When the Infinity Saga ended with that jaw-dropping climax, the Marvel Cinematic Universe found itself at a crossroads. For over a decade, the studio attracted fans with its interconnected web of superhero stories, and it all ended with the record-breaking success of Avengers: Endgame, and with the original team disbanding, the question on everyone’s minds was, “Where do we go from here?”
Marvel’s Phase Three delivered blockbuster after blockbuster and achieved all that was possible in the superhero genre. From the bold experimentation of Thor: Ragnarok to the massive scale of Avengers: Infinity War, the bar was raised so high it was almost impossible to reach it again. Or so we thought.
The MCU has reached new heights in the years since Avengers: Endgame by foraying into various genres and storytelling formats, including character-driven Disney+ series and animated projects. Now, we rank the top 10 MCU projects that have graced our screens, big and small, since Avengers: Endgame.
10 ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- Release Date
- November 11, 2022
- Runtime
- 2h 41m
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the world of Wakanda is plunged into turmoil after the sudden passing of their beloved king, T’Challa, and they’re facing the consequences of revealing themselves to the American and European powers. Meanwhile, a new threat emerges from the depths of the ocean in the form of Namor and his technologically-advanced underwater kingdom of Talokan. Queen Ramonda, Shuri, and the Dora Milaje are forced to navigate the volatile landscape and protect their home.
Pays Tribute to a Fallen Hero
A powerful exploration of grief, honoring one’s legacy, and dealing with the sudden burden of leadership, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an emotional sequel that ties all the threads of the previous film and the wider MCU together quite seamlessly. The movie features standout performances from Angela Bassett, whose deeply penetrating gaze, and Letitia Wright, whose impulsive rage draws all the attention. At the worldwide box office, the movie grossed $859.2 million, and it also sweeped several award nominations.
9 ‘What If...?’ (2021 – 2024)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's first foray into the realm of animated storytelling on television, What If...? takes audiences on a fascinating ride through a multitude of alternate timelines and imagined realities. Each episode presents a reality where a major moment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is altered and tries to understand how it would affect the beloved characters. From a world where zombies have overrun the planet to one where Peggy Carter becomes the First Avenger instead of Steve Rogers, the possibilities to explore are endless.
A Dazzling Exploration of the Multiverse
What If…? not only offers a refreshing look at some canon events but also features a captivating blend of humor, action, and perspective and allows audiences to explore their favorite characters deeper in some of the most shocking themes and scenarios. The series, however underseen or underrated, is a standout addition to the MCU because of its unique and unfamiliar take on fan-favorite adventures.
8 ‘Ms. Marvel’ (2022)
- Release Date
- June 8, 2022
- Cast
- Iman Vellani , Matt Lintz , Zenobia Shroff , Rish Shah , Mohan Kapur
- Seasons
- 1
Taking Marvel fans to the bustling streets of Jersey City, Ms. Marvel tells the story of 16-year-old Pakistani-American Kamala Khan as she navigates the challenges of high school and the expectations of her traditional family. But when Kamala discovers that she gains extraordinary cosmic powers from a magical bangle, her world is turned upside down, and she’s forced to juggle this newfound identity and the attention it brings with discovering her true purpose.
Celebrates Diversity and Empowerment
One of the best additions to the MCU since Avengers: Endgame is this origin story that feels as real as it is vibrant. Praised for its authentic representation, relatable coming-of-age narrative, and infectious energy, Ms. Marvel has the kind of nuance and charm that immediately drew audiences in. Of course, at the center of it all is Iman Vellani’s portrayal of Kamala Khan, which is adorable, fierce, lively, and “tailor-made for her.” With its refreshing perspective and a storyline that lays the foundation for Marvel’s ever-expanding universe, the six-episode series deserves all the limelight it gets.
Ms. Marvel: Why You Should Watch the Disney+ Series
The MCU's Ms. Marvel is a fantastic show, yet it hasn't quite found its audience. Here's why Marvel fans shouldn't skip it.
7 ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ (2022)
Drawing inspiration from the horror genre in its entirety and directed by Evil Dead’s Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness practically changed the direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Set right after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, when the full power of the multiverse was unleashed, the movie finds Doctor Strange at the center of a vortex of sorcery, intrigue, and multiversal threats. He teams up with Wanda Maximoff, who has dark intentions of her own.
An Ambitious, Dark, Genre-Defying Masterpiece
Raimi’s foray into the MCU is a delightful and visually stunning exploration of the multiverse and its darkest corners. The movie tests the powers, limits, and moral convictions of its characters, particularly those of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, and also features Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch embracing her true form. What’s interesting, however, is Raimi’s use of lighting, the sudden shift in camera angles, scaring through jolts, and the kaleidoscopic visuals. All of these expand the possibilities of what the MCU can achieve.
6 ‘Agatha All Along’ (2024)
The MCU’s most recent outing on Disney+ is a WandaVision spin-off that dives into the backstory of Agatha Harkness, the powerful witch who captivated audiences with her wicked actions and mischievous schemes. The series begins with her trapped under a spell and her encounter with a mysterious Teen, who insists they embark on the legendary Witches' Road to get Agatha’s powers back. So she assembles a coven, and together, they face the trails of The Road while being pursued by the Salem Seven.
