Marvel Cinematic Universe, affectionately known as the MCU, has given fans a roller coaster ride of emotions since its inception. The franchise has seen everything from the outstanding success of the Avengers: Endgame in 2019 to the mind-boggling expanse of the Multiverse Saga.
As the MCU universe continues to expand, keeping up with the constant influx of new content has become daunting for some fans.
Consequently, fans dissected, debated, and ranked each film differently, leading to intriguing conversations about their merits and demerits. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this debate, casting light on the top five films that are either overrated or underrated in the eyes of the MCU fandom.
Hidden Marvels: The Most Underrated MCU Movies
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Avengers: Age of Ultron often doesn’t receive the credit it deserves. It’s a film that ventured beyond the surface, delving into deeper societal issues. Joss Whedon, the man behind the masterpiece, painted a world where the Avengers might not be as indispensable as they believed. He also tackled the controversial topic of artificial intelligence misuse, a theme that resonates with our tech-driven society more than ever. Despite its chaotic storyline, Age of Ultron is a thematic treasure trove that enriches the Avengers narrative, making it a far cry from another superhero movie.
Thor
When it comes to Thor, the severe and sad origin film is often overshadowed by its funnier successor, Thor: Ragnarok. However, the dramatic introduction of the God of Thunder, under the artistic helm of Sir Kenneth Branagh, offers a captivating and unique perspective. The film’s Shakespearean undertones and sophisticated storytelling make it one of the more compelling representations of Thor, a fact often overlooked by fans and critics.
The Incredible Hulk
Another underappreciated gem in the MCU collection is The Incredible Hulk. The film deviates from the traditional superhero film formula, offering a darker narrative that resembles a monster movie. The exhilarating chase sequence in the favelas is arguably one of the best-crafted action scenes in the entire MCU. Unfortunately, the film is often left in the shadows because of its tonal difference, despite its commendable storytelling and memorable moments.
Eternals
Directed by Chloe Zhao, Eternals dares to be different, standing out among Marvel’s most recent releases. The film grapples with the concept of gods entangled in human affairs, a more philosophical and thought-provoking plotline than many other MCU movies. Eternals is an underrated film that deserves more appreciation and features mesmerizing action sequences and a compelling narrative.
Ant-Man and the Wasp
While Ant-Man and the Wasp are often deemed inconsequential by fans, it does not deserve such scorn. Released after the emotionally heavy Avengers: Infinity War, this movie is a refreshing, light-hearted family adventure. It effectively improved on the first Ant-Man movie, potentially making it the best film in the series, a distinction that’s often ignored.
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Spider-Man: Far From Home
In the widely admired Spider-Man trilogy by Jon Watts, Spider-Man: Far From Home falls short of its siblings. Lacking the charisma of Spider-Man: Homecoming and the fulfillment of Spider-Man: No Way Home, it felt more like a prolonged tribute to Tony Stark, with a predictably deceitful Mysterio that didn’t shock anyone familiar with the comic books.
Thor: Ragnarok
While Thor: Ragnarok was initially praised for its fresh humor and creative storytelling, its long-term reception hasn’t been as warm. Some fans feel the excessive humor took away from the plot’s depth, while aesthetically, some scenes were not as visually appealing as they could have been. Despite its undeniable creativity, these drawbacks suggest the film might not be as groundbreaking as initially thought.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Although Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a respectable sequel, it couldn’t live up to the astronomical expectations set by its predecessor. Saddled with the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman and burdened by an excessive number of subplots, the film feels longer than necessary and doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original Black Panther.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
While many fans adore Captain America: The Winter Soldier, a closer look reveals its flaws. The reveal of HYDRA as the secret villain detracts from the film’s initially promised moral complexity.
Furthermore, its drab color palette and bland production design have sadly become a standard for several subsequent MCU films, suggesting that the film might not be the masterpiece it’s often considered.
Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel is not so much overpraised as it is overly hated. While the film isn’t without its flaws, particularly regarding pacing and a non-linear origin story, it is on par with other origin movies in the MCU. Much of the criticism targeted the film before its release due to controversy surrounding Brie Larson, unfairly amplifying its shortcomings.
As we immerse ourselves in the vastness of the MCU, it’s crucial to remember that each film brings something unique to the superhero genre.
While not every film will resonate with every fan, the MCU’s expansive portfolio ensures something for everyone. This dissection of the overrated and underrated films within the MCU reminds us that perspective matters and that sometimes, the gems are hidden in the most unexpected places.
The MCU has undeniably transformed our perception of superhero narratives, leaving us excitedly anticipating what lies ahead.
