marvel film helmed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics to become the studio’s least indispensable offering. Regrettably, Eternals fell short of cohesion. It generally adheres to Kirby’s fundamental concepts with a few minor yet significant alterations, such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into faceless monsters lacking objectives or motivations. The extensive cast boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the primary characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – find it challenging to convince viewers of their passionate love affair (a romance spanning 6,000 years, yet they appear awkward on their first date). The screenplay occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to discard them repeatedly for a sequence of routine battles against uninteresting monsters. It’s challenging to conceive of a more tedious film about immortal alien robots attempting to prevent universal destruction than this one.
33. The Incredible Hulk
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32. Thor: The Dark World
Nearly, we had Thor directed by Patty Jenkins, but instead, we ended up with a film that’s rather gloomy, focusing on a dull chase for a mysterious artifact – one of the least exciting antagonists in all of Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s any silver lining, it could be that without this movie underperforming as badly as it did, Marvel might not have been as open to experimenting and making such significant changes as they did with Thor: Ragnarok (read more here).
31. The Marvels
This Marvel film isn’t the poorest in quality – it surpasses three others on this list, after all – but it could be described as the most disorganized and intense. The trio of captivating Marvel characters (Captain Marvel played by Brie Larson, Ms. Marvel portrayed by Iman Vellani, and Monica Rambeau acted by Teyonah Parris) are thrown into a situation where they must work together to thwart a Kree warlord with malicious intentions. Despite the stars having excellent chemistry, the plot – although concise – is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that make little sense.
30. Doctor Strange
Although the imaginative scenes in “Doctor Strange” are impressive, it sometimes seems like an upgraded version of “Iron Man,” with a dash of magic. The positive aspect is the clever finale involving Dormammu. However, the peculiar cape worn by Strange could have been better. (You can read more about it here.)
29. Iron Man 2
Despite being better than you may recall, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skillfully conceals many flaws, but not all of them. Trimming 15 minutes of setup from Avengers could potentially result in a much stronger production. (Continue reading here.)
28. Ant-Man
Ant-Man isn’t terrible, but it’s challenging not to compare it to the grander Edgar Wright film we could have had. Despite this, Michael Peña as Luis stands out as one of the strongest characters without superpowers in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more
27. 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 massive contrast in power levels could be seen as a symbol for the film itself: The humble, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series, with its sharp wit and lovable characters, struggles to compete with the grand, multiversal drama of Marvel Phase 5 on the big screen. As a Marvel blockbuster, it gets the job done. However, as a sequel to the Ant-Man franchise, it falls slightly short. Sadly, if you were hoping for more of Michael Peña’s beloved character Luis, you will be disappointed, as he is nowhere to be found in this installment.
26. Ant-Man and the Wasp
The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it emphasizes its tiny aspects, featuring Paul Rudd’s humorous interactions with his co-actors, Michael Peña’s captivating monologues, and a heartwarming, small-scale story about a fractured family striving to mend itself once more. (Read further details
25. Captain Marvel
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers could arguably be the strongest hero. However, the film itself seemed to fall short in terms of emotional depth. Yet, it remained engaging thanks to standout performances from two exceptional actors: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with impressive de-aging visual effects, portraying a younger Nick Fury. (For further details, check out this article.)
24. Black Widow
2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing, titled “Black Widow”, where she predominantly played a straight character amidst her quippy Russian superhero co-stars, including David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, the film didn’t entirely live up to Black Widow’s fitting farewell. Nevertheless, it continues the Marvel tradition of delivering high-quality action movies, featuring remarkable stunt sequences, and an intriguing antagonist in Taskmaster, a villain capable of replicating combat styles from any adversary encountered.
23. Thor: Love and Thunder
Viewing Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” is somewhat akin to watching a magician perform the same trick twice in succession. The initial performance left us spellbound. However, while the second show is still captivating, it lacks the element of surprise from the first. Christian Bale portrays Gorr the God-Butcher with an eerie finesse, but his intense and highly emotional villain persona seems somewhat discordant alongside Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his continuous wit. Essentially, “Thor: Love and Thunder” incorporates all the same components as Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” yet they don’t harmonize quite as smoothly this time around.
