Every Original Avenger Actor’s Best Movie (And None of Them Are in the MCU)

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Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe often point to *The Avengers* (2012) as a favorite because it was the first time the core superhero team united on screen. The original six Avengers – Tony Stark/Iron Man, Steve Rogers/Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Hulk – have become iconic figures in the MCU, and the actors who play them are also highly respected for their skills. These stars have appeared in many great films, both as leads and supporting players, and anyone unfamiliar with their work should definitely check out some of their best movies.

Here’s a list of the best movie for each of the original six Avengers, ranked from best to worst.

6) Chris Hemsworth – Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

I was absolutely blown away by *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga*! It’s an incredible action movie with characters you really connect with. The film tells Furiosa’s story *before* the events of *Fury Road*, and it’s fascinating. Chris Hemsworth is phenomenal as Dementus – he’s genuinely terrifying and completely nails the role of this power-hungry villain. Like *Fury Road*, it’s packed with amazing car chases and intense fight scenes. It really builds on everything that made the last movie so great, expanding this post-apocalyptic world in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. Honestly, *Furiosa* is a huge win for the *Mad Max* franchise, and I think Hemsworth delivers the best performance of his career here. I can’t recommend it enough!

5) Scarlett Johansson – The Prestige

I truly believe *The Prestige* is one of Christopher Nolan’s best movies, and it’s cool to see Scarlett Johansson in it before she became a huge star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film has this amazing, mysterious feel and a beautiful old-fashioned look, telling the story of a really intense rivalry between two stage magicians. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman are fantastic as the magicians, Alfred Borden and Robert Angier, constantly trying to sabotage each other. But Scarlett’s character, Olivia Wenscombe, as their assistant, is really important to the whole story too!

Christopher Nolan’s *The Prestige* is a gripping film driven by the intense rivalry between its central characters. The actors deliver fantastic performances, making the already captivating story even better. The movie is perfectly paced and directed, building to a surprising and memorable ending that continues to be discussed. It’s a truly unforgettable first-time viewing, and a must-see for anyone who enjoys Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

4) Chris Evans – Knives Out

Many consider Chris Evans’s best film to be the clever mystery, *Knives Out* (2019). The movie features a fantastic cast and a captivating story about a wealthy family dealing with the death of their famous author patriarch. Evans delivers a standout performance as the arrogant and unlikeable Ransom Drysdale, demonstrating his range beyond his heroic role as Captain America. This first appearance of Detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, remains the most entertaining thanks to its sharp writing and funny characters. *Knives Out* offers a humorous look at family relationships while unraveling a murder, culminating in a satisfying and unexpected twist. While Evans hasn’t starred in many successful films outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, *Knives Out* is widely regarded as his best work.

3) Jeremy Renner – Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

Many fans consider 2011’s *Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol* to be one of the best films in the series, and it marks a great introduction to the character of William Brandt, played by Jeremy Renner. Brandt works well alongside Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and the team as they try to clear their names after being falsely accused of a bombing. While it doesn’t drastically change the *Mission: Impossible* formula, *Ghost Protocol* feels like a strong and welcome step forward for the franchise when viewed chronologically.

The action in this film is more thrilling and visually impressive than in previous movies, and the stunts are truly spectacular. Throughout their dangerous mission, Ethan and his team strengthen their connection, even as we learn unexpected things about Brandt’s past. Ultimately, *Ghost Protocol* masterfully blends fast-paced action with genuine emotion, making it Renner’s best film yet.

2) Mark Ruffalo – Zodiac

Mark Ruffalo likely has the strongest film history of the original Avengers cast, and his best movie is a hidden gem. *Zodiac* (2007) immediately grips you with its intense atmosphere, telling the true story of journalists trying to solve the Zodiac Killer case in the 1960s and 70s. But it’s more than just a typical crime movie; *Zodiac* offers a complex and thoughtful look at this unsolved mystery.

While the story becomes increasingly complicated and doesn’t always offer clear answers, the film *Zodiac* is still worth seeing thanks to its beautiful visuals and compelling characters. Though often overshadowed by Mark Ruffalo’s other popular films, *Zodiac* is a truly underrated gem that deserves more recognition.

1) Robert Downey Jr. – Oppenheimer

Okay, as a total movie fan, let me tell you, *Oppenheimer* (2023) is incredible. And get this – it’s the best film to feature one of the original *Avengers* cast! Robert Downey Jr. absolutely crushes his role as Lewis Strauss, a guy whose resentment towards Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy, who is phenomenal) really drives the story. It’s about the creation of the atomic bomb, and honestly, even though it’s three hours long and mostly people talking, it’s completely gripping. It really makes you think about what we as humans are capable of – both amazing things and terrible ones. The pacing is fantastic, and the score by Ludwig Göransson just adds to this incredibly tense, unsettling feeling. Seriously, it’s one of the best films of the 21st century so far, and without a doubt, Downey Jr.’s career-best performance.

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2025-10-11 18:24