Marvel Studios has acquired an enormous quantity of criticism lately, however these motion pictures and TV exhibits show that the Marvel Cinematic Universe didn’t die after 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. The Russo brothers’ Avengers: Endgame is extensively regarded to be the head of the MCU. It turned not solely the franchise’s highest-grossing film, however the highest-grossing film of all time earlier than Avatar’s 2021 re-release. Avengers: Endgame’s immense success made it laborious for the MCU to keep up this excessive commonplace, however audiences may additionally have been too harsh on Marvel Studios.

Some would argue that Avengers: Endgame destroyed the MCU by attaining such a excessive stage of success, however this crucial assertion is small-minded, pointless and easily not true. Whereas there was a transparent drop in high quality in some initiatives as a result of Marvel Studios’ growth into producing long-form MCU TV exhibits for Disney+ alongside its characteristic movies, there are lots of initiatives within the Multiverse Saga which might be simply pretty much as good as, and even higher than initiatives earlier than Endgame. These ten motion pictures and TV exhibits are just some, proving the Marvel Cinematic Universe is just not useless.

10

WandaVision

WandaVision Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 4 In 2021

WandaVision was the primary MCU venture that was launched after Avengers: Endgame and delays attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the sequence set an extremely excessive bar for the Multiverse Saga. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany lastly turned major characters as Wanda Maximoff and Imaginative and prescient in WandaVision, and the sequence additionally noticed Marvel department out into new genres, cinematic kinds, storytelling methods and character developments. WandaVision shortly turned one of many MCU’s hottest installments, thanks partially to the work of creator Jac Schaeffer and director Matt Shakman.

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WandaVision was a revolutionary entry within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, establishing new characters, guidelines, and strategies of releasing content material.

Schaeffer and Shakman have each since returned to Marvel Studios, proving the work they did in WandaVision has been valued. The Section 4 sequence additionally marked big progressions for the Scarlet Witch and Imaginative and prescient, whereas formidable new characters additionally joined the MCU, together with Agatha Harkness, Billy and Tommy Maximoff, and Monica Rambeau, all of whom developed the whole trajectory of the MCU brilliantly. WandaVision will at all times stand out as one of many MCU’s most beloved initiatives – a jewel within the crown of the MCU’s Section 4.

9

Loki

Loki Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 4 In 2021

Equally to Wanda Maximoff and Imaginative and prescient, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki had by no means been a major character earlier than, however 2021’s Loki season 1 and 2023’s second season put him front-and-center. This model of Loki escaped from the Avengers in 2012 throughout Endgame’s Time Heist, so may have simply continued his mission for his “Superb Objective.” As a substitute, this new Loki went on to grow to be one of many MCU’s strongest characters but and maybe certainly one of its most vital heroes, as he remodeled into the protector of the whole multiverse, proving Loki’s significance within the MCU.

Loki started to determine Kang the Conqueror’s storyline within the Multiverse Saga, and whereas which may now be meaningless, it nonetheless made Loki an important a part of the MCU. This was the primary venture to actually discover the idea of the multiverse head-on, and, given its significance, it was nice to see Loki’s storyline dealt with so faithfully and powerfully. The sequence was an enormous success for each the MCU’s Phases 4 and 5, and it’ll lead straight into Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, so it is simply one other outstanding success story for Marvel Studios.

8

Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings

Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 4 In 2021

It is laborious to consider that Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi hasn’t appeared within the MCU since his debut in 2021’s eponymous Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as his introduction was one of the celebrated points of Section 4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marked Destin Daniel Cretton’s exhilarating directorial debut within the MCU, although the film’s $432.2 million field workplace earnings may not replicate that, whereas its 98% viewers rating on Rotten Tomatoes definitely does. There’s little to complain about when contemplating Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

The Section 4 film established a brand-new nook of the MCU whereas connecting to tales and characters from the MCU’s total historical past, courting all the best way again to 2008’s Iron Man, which first launched the Ten Rings. Shang-Chi is among the most charismatic, expert and highly effective new heroes, and his debut proved that. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings delivered laughs, motion, illustration and tenderness in spades, and Marvel beloved Cretton’s work a lot, the director is returning to guide Spider-Man: Model New Day, so that is definitely a excessive level for the MCU.

