Marvel Cinematic Universe: Ranking all 18 movies after Black Panther

Credit: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios; poster for Captain America: Civil War (2016)

4. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Although it’s credited as the third Captain America movie, Captain America: Civil War isn’t just about Captain America. True, a good part of the film involves Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) attempting to find and protect Bucky (Sebastian Stan) from the authorities. Yet, as the title also indicates, it’s a very loose adaptation of one of Marvel’s most notable crossover events, and in many ways better than it’s source material. This is as much of an Iron Man film as it is a Captain America film, and is arguably the real third Avengers film.

Once again, the Russo Brothers prove they are top-tier action filmmakers, with the fight between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Cap’s sides at the Leipzig/Halle airport being their crowning achievement. Even more remarkable is that they juggle no less than a dozen different major characters and not only advance each of their stories, none of them feel like they’re wasted additions in the movie. New arrivals Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther are especially welcome, further proving how Marvel Studios has a knack when it comes to casting.

Credit must also go to screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFreely. Somehow, they make the conflict between Steve Rogers and Tony Stark logical and true to their characters, each side making valid points. Even if you do favor one camp over the other, you still see them both as heroes, saddened as they’re philosophically driven apart. That the film pulls effectively pulls this off, without losing audience sympathy for either one, also speaks to Evans and Downey’s talents.

Like the other Marvel movies, Civil War isn’t flawless. Steve developing feelings for Peggy Carter’s niece, Sharon (Emily VanCamp) feels awkward and a little creepy. Also, one has to overlook a lot of coincidences when it comes to Helmut Zemo’s (Daniel Brühl) master plan. All the same, Civil War manages to surpass and improve upon Mark Millar’s original comic book miniseries, and shows why the Russo’s are ideal picks for directing Avengers: Infinity War.