Not since Watergate have we seen such a steep and rapid decline in popularity as we’ve witnessed with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Just five years ago, the franchise reigned as the dominant force in cinema—an unstoppable empire—with fans so passionate they were willing to label Martin Scorsese “out of touch” for his now-infamous “theme park” comments. Yet, it seems Scorsese may have been right all along. A string of box office and critical failures, along with a hugely mishandled transition to television, snapped any remaining momentum out of existence, forcing many to question not only the future of the franchise but whether it was ever that good to begin with.
Now, as Phase Five officially concludes, the cracks are more visible than ever. Thunderbolts has been a rare highlight, drawing praise for its grounded tone, character work, and emotional weight—offering a glimpse of what the MCU can still achieve when it dials back the chaos. But the goodwill it earned was quickly undercut by Deadpool & Wolverine, which, despite the hype around Jackman’s return, ended up feeling like a disjointed patchwork of gags and fan service. Captain America: Brave New World fared even worse, arriving with the weight of legacy on its shoulders only to collapse under a messy plot, thin character arcs, and a sense that Marvel is simply spinning its wheels.
While many have already tried to diagnose what went wrong, a quick glance at Marvel’s increasingly bloated slate tells you everything you need to know. The Fantastic Four is still years away. Blade is stuck in development hell. And Avengers 5 and 6? No one even knows what those are supposed to be about anymore.
But this list isn’t here to dissect the MCU’s many recent failures. Instead, we’re taking a retrospective look at the very best of what was once a truly great franchise. Yes, it’s well past its prime and riddled with problems—but it didn’t always suck. Even its harshest critics must admit the MCU undeniably reshaped the Hollywood landscape: from popularizing the shared universe model, to supercharging the superhero boom, to launching the careers of major A-listers.
It may have faded from the cultural zeitgeist, perhaps never to return—but there’s still something worth celebrating here. So, with that in mind, here are our picks for the 20 best movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
20. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had the formidable task of honoring Chadwick Boseman’s legacy while steering the franchise forward—and it largely succeeds. Director Ryan Coogler crafts a story steeped in grief, legacy, and resilience, delivering an emotional narrative that explores loss with sincerity. Letitia Wright steps up admirably as Shuri, surrounded by powerful performances—most notably Angela Bassett’s Oscar-nominated turn as Queen Ramonda.
Though the plot occasionally feels overstuffed and its action sequences underwhelming, the film still resonates with artistic depth rare in superhero cinema. The introduction of Namor and Talokan adds fresh mythos to the MCU, even as the movie juggles franchise obligations like setting up Ironheart. What lingers, though, is the emotional gravity—each character grappling with what it means to carry on. Wakanda Forever may not reach the cultural heights of its predecessor, but it stands as a soulful and reverent continuation, affirming that legacy endures through those who carry it forward.
Also Read: 5 Important Chadwick Boseman Movies You Shouldn’t Miss
19. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Avengers: Age of Ultron delivered some of the MCU’s most memorable moments—Iron Man’s Hulkbuster face-off with Hulk, Vision lifting Mjolnir, and Cap nearly doing the same. Yet despite its highlights, the sequel struggled to match the cohesion and clarity of its predecessor. Juggling too many subplots and future setups, the film often feels burdened by its own ambition.
James Spader’s Ultron had potential as a menacing villain, but ultimately lacked the depth or threat to leave a lasting impact and solidified the Marvel’s villain problem that we’ve come to know. Behind-the-scenes interference reportedly diluted director Joss Whedon’s vision, and the result is a film that feels disjointed.
Still, Age of Ultron unintentionally set trends that came to define the MCU—for better or worse—like the tonal whiplash between humor and drama, exposition-heavy character beats, and continuity lapses. While not without merit, that gives it instant cool points, Age of Ultron remains one of the franchise’s more polarizing entries—an overstuffed link between the past and future of the MCU.
18. Spiderman: Far from Home (2019)
Spider-Man: Far From Home picks up in the emotional aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) grappling with Tony Stark’s legacy and the weight of stepping into bigger shoes. A European school trip turns into a globe-trotting adventure as Peter teams up with the mysterious Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) to fight interdimensional Elementals—until it’s revealed that Mysterio is a former Stark employee with a sinister plan to hijack Tony’s tech.
