Controversial but data-backed ranking of the 10 best MCU movies

1. Black Panther

To say that Black Panther is a triumph in filmmaking would be an understatement. Not only did the film successfully recreate the Guardians of the Galaxy format of turning a lesser-known Marvel character into a global phenomenon, it was praised for its cultural significance, diversity, and thoughtful portrayal of Wakanda, all of which saw the film earn the MCU its very first Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.

It's hard to sum up all of the wonderful accomplishments of Black Panther but there is no denying that it's one of the very best that the franchise - and the genre - has ever produced. Chadwick Boseman delivered a remarkable performance as King T'Challa that very much put the character on the map for a lot of mainstream audiences that weren't familiar with him before, and he was surrounded by a rich supporting cast of incredible performers, including the incomparable Angela Bassett.

The movie is as rich in its visuals as it is in its storytelling and that makes it one of the franchise's most immersive installments. Wakanda is a stunning sight and the sights of this movie in general, from the beautiful Wakandan sunset to the vivid battle sequences, are a work of art.

The Ryan Coogler movie holds an amazing 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, setting itself apart from the others at the top of the MCU kingdom for critics. That, and its Academy Award nomination, makes it a true rarity of a superhero movie. And even though everyone's Top 10 lists will differ, you will likely find Black Panther in the vast majority of them.