Marvel Cinematic Universe: Ranking all 18 movies after Black Panther

Credit: Marvel Studios/Paramount Pictures; poster for Iron Man (2008)

7. Iron Man (2008)

Even after a decade, the first entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still one the best. It’s also pretty remarkable Iron Man earned the box office that it did. After all, it’s not only an origin story of a superhero who, at the time, was below the radar of characters like Spider-Man and X-Men, the hero starts off as an unrepentant war profiteer.

Yet the film succeeds for four clear reasons. At its core, it’s a “Prodigal Son” tale of how an intelligent but selfish captain of industry who, after his capture by terrorists, uses his gifts for the betterment of humanity. Also, Robert Downey Jr. was born to play Tony Stark, perfectly balancing the character’s cockiness and sarcasm with his newly discovered altruism and obligation. Iron Man also, despite having miniaturized power plants and robotic armor, keeps one foot firmly planted in the real world. And even now, the armored suits still look amazing.

Yet, as I pointed out in its entry for Bam Smack Pow’s retrospective series, Iron Man is not without shortcomings. The movie drags a bit at times, especially during the second act. The other actors, particularly Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges are good, but still overshadowed by Downey’s engaging performance. The antagonists are also weak, though this certainly be the last time the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be guilty of this.

Still, in an age where every Hollywood studio is struggling to create their own cinematic universe, Iron Man reminds us how Marvel Studios got it right from the start.