How to Fix the Marvel Multiverse Saga

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It’s surprising to note that if Marvel had followed their initial plan, we would have been watching the next Avengers movie in just under two months from now. Originally scheduled for release on May 2, 2025, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was intended to hit the screens much sooner than expected.

A significant amount has transpired since then, not all of which can be attributed to Marvel. Regardless, ticket purchases are not made for explanations. Many Marvel enthusiasts find “The Multiverse Saga” underwhelming thus far, and they’re concerned that Marvel’s efforts to rectify the situation – such as re-enlisting the Russo brothers and casting Robert Downey Jr. in a new Doctor Doom role – may be hasty attempts to divert attention from the franchise’s perceived decline.

Things didn’t need to unfold like they did in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s not difficult to imagine a different path for the MCU if just a few adjustments were made to its original lineup. In our latest video, we offer an alternate vision of the Multiverse Saga that promises more intrigue and satisfaction. We shuffle some elements around, transforming films into TV series (like Eternals!) and vice versa. Of course, this reimagining is done with the advantage of hindsight. So, take a look and see if you agree that these changes could have made for a more enthralling MCU experience.

If you enjoyed the video discussing the ideal outcome of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga, don’t forget to explore more videos from us! We have a variety of content, such as speculation about a possible secret X-Men film by Marvel, an analysis of Easter eggs hidden in Daredevil: Born Again Episode 3, and insights into which parts of Daredevil: Born Again were reshot, revealing how additional work saved it from being just another disappointment on Disney+. You can find even more videos over at ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe so you won’t miss any future episodes! New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again air weekly on Disney+.

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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

35. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have anticipated a Marvel film, helmed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics, to potentially be the studio’s least indispensable production. Regrettably, Eternals, despite being largely faithful to Kirby’s core concepts, fails to coalesce effectively. It introduces several minor yet significant alterations – for instance, transforming the villainous Deviants into generic monsters devoid of objectives and motivations. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the leading pair – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – struggle to convincingly portray their long-standing romantic connection (spanning 6,000 years, they appear as if on their first awkward date). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to forsake these ideas repeatedly in favor of routine combat sequences involving unengaging monsters. It’s challenging to conceive a more tedious film about immortal alien robots striving to thwart impending apocalypse than this one.

34. The Incredible Hulk

As a movie critic, I must admit that watching this Marvel production felt like stumbling upon an unfinished draft. It’s as if the success of “Iron Man” took them by surprise and they hurriedly threw this together. Loki, the God of Mischief, deserves better than having Tim Roth cast as the world’s most formidable soldier – a character who transforms into something resembling a bulky, bony creature that is less than impressive. (For more insights, read further here.)

33. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, we ended up with a film that felt quite dreary. The main focus was a tedious pursuit of a mystical object, with one of the least engaging villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s a silver lining, it might be that this movie’s less-than-stellar performance could have influenced Marvel to take more risks and create the dynamic and exciting Thor: Ragnarok as we know it today. (Read more .)

32. The Marvels

This Marvel film, though not the worst in the series, can be considered quite disorganized and intense. It surpasses three other movies on the list, but its narrative is a bit muddled, to say the least. The film introduces three captivating Marvel characters: Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau. They team up to halt a Kree warlord intent on causing havoc for reasons that remain unclear. Despite the actors delivering compelling performances together, the plot is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that seem illogical and inconsistent.

31. Captain America: Brave New World

In a different league of execution but still the same universe – that’s an apt description for many recent Marvel films, such as The Marvels and Captain America: Brave New World. While the latter does offer Anthony Mackie’s captivating Sam Wilson his own movie stage, it falls short by presenting a monotonous antagonist and a narrative overflowing with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk – leaving fans puzzled about Betty Ross’ whereabouts.

30. Doctor Strange

In a nutshell, while the extraordinary visuals are appealing, “Doctor Strange” struggles to escape the impression that it’s essentially “Iron Man 2.0 with Magic” added on. The positive aspect is the intelligent ending featuring Dormammu. However, the negative point is the strange cape worn by Strange. (You can read more about it here.)

Although the spectacular visuals are impressive, “Doctor Strange” still feels like a rehash of “Iron Man 2” with magic elements. The good part is the clever ending involving Dormammu. On the flip side, the character’s cape looks quite odd. (For more details, check out this link.)

29. Iron Man 2

Although it’s better than you might recall, it still falls short of excellent. Sam Rockwell’s dance moves can conceal many flaws, but not all of them. By trimming 15 minutes of setup from the Avengers, it could potentially be something truly compelling. (Read more .)

Or

Though it’s improved since you last saw it, it’s still far from perfect. Sam Rockwell’s dance skills can mask many issues, but not all of them. If 15 minutes of Avengers exposition were removed, it could potentially be a real winner. (Read more .)