22. Deadpool & Wolverine
In this movie, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s camaraderie is exactly what you’d expect – it’s fantastic, even shocking at times. The plot, however, pushes the limits of how much information a film can pack in without becoming confusing. (One might wonder if there are too many tragic pasts for a single character; this movie has at least two!) If you can manage to ignore what’s happening on screen for a moment, you’ll have a fairly enjoyable experience. Jackman and Reynolds certainly embody the characters of Deadpool and Wolverine, reluctantly teaming up to save the Fox X-Men universe. You might find yourself wishing the writers, including Reynolds himself, had delivered a slightly more coherent storyline.
21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The Unconventional “Iron Man 2”: More disappointing than you recall, but it’s still passable. The advertisements emphasized the conspiracy aspect too much, yet Anthony Mackie as Falcon is an excellent newcomer to the series, and Chris Evans remains solid and reliable as Captain America. However, I can’t help but feel frustrated that Nick Fury, the world’s greatest spy, was unaware of the fact that everyone in SHIELD apart from him and his two friends were completely corrupt. Really, Nick? Wake up! (Read further details here.)
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20. Avengers: Infinity War
This movie is grand in scale and ambition, and its finale is truly remarkable, yet there’s a sense that something essential is missing. If you’re seeking nothing but action and witty remarks from a Marvel film, then this might satisfy you. However, if you prefer the characters, camaraderie, and quieter scenes amidst the battles, this movie may not be your preferred choice. (For further discussion, check out the link here.)
19. Iron Man 3
The film was generally enjoyable, but its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe slightly detracted from it. The plot culminates in Tony Stark deciding to leave his Iron Man life behind and ride off. However, he went on to appear in five more films after this. Despite Guy Pearce’s underwhelming performance as Killian, Robert Downey Jr.’s frustrated interactions with a clever child were excellent. (You can read more about it here.)
18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Initially speaking: The climax, featuring dragons and beasts clashing amidst a dense gray fog, is a chaotic CGI spectacle that leaves much to be desired. However, before reaching this point, Shang-Chi could very well stand as Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. The bus fight scene, in particular, is highly enjoyable. Simu Liu delivers a compelling performance as the lead character, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh offering depth to the Marvel cinematic universe through their strong supporting roles. Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina provide ample comic relief throughout, with Kingsley’s portrayal of Trevor Slattery, the former Mandarin, evolving from a less popular Marvel villain into an endearing secondary character.
17. Thor
An extraordinary space odyssey unfolds primarily in the humblest corner of New Mexico – a small town. Despite some flaws, like those found in Thor, it stands out as the first Marvel film where exceptional acting and captivating performances managed to surpass structural and script difficulties, a trend that would later become synonymous with Marvel productions. (Continue reading here.)
16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In the task of creating “Wakanda Forever,” director Ryan Coogler encountered an incredibly tough predicament. Not only was he required to craft a sequel that matched the greatness of the original “Black Panther,” he had to accomplish this feat without his captivating lead, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, just as production on the film was about to begin. The movie shines brightest when it weaves Coogler and the cast’s grief over Boseman into the narrative of a mourning Wakanda dealing with the loss of its monarch. Unfortunately, the remainder of the film can be a bit disorganized; a collection of intriguing concepts, an abundance of characters, and a somewhat unclear villain, the underwater ruler Namor.
15. Captain America: Civil War
The plot is questionable and the entire film appears to be constructed around the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me emphasize how incredible that airport battle scene is! (For more details, check out this link.)
In this version, I’ve replaced some colloquial language with more formal alternatives, such as “The plot is questionable” instead of “The story doesn’t hold up to even a second of scrutiny,” and “the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport” instead of “THE BIG BATTLE AT THE AIRPORT.” I’ve also replaced “ZOMFG” with “let me emphasize,” which conveys similar excitement while being more polite.
