Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, ranked from worst to best, by Rotten Tomatoes

Credit: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Pictures; from Captain America: Civil War (2016)

6. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Audience Score: 89%

"Critics Consensus: Captain America: Civil War begins the next wave of Marvel movies with an action-packed superhero blockbuster boasting a decidedly non-cartoonish plot and the courage to explore thought-provoking themes."

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Captain America: Civil War is definitely one of my favorite films from Marvel Studios. Unlike Nevertheless, sixth place is too low. This is a film which easily belongs in the top five and, while it’s indeed a very good film, isn’t quite at the same level as Captain America: The Winter Soldier.  As I said it my review, there are a few minor plot-related points which I think hold it back from surpassing its predecessor. I’d also believe the percentage should be a little higher, as well, although 91% is still satisfactory. It’s indicative of a movie with an A- or three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Credit: Marvel Studios/Sony/Columbia Pictures; from Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

5. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Audience Score: 88%

"Critics Consensus: Spider-Man: Homecoming does whatever a second reboot can, delivering a colorful, fun adventure that fits snugly in the sprawling MCU without getting bogged down in franchise-building."

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Let’s look at how Rotten Tomatoes ranked the other Spider-Man movies, shall we? The first Spider-Man (2002) has 89%; Spider-Man 2 (2004) has 93%; Spider-Man 3 (2007) has 63%; The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) has 73%; and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) has 52%. This means, according to these metrics, the second reboot film is close to on par with Spider-Man 2, one of the best comic book movies of all time. Yes, Spider-Man: Homecoming is good, but not that good. Nor would I consider it the fifth best Marvel Studios film.

Credit: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Pictures; Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

4. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Audience Score: 87%

"Critics Consensus: Exciting, funny, and above all fun, Thor: Ragnarok is a colorful cosmic adventure that sets a new standard for its franchise — and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe."

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

As much fun as I had in watching Thor: Ragnarok, and consider it the best of the Thor movies by far, it has one fundamental flaw: it’s extremely imbalanced. Yes, the action is very good, the comedy is hilarious, and the stakes are high. Problem is, this jovial and jocular tone, accentuated by its never-ending jokes, feels way off when you consider what actually happens. Ragnarok is, after all, is the end of the world according to Norse mythology. Still, Thor: Ragnarok does serve as a reminder that comic book movies can still be terrific without being so serious.