The Top 9 Marvel Movies With the Biggest Impact

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has created a franchise so grand that an entire generation grew up to be a part of a world shared by fans all over the world. Since 2008, these movies have given power, strength, and most importantly, hope to people that they can always resort to the MCU in times of need. Fans look up to these superheroes, perhaps even find relatable attributes in them. Gracing the silver screen with all their might, these movies have become events that people eagerly wait to watch. Every time a new trailer is dropped, fans immediately stop doing whatever it is they’re completing at that moment - even if they’re collecting online sports betting bonuses in Naija. With more than two dozen movies out (and more coming), these are the top MCU films that have impacted fans the most.      

1. The Avengers

It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 years since our favorite heroes got together for the first time. The Avengers—released in 20212—was the sixth installation of the MCU. Despite the fact that we’ve seen more jaw-dropping moments in the history of the franchise, one does not easily forget their first time. The Avengers marked the end of the Phase One MCU films and made way for future movies to live up to its expectations, if not to surpass them. Praised for direction, visual effects, action scenes, and musical score, this film remains ingrained in many fans’ hearts.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that every Captain America movie is a cinematic masterpiece. As much as we all enjoyed watching the origin story of Steve Rogers evolving to a super soldier in the first film, it’s The Winter Soldier that set a new standard to plot twists in Marvel movies. Reviving Captain Rogers’ best friend, the film brought forth moral dilemmas in superhero movies—do we side with the ones closest to us even if they have become a murderous machine Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan make a duo so enjoyable to watch that we easily team with Captain America rather than Iron Man.

3. Iron Man

Our first, our last, our everything. Iron Man is what kickstarted the legacy of the MCU. For the longest time, Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine were our favorites until Robert Downey Jr. stunned the world with his outstanding and accurate portrayal of Tony Stark. Iron Man, which was released in 2008, was directed by Jon Favreau—we get to see the latter play his chauffeur, personal assistant, bodyguard, and on-screen best friend Harold “Happy Hogan”. As iconic as Robert Downey Jr. has been in the entire franchise, we personally thank Jon Favreau for initiating the start of something new.

4. Captain America: Civil War

Of course, there are two Captain America movies on the list. Just when we thought that Bucky’s return in the previous film was shocking, we are given the very first appearance of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War. The film had a stellar cast with the MCU originals, as well as Anthony Mackie’s Falcon, the late Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther, Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man, and Daniel Brühl’s Helmut Zemo. In Civil War, the Avengers separate into opposing factions due to disagreement regarding the international oversight of the Earth’s mightiest heroes.

5. Black Panther

Even though Chadwick Boseman had little time with us in this world, he managed to impact the world with such vigor and force that he touched our hearts forever. Released in 2018, Black Panther was a part of the Phase Three movies of the MCU. The predominantly Black cast was the first of its kind in the franchise. Black Panther was taken notice of its cultural significance, with many praising it as the best film in the MCU. The movie was critically acclaimed for its costume design, acting, direction, receiving several accolades including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture—this marked the first superhero movie nomination for that category.

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Until Homecoming, fans always had a dispute over which Spider-Man was the best—Tobey Maguire’s or Andrew Garlfied’s. The arguments were put to an end when Tom Holland graced the silver screen with the most accurate portrayal of the character yet. The friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is funny, adorable, relatable, and most importantly, yearning to do good deeds and be a part of something bigger than himself. Spider-Man: Homecoming premiered in 2017 with the second-biggest global IMAX opening for a Sony film. Holland was praised for his performance, and the movie marked yet another unexpected plot twist that flabbergasted viewers.

7. Avengers: Infinity War

Hope persists in superhero movies, but Avengers: Infinity War was anything but. Most MCU movies offer bittersweet endings so fans do not give up, but this one Just bitter, no sweet. The star-studded cast of Infinity War showed a lot of promise for being victorious in battles, but the war was ultimately won by the Mad Titan. Avengers: Infinity War was one of the most expensive films ever made and successfully grossed more than $2.4 billion worldwide, setting several records.  

8. Avengers: Endgame

Fans waited an entire year to learn about the aftermath of Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame certainly didn’t disappoint. The Phase Three movie revisited many fan-favorite moments from earlier MCU films, with a number of former characters making appearances throughout. Though Endgame was certainly a more hopeful film, it also marked the end of several original MCU characters—it was time to say goodbye to more than one character. Despite the bittersweet ending, Avengers: Endgame set the scene for plenty of future Marvel movies, as well as a promise of new characters fulfilling their legacies.

9. Spider-Man: No Way Home

The only reason why Spider-Man: No Way Home is at the bottom of the list is because it’s the newest one yet. But do not underestimate the influence of this MCU masterpiece. One could admit that No Way Home is entirely a fan service. As impactful as the Avenger movies have been (with star-studded casts and return of old characters), nothing beats the screams and chants of viewers in the movie theater when their favorite Spider-Man was on screen—no matter which of them is their favorite. The 2021 superhero film became the sixth highest-grossing film of all time, and we totally understand why.  

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