We believe we have a theory that could fully account for the appearance of Doctor Doom, and this theory revolves around Wanda Maximoff. If our theory is correct, it would significantly elevate Wanda’s status within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, explaining why there has been such a delay in introducing the X-Men to the MCU. Moreover: Could it be that Tony Stark has been Doctor Doom all along, and we have yet to encounter the real Tony Stark?
Listen up: In the newest Marvel clip, we’ll delve into an intriguing hypothesis about its potential influence on Avengers: Doomsday. Could it be that in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, mutants and X-Men once roamed, alongside a Tony Stark and a Doctor Doom? And might Wanda Maximoff have altered this timeline with her hex powers and a few key phrases? After all, she’s rewritten history before – is it not within the realm of possibility that she could do so again?
Watch our full Doom/Wanda theory video below:
If you enjoyed our video analyzing Wanda and Doctor Doom‘s relationship, don’t forget to explore more of our videos! We’ve got a variety of content lined up for you, such as an insightful piece about the canceled X-Men vs. Fantastic Four film, an exciting preview of VisionQuest, Marvel’s potential standout Disney+ series, and a detailed breakdown of the Ironheart trailer 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. Keep an eye out for Avengers: Doomsday hitting theaters on December 18, 2026.
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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
36. Eternals
Initially, I wouldn’t have anticipated that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and rooted in some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in the studio’s least significant production. Regrettably, Eternals failed to coalesce effectively. It generally adheres to Kirby’s fundamental concepts with a few minor but rather perplexing alterations – for instance, transforming the villainous Deviants into generic creatures lacking ambition or purpose. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the principal characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – find it challenging to convincingly portray their purported passionate relationship (a romance spanning 6,000 years, yet they appear awkward on a first date gone awry). The script occasionally delves into intriguing ideas concerning the ties between superheroes, mythology, and faith, only to consistently forsake them in favor of routine fight sequences featuring dull adversaries. It’s challenging to conceive of a more tedious film about immortal alien automatons attempting to thwart total annihilation than this one.
35. The Incredible Hulk
The production of this Marvel film seems so haphazard, as if they were taken aback by the success of Iron Man and hastily put it together. The casting of Tim Roth as the world’s greatest soldier, who transforms into a large, bony creature, is nothing short of a crime in the eyes of many fans (for more details, see the link below).
The production of this Marvel film appears to have been put together hastily and without much thought, as if they were caught off guard by the success of Iron Man. The casting of Tim Roth as the world’s greatest soldier, who transforms into a large, bony creature, is widely considered to be a mistake among fans (for more details, see the link below).
34. Thor: The Dark World
Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ Thor, we ended up with a film that felt dull and dreary, focusing on a tedious pursuit of a mystical MacGruffin. This movie also featured one of the most uninteresting villains in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s a silver lining, it might be that this film’s underperformance could have influenced Marvel to take more risks and make significant changes as they did with Thor: Ragnarok. (Read more here.)
33. The Marvels
This Marvel film, while superior to three others on the list, can be a bit disorganized and intense. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau) band together to prevent a Kree warlord from causing havoc for unclear reasons. Although the actors’ performances are excellent, the plot, though concise, is chaotic and features some unusual decisions that don’t make much sense.
32. Captain America: Brave New World
In the wrong script, a fitting role: This phrase could apply to several recent Marvel films (even The Marvels) but it’s particularly true for Captain America: Brave New World. This film at last offers Anthony Mackie’s charming Sam Wilson his own movie, only to burden him with a dull villain and a plot riddled with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk – like the intriguing mystery of Betty Ross’ fate, which left everyone eagerly anticipating.
31. Doctor Strange
Visually stunning as it may be, Doctor Strange seems to fall short of being more than just an updated version of Iron Man (with a magic twist). The movie scores points for its intelligent ending with Dormammu, but the odd cape worn by Strange leaves something to be desired. You can read more about it [here](URL).
30. Iron Man 2
Despite being better than you might recall, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skill can hide many imperfections, but not all of them. If you were to trim 15 minutes of setup from Avengers, it could potentially be something quite good. (Read more here.)
29. Ant-Man
Ant-Man isn’t awful, but it feels like a smaller, less epic version of what Edgar Wright’s movie could have been. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the best non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it here.)
28. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
From a die-hard cinema enthusiast’s perspective, the clash between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror seems like David facing Goliath. Even Kang (the formidable Jonathan Majors) admits that Scott Lang is biting off more than he can chew. This seemingly unfair match-up mirrors the film itself in a way – the charming, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series, filled with its dry wit and lovable characters, pales in comparison to the grand multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5.
As a cinematic Marvel escapade, it gets the job done. However, as a progression of the Ant-Man narrative, it falls short. If you were anticipating more screen time with Michael Peña’s beloved character Luis, I regret to inform you that he is absent from this installment.
27. Ant-Man and the Wasp
The film “Ant-Man and the Wasp” truly shines when it emphasizes its intimate aspects. This is seen through Paul Rudd’s humorous interactions with his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt monologues, and a tender family drama centered around a fractured family striving to heal and reunite. (For further details, click here.))