7

Moon Knight

Moon Knight Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 4 In 2022

Oscar Isaac has been one of the thrilling additions to the MCU lately. He has an enormous quantity of expertise and is a really notable identify, so it was good to see him debut as Marc Spector, Steven Grant and Jake Lockley, the alters of Spector’s Moon Knight. Moon Knight was an exciting journey from starting to finish, showcasing one of many MCU’s strongest new antiheroes, and maybe organising a attainable Midnight Sons adaptation, which is extremely anticipated amongst die-hard followers of Marvel Comics and Marvel’s supernatural characters.

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Moon Knight has been the topic of a lot dialogue regarding which MCU TV exhibits ought to get second seasons, alongside the likes of Ms. Marvel, Hawkeye and She-Hulk: Legal professional at Legislation. Moon Knight’s story deserves to be continued, particularly for the reason that sequence explored previously-unseen corners of the MCU’s pantheon. Moon Knight is among the hottest supernatural and street-level heroes in Marvel Comics, so it could be unbelievable to see him get developed in additional element within the MCU, and Moon Knight’s reputation means that is probably fairly possible.

6

Ms. Marvel

Ms. Marvel Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 4 In 2022

2022’s Ms. Marvel sequence might need had quite a few its personal flaws, however Iman Vellani’s inclusion within the Jersey Metropolis-set sequence makes Ms. Marvel a shining mild within the MCU’s Section 4. Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan is among the most joyous and entertaining new characters launched to the MCU lately, particularly after Kamala unlocked her mutant and ClanDestine skills by donning her Quantum Band. Ms. Marvel definitely had issues with its narrative, its villains and its pacing, however there’s additionally so much to like concerning the Section 4 sequence.

The illustration of Pakistani tradition and Kamala Khan’s family dynamic was stunning to observe, whereas Kamala coming to phrases along with her newfound skills whereas additionally fighting being a daily teenager was relatable and convincing. Iman Vellani’s pleasure and emotional dedication at each second translated into 2023’s The Marvels, and can possible be captured in each future MCU venture she seems in. Ms. Marvel may not have been excellent, however the sequence was definitely nonetheless a enjoyable debut for Kamala Khan, so it nonetheless acts as proof that the MCU is not useless.

5

Werewolf By Night time

Werewolf By Night time Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 4 In 2022

Werewolf by Night time was an enormous experiment for Marvel Studios, however it definitely paid off. This was the MCU’s first Particular Presentation, and the primary Marvel venture to be directed by composer Michael Giacchino. Launched initially in black and white, with solely hints of coloration to spotlight the Bloodstone and the ending second shared between Jack Russell and Man-Factor, Werewolf by Night time was a stylistic phenomenon for the MCU. It is a disgrace that Marvel Studios hasn’t capitalized on the Particular Presentation format following Werewolf by Night time, because it was so successful story.

Some have criticized Marvel’s current experimentation and disconnection between initiatives within the Multiverse Saga, and Werewolf by Night time could have contributed to this. The exploration of Jack Russell and a few of Marvel Comics’ weirdest and most monstrous characters in a seemingly standalone story was a threat for the MCU. Nonetheless, it is this experimentation that makes storytelling within the MCU so thrilling, as we by no means know what’s on the horizon subsequent. Werewolf by Night time is remarkably robust and one thing fully recent for the MCU. It would be nice to see extra of this.

4

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 5 In 2023

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a very long time coming, however it was the right ending to James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Vol. 3 launched throughout a troubled time for the MCU, however was simply one other venture that acted as proof the MCU hasn’t died in any respect, and is, actually, nonetheless going robust, so long as creatives put within the effort. James Gunn has at all times been devoted to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, and Vol. 3 was testomony to that, regardless of it being his final hurrah earlier than departing to guide DC Studios.

