Suit-clad hunky men and feisty women with unimaginable powers. Check. A talking tree and raccoon. Check. Gravity-defying grand stunts and jaw-dropping visual effects. Check. With 35 films and counting, Marvel has truly created an enchanting cinematic universe that has managed to keep the fans entranced for over a decade. Its larger-than-life tapestry of superheroes and villains has left an indelible mark on the audience’s hearts and cinema at large. And, with Brie Larson returning for the sequel of Captain Marvel, which marks South Korean superstar Park Seo-joon’s Hollywood debut, here’s a rewind of the nine highest-rated Marvel movies according to Rotten Tomatoes. For the sake of variety, there’s only one movie from the franchise. Binge-on!
‘Black Panther’ and 7 other highest-rated Marvel movies to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Sony LIV & more
1. Black Panther – Disney+Hotstar, YouTube
In the realm of Marvel’s cinematic universe, Black Panther stands as a crowning jewel, a film that transcended boundaries and shattered expectations. Set in the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda, Black Panther introduces us to T’Challa, aka Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), the rightful heir to the throne, and the guardian of a vibranium-rich kingdom. As the story unfolds, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery, heritage, and the weight of responsibility, all while facing a formidable adversary. The film stands out for its powerful representation of African culture and its nuanced exploration of identity, heritage, and the responsibilities of power.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
2. Avengers: Endgame – Disney+Hotstar, YouTube
The story picks up after the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, where the villainous Thanos successfully wiped out half of all life in the universe using the Infinity Stones. The surviving heroes, including Iron Man (Tony Stark), Captain America (Steve Rogers), Thor, Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), and the Hulk (Bruce Banner), are left in a state of despair. They devise a risky plan to use time travel to retrieve the Infinity Stones from various points in the past, hoping to reverse Thanos’ snap and save the universe. This mission involves revisiting key moments in previous MCU films, resulting in a nostalgic trip for both the characters and the audience. The movie, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, weaves action-packed sequences and emotional character arcs, culminating in an epic battle involving a massive assembly of heroes from across the MCU.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
3. Iron Man – Disney+Hotstar, YouTube
This is where it all begins – the inception of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Released in 2008, the movie reveals the MCU’s first superhero, Tony Stark (played to perfection by Robert Downey Jr). He is a brilliant billionaire and ingenious inventor, whose life is forever altered after he is captured by terrorists in Afghanistan. Stark constructs a suit of advanced weaponry to escape, inadvertently birthing the iconic Iron Man suit. Returning to the United States, he resolves to use his technological prowess for good, taking on the mantle of Iron Man and vowing to safeguard the world. Jon Favreau’s direction, coupled with Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic performance, breathes life into the character of Tony Stark, making him an instant fan favourite.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
4. Thor: Ragnarok – Disney+Hotstar, YouTube
Directed by Taika Waititi, the movie takes a bold new approach, infusing the franchise with a vibrant, comedic tone while retaining its epic action sequences. The story picks up with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) imprisoned on the distant planet of Sakaar, where he is forced into gladiatorial combat against his fellow Avenger, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). Meanwhile, Thor’s homeland of Asgard faces the impending cataclysmic event known as Ragnarok, prophesied to bring about its destruction. To escape from the planet and save Asgard, Thor forms an unlikely alliance with his stepbrother and God of Mischief, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson). Along the way, they confront the formidable Hela (played by Cate Blanchett), Thor’s long-lost sister and the goddess of death, who seeks to conquer Asgard and expand her dark reign. With its dynamic action sequences, memorable characters, and witty dialogue, the not only entertains but also deepens the lore of Asgard and sets the stage for Thor’s continued adventures in the MCU.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
5. Spider-Man: No Way Home – Amazon Prime Video, Sony LIV
This third instalment in the Spider-Man franchise, starring Tom Holland, picks up after the events of “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” where Peter Parker’s secret identity as Spider-Man is revealed to the world. Facing intense scrutiny and legal challenges, Peter seeks the help of Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to erase the knowledge of his alter ego from the collective consciousness. However, the spell goes awry, causing a multiverse fracture that brings villains from alternate realities into Peter’s world. This sets off a high-stakes adventure as Peter teams up with other versions of Spider-Man from different dimensions. The three Spider-Men must fight powerful villains, work together to restore order to the multiverse and grapple with the profound consequences of their actions.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
6. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Disney+Hotstar, Apple TV
The story revolves around Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), a skilled martial artist who has been living a quiet life in San Francisco, distancing himself from his past. However, his world is turned upside down when the shadowy organization known as the Ten Rings, led by the enigmatic Wenwu (Tony Leung), resurfaces. Alongside his fiercely capable sister, Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), and his loyal friend Katy (Awkwafina), Shang-Chi embarks on a journey to confront his past and face the formidable forces that threaten the world. The film is celebrated for its breathtaking martial arts sequences, stunning visual effects, and compelling character development.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
7. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1 – Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video
The movie marks a bold departure in the MCU, introducing a ragtag group of misfits as unlikely heroes. Directed by James Gunn, this space-faring adventure takes us on a whirlwind journey across the cosmos. The story centres around Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), a roguish treasure hunter who inadvertently becomes the target of a galaxy-wide manhunt after acquiring a mysterious orb with unimaginable power. Along the way, he crosses paths with a motley crew of outlaws: the green-skinned assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the wisecracking raccoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), the gentle giant tree-like creature Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), and the vengeance-driven Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista). As they reluctantly band together, the Guardians find themselves entangled in a struggle to prevent the orb from falling into the hands of the malevolent Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace).
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
8. Captain America: Civil War – Disney+Hotstar, YouTube
The movie is a pivotal entry in the MCU, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. The events of the movie are set after the first Avengers movie. The narrative causes a division within the Avengers, sparked by differing opinions on the Sokovia Accords – a governmental initiative to regulate and oversee superhero activities. Iron Man (Tony Stark), played by Robert Downey Jr., supports the Accords, believing they are necessary to prevent further collateral damage. Captain America (Steve Rogers), portrayed by Chris Evans, is sceptical, fearing that political agendas may compromise the team’s ability to act when needed. The ideological clash fractures the Avengers into two factions: Team Iron Man and Team Captain America. The rift deepens when Captain’s old friend-turned-assassin, the Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes), is implicated in a terrorist attack. Captain America seeks to protect Bucky, leading to a head-on collision with those who aim to bring him to justice.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame and more, 7 other highest-rated Marvel movies to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Sony LIV & more Read More