26. Captain Marvel
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers could be the most potent character, yet her movie seemed to fall short emotionally. Nevertheless, it remains engaging due to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson (alongside his remarkable de-aging visual effects) portraying a youthful Nick Fury. You can read more about it [here](link_to_the_article).
25. Black Widow
2021 marked the year when Scarlett Johansson embarked on her long-awaited solo journey beyond the Avengers. However, instead of showcasing a standalone adventure for Black Widow, she primarily acted as the straight woman to her smart-talking Russian superhero team members, such as David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow might not have delivered the fitting farewell that the character deserved. Nonetheless, it remains another strong Marvel production, boasting impressive stunt sequences, and an intriguing villain in the guise of Taskmaster, who can copy fighting styles from any adversary he encounters.
24. Thor: Love and Thunder
Viewing Taika Waititi’s sequel to “Thor” seems somewhat like observing a magician performing the same trick twice in succession, the first time being mind-blowing, while the second time is still captivating but less shocking. Christian Bale delivers an eerie portrayal of Gorr the God-Butcher, however, his intense and deeply emotional villain character doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his continuous humor. “Thor: Love and Thunder” retains all the components of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok”, but they don’t blend as smoothly this time around.
23. Deadpool & Wolverine
In this movie, the dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is exactly what you’d expect – it’s fantastic, with some unexpected appearances that could even surprise you. However, the plot pushes the limits of how much information a film can provide while still remaining confusing. With two or more tragic backstories for one character alone, it might leave you wondering if less would have been more! If you manage to ignore any thought-provoking moments, you’ll likely enjoy the film. And Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver on the teamwork of Deadpool and Wolverine, even though they seem reluctant at times. Unfortunately, the writers (including Reynolds himself) could have done a better job in living up to expectations.
22. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
21. Avengers: Infinity War
This film is grand in scale and ambition, and its ending is truly memorable, yet it seems there’s a certain depth missing. If you’re looking for non-stop action and witty dialogue, then this fits the bill. However, if you appreciate well-developed characters, camaraderie, and peaceful moments amidst the battles, this film might not be your preferred choice. (For more insights, check out the full review here.)
20. Iron Man 3
As a film enthusiast, I found myself captivated by the movie, yet slightly disheartened by its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The narrative skillfully crafted a climax where Tony Stark decided to hang up his Iron Man suit and embark on a new journey. However, it felt anticlimactic when he went on to star in several more films after that. I must admit, Guy Pearce’s portrayal of Killian was underwhelming, but the exasperated banter between Robert Downey Jr.’s character and the precocious kid was nothing short of brilliant.
19. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Initially: The climax, featuring dragons and monsters clashing within a dense gray fog, appears as a disorganized CGI spectacle. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi could very well be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intricate and thrilling fight sequences. (The one on the San Francisco bus is particularly entertaining.) Simu Liu spearheads one of Marvel’s more nuanced ensembles, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering substantial supporting roles, and Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently providing humor throughout. (Kingsley’s portrayal of former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, who was not initially a favorite Marvel villain, has been cleverly transformed into a delightful side character.)
18. Thor
In an unexpected twist, the epic saga unfolds primarily within the quaint confines of the tiniest town in New Mexico. While “Thor” has its flaws, it marked a significant milestone for Marvel productions. The exceptional acting talent and captivating performances managed to overshadow inherent structural and script issues, a trend that later became synonymous with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Continue reading
17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In the task of creating “Wakanda Forever”, director Ryan Coogler confronted an immensely tough predicament. Apart from crafting a sequel that matched the brilliance of the original “Black Panther”, he had to achieve this feat without the captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, mere months before filming began. The movie excels when it seamlessly integrates Coogler and the cast’s profound sorrow for Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. However, the remainder of the film can be a bit disjointed; a blend of intriguing concepts, an excess of characters, and a villain, Namor, whose motivations are somewhat unclear.
16. Captain America: Civil War
The plot is questionable, barely withstanding a moment’s examination, and the entire film seems orchestrated to culminate in the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me tell you: Oh my goodness, that epic battle at the airport is absolutely fantastic! (Read more here.)
15. Spider-Man: No Way Home
In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find comparable qualities to Sam Raimi’s third installment. Both films are packed with numerous villains, yet they shine when it comes to portraying the character of Peter Parker. This flawed but relentless individual embodies the spirit of never giving up and striving for improvement. Furthermore, this film significantly expands the multiverse concept within MCU movies, making a significant mark in the ongoing storyline.
The third Spider-Man movie directed by Jon Watts shows similar traits to Sam Raimi’s third installment, as they are both filled with multiple villains. However, it excels at capturing the essence of Peter Parker, a character who repeatedly falls short but never stops trying to make things right. Additionally, this film brings the multiverse into MCU films in a grand manner, which represents an important milestone in the series’ narrative.)
14. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
After a 15-year hiatus, director Sam Raimi reentered the Marvel universe with this thrilling, unconventional tale that centers around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi cleverly incorporated his unique style and visuals – such as humor with a touch of absurdity, maniacal zombies, sudden shock elements – into the conventional Marvel narrative. (For further details, see here.)
13. Thunderbolts (2025)
Many Marvel productions following “Endgame” seem like they’ve been pieced together from leftovers of various comics, films, and lore, but “*Thunderbolts*” stands out as a genuine movie. It offers an engaging narrative with several intriguing characters, particularly Florence Pugh portraying the new Black Widow. Much like many people, she despises her life and finds her job unsatisfying. However, she discovers her purpose when she’s grouped with a band of disillusioned mercenaries, including Wyatt Russell as the arrogant U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen as the mystical Ghost. The action is enjoyable, and the story effectively uses an allegory about overcoming despair and apathy to embrace action and camaraderie. “*Thunderbolts*” serves as a refreshing reminder of Marvel Studios’ potential when they’re operating at their best.
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron
As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I’m still puzzled by the intense criticism this film has received. Granted, it may not have lived up to the exceptional standards set by the first Avengers movie, and the portrayal of Wanda and Pietro could have been more coherent. However, the climactic sequence where the Avengers unite to rescue every single soul in Sokovia encapsulates the true essence of Marvel at its finest. (Read more… here.)
11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
The film features an excessive number of post-credits scenes (at least four!), but it’s hard to ignore the audacity of transforming Marvel’s lighthearted franchise into a sequel with a somber ending. It’s the only Marvel movie that manages to make me cry, and it even includes jokes about alien deity genitalia. In my opinion, this unique combination makes for a highly entertaining experience. (Read more here.)
10. Thor: Ragnarok
9. Spider-Man: Far From Home
The second Marvel Spiderman movie, starring Tom Holland as the incredible web-slinger, is only slightly less impressive than the first. It’s filled with romance, action, humor, and emotion. Although no one utters “with great power comes great responsibility”, the film Far From Home still strongly explores this concept as much as any Spiderman movie has. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, is caught between his longing for romance with MJ (Zendaya’s humorous and witty portrayal) and the orders from Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson’s irritable performance) to thwart a group of destructive elemental beings.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy, offering a film that blends the perfect Marvel recipe: Thrilling action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and deeply emotional characters whom we grow incredibly attached to. By the finale of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a minor Marvel character into one of the company’s most captivating and tragic heroes. Following a series of average films, Gunn makes it appear effortless. It’s unfortunate that he is now moving on to DC Studios.
7. Avengers: Endgame
A significant leap from “Infinity War” and arguably the second-best Marvel’s Avengers film, this blockbuster is packed with massive action sequences, plenty of humor, and an impressive number of Easter eggs that may surpass any movie within the realm of cinematic universes. (Continue reading
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s films that are hard to resist watching again, this one boasts captivating characters, exhilarating Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man, which he performs. Aren’t you hooked? (For further details, check it out here.)
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one film that you can’t help but rewatch features fantastic characters, thrilling Spidey scenes, and a street vendor asking for a flip from Spider-Man (which he delivers). Aren’t you intrigued? (More details are available here.)
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
At approximately the halfway mark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the initial Guardians film marked a turning point for Marvel, demonstrating that their reputation was robust enough to captivate audiences for properties with minimal mainstream familiarity. Prior to James Gunn’s direction, the Guardians were mere footnotes, but he transformed them into an unexpected blockbuster hit. It’s indisputable and self-evident that Rocket is the superior Guardian; any debate on this matter is unnecessary. (For further details, please refer to [this source](http://examplelink).)
4. Captain America: The First Avenger
Despite some inconsistencies in the narrative structure, as the entire war is condensed into a montage, Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America remains exceptionally impactful within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film breathed life into a character that was often criticized for being uninteresting or outdated, transforming him into a dynamic, endearing, multidimensional individual embodying timeless human values. A must-watch MCU movie to ignite inspiration. [Read more here.]
3. Black Panther
In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for intricate connections across the cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merit of a more self-contained narrative. Towards the end of the film, when Black Panther decides to reveal Wakanda to the outside world and allows its characters to appear in future productions, it’s intended as a joyful resolution. However, if this decision leads to a sequel that becomes more scattered with numerous guest appearances, it might not be such a happy outcome after all. (Read more here.)
2. The Avengers
Despite the epic events in “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains an astounding achievement. Each character is skillfully balanced, the dialogue is crisp, and the climactic Battle of New York is undeniably one of the most thrilling action scenes of the 21st century. (Read more here.)
1. Iron Man
The original movie remains unsurpassed to this day. Reflecting on it now, we can see that its freedom from connections to a larger universe contributed to its excellence. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character Tony Stark tests his armor and subsequently takes flight for the first time more effectively convey the exhilaration of superpowers than any film, be it by Marvel Studios or another studio. (Read more here.)
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2025-06-09 22:58