14. Spider-Man: No Way Home
In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find similarities with Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both are packed with numerous villains, but on a positive note, this film effectively portrays the charm of Peter Parker as a character who consistently strives to correct his mistakes despite frequent failures. Additionally, it introduces the concept of the multiverse into MCU films in a significant manner, making a notable mark in the series’ narrative journey.
13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
After a fifteen-year absence, director Sam Raimi reentered the realm of Marvel heroes with this exhilaratingly zany adventure that revolves around a struggle for the destiny of the multiverse. In a fashion reminiscent of his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi cleverly incorporated elements reflecting his unique style – witty humor, frenzied zombies, sudden jolts – into the more conventional Marvel framework. (For further details, read this article.)
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Despite some criticisms – such as it not measuring up to the initial Avengers film and the confusing Wanda and Pietro subplot – I’m still baffled by the disdain towards this movie. However, the climactic scene where the Avengers unite to rescue every single soul in Sokovia encapsulates the essence of Marvel at its finest. (Read more
11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
Or:
10. Thor: Ragnarok
9. Spider-Man: Far From Home
In the sequel to Marvel’s Spidey movie, starring Tom Holland as the remarkable Spider-Man, the film slightly falls short of its predecessor but still offers a blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. Although no one utters “with great power comes great responsibility,” the movie Far From Home carries this theme as strongly as any other Spidey flick. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, grapples with his feelings for MJ (Zendaya’s humorous yet witty portrayal) while also following Nick Fury’s (Samuel L. Jackson’s irritable performance) instructions to combat a group of destructive elemental beings.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn expertly concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that offers just the right blend of Marvel elements: Thrilling action sequences, quirky science fiction visuals, and deeply emotional characters who captivate our hearts. By the finale of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon has evolved from a secondary Marvel character to one of the most compelling and tragic heroes within the company. Following a series of less-than-stellar films, Gunn makes it seem effortless. It’s unfortunate that he is now moving on to work with DC.
7. Avengers: Endgame
A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second-best Avengers film yet, it is packed with enormous action sequences, hearty laughter, and a likely record-breaking number of Easter eggs across any cinematic universe. (Continue reading
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most enjoyable films, there are captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unpredictable street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man (which he performs). Aren’t you hooked?!? (Continue reading here.)
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
At roughly the middle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline, the original Guardians movie was pivotal in showing that Marvel could handle more unconventional stories and still draw audiences. Before James Gunn came along, the Guardians were hardly noticed; however, under his direction, they became a massive success. It’s indisputable that Rocket is the best Guardian – this statement is beyond debate, so there’s no need to argue about it. (For more details, check out the link.)
4. Captain America: The First Avenger
Despite some roughness in its narrative structure, with the entire war being summarized in a montage, Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America stands out as an exceptional adaptation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film transformed a character often criticized for being too dull or antiquated into a dynamic, appealing, multi-layered individual embodying straightforward human values. A perfect choice to watch when seeking inspiration. [Read more here.]
3. Black Panther
In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for profound connections across the cosmos, Black Panther demonstrates the merits of a self-contained narrative. Towards the end of the movie, Black Panther decides to expose Wakanda to the global community (and its characters to future appearances), which is intended to signify a joyful resolution. However, if this decision leads to a sequel that becomes more scattered and relies heavily on guest appearances, it may not be as satisfying.
2. The Avengers
Despite the events of “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains an astonishing feat. Each character is expertly balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York stands out as one of the most impressive action sequences from this century. (Read more here.)
1. Iron Man
The original film remains unsurpassed in its brilliance. Reflecting on it now, we realize that being free from the constraints of a broader universe significantly enhanced its quality. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, tests his armor and subsequently takes flight for the first time, evoke the excitement of superpowers more effectively than any movie ever made by Marvel or any other studio. (Read more here.)
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2025-02-11 22:56