The film shines in its teen romance and light-hearted humor, particularly the chemistry between Holland and Zendaya. Gyllenhaal delivers a layered, unpredictable villain performance, making Mysterio one of the MCU’s more memorable foes. While the movie functions well as connective tissue between MCU phases, it doesn’t push boundaries narratively. Still, its charm lies in colorful set pieces, fan-pleasing callbacks, and a playful tone that masks its predictability.
Though it may not reach the storytelling heights of Into the Spider-Verse or Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2, Far From Home offers a fun, emotionally grounded adventure anchored by a relatable young hero.
17. Thunderbolts* (2025)
Thunderbolts embraces its ensemble of Marvel’s misfits—led by Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes and rounded out by characters like Ghost, Red Guardian, and John Walker—and turns perceived weakness into a strength. Rather than pretending it’s an Avengers-level event, director Jake Schreier leans into the film’s scrappy charm, delivering a character-driven, emotionally grounded story about flawed heroes trying to find redemption. The cast—especially Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, and Lewis Pullman—brings surprising depth and chemistry, helping elevate what could have been a footnote in the MCU.
Read More: Thunderbolts* (2025) Movie Review
The film’s self-awareness is part of its appeal, often poking fun at its own lack of star power while still managing to deliver humor, heart, and even a few standout action beats. It doesn’t rewrite the Marvel playbook, but it refines it with sincerity and soul. After the uneven entries post-Endgame, Thunderbolts proves that even the “B-team” can shine with the right story—and a lot of heart.
16. Deadpool and Wolverine (2024)
Deadpool & Wolverine marks Marvel Studios’ first official venture into the X-Men universe post-Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox—but it feels more like a swan song to the old franchise than a true MCU debut. Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool teams up with a jaded Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) from an alternate timeline to stop a multiversal collapse, all while meta-commentary, corporate jabs, and cameos flood the screen. While the jokes are relentless and the fan service undeniable, the plot itself lacks coherence and emotional depth. Director Shawn Levy leans into crowd-pleasing chaos, but the film often feels like a patchwork of nostalgic nods rather than a fully formed narrative.
Still, Reynolds and Jackman’s chemistry is undeniable, and a heartfelt end-credits tribute to the Fox-era X-Men films offers a fitting bit of closure. It may not break new ground, but as a franchise coda and an R-rated box office juggernaut, Deadpool & Wolverine delivers just enough joy—even if you forget what it was all about ten minutes later.
15. Doctor Strange (2016)
Though Doctor Strange marks the MCU’s fourteenth installment, it treads a familiar path. As a traditional origin story, it mirrors Iron Man in structure—an arrogant, wealthy genius suffers a life-altering injury and gains extraordinary powers. Yet director Scott Derrickson injects a unique flair, leveraging dazzling visuals (a major reason for this position) to introduce mysticism into the Marvel universe.
Benedict Cumberbatch is perfectly cast as Stephen Strange, bringing gravitas and wit to a character who is both compelling and flawed. The supporting cast—while underused—adds depth, and the film smartly integrates humor without undercutting the story. The psychedelic visual effects, from the Mirror Dimension to the mind-bending Dark Dimension, elevate the spectacle to a whole new level, and the Time Stone showdown with Dormammu is refreshingly clever (alas, once again, Marvel falters with its villain, sadly wasting a talent like Mads Mikkelsen!)
Still, Doctor Strange feels more like a stepping stone than a standout. While it plants vital seeds for the MCU’s future, it doesn’t fully distinguish itself from earlier entries. It’s a strong, utterly unique and stylish debut—just not a groundbreaking one.
14. Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a standout entry in the MCU—a thrilling, emotional origin story that introduces a new kind of hero. Simu Liu makes a commanding debut as Shang-Chi, seamlessly blending charm, vulnerability, and martial arts mastery. The film’s action choreography—particularly the breathtaking bus and scaffolding sequences—is among the MCU’s best, thanks in large part to the late Brad Allan, to whom the film is dedicated.
