When I was growing up, I was always interested in superheroes and their powers. Then, many many movies came out about them. Through the years I always enjoyed watching them, whether new or classic. But, one brand of superhero films really caught my eye, Marvel. Marvel Studios has some of the most known cinematic masterpieces and stay true to the feel of their movies. With one of their newest projects shattering the box office, along with the world record of highest grossing movie, the Avengers story line has been nothing short of amazing so far. 

However, I am going to look at my top 10 favorite Marvel films, whether they are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, (MCU), or not. 

10. The Amazing Spider-Man 2

This Spider-Man movie wasn’t just another reboot of a fan favorite superhero, this one movie had more to it. The acting was great but when it comes to the villains of this film, their acting was amazing, pun intended. Jamie Foxx as Electro was, on the surface, an odd choice. However, when he is playing the part, Electro is made into the best villain of the movie and series. Dane Dehaan, (Harry Osborne), did a great job as posing as the kid who has nothing left in life, but revenge. The other actors were great and played their parts well. The camera angles of the film were also very well done to show; loss, concern, and even disturbances of conscious. The ASM2 was a great film to watch for relaxing or even Friday movie night. 

          9. The Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk was another great origin story and is a Marvel classic whenever I come across it. The set up of Bruce Banner and his “incident” is well done and adds some real suspense as to when the Hulk will be set free. The film was very well done for the times and I still personally enjoy watching it. The Abomination was well done acting and design wise. Additionally, the Abomination is freakishly awesome as a villain and is immensely powerful. This film was a great and is a great addition to any Marvel movie collection.

    8. The Avengers

2012’s The Avengers was an amazing film to start off the assembling of The Avengers. This is one of the many films that is composed of great film techniques. This film is a great example of how Mise En Scene. When the main villain is introduced, Loki,  the frame is in-close on his sinister grin and his evil plans are projected through his eyes. This whole scene of Loki’s entrance is filled with dread and ultimate suspense, conveying evil has arrived. Later on, a member of the Avengers needs to be released from a brain drain. The scene uses shaky camera movements and the colors of the scene are somewhat distorted. This scene helps convey struggle or mental strain and you can almost feel a headache being transferred from the screen. The Avengers was and still is a classic Marvel film and is a great way to learn a little something about Mise En Scene. 

7. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

As an example of how the sequel can be better, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 was a very enjoyable film and, just like the first one, a musical classic. Director James Gunn does an amazing job at creating these two movies and fills this movie with comedy and lots of color, both figuratively and literally. Not only did this movie provide a great storyline and great laughs, but it also added lots of emotions between close friends and even between family, with a touch of self sacrifice into the mix. The conflicts can then the unity between each hero is amazing and I applaud Gunn for doing so. This film really connects to Auteur Theory, in that Gunn really feels more of an author of the story, rather than being just the director. However, most of the musical feelings and character choices are due to Gunn’s influence on the screen. 

6.  Avengers: Age Of Ultron

Age Of Ultron was a good sequel to the original Avengers film. This film, again introduces a very fearful villain who no should want to face. The villain, Ultron, has rage and vengeance in his A.I processors and Ultron’s actor, James Spader, did a phenomenal job at portraying the genocidal robot. Ultron made this movie with his unique quips and his psychotic awesomeness. This movie, even though the unkindly reviews, was a good superhero movie. The theme and plot was very interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the acting and imagery the film showed. 

5. Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Infinity War was a phenomenal movie, one that I will certainly never forget my first viewing. The tone of the movie was definitely a dark and eerie feeling and the suspense of what was to happen next was amazing. The protagonist of the movie, Thanos, yes it was Thanos. Infinity War was Thanos’s film for these reasons: He is first introduced by his very own hype man; he then “toys” with one of the strongest characters we know in this universe, then stops one of the strongest characters we know; and he is the most talked about character leading up to this movie’s premiere, this was indeed Thanos’s movie. The ending left us, the audience, in shock and left us heartbroken when the heroes took their first loss, not to mention the loss of half of all life. This film was not only exhilarating, but it helped the following of this story line to be satisfying and amazing. 

      4. Black Panther

Black Panther was the perfect origin story to a new character in the Marvel Universe. The storytelling was amazing and perfectly clear to the audience. The character’s were awesome and the villain was a great foe. Killmonger was perfect and executed with lots of care and detail. As with Killmonger, the attention to detail of culture and technology was phenomenal. The director was able to capture real life fashions of African countries and weave them into technological advances. Black Panther was an amazing film and many people enjoyed it as I did. 

3.  Captain America: Civil War

Now I am going to be honest, this movie and the film in the second spot are almost equally my second favorite Marvel film. Both films really deliver on action and story arcs but, Captain America: Civil War was a bit short in why I liked these two movies. However, this movie did not disappoint, though it’s 3rd placing. Civil War was an amazing film and I love rewatching this movie all the time. The action and the overall conflict was great and relates to a roller coaster with many ups and downs. The new characters introduced in this movie were great and led to some of the greatest Marvel moments. The villain of this film was surprisingly scary in what he was able to do to our beloved characters. He was able to literally and figuratively rip the Avengers apart. A great film nonetheless of coming in third place. 

2.  Avengers: Endgame

Smashing the box office as the highest grossing movie in history, Endgame was a fantastic movie and left me satisfied and excited for what was next. Endgame was a great film and a great closer to the claimed “Infinity Saga” films. But, of course, with what starts a series has to come to an end eventually. This saga was kicked off with Iron Man in 2008 and ended with his death at the end of the film. His sacrifice made this movie a satisfying end to the saga and he helped pass on the Avengers to face new challenges and new members to come. Endgame was done perfectly and is a great watch for any superhero fan, although I do recommend watching a few other Marvel films before seeing this one, for context, of course. 

Before I list number one, here are my honorable mentions for the number one spot:

• X-Men: First Class
• Spider-Man 3
• Iron-Man
• Spider-Man: Far From Home

1. Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 has to be my most favorite Marvel movie to date. My favorite superhero is, in fact, Iron Man so this movie was always going to be on this list. Iron Man 3 is my favorite due to the storytelling and the change of character that Tony Stark faces. This movie was a great classic film and I enjoyed every moment of this film. Additionally, the film introduces an expectation subversion of who the real villain is and it is a great shake of story plot. Robert Downey Jr. does it again and nails the role of playing the genius, playboy, billionaire, philanthropist, Tony Stark. The challenges that Stark faces in this film really humanizes Tony down to our level and it is very exciting to watch. And that is the exact reason this is my favorite Marvel movie.