10 Marvel Movies You Must See Before You Die

I’ve been watching the superhero genre explode at the movies, and it’s amazing! A lot of that success is definitely thanks to Marvel – they’ve been proving people love their characters for years. Even before the MCU really took off, Marvel movies were popular. While the recent films are visually stunning with all the CGI, it’s not just about that. There have been so many great Marvel adaptations, both animated and live-action, that really stand out as quality films.

While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has given us many classic superhero films, other franchises have also succeeded. Bringing well-known and popular superhero stories to the big screen clearly resonates with both audiences and critics, and several Marvel adaptations have proven to be huge blockbusters. For anyone who loves comics or movies, there are certain Marvel films that are essential viewing.

10) Blade (1998)

As a critic, I always appreciate looking back at films that paved the way for what’s popular today, and 1998’s *Blade* definitely deserves that recognition. It came out a full ten years before the Marvel Cinematic Universe really took off, and honestly, it’s a strong contender for the most impactful Marvel movie of the late 20th century. What *Blade* did was prove audiences would accept a darker, more violent take on superheroes. Wesley Snipes absolutely *owned* the role of Blade, the half-vampire Daywalker, delivering a truly iconic performance as he hunted the creatures of the night. It really launched the original *Blade* trilogy with a bang.

Blade blends the gritty style of the late 1990s with over-the-top superhero action. It’s a unique movie in the superhero genre, feeling both like a product of its time and surprisingly timeless. While it’s simply a fun watch, Blade is also important for anyone interested in how Marvel movies have changed and developed over the years.

9) Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Few movies have generated as much excitement as *Avengers: Infinity War*, and its sequel is probably the only one that rivals it. The film kicked off the grand finale of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, a story that had been building for 23 movies. *Infinity War* brought together a huge cast of characters and remains a truly significant achievement in the superhero genre.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve heard a lot of people say *Infinity War* is one of the very best Avengers films, and it’s easy to see why everyone needs to watch it. What really impressed me was how the movie brought together so many different storylines and characters – it all felt so connected and believable. But honestly, the biggest draw for me was just the incredible, non-stop action and the feeling that everything was on the line. When you look at superhero movies in general, *Avengers: Infinity War* is definitely one of the most important Marvel has ever made.

8) Avengers: Endgame (2019)

The Russo brothers directed some of the most beloved movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with *Avengers: Endgame* often considered their best. Picking up after the cliffhanger ending of *Avengers: Infinity War*, *Endgame* truly wrapped up the story of the Infinity Saga, as the remaining Avengers faced off against Thanos one last time to reverse his devastating actions. The film is packed with memorable scenes that have become iconic in pop culture and cemented its place in film history.

Avengers: Endgame is a must-see Marvel film, widely considered the peak of superhero movies. It’s especially meaningful for longtime fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a powerfully emotional conclusion to years of storytelling. Beyond its quality, Endgame is also incredibly popular, cementing its place as a landmark achievement in the genre.

7) Iron Man (2008)

The Infinity Saga has many memorable Iron Man scenes, but the original 2008 *Iron Man* movie still stands out. It brought the character to life on screen with perfect casting and launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the massive franchise it is today. It’s a must-see for any Marvel fan.

Even though it was the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film, *Iron Man* remains remarkably enjoyable. The special effects still look great, and the movie features consistently strong writing and performances. It’s a hugely important film for Marvel and the superhero genre, as it launched a massive, still-thriving live-action franchise that began nearly twenty years ago.

6) Spider-Man (2002)

Spider-Man is a hugely popular superhero who has been a major presence in movies for decades. His modern film journey began in 2002 with Sam Raimi’s *Spider-Man*, a film that became a classic in the superhero genre. Starring Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man, the movie told the hero’s origin story, featuring Willem Dafoe as the villain Green Goblin and starting the memorable romance between Peter Parker (Maguire) and Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst).

Beyond being a landmark film in the superhero genre, *Spider-Man* still holds up remarkably well over twenty years later. Its special effects are seamless and natural, and the strong performances from the cast give it a classic quality. Sam Raimi’s first *Spider-Man* movie truly captures the feel of a comic book, and it’s a story every Marvel fan should see.

5) Spider-Man 2 (2004)

While Sam Raimi’s original *Spider-Man* is a classic, *Spider-Man 2* is in a league of its own. Many consider it one of the best superhero sequels ever made, building on the first film’s story with a new villain and a deeper look at Peter Parker’s struggles with balancing his normal life and superhero duties. Released in 2004, it remains a fan favorite, largely due to its exceptional filmmaking.

Spider-Man 2 is a clear step up from the first film in every way – the action is better, the story is more compelling, the characters are more developed, and even the romance feels more genuine. It truly captures what makes Spider-Man such a popular hero and demonstrates the incredible potential of Marvel adaptations. Plus, it has a perfect ending, making it a remarkably satisfying and important entry in the superhero genre.

4) The Avengers (2012)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has had many great moments, but few are as important as those in *The Avengers*. Released in 2012, it concluded the first phase of the MCU and was the first time all six of the previously introduced heroes teamed up in a single movie. *The Avengers* was a groundbreaking film, not just for the franchise, but for the entire superhero movie genre.

Beyond its significance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, *The Avengers* is simply a great film. The characters are well-developed with a good balance of humor and depth, making each one feel essential to the story, even with their diverse backgrounds and abilities. *The Avengers* showcases the MCU’s creative approach to bringing comics to the screen and remains one of the franchise’s strongest team movies.

3) Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

When *Spider-Man: No Way Home* came out, it was widely considered the best Marvel Cinematic Universe film since *Avengers: Endgame*. It kicked off the MCU’s exploration of the Multiverse and delighted fans with the return of previous Spider-Man actors, iconic costumes, and familiar villains. Because of this, *No Way Home* is a must-see for any Spider-Man fan and a key movie in the MCU’s ongoing Multiverse Saga.

Despite potentially relying too heavily on nostalgia, *No Way Home* seamlessly fits into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe while also celebrating past Spider-Man films. The return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker was a hugely satisfying moment, providing closure for fans of their earlier movies. *No Way Home* is a prime example of Marvel’s ability to understand and deliver exactly what audiences want to see in a blockbuster film.

2) Logan (2017)

While Wolverine has appeared in several films, 2017’s *Logan* is widely considered his best live-action portrayal. The movie drew inspiration from the *Old Man Logan* comic book storyline, setting the aging hero in a future where mutants are nearly gone. Directed by James Mangold, *Logan* differed significantly from earlier X-Men movies, thanks to its R rating which allowed for intense violence and a raw, unforgettable depiction of Wolverine.

Everyone generally agrees that *Logan* is a fantastic movie, especially for fans of Marvel or superhero films. It’s widely considered one of the best Marvel movies ever made, thanks to its deeply emotional story. The film skillfully uses action, sadness, and impactful scenes to stand out as a truly great comic book movie. It’s unlike anything else in the Marvel universe and a must-see for any movie lover.

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

Superhero movies based on comic books have been incredibly popular this century. But the success of *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* shows that animated films can be just as good, if not better, than live-action ones. The movie tells the story of Miles Morales becoming Spider-Man, and he teams up with other Spider-People from different universes to help him.

While *Into the Spider-Verse* features a fantastic voice cast, its most captivating aspect is its incredible animation. The film truly feels like a comic book come to life, presenting a visually stunning and immersive world for one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes. *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* proves that the superhero genre can still be innovative and fresh, as long as it stays true to the heart of the original comic books, making it essential viewing for Marvel enthusiasts.

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2025-10-08 18:13