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Tony Leung’s Wenwu is a complex, grief-stricken antagonist who elevates the emotional stakes, while Awkwafina brings levity and warmth as Shang-Chi’s quick-witted best friend, Katy. Director Destin Daniel Cretton weaves in rich world-building—from the gritty streets of Macau to the mystical village of Ta Lo—creating a unique blend of grounded storytelling and high fantasy. Though the CGI-heavy climax falters slightly, the film’s emotional core remains strong. Shang-Chi proves that Marvel’s best stories are the ones that embrace identity, legacy, and the power of choosing your own path.
13. Spiderman: Homecoming (2017)
When Tom Holland first swung into the MCU, skepticism around a third Spider-Man reboot was understandable. But Spider-Man: Homecoming proved itself by leaning into something previous versions hadn’t fully explored—Peter Parker’s high school life. Rather than aim for apocalyptic stakes, the film focuses on Peter’s struggle to balance teenage awkwardness with superhero responsibility, capturing the essence of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s original vision while seamlessly updating it for the new generation.
Homecoming thrives on its intimacy, humor, and charm. With Tony Stark as both mentor and measuring stick, the film becomes as much about growing up as it is about heroism. Holland’s earnest, semi-awkward performance grounds Peter in relatable reality, and the John Hughes-inspired tone offers a refreshing change of pace. The film’s ties to the MCU are clever without overpowering its core story, and Michael Keaton’s Vulture adds welcome depth. Spiderman: Homecoming delivers one of the most balanced, heartfelt entries in the MCU—an endearing chapter that has aged remarkably well.
12. Spiderman: No Way Home (2021)
Spider-Man: No Way Home had sky-high expectations—and somehow, it soared past them. Director Jon Watts and star Tom Holland deliver a bold, emotionally resonant installment that not only caps off the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy with heart and humor, but also honors two decades of cinematic Spider-Man history. Picking up after Far From Home, Peter Parker seeks Doctor Strange’s help to erase his unmasked identity—but a fractured spell opens portals across the multiverse. The result? The exhilarating return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, along with iconic villains from their respective universes.
More than a nostalgia trip, No Way Home masterfully weaves laughs, grief, and growth into a coming-of-age tale that deepens Holland’s portrayal and retroactively enriches previous Spidey films. While Marvel doesn’t always gamble on such scale in solo outings, this film is both reverent of its past and daring about its future. The finale is bittersweet, but it opens a thrilling new chapter. Simply put, it’s one of the MCU’s finest hours.
11. The Avengers (2012)
Before The Avengers hit theaters in 2012, many doubted whether Marvel’s bold shared-universe experiment could truly succeed. With solo outings for Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America under their belts, the idea of uniting these distinct heroes in one cohesive film felt ambitious—if not impossible. But thanks to Joss Whedon’s sharp writing, deep understanding of the characters, and trademark wit, The Avengers did more than just bring them together—it redefined the superhero genre.
Whedon’s direction and the film’s tight pacing gave depth to character dynamics, using tension and humor to organically build camaraderie. While the plot is a straightforward chase for the Tesseract, it’s the interactions—Tony’s snark, Cap’s idealism, Banner’s internal conflict—that drive the story. The third act delivers spectacularly, and that iconic group shot cemented the MCU’s juggernaut status. Yes, not everything lands—but the overall impact was undeniable because Whedon along with Kevin Feige created something special for all the Marvel fans out there. The Avengers didn’t just work, it soared, reshaping Hollywood’s blockbuster blueprint for the next decade.
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10. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
It’s easily the most underrated film in the MCU. It feels somewhat separate from the rest of the franchise, which isn’t a problem as it means it is able to possess a distinct identity of its own rather than just blending in with every other film. This is primarily due to the 1940s setting, which the film actually uses to enhance the story. Red Skull is just your typical Nazi-esque villain, but his motivations at least make sense and aren’t ridiculously convoluted, and Hugo Weaving suits the role perfectly.
It is also made distinct due to the adventure feel. While most MCU films prioritize the adventure aspects, this genuinely possesses the swashbuckling tone of an “Indiana Jones” film. Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers is an easy anchor for the series. While he isn’t the most complex of characters (though he does transform into one later), his instant likeability and defined moral framework ensure that every decision does feel believable.
“Captain America: The First Avenger” is also able to strike an emotional chord, something many of the most recent entries have been unwilling to even attempt, as both Bucky’s death and Steve and Peggy’s last conversation have a surprising amount of emotional resonance. Indeed, it is in the supporting performances that this film really shines. Haley Atwell, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, and all other veteran actors don’t appear to be in the movie for a paycheck as many actors of this caliber appear to be these days. Most importantly, and similarly to “Iron Man,” it has a level of simplicity that makes it quite charming; maybe it doesn’t take the largest of swings, but it certainly achieves most of what it was going for.
9. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Abysmal entries such as “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Thor: Love and Thunder” may have killed the MCU, but last year’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is a grand funeral. The film has a surprising ability to make you genuinely emotional for a CGI raccoon, with the focus on Rocket bringing a brilliant sense of freshness and providing a much-needed emotional core for this film, which is lacking in the Phase-Four entries. In fact, it should be noted that no Phase Four entry made this list – the two-year period was too messy and directionless for anything from it to be remembered fondly.
The prosthetics and visual effects are used to aid the story rather than the other way around – for example, the visual style of something like “Eternals” is impressive but doesn’t actually help build character or story investment. The soundtrack remains just as strong as ever, the action is some of the best this “Guardians of the Galaxy” series has to offer, and James Gunn just seems to have an understanding of comedy that has so far been unmatched by any other writer or director that has worked on the MCU.
Sure, the plot sometimes does meander, and the film is a tad poorly paced, but there are genuinely memorable moments, something that can’t be said for many recent entries. Perhaps it just looks better, given the astonishing lack of quality that plagued the entries that directly preceded it. However, it still remains a beautiful send-off for the team, with everyone in the ensemble getting moments to shine. Its messiness is counteracted by the unified tonal vision Gunn is able to deliver. It may be the last high point this franchise can ever boast, and despite its success, I remain skeptical of the decision to make Gunn the Kevin Feige of the DCEU (or whatever they are calling it these days). But I am glad this film was able to be such a success both commercially and critically – and it definitely holds up as one of the very best.
8. Iron Man (2008)
It’s time to talk about the film that started it all. “Iron Man,” in many ways, remains the epitome of what the MCU had to offer. Both the good – instantly lovable lead protagonists, explosive action, the perpetual promise of an unexplored universe far bigger than is that which exists in the film – and the bad – lazy villains, cheap comedy, and a bland visual style. Alongside “The Dark Knight,” it redefined what a superhero film could be and laid the foundations for what the decade-long, multi-billion dollar generating franchise would become. Robert Downey Jr. served as the franchise’s arc reactor, and arguably, his departure caused the series to lose its clear direction, which in turn caused fans to turn sour on the franchise.
His performance is instantly charming – his screen charisma unmatched – aided by a genuine focus on a character arc that the franchise unfortunately abandoned over time. The series hit the ground running in terms of tone, the kind of rock-and-roll, frenetic energy serving as the perfect counterpoint to previous superhero films, which had been defined by either overly dark or overly cartoonish sensibilities.
“Iron Man” may seem somewhat slight, plot-wise, and does arrive as somewhat formulaic, but only because this film created the formula, and its stakes needed to be smaller to allow for the gradual and satisfying rising of stakes over the next decade. It is hard to argue that any non-comic-book fan would even know of the Iron Man character today had it not been for this film, which instantaneously launched them into the public consciousness, and it is hard to argue that the film doesn’t remain one of the high-points of the franchise sixteen-years later.
7. Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
One of the most outstanding achievements of this series was introducing never-before-heard-of characters to a mainstream audience, and in no film is this better exemplified than James Gunn’s 2014 “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The trilogy hits the ground running in terms of characterization, with each member receiving the perfect introduction, and, like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” each is given several moments to shine. However, it is in the team and family dynamic that is established where this film goes from being good to brilliant, as MCU dialogue has been constantly chasing the magic that Gunn brings to the screenplay.
