10 Greatest Marvel Comics Crossovers That Deserve the Big Screen Treatment

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Marvel Studios is undoubtedly always on the lookout for their next big story to adapt. While phases within the Marvel Cinematic Universe are planned years—at least a decade—ahead, it’s clear that Kevin Feige and his team are continually searching for the next major comic event worth bringing to the screen.

Marvel’s adaptation of Jim Starlin, Ron Lim, and George Pérez’s The Infinity Gauntlet proved to be a game-changer, with Infinity War and Endgame becoming the MCU’s most financially and critically successful films. Now, every movie studio—DC included—is searching for a saga in the comics that could match the magnitude of that story. Up next, the MCU will tackle one of Marvel’s most impactful crossover events, Secret Wars. With so many compelling comic crossovers to choose from, the question remains: which other crossovers should get their movie debut?

Heroes Reborn (2021) by Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness

Not to be confused with the 1996 reboot event of the same name (one that even Deadpool thought was a bad idea), Marvel had another event titled Heroes Reborn that was much, much different. The story centers around a world reborn without The Avengers in its present or past, thanks to some nefarious deeds from a shocking heel turn by Phil Coulson. Yes, the same lovable agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. was evil for a time, but he got better, and now he’s a God. Anyway, the only hero aware that this world has changed is Blade.

This is where an MCU adaptation writes itself. The company’s struggles to adapt Blade to theaters starring Mahershala Ali have been infamous. For one reason or another, it’s been impossible to bring Blade into the MCU. However, letting Blade be the lead protagonist to save the Avengers might be the perfect, most simplistic approach.

Blood Hunt (2024) by Jed MacKay, Pepe Larraz, and Marte Gracia

Alternatively, Blood Hunt is another Blade-centric storyline that deserves the cinema treatment, albeit, with this one, instead of placing Blade as a protagonist, he is the antagonist. Granted, in the comics, it turns out that Blade is possessed by pop culture’s first vampire, Varnae, but regardless, Blade is the vessel in a vampire takeover of the Marvel Universe.

It’s rare to see Marvel indulge in the horror genre. Whenever comics introduce horror elements into Marvel’s world, it usually produces fun results. The same can be said for the MCU, making a vampire-centric story arc a must-see event for horror fans. Meanwhile, Varnae himself would make for an ideal MCU nemesis for Blade. Plus, the story brings Blade’s daughter, Bloodline, to the forefront, who could also benefit from mainstream exposure, knocking out at least three birds with one stone-cold-storyline.

8

Annihilation Is More Important Now Than It Was in 2006

Annihilation (2006) by Keith Giffen, Andrea Di Vito, and More

After Annihilus escapes the Negative Zone once again, the infamous Fantastic Four villain wages war on Earth-616. To counter this threat, Nova must assemble the ultimate defense squad. Many of the heroes Nova recruits were relatively obscure at the time but would go on to become household names, notably the Guardians of the Galaxy. As a result, Annihilation has gained a much greater legacy in modern times, despite receiving limited attention when it was first published.

Annihilation has built a reputation for itself as Marvel’s best crossover due to the significance that it introduced in the grand scheme of things following its conclusion. It broke the mold in establishing how Marvel approaches the Power Cosmic and cosmic entities in modern stories and thus deserves a big-screen treatment to cement its legacy.

7

Shadowland Capitalizes on Daredevil’s TV Comeback

Shadowland (2011) by Andy Diggle, Billy Tan, Matt Banning, Joe Caramagna, Guru eFX, and Christina Strain

MCU fans are thrilled that Netflix favorite Daredevil has made the leap to Disney+ with his latest adaptation, Daredevil: Born Again. After Charlie Cox’s memorable cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, audiences have been eager to see more of Matt Murdock on the big screen. One exciting way to do that would be by adapting Shadowland, a storyline that would not only put a fresh twist on Daredevil’s live-action portrayal but also echo the dramatic shifts the character underwent in the comics.

Shadowland asserts Daredevil in a rare antagonistic role via a possession by The Beast that gifts Daredevil one of his best costumes. This arc plays a significant part in Daredevil’s evolution, and adapting it for the screen could further develop his presence in the MCU. The Beast has yet to be introduced in MCU lore, and if Marvel chooses to explore this route, a storyline like Shadowland could be the perfect way to establish The Beast as a formidable threat.

6

Secret Empire Could Bring Steve Rogers Back Without Sacrificing His Retirement

Secret Empire (2017) by Nick Spencer and Various Artists

Even since Chris Evans took his final bow as Steve Rogers in Endgame, fans have been begging to see the original Captain America back in the MCU. Although he is physically aged in canon now, he isn’t dead in the MCU, so, technically, he could return, but fans want the young-looking, able-bodied senior citizen from WWII back on the screens, not an older version. Secret Empire presents a solution, even if it’s a perfect MCU return fans might hate.

