Marvel’s blockbuster smash-hit The Avengers has now arrived on Blu-Ray, finally making the entirety of the company’s ‘Phase One’ available on home video. I know I will not be the only one re-creating the theatrical ‘Ultimate Avengers Marathon’ from the comfort of my living room over the next few days.
In any case, now seems like a good time to reflect on ‘Phase One’ as a whole. I for one believe Marvel Studios has crafted a pretty darn great set of movies, an interconnected superhero anthology that will stand the test of time as some of the best this genre has to offer. The studio clearly understands their own properties better than any outsiders ever could, creating live-action renditions that are incredibly faithful to the spirit of the original. And by hiring an eclectic group of writers, directors, and performers – many of whom initially seemed like counterintuitive choices – the studio has ensured each film has its own distinct voice and flavor.
But which of Marvel’s films is the best? Which is the worst? Looking at the six films that comprise ‘Phase One,’ how do they all stack up to one another?
That is precisely what we examine today, as I provide my personal ranking of the six Marvel Studios films, from least-favorite to favorite. To be clear, I like all these films quite a bit. I just find some more impressive than others, and it seems fairly clear to me how they should be ranked.
So let us take a walk down Marvel memory lane. Enjoy…
Begin reading on the next page…
