If you look up superhero exhaustion, Marvel will most likely be the first culprit to pop up.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), known for its incredible lineup of superheroes, emotionally gripping storylines, and eye-popping visual effects, blessed viewers with a plethora of releases in 2023. This year, Marvel brought a mix of big-screen blockbusters and binge-worthy series, showcasing their knack for mixing action with heart and humor - and, sometimes, a lot of sadness.
Speaking of sadness, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 was a movie you needed to watch while sitting next to a giant box of tissues. The movie signaled the end of the Guardians as we've come to know them, with changes within the group's formation and leadership and the really heart breaking origin story of Rocket Raccoon. I don't think I've forgiven James Gunn for how many tears I shed in that movie yet.
One of the most anticipated releases of 2023 was The Marvels. Building on the success of Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel, this movie promised to take audiences on another exhilarating ride through the MCU - and it did. With its blend of familiar faces and new characters, it expanded the Marvel universe even further, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining the magic that has captivated audiences worldwide and being the most fun Marvel movie in quite a while.
Then there was Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, a movie that promised to dive deeper into the quantum realm, a concept that has fascinated fans and theorists alike. This installment pushed the boundaries of what we've seen in the MCU, offering not just action-packed scenes but also a deeper exploration of its characters and their relationships and an introduction to the MCU's newest big baddie - Kang the Conqueror.
On the series front, Secret Invasion and the second season of Loki were the talk of the town. Secret Invasion went deep into the world of espionage and conspiracy within the MCU, attempting to bring a darker, more intense flavor to the universe. Meanwhile, Loki continued to explore the time-bending antics of its beloved anti-hero, with more twists, turns and even more variants for us to meet.
Each of these releases, with their unique flavors and contributions to the MCU, demonstrated Marvel's commitment to evolving its universe while keeping the core essence that fans love, even if some did think they've been pumping out too much content left and right. Whether it's through the introduction of new characters, the exploration of uncharted storylines and character backstories, or the deepening of existing storylines, Marvel was all about pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in 2023.
And as always, it wasn't just about the heroes and villains but the stories that connect us all, resonating with themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of good over evil.
With all that being said, let's take rank the 2023 installments to the MCU from worst to best. But first, let's take a moment to honor one guy who often gets forgotten about.
Honorable mention: I Am Groot
Marvel's I Am Groot is a delightful detour into the whimsical world of everyone's favorite sentient tree from Guardians of the Galaxy - Groot. This animated series is a vibrant burst of fun, perfectly capturing Groot's quirