Ranking The MCU’s Phase 1 Movies

Phase 1 of the MCU saw Kevin Feige and his team take a chance on launching a completely new continuity. Having Iron Man as the tentpole for the universe and giving more focus on the likes of Thor and Captain America was a real swing. But the question is, of this six-movie phase, where do they each stand in the rankings? Let's unpack that.

6. Thor

This debut story on the God of Thunder was a classic tale. One around a spoilt, egotistical prince who must be broken down to built himself up to be a better person. We've seen the story a million times. It's just this time it's using Norse mythology in a comic book world, where we see Thor himself banished to Earth thanks to his brother Loki. With no powers and human scientists to team up with, Thor tries to get home and goes on the usual journey of self discovery that you'd expect.

Thor is by no means a bad movie. A stellar cast. Strong world building. A fitting director in Kenneth Branagh. And let's face it, Marvel took a real chance on going down the Norse mythology route if you ask me. But does it stand out against these other Phase 1 contenders? Not a chance.

Thor's been a character the Marvel universe for decades, but it wasn't a given that it would translate well in a world where the likes of Iron Man, The Hulk and Spider-Man also exist. So fair play to Marvel on this one.

5. Iron Man 2

Marvel was riding high after the success of the first Iron Man, so it made sense that a sequel would be in the works not long after. Hence this beign inducted as the third movie of the MCU.

The movie continues Tony Stark's story in a really organic way, with him beginning to go slightly off the rails as he discovers his arc reactor, though it is keeping him alive, is also killing him anyway. Mix this in with the world trying to claim his Iron Man tech and his family's legacy coming back to haunt him in the form of Mickey Rourke's Whiplash, and you've got this sequel. Jon Favreau brought that same level of excitement for this second time around in the director's chair.

However, it just doesn't land as well as the first movie. Visual effects are as good and RDJ brings his A-game once again, but it is a bit of a choppy movie to say the least.

4. The Incredible Hulk

Edward Norton stepped into the shoes of Doctor Bruce Banner for this new iteration of the Green Goliath, and it built well on the standard understanding that we have of the character. The story picks up years after the gamma radiation fiasco that changed Banner forever, and the government are still on his trail as he searches desperately for a cure.

I see a lot online about how this movie isn't very well favoured, but I don't really understand that point of view. Yeah the movie does lose a bit of steam as it goes on, but I've always thought of it as a faithful Hulk movie, that has a nice foundation in basing itself slightly off the Bill Bixby/Lou Ferrigno TV series.

Sure, there's better movies in Phase 1, but it definitely stands on it's own two feet pretty well. The only thing I always nitpick at is that it kicks off the Hulk's MCU continuity, is the only solo Hulk movie, and we don't have the same actor as the rest of the character's appearances in future.

3. Captain America: The First Avenger

Like Thor, this was quite ballsy movie for Marvel so early on. A period piece that isn't as superhero-y as the stereotype goes. But it 100% paid off. Set in the 1940s, we watch as little scrawny Steve Rogers is pumped with a dose of super soldier which turns him into the Marvel Universe's first Avenger, suiting up to take on the villainous Red Skull in the backdrop of the World War Two.

Being a period movie, this could have gone pretty badly but it landed well thanks to Joe Johnson. Also, let's face it. Chris Evans as Steve Rogers? Casting just doesn't get better than that very often. It's a fine example of how Marvel can nail the comic book accuracy whilst still finding genuinely the right person for the part. But the rest of the cast (Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Tommy Lee Jones, Sebastian Stan etc.) are exceptional. The attention to detail for the time period. THAT ending that sets up Rogers coming into contact with his future Avengers. It's all delivered so well.

It falls short slightly of the those first couple of spots, but it has it's place in the top three for sure.

2. Iron Man

The movie that kicked off the MCU. Of course it was going to be this high! Tony Stark was kidnapped and taken prisoner for months. What came out of that Afghan cave was a reborn man who was set on using his billions to make the world a better place. Whilst wearing an iron clad, teched out super suit.

It goes without saying really; Robert Downey Jr was born to play this role. Not only does it slightly mirror his own life, but it also shows him back in the saddle as a leading man, and for one big blockbuster. I keep talking about Marvel taking big swings with this phase (something we keep saying as we rank further phases to be honest), but the biggest swing was taking an actor who was pretty much considered blacklisted, and having him on the launch pad for what could have had Marvel Studios crumbling before it even started.

Aside from Downey Jr, there's the VFX. The rest of the cast. The world that Jon Favreau was building here with Kevin Feige. You felt that it was special. Yes the movie misses out on my top spot, but only minimally.

1. The Avengers

It was always going to be number one. Let's face it. 2012's Avengers does the unthinkable. As it was thought of that point at least. Taking multiple superheroes and throwing them on screen together for one big firework display of a team-up movie. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, The Hulk and Hawkeye are recruited by Nick Fury to take on Thor's brother, Loki, as he sets his sights on Earth to dominate it as their king.

The usual commitment to the roles from every single actor. The way these characters interact. The way their stories mesh together. The real punch the air moments scattered throughout the plot. It's a real achievement for Marvel here that changed the game. This is the true birth of the team-up concept in my eyes.

It may not be the most comfortable of things to say nowadays, but Joss Whedon had one well of a task with this movie, and he delivered well on it. Much like Iron Man, there was just so much riding on this instalment. Thank Odin it took off well.

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How would you rank these phase 1 movies? Let us know your thoughts!