With the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy coming to an end, we’re ranking all three of James Gunn’s Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy movies.
The Guardians of the Galaxy’s legacy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is undeniable. The success of the first film not only solidified the Guardians as a beloved group of characters but also proved that Marvel could take risks and experiment with new properties that were relatively unknown to mainstream audiences.
One of the most significant contributions that the Guardians have made to the MCU is their expansion of the cosmic side of the universe. Prior to their introduction, the MCU was mostly focused on Earth-bound heroes and villains. However, the Guardians opened up a whole new world of possibilities, introducing us to the likes of Thanos, the Nova Corps, and the Kree Empire.
The Guardians’ irreverent and sarcastic personalities made them stand out from other heroes, and their films provided a much-needed break from the typical superhero fare.
The Guardians’ impact can also be seen in the crossover events that have become a hallmark of the MCU. The Guardians have played integral roles in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, showcasing their importance to the larger narrative of the universe. The crossover events have allowed for interactions between characters that would have been impossible otherwise, such as Rocket and Thor’s hilarious dynamic in Avengers: Infinity War.
While the future of the Guardians within the MCU remains unclear now that the final film in the trilogy from James Gunn has been released, the Guardians of the Galaxy have left their mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Their success paved the way for other lesser-known properties to be adapted, and their impact on the tone and scope of the MCU will be felt for years to come.
From their introduction to their final hurrah, we’re talking all three volumes in the Guardians trilogy from worst to best! Warning: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 spoilers ahead.
Note: For the purpose of this ranking, we’re only including the three Guardians of the Galaxy movies from James Gunn. This means you will not see Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, or the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special in these rankings.