15 greatest superhero movies of the decade

10. The Avengers

Released: May 4, 2012

Following a number of mid-credit teases in Iron Man, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor and even The Incredible Hulk, Marvel Studios finally pulled the trigger on its most ambitious project yet – one that would either make or break the MCU. Thankfully, it was the former as that project turned out to be none other than 2012’s superhero smackdown The Avengers (or Avengers Assemble as it was known internationally).

The arrival of Thor‘s Loki on planet earth (and the subsequent invasion of the Chitauri) forced Nick Fury to put together a team of heroes – something he had been planning to do for quite some time.

However, that would be easier said than done, as tensions quickly rose between Iron Man, Captain America, Bruce Banner and Black Widow (along with lone ranger Thor). That, however, would only serve as one more obstacle for these superheroes to overcome as they fought against the odds to save the planet.

The Avengers is the pinnacle of team-up superhero movies, bringing an end to five years of storytelling while launching a new chapter in the process. More than that, it was exactly what fans wanted it to be: An action-packed blockbuster that, save for a temporary lull midway through, never stopped from start to finish, and isn’t that what these movies are all about?

No doubt about it, The Avengers set a new precedent for superhero team-ups – one that only some of its own sequels could surpass.