28. Ant-Man

Ant-Man isn’t bad per se, but it feels like a scaled-down version of the larger Edgar Wright film we could have had. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the most compelling non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Continue reading .)

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In a battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, it seems that even Kang, played by the intimidating Jonathan Majors, acknowledges Scott Lang as being out of his depth. This seemingly lopsided contest could symbolize the film itself: The relatable, lighthearted universe of the Ant-Man series, filled with its dry humor and lovable characters, struggles to compete with the grand, multiversal saga of Marvel Phase 5 on the big screen. As a Marvel blockbuster, it delivers. However, as a follow-up to the Ant-Man franchise, it falls somewhat short (unfortunately, you won’t find Michael Peña’s beloved character, Luis, in this installment at all).

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it emphasizes its compactness, featuring Paul Rudd’s humor with his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt monologues, and a intimate family drama about mending a fractured household. (Read more .)

25. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers is arguably the most potent hero, yet her movie seemed to fall short in delivering emotional impact. Nevertheless, it maintains an engaging quality thanks to two outstanding performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his impressive de-aging visual effects, portraying a youthful Nick Fury. (For more details, check out the link provided.)

24. Black Widow

2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing from the Avengers, but instead of a standalone adventure, she primarily served as the straight character amidst her wisecracking Russian superhero family, comprising David Harbour’s narcissistic Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s scene-stealing Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow might not have been the fitting farewell the character merited. Nonetheless, it remains another well-executed Marvel blockbuster, featuring some spectacular stunt sequences, and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who can replicate fighting styles of any adversary encountered.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Experiencing Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” can be likened to watching a magician perform the same magic trick twice. The first time was astonishing, but the second time, while still impressive, lacks the element of surprise. Christian Bale portrays Gorr the God-Butcher effectively, yet his intense and emotional villain character seems somewhat disjointed compared to Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, who continues to deliver his humorous one-liners incessantly. The film shares many elements with Waititi’s previous work on “Thor: Ragnarok,” but the combination isn’t quite as harmonious this time around.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

The camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is simply fantastic. The unexpected appearances are mind-blowing; they’ll leave you speechless. The plot, however, pushes the limits of how much background information a film can provide without becoming confusing. It seems like every character has a heartbreaking past, with at least two in this movie! If you manage not to think about anything on screen for even a moment, you’ll have a reasonably enjoyable experience. Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver the expected dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine, reluctantly teaming up to save the Fox X-Men universe. You might find yourself wishing the writers, including Reynolds himself, had maintained their part of the agreement a bit more effectively.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

An alternate version of Iron Man 2: Not as good as you may recall, yet still acceptable. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy aspect too much, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon significantly boosted the franchise, and Chris Evans remained strong and reliable as Captain America. However, it bothers me that Nick Fury, who is known as the world’s greatest spy, was oblivious to the fact that everyone in SHIELD except for him and his two companions were completely evil. Come on, guy. Wake up and open your eyes. (Read more here.)

20. Avengers: Infinity War

This film certainly delivers on a grand scale with its ambition and an ending that’s truly memorable, but it leaves you feeling there’s something amiss. If your primary interest in a Marvel movie lies in the action sequences and witty remarks, then this should suffice. However, if you appreciate the characters, camaraderie, and tranquil scenes amidst the battles, this might not be your preferred choice. (For further discussion, see [here](…)).

19. Iron Man 3

A film that, despite being generally enjoyable, suffered somewhat due to its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie’s climax revolves around Tony Stark deciding to leave his Iron Man life behind and ride off into the sunset. However, this was followed by several more films in the series. While Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, fell short of expectations, Robert Downey Jr.’s scenes with a clever child were top-notch. (You can read more about it here.)

The movie was good overall, but the Marvel Universe context made it slightly less impressive. The storyline culminates in Tony Stark retiring as Iron Man and leaving on a sunset journey. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the end of the story, with more films following suit. Despite a disappointing performance by Guy Pearce as Killian, Downey Jr.’s interactions with a sharp-witted child were standout moments. (For more details, check out this link.)

18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Initially: The climactic scene, filled with dragons and beasts clashing amidst thick gray fog, is a disorganized CGI disaster. However, prior to this point, Shang-Chi could potentially be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. (The bus fight scene is particularly enjoyable.) Simu Liu heads a thoughtful Marvel ensemble cast, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering powerful supporting roles, while Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently provide humor through their scenes. (Kingsley as the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery may not have been the most beloved Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has cleverly transformed him into a delightful secondary character.)

17. Thor

A sprawling, universe-wide saga, predominantly taking place in the tiniest town of New Mexico – that’s quite a shift for Thor! While it has its flaws, such as structural and screenplay issues, the exceptional casting and captivating performances managed to overshadow these problems, setting a trend for subsequent Marvel films. (Continue reading here.)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler encountered an incredibly tough task while directing “Wakanda Forever”: Apart from creating a sequel that matched the success of the initial “Black Panther”, he had to achieve this without the captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, shortly before filming began. The movie excels in incorporating Coogler and the cast’s feelings of grief over Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its king. Unfortunately, the remainder of the film is somewhat disorganized; it contains a multitude of intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and an antagonist, Namor the underwater king, who lacks clarity in his motives.