Lee Pace’s Ronan may be one of the many forgettable villains in this franchise, but he is far from the worst, defeated in one of the most perfect third-act climaxes of any superhero movie. Everyone, both in front of the camera and behind the camera, just seems to get it in terms of performance, visuals, and tone – all resting on a powerful emotional core that truly tugs at the heartstrings, unlike any other MCU film. “The Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy is arguably the best of the entire 34-part series, and the first film remains one of the crowning achievements in world-building and characterization.
6. Thor Ragnarok (2017)
While Phases One to Three of the MCU may be looked at now with reverence, setting a standard of quality recent entries can only dream of matching, this would be looking at the franchise through rose-tinted spectacles, as both “Thor” and its sequel, “Thor: The Dark World,” are quite bad. However, Taika Waititi’s comedic sensibilities turned this franchise on its head completely, and the overly somber tone and the never-quite-earned Shakespearean moniker that was placed on the franchise were gone. In its place is a subversive and punchy film, packed with quick one-liners and visual comedy, which understands the inherent stupidity of the concept and uses it to its advantage. Taika Waititi’s laugh-a-minute style of filmmaking may have plagued this franchise in recent years, but this is more due to a recycling of jokes and a lack of freshness, as when first seen in 2017’s “Thor Ragnarok,” it worked perfectly.
Finally, Chris Hemsworth and Hiddleston are given decent actors to work off of, such as Tessa Thompson and Cate Blanchett. Dropping Natalie Portman, who, while a brilliant actor, was evidently only in these films for money, was a clever decision as it allowed Thor to chart his own story, not be stuck in a generic romantic plot. The film is also colorful; its visuals match the atmosphere and can be regarded in line with the Guardians of the Galaxy films in terms of MCU films having personal, individual visions attached to them. It may have signaled the start of a tonal decline for the franchise, but there is a reason the creatives in charge decided to adopt this style of filmmaking almost uniformly across their projects for the next seven years, and it is due to the success of this.
5. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
I find the statement that the MCU’s power in the mid-to-late 2010s was its ability to cross genre boundaries to be rather unfounded, but “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” being labeled a “political thriller” is one of the few times I find it to be an acceptable assertion. As a sequel to “Captain America: The First Avenger,” it takes what worked about that, notably the character of Steve Rogers, and places him in an unfamiliar modern-day setting, opting for what could have been a very jarring tonal juxtaposition but somehow works due to the meticulous plotting of the film. While the twist of the Winter Soldier’s identity may have been largely predictable, its tight mystery format extends well beyond this central question and culminates in one of the best third acts of any MCU film.
Predictable villains, a tired comedy style, and continuous intertextuality may have plagued later entries in the MCU. Still, these problems are nowhere to be seen here, and a clear character arc for the central protagonist ensures its brilliance as a stand-alone feature. After watching the film, it is clear why Anthony and Joe Russo were selected to direct “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame,” as they demonstrate a shrewd ability for directing action, understanding the need for it to be character-focused before being just a spectacle. It is an unforgettable, thrilling ride from start to finish and one that isn’t afraid to test moral complexity, which is at the heart of any good film, let alone a superhero film.
4. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Perhaps a favorite for many in this franchise, it falls this low for me simply because it has such an easy task. Bringing together ten years’ worth of filmmaking in a satisfying way is undoubtedly an achievement, but the real work to make this film as enjoyable as it is was done beforehand. Thanos as a villain is really the film’s crowning glory, genuinely menacing, great design, and complex motivations, all factors that are very much needed when you make the decision to center the film on him. The action elements work for the most part, although the Wakanda battle is just a little hard to follow, given how many characters the film has to juggle. This is negated by the Titan and New York setpieces being as good as they are.
“Infinity War” works best when it remains focused on the characters and their dynamics with one another – Thor interacting with Rocket and Groot for the first time, Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, Star-Lord and Iron Man, all of these are handled very well, and this is where the film really shines. The most memorable moment of the film, which is the heroes’ defeat, is moving, but unfortunately, everything does feel very reversible, so it doesn’t quite pack the intended punch. Yet despite its problems, it remains one of the easiest watches in the entire franchise – breezy, funny, and tense. It works decently as a standalone film, but as one of the concluding pieces in a decade-long puzzle, it is a testament to the slow-build power of the franchise.