This storyline explores one of Captain America’s most controversial periods, reimagining Steve Rogers as a Hydra-aligned villain. Eventually, the comics would reveal that this “Hydra Cap” was an evil clone of the original. While it’s unclear if the twin twist would work in live-action, nothing would solidify Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the new Captain America more than having him face off with the old guard in the MCU.

5

Avengers vs. X-Men Could Be the Key to Bringing the Mutant Super-Team to the MCU

Avengers vs. X-Men (2012) by Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Jason Aaron, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman, John Romita Jr., Olivier Coipel, and Adam Kubert

This story centers around the Phoenix Force and the idea that Scott’s granddaughter, Hope Summers, is the Phoenix Force’s next host. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes believe they should take charge of this Earth-shattering threat, but after the events of House of M, the mutants see it as more of a mutant issue than an Avengers problem. These differing perspectives lead to a clash between the two teams. While AvX sparked controversy and divided opinions, it’s undeniable that the storyline offers an unforgettable spectacle.

It pits Marvel’s biggest super-teams against each other, dream one-on-one fights, and it connects its story to some of the biggest Marvel storylines, like Decimation and House of M. This crossover has it all, and Marvel could bring it all to the MCU. It’s already been theorized that the MCU is teasing an Avengers vs. X-Men battle. It’s certainly one way to finally introduce the X-Men to the MCU.

4

Siege Would Herald The Avengers’ Darkest Hour Yet Into the MCU

Siege (2010) by Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel

Few Marvel storylines, whether onscreen or on-panel, have placed The Avengers in such a dark position, and Siege ranks among their darkest hours. With S.H.I.E.L.D. fallen,the remnants of the organization are replaced by H.A.M.M.E.R., led by none other than Norman Osborn, the former Green Goblin. Though he’s rid of his Goblin affliction thanks to medication, unlike his current reformed self, Osborn remains as dangerous as ever. Assembling his own Dark Avengers, Osborn sets out to challenge the originals.

If Marvel wants to give the Avengers one of their greatest challenges onscreen, having them battle H.A.M.M.E.R. and Norman Osborn might be the way to go. Spider-Man: No Way Home demonstrated how compelling and dangerous Osborn can be as a main antagonist, and stripping him of his Goblin persona could make him even more sinister.

3

MCU Fans Have Been Clamoring for a House of M Adaptation for Years

House of M (2005) by Brian Michael Bendis, Olivier Coipel, Tim Townsend, and Frank D’Armata

MCU lovers have been eagerly salivating at the thought that Marvel might one day adapt House of M for the MCU, and it’s easy to see why. The storyline is hailed among the best stories in both Scarlet Witch or Quicksilver’s Marvel history, as well as Marvel history itself. A major reason for Wanda Maximoff’s devoted following is how House of M portrays her as a tragic, sympathetic character—something that has translated beautifully into WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

House of M has become so integral to the Marvel Universe, particularly within the X-Men franchise, that it’s surprising the MCU hasn’t adapted it yet. It’s nearly impossible to discuss the X-Men without thinking of the iconic line, “No more mutants.” At this point, it’s less a question of if the MCU will adapt it, and more a matter of when.

2

Avengers: The Children’s Crusade Is Prime Movie Material

Avengers: The Children’s Crusade (2010) by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung

As much as House of M is loved, its severely underrated sequel, The Children’s Crusade, doesn’t get nearly enough attention. In this storyline, one of the Scarlet Witch’s long-lost sons, Wiccan, struggles to control his rapidly growing powers and embarks on a quest to find his missing mother for help. Alongside his brother, Speed, Wiccan receives assistance from their grandfather, Magneto. The crossover is an epic one, featuring not only the Avengers but also the Young Avengers—characters Marvel has been quietly pushing toward the MCU.

Wiccan made his onscreen debut in Agatha All Along, and with his brother Speed frequently mentioned in the show, it’s only a matter of time before Speed appears. Wanda hasn’t been seen since Multiverse of Madness, where she was seemingly killed off. A story where the twins search for their lost mother aligns perfectly with The Children’s Crusade, making it an ideal candidate for adaptation.

Fantastic Four/Superman (1999) Art Thibert, Gregory Wright, and Dan Jurgens

The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a showdown at the box office, with the MCU’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps facing off against the DCU’s Superman: Legacy. However, this isn’t the first time these iconic heroes have crossed paths. In the comics, the two superhero teams previously joined forces to battle Galactus, who is revealed to be the true destroyer of Krypton.

Marvel has several in-universe crossover events that fans are eager to see adapted, but few ideas are as ambitious as a crossover with DC Comics. While it may seem unlikely, both MCU and DCU fans are excited about the possibility. If the buzz surrounding First Steps and Superman: Legacy is any indication, the prospect of Marvel and DC’s worlds colliding in any form is thrilling.

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