10 best MCU movies of all-time, ranked

7. Iron Man (2008)

Positioned at a well-deserved seventh spot Iron Man is much more than just a superhero movie - it's a cinematic milestone.

Let's talk about Robert Downey Jr. - the man, the myth, the legend. He doesn't just play Tony Stark - he is Tony Stark. Downey's portrayal brought an irresistible charm and depth to the character, turning a lesser-known comic hero into a household name. His transformation from a weapons manufacturer to a hero with a conscience set the standard for character development in the superhero genre. The movie's use of witty dialogue, personal issues, and flashy technology not only captivated audiences but also laid the groundwork for the personality-driven storytelling that would become the MCU's hallmark - it introduced complex themes like accountability and redemption, making it more than just a visual treat.

Yet, why not higher than seventh, you ask? Well, while Iron Man was a trailblazer, it was just the beginning of what the MCU would become. It laid the foundation, but subsequent films built upon it with more intricate storylines, richer character developments, and even more stunning visual feats. As the starting point, Iron Man had the challenging task of establishing a universe from scratch, a feat it accomplished without any hiccups, but later entries in the MCU had the advantage of building upon an already established world, allowing them to dive deeper into character dynamics and complex plot points.

While Iron Man is a groundbreaking film and a true classic, it naturally sits at number seven, serving as the essential foundation upon which the towering skyscraper of the MCU was built.