Puts a Bold and Terrifying Twist
Powered by Kathryn Hahn's scene-stealing performance and the introduction of truly mesmerizing characters played by Joe Locke, Debra Jo Rupp, Aubrey Plaza, Patti LuPone, and more, Agatha All Along is one of the studio’s greatest achievements since Avengers: Endgame. It takes the audience on a wild ride through Agatha’s history and her thirst for power and control as well as the Teen’s true identity, with the supernatural and magical undertones making it a worthy entry into the MCU’s catalog of horror TV shows and movies.
5 ‘Loki’ (2021 – 2023)
- Release Date
- June 9, 2021
- Seasons
- 2
After stealing the Tesseract in Avengers: Endgame and narrowly escaping the timeline, the unpredictable trickster Loki finds himself in the custody of the Time Variance Authority, a secret organization responsible for maintaining the order and integrity of the Sacred Timeline. The TVA gives Loki an impossible choice to make, one that forces him to confront his past and the consequences of his actions, all while uncovering a plot that threatens the fabric of reality.
A Mischievous Dive into the Multiverse
Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, or the God of Mischief, has gone from being a villain to hero and back so many times in the MCU’s elaborate timeline that it’s almost impossible to keep track of his true intentions at any given time. But the Disney+ series allows him the transformative arc of self-discovery and a narrative subverts audiences’ expectations at every turn. It also features characters like Mobius and Sylvie and turns itself into a puzzle waiting to be solved. Loki currently consists of two delightful and dizzying seasons, with a third not entirely out of the books yet.
4 ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the beloved team of ragtag heroes embark on what they believe to be their final mission together. The movie picks up after the events of Avengers: Endgame, with the Guardians reeling from the loss of Gamora and facing new cosmic threats. As they try to protect the galaxy, they confront the enigmatic but troubled Adam Warlock, who was created with the sole purpose of destroying the Guardians.
A Bittersweet Farewell to an Epic Trilogy
Directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a winning send-off for one of the MCU’s most beloved ensembles. It brings together the emotional and cosmic threads of each of the character’s stories, dives into Rocket’s haunting origins, and ties all cosmic threads together to deliver a movie that is hilarious, heartbreaking, and visually stunning. The killer soundtrack and unforgettable performances from the always-reliable cast also play a part in providing a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
3 ‘WandaVision’ (2021)
- Release Date
- January 15, 2021
- Seasons
- 1
The very first television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, WandaVision is a continuation of the events of Avengers: Endgame. In it, Wanda Maximoff and Vision find themselves trapped in the suburban town of Westview, where reality appears to be modeled after classic sitcoms. The couples traverse the ever-evolving eras of television and raise their two boys, while the show slowly reveals the greater, more sinister forces at play.
Combines Classic Sitcom Charm and Marvel Intrigue
WandaVision is as much about the mystery, heartbreak, drama, and nostalgia of the Infinity Saga ending as it is about revealing the depths of Wanda’s grief and the untapped powers that lie within her. Helmed by the dynamic duo of Matt Shakman and Jac Schaeffer, the series takes its sweet time to transition from the tropes of classic television to the high-stakes drama of the MCU. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany’s electric chemistry paired with a bold narrative is what earned WandaVision enormous praise from critics and a devoted fan following.
The Best Marvel TV Shows That Came Out Before Disney+
A lot of great Marvel shows came out in the pre-Disney+ era. Here are the best ones.
2 ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)
- Release Date
- December 17, 2021
- Cast
- Angourie Rice , Tom Holland , Zendaya Coleman , Marisa Tomei , J.K. Simmons , Benedict Cumberbatch , Willem Dafoe , Jamie Foxx , Alfred Molina , Tobey Maguire , Andrew Garfield
When Peter Parker’s secret identity as Spider-Man is exposed at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home, his life is turned upside down. He seeks Doctor Strange to help restore his anonymity by erasing everyone’s memory of Spider-Man, but in doing so, he inadvertently shatters the boundaries of the multiverse and villains from other dimensions, including Green Goblin, Electro, and Doctor Octopus, enter Peter’s world.
An Unforgettable Cinematic Moment
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, the stakes were higher than ever because Tom Holland’s Spider-Man teamed up with alternate versions of himself, played by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, to set things right in his universe. The movie was a cinematic event that thrived on nostalgia, incredible action, and heartfelt character moments. It broke box office records, grossing over $1.9 billion worldwide, and received critical acclaim for reshaping the MCU with a concept so grand, tangible, and adventurous.
1 ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024)
In a bold, unexpected, and R-rated move, Deadpool & Wolverine teams the Merc with a Mouth with the clawed mutant for some good old buddy action. The movie kicks off with Wade Wilson/Deadpool, in his usual chaotic fashion, being captured by the Time Variance Authority and offered a chance to move to Earth-616, but the catch is that his reality will die. Seeking help, Deadpool looks for a Variant of Logan and the duo embarks on a hilarious journey to stop Mr. Paradox from using the Time Ripper and destroying countless lives.
The Ultimate Team-Up of Anti-Heroes
Breaking the fourth wall and poking fun at the ever-evolving Marvel landscape, Shawn Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine made good on all the hype and anticipation it stirred in the months before its release. The dynamic chemistry between the irreverent face of the Deadpool franchise and the gruff charm of X-Men’s most beloved anti-hero combined with the comedic timing, the visual flair, the over-the-top action sequences, and the unpredictable cameos, and the movie became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time and marked a huge success for the MCU.
Comments
Post a Comment