15. Captain America: Civil War

The plot of the movie is questionable at best, and it appears that the entire production was geared towards the intense showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, which takes place at an airport. However, let me tell you: Oh my goodness, the epic battle at the airport is absolutely mind-blowing! (Read more here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, its quality is similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both films are packed with numerous villains. However, this film does a fantastic job of portraying Peter Parker as a character – someone who repeatedly falters but never gives up on making things right in the future. Additionally, it introduces the multiverse to Marvel Cinematic Universe movies in a significant manner, thereby marking an essential milestone within the storyline.

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

15 years later, I, a fan, was thrilled to welcome back director Sam Raimi to the Marvel universe with this rollercoaster ride of an action-adventure. Just like his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi managed to inject his unique style and visuals – humor that borders on goofy, maniacal zombies, and sudden jumps – into the more conventional Marvel mold. (For more details, check it out here.)

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite some criticisms, such as it being less impressive than the first Avengers and issues with Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, I find the climactic sequence in this movie where the Avengers unite to rescue every single person in Sokovia truly emblematic of Marvel’s essence. (Continue reading .)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The sequel to Marvel’s lighthearted franchise is excessively long, featuring at least four post-credits scenes. Yet, it’s impressive how they managed to create a follow-up that ends on a somber note. It’s the only Marvel film that leaves me in tears and contains jokes about cosmic deity phallic symbols. In my opinion, this unique blend makes for an excellent movie experience. (Read more here.)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I must say that the second Spidey film starring Tom Holland as our beloved Wall-Crawler was simply a slight dip from the first, but it still delivered on all fronts – romance, action, humor, and emotion. While no one uttered “with great power comes great responsibility,” the movie Far From Home beautifully encapsulated that very concept more than any Spider-Man film before it. Peter Parker, played by Holland, found himself in a complex situation, torn between his longing for romance with MJ (Zendaya’s delightfully witty portrayal) and his obligations from Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson’s character exuding the perfect amount of irritation) to thwart a group of elemental menaces.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that offers the perfect Marvel blend: Thrilling action sequences, eccentric sci-fi visuals, and compelling characters we genuinely care about. By the end of Vol. 3, Rocket Raccoon has transformed from a minor Marvel character to one of the company’s most fascinating and heartrending heroes. Following a series of average films, Gunn makes it seem effortless. It’s unfortunate that he will now be moving on to DC Studios.

7. Avengers: Endgame

A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second-greatest Avengers film, it’s packed with massive action sequences, plenty of humor, and potentially more Easter eggs than any movie in the entire history of cinematic universes. (Continue reading here.)

Upgrading from “Infinity War” and arguably the second-best Avengers film, it’s loaded with enormous action sequences, lots of laughter, and possibly more Easter eggs than any movie in the history of any cinematic universe. (Continue reading here.)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s films that keep audiences coming back, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man (which he delivers). Aren’t you hooked? (Continue reading here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

In the middle of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) timeline thus far, the original Guardians film played a crucial role in showing that Marvel could tackle different genres and still attract viewers, even for characters largely unknown to mainstream audiences. Before James Gunn took over, the Guardians were barely mentioned. However, under his direction, they became an unexpected blockbuster hit. It’s also important to note that, without a doubt or debate, Rocket is undeniably the best Guardian. (Read more here.)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Although the plot could use some tightening (as it condenses an entire war into a montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America stands out as one of the most successful character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film transformed a character that was often criticized for being dull or outdated into a captivating, endearing, complex individual embodying genuine human values. It’s the perfect MCU movie to watch when you need a boost of inspiration. (Additional insights can be found here.)

3. Black Panther

Unlike many Marvel films that strive for profound connections with a broader cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merits of a self-contained narrative. Contrary to the film’s conclusion where Black Panther decides to reveal Wakanda to the world (and its characters become available for future roles), some might argue that this decision could lead to a less focused sequel with numerous guest appearances, making it potentially less satisfying. [Read more here.]

2. The Avengers

To this day, the original Avengers movie continues to leave me in awe as if it were some unbelievable feat. Each character is expertly crafted and harmoniously woven together, while the script maintains an impeccable flow. The climactic Battle of New York remains one of the most remarkable action sequences of this century that I’ve had the pleasure to witness. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

To this day, no other film has surpassed its initial brilliance. Looking back, it’s clear that being unbounded by a larger universe made the movie even more exceptional. The scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, testing his armor and subsequently flying for the first time, portray the excitement of superpowers more effectively than any other film, including those produced by Marvel Studios or any other studio. (Read more here.)

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2025-03-24 23:26