Since 2008, there have been five distinct phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Eight projects have been released so far in Marvel’s Phase 5.
When Marvel released “Iron Man” in 2008, it was the beginning of a massive multimedia franchise.
From 2008 to 2019, the MCU went through three phases. These phases culminated in “Avengers: Endgame” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”
Marvel head Kevin Feige has dubbed these three phases the “Infinity Saga.” The “Infinity Saga” has grossed $22 billion worldwide.
However, it has been challenging to restore the magic of the Infinity Saga. Phases 4 and 5 have struggled with lackluster box office results.
They have also faced critical derision and signs of superhero fatigue.
Phase 5 began in February 2023 with “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” So far, Phase 5 includes four movies and four TV shows.
We’ve ranked them from worst to best in terms of quality and significance to the MCU. Here’s what we thought.
Secret Invasion: The Worst Disney+ Series
As of now, the worst project of Phase 5 is the Disney+ series “Secret Invasion.” The show is baffling even a year after its release.
The decision to make Rhodey a Skrull remains confusing. This twist potentially negates his emotional farewell to Tony Stark.
Additionally, the finale leaves G’iah as the most powerful being in the MCU. Yet it seems like Marvel will ignore her in future projects.
The wasted potential of actors like Emilia Clarke and Olivia Colman is frustrating.
The series was based on one of the most iconic Marvel comic arcs.
Unfortunately, the show seems to have already been forgotten.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania: The Worst Movie
The worst movie in Phase 5 is “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.”
The charm of the earlier Ant-Man films lay in their small stakes. Scott Lang was a relatable ex-con reconnecting with his daughter.
But by the third film, Scott is facing a multiverse-hopping villain named Kang. Kang was supposed to be the next big bad of the MCU.
However, he gets defeated by a swarm of ants, making him seem weak. The film’s special effects and character underuse also disappointed.
With Jonathan Majors no longer part of the MCU, Kang’s future seems uncertain. This movie feels irrelevant to the MCU at this point.
Echo: A Decent Show That Feels Disconnected
“Echo” isn’t a bad show, but it feels disconnected from the rest of the MCU. It is a spinoff of the Disney+ series “Hawkeye.”
The show focuses on Maya Lopez, played by Alaqua Cox. Cox does a great job portraying the character.
The supporting cast is strong, and fans enjoyed seeing Daredevil again. However, the show doesn’t seem to justify its existence.
Few viewers were clamoring for a Maya-centric series after “Hawkeye.” The show was a step forward for Native American representation.
Maya deserves a more compelling story in future MCU projects.
The Marvels: Not as Bad as Critics Claimed
“The Marvels” wasn’t the disaster many headlines claimed it to be.
The film received lukewarm reviews and made only $206 million at the box office. By comparison, “Captain Marvel” grossed over $1 billion.
Despite the criticism, “The Marvels” is a decent movie. The villain may be forgettable, but that’s not unusual for the MCU.
The chemistry between Carol, Monica, and Kamala is the film’s highlight. Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan is one of the standout performers.
The post-credit scene teasing the X-Men made the film worth watching.
What If…? Season 2: An Underrated Gem
The second season of “What If…?” flew under the radar when it was released. The show premiered in December 2023 with little fanfare.
However, it received positive reviews from those who watched it. “What If…?” explores alternate possibilities within the MCU.
It isn’t essential viewing, but it’s an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. The third season has been confirmed as the series’ last.
It’s a shame more people haven’t discovered this underrated show.
Deadpool & Wolverine: Hilarious and Profitable
Fans waited years for a third “Deadpool” film. “Deadpool 2” came out in 2018, and it seemed like the character’s story was over.
However, “Deadpool & Wolverine” proved that was far from the case. The film reunited Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman to hilarious effect.
It also brought closure to characters like Elektra, Blade, and Johnny Storm. The movie has grossed $1.2 billion, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film ever.
Audiences loved seeing these misfit characters together again.
Loki Season 2: A Fitting End for a Beloved Character
“Loki” has been a fan-favorite character since 2011. The first season of “Loki” premiered in 2021 and was well-received.
Season 2 built upon the character’s development from the first season. The show ended with Loki sacrificing himself to save his friends.
It was a touching conclusion for a beloved character. Fans have been delighted with how the series honored Loki’s journey.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: The Best of Phase 5
The best project of Phase 5 is “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” The film provided a perfect conclusion to the Guardians’ story arc.
Rather than focusing on universe-ending stakes, the story is personal.
The Guardians come together to save their friend Rocket. The emotional stakes are higher than in almost any other Phase 5 film.
If this is the last time we see the Guardians, it was a fitting farewell.
FAQs
Why was “Secret Invasion” so poorly received?
“Secret Invasion” was poorly received due to confusing plot choices, underused characters, and a lack of impact on the larger MCU.
Is Kang still a part of the MCU after “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”?
Kang’s future in the MCU is uncertain after Jonathan Majors’ departure from the franchise, which makes his role in Phase 5 unclear.
Will there be more “What If…?” episodes after Season 3?
No, the third season of “What If…?” has been confirmed as the series’ last.
Why did “Deadpool & Wolverine” become so successful?
The film’s success stems from the return of beloved characters and its humorous, irreverent tone, making it the highest-grossing R-rated movie.
Will the Guardians of the Galaxy return in future MCU projects?
It’s uncertain if the current Guardians lineup will return, but their Phase 5 storyline provided a fitting conclusion.