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3. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
A quirk of any franchise with this number of installments is that everyone has their entirely subjective favorite. The one they just have the most fun watching, as at the end of the day, fun, light entertainment is the fundamental foundation on which these films are based. For me, this is “Captain America: Civil War.” Nowhere is the subtle development of complex character motivations showcased more than within this film, as everyone has a reason to choose the side that they do, making every piece of this narrative puzzle satisfying as each decision is years in the making.
While the film may encourage you to adopt Captain America’s outlook, after all, it is the conclusion of the Steve Rogers-led trilogy, there are equally compelling arguments on both sides. The iconic airport battle sequence is simply a facade for the much more interesting questions that lie beneath the surface of the action spectacle.
From Peggy’s funeral to the attack on the UN to the final fight between Iron Man and Captain America, all orchestrated by Daniel Bruhl’s brilliant turn as Baron Zemo, if this is the rollercoaster ride that Scorsese described, then I am here for every twist and turn. This, to me, defines the MCU at the height of its power and serves as the real climax of phases one and two – lingering elements such as a distrust of authority, an acceptance of the guilt attached to the carnage caused by being a superhero and tensions between the various members of this mismatched ensemble are all brought front and center.
Many criticize the MCU’s roster of villains, noting that they are often hard to care about, but when there are no villains, everyone is the hero of their own story. It makes for a startling, compelling entry – one that any fan of the franchise can become easily invested in. It might be an unpopular take for many, but everyone has their favorite entry of this franchise – and mine is “Captain America: Civil War.”
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Where to begin with this juggernaut of cinema? Stripping back the cast of “Avengers: Infinity War” was the best decision the creative team could have made, as it allowed for a far more focused and streamlined story than I think anyone was expecting. Endlessly rewatchable given the absurd amount of “cheer-worthy” moments, and while the emotional impact of Tony’s death may have lost some of its power over time, in 2019, it packed enough of a punch to make me cry, as someone who rarely sheds tears during films. The time jump was well handled, although Thor’s plotline is tonally antithetical to the rest of the film, and the glorified highlight reel is well-weaved into the plot that the amount of cameos and references somehow don’t feel shoe-horned in.
It is hard to separate “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” They feel like two parts of a grand cohesive narrative, but “Avengers: Endgame” just edges out its predecessor by possessing a level of gravitas and nailing an epic scale unlike anything seen before in cinema history. “Avengers: Endgame” truly does serve as the high point of the empire’s power, and one can only berate it for being so good that everything that followed would pale in comparison. Perhaps lacking in a singular artistic vision, something I am personally more drawn to out of films – it instead represents a unified vision of a decade’s worth of filmmaking and hundreds of different creative voices coming together and working in harmony to create one of the most impactful cinematic events in history.
1. Black Panther (2018)
There may be other entries that fans prefer. Still, it is hard to argue that 2018’s “Black Panther” is not worthy of its historic position as the only MCU film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. I argued previously that “The Winter Soldier” flourished due to its willingness to explore the moral complexities inherent to the nature of heroism, but “Black Panther” goes further with this exploration, delivering a hero who, at times, is presented more as a villain and a villain who, at times, can be considered the hero of the piece. Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa may not be the most interesting of protagonists, but he doesn’t need to be when Michael B. Jordan is providing arguably the best performance in the entire MCU as the uncomfortably endearing villain Killmonger.
Its production and costume designs are unmatched, bringing Wakanda to life in a hugely believable fashion, aided by the impressive supporting roster that occupies the world created. Everyone is lending the A-Game to this film, from Andy Serkis and Letitia Wright to Martin Freeman and Angela Bassett. It feels like a vital entry culturally, beyond any connection with the franchise as a whole. With a brilliant soundtrack to match, every element of this project feels well-thought-out, a clean and precise film where Ryan Coogler’s creative voice shines through, taking what could have been another run-of-the-mill project but elevating it with a thorough exploration of big ideas such as colonialism, isolationism, hereditary monarchies, and the nature and burden of power itself. It is a project that feels elevated from the rest of the franchise and one that will be forever etched in history, given its worthy Best Picture nomination.