Wrapping up the story of the MCU’s premiere cosmic staff after their adventures in two characteristic movies, two Avengers motion pictures and a Particular Presentation, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 struck the right stability of coronary heart, motion, comedy and depth. It is unclear what the long run holds for the Guardians of the Galaxy, however, if it should be the tip, Vol. 3 was the right technique to conclude their story. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 nearly hit the $900 million mark a the field workplace, making it an immense success in Section 5, which was laced with disappointing installments.

3

Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 5 In 2024

One MCU film that did not have an issue far surpassing the billion-dollar mark on the field workplace was 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, which bridged the hole between the MCU and twentieth Century Fox’s X-Males franchise. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s debut within the MCU correct was critically spectacular, packing in laughs, drama and high-intensity motion sequences all with an emotional and heartfelt spine. It was unbelievable to lastly convey some iconic X-Males characters into the MCU, and a few cameo appearances from different heroes we have not seen in years.

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Deadpool & Wolverine shortly turned the highest-grossing R-rated film in historical past, which is greater than sufficient proof that the MCU hasn’t died. With extra X-Males-related characters and different mutants anticipated to debut very quickly, it solely is sensible that the success of Deadpool & Wolverine will lengthen into upcoming tales after the Multiverse Saga, revitalizing the MCU. Deadpool & Wolverine is emblematic of the place the MCU is headed, which is an extremely thrilling prospect, particularly with the introduction of Ryan Reynolds’ Merc-with-a-Mouth into the MCU.

2

Agatha All Alongside

Agatha All Alongside Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 5 In 2024

Following on from the success of Section 4’s WandaVision, 2024’s Agatha All Alongside marked Jac Schaeffer’s return to the MCU to raised discover Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harkness and increase this witchy nook of the MCU. Agatha All Alongside was an entertaining, consultant, celebratory and dramatic storyline from starting to finish, placing an almost-all-female-led solid within the highlight whereas introducing a few of the MCU’s strongest characters. This contains the likes of Aubrey Plaza’s Demise and Joe Locke’s Wiccan, who may have key roles within the MCU going ahead.

Agatha All Alongside continued WandaVision’s themes fantastically, particularly with Billy Maximoff’s creation of the Witches’ Highway and exploring the Scarlet Witch’s demise in Physician Unusual within the Multiverse of Insanity. Kathryn Hahn’s magnetism and the charisma and performances of her supporting solid helped make Agatha All Alongside one of many MCU’s hottest installments in a short time. Launched shortly after Deadpool & Wolverine, Agatha All Alongside continued the MCU’s profitable streak that now would not present any signal of slowing down.

1

Daredevil: Born Once more

Daredevil: Born Once more Premiered As Half Of The MCU’s Section 5 In 2025

Regardless of its issues in manufacturing, together with a large inventive overhaul that occurred in late 2023, Daredevil: Born Once more nonetheless managed to grow to be one of many MCU’s hottest and talked-about initiatives. Born Once more continued the story of Netflix’s authentic Daredevil storyline and the just lately canonized Defenders Saga completely, and maybe capitalized on the success of the Defenders Saga. It was unbelievable to see actors reminiscent of Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, Ayelet Zurer and extra return, establishing clear continuity and highlighting the sequence’ robust historical past.

Daredevil: Born Once more’s street-level narrative will certainly be game-changing for the MCU. Wilson Fisk turned Mayor of New York Metropolis and outlawed vigilantism, which can little question influence an important many heroes within the MCU. With Daredevil: Born Once more season 2 at present filming, and the opportunity of the Man With out Worry crossing over into some extra street-level initiatives, that is the start of a large new chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This has us very excited for Marvel Studios’ future, so Avengers: Endgame definitely didn’t kill the franchise in any way.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

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Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Edward Norton, Paul Rudd, Tom Holland, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Brie Larson, Chadwick Boseman, Sebastian Stan, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Pom Klementieff, Josh Brolin, Karen Gillan, Clark Gregg, Paul Bettany, Don Cheadle, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Simu Liu, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Angelina Jolie, Package Harington, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Barry Keoghan, Gemma Chan, Ma Dong-seok, Brian Tyree Henry, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Lia McHugh, Jonathan Majors

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Upcoming MCU Films