Every Standalone MCU Movie, Ranked

It’s hard to think of any Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film as completely separate, because the franchise is built around everything being connected. When we talk about ‘standalone‘ movies here, we mean films that don’t have immediate sequels planned. That said, many of these films could get sequels down the line, and probably will.

Okay, let’s talk about those Marvel movies that haven’t gotten follow-ups. Right now, there are six of them, though Deadpool and Wolverine would make seven if we’re being strict. But that one’s a bit different – it’s connected to the previous Deadpool films, so it’s not totally a one-off. It’s interesting because most of Marvel’s biggest heroes have had three movies dedicated to them, which makes this list of solo films a pretty exclusive group. And honestly, even though these films don’t always star the most famous faces in the MCU, they’re some of the best movies Marvel’s ever produced, in my opinion.

Several of these films didn’t get sequels because of issues with rights and permissions, and others simply didn’t earn enough money to justify making another one. However, some sequels are still possible in the future, but these movies currently stand well on their own as strong additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

6. The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Even now, The Incredible Hulk is often overlooked within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is largely because the movie doesn’t quite feel connected to the rest of the series. As the second film released, the MCU hadn’t fully developed its shared world yet, and its only real link to the larger story is a brief cameo by Tony Stark at the very end, which feels a bit forced.

I’ll admit, it always felt a little strange to me that Mark Ruffalo wasn’t playing Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk – he’s so iconic in the role now! Seeing Edward Norton step in was different, and it does make the film feel a bit separate from the rest of the MCU. But honestly? It’s not a bad movie at all! I think it’s a really solid superhero story, and Norton actually gives a great performance. People seemed to agree at the time, the reviews were actually quite good!

Movies have become increasingly significant within the Marvel Cinematic Universe lately. Characters like Thaddeus Ross are now playing bigger roles, and we’ve even seen the Abomination appear in a few projects since 2020. However, the MCU sets a very high standard, so even a generally well-received film can end up ranking lower when compared to the very best.

5. Eternals (2021)

As a huge Marvel fan, I was so excited for Eternals. It felt like the next big phase after Endgame, especially with how the trailers presented this new team. Sadly, it just didn’t click with audiences. It didn’t do well in theaters, but honestly, the biggest shock was that it was the first MCU movie to get genuinely negative reviews – it actually ended up being labeled ‘Rotten’ on Rotten Tomatoes, which nobody expected.

The movie Eternals boasts a talented and diverse cast, including well-known actors like Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, and Salma Hayek. It was also directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao. However, despite being a good film overall, Eternals tries to cover too much ground, leaving it feeling rushed.

The movie tries to introduce a lot – around twelve new characters – in just two and a half hours. That’s a difficult task for any film, which is why The Avengers took the time to establish its characters before bringing them together. Eternals would have worked better as a TV series, with 8-10 episodes allowing for more in-depth character development. As it stands, many of the characters feel underdeveloped, which is a letdown.

4. Black Widow (2021)

Fans had been waiting for a solo movie starring Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff, and it finally arrived, even though her character had already died in Avengers: Endgame. The film takes place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, when Natasha was in hiding, and while it tells her story, it also brilliantly introduces Yelena Belova.

Yelena is arguably one of the best characters the MCU has introduced since Avengers: Endgame. Florence Pugh delivers a consistently fantastic performance, and she shines in this film alongside Rachel Weisz and David Harbour. Their acting was a major strength, frequently praised by reviewers, while the movie’s visual effects were a common point of criticism.

Black Widow successfully blends serious and lighthearted moments. It starts with a particularly memorable and emotionally impactful opening, and maintains that depth throughout, while still offering plenty of humor and fun.

3. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

The newest Marvel movie is a big deal because it introduces the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The cast – featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn – immediately shines, with strong chemistry between the actors.

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” feels different from other stories in the series, and that’s part of what makes it interesting. It’s set in a separate universe, and it leans more into science fiction than action or humor, giving it a distinct feel.

Critics loved The Fantastic Four: First Steps, especially the performances, with Julia Garner receiving standout praise for her role as the Silver Surfer. These characters are expected to play important roles in future Avengers films and are strong candidates for their own sequel.

2. Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021)

In 2021, Marvel began exploring new directions for its stories after the conclusion of the Avengers: Endgame saga. While not all of these experiments were successful, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was widely praised. What made Shang-Chi stand out was its unique feel, offering something different from other Marvel films.

As a big fan of action films, I really appreciated how Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings focused on incredible, practical hand-to-hand combat. Honestly, some of those fight sequences were absolutely stunning, and I even found them more exciting and impactful than the massive CGI showdown at the end.

I was completely captivated by Simu Liu – he just has this incredible presence! And Tony Leung was a fantastic villain, truly memorable. Plus, seeing Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, and Ben Kingsley all together was a real treat. Honestly, I’ve been waiting five years for another Shang-Chi movie, and it feels like forever!

1. Thunderbolts* (2025)

Many doubted Thunderbolts would ever see the light of day. The Marvel Cinematic Universe was experiencing some successes and failures, and a movie focusing on lesser-known characters teaming up as a makeshift hero group felt like a risky project studios often cancel. Fortunately, the film was made and proved to be surprisingly significant.

The movie Thunderbolts initially seemed like Marvel’s version of DC’s Suicide Squad, assembling characters like Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and John Walker. However, the film surprised audiences by presenting them as a new iteration of the Avengers – a bold decision that ultimately worked thanks to the film’s strong quality.

This movie really made the characters feel relatable and worth rooting for. By the end, their bond feels like a genuine family – more so than many other teams we’ve seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, the film thoughtfully explores important issues like mental health and depression, making Thunderbolts a standout addition to the MCU.

2026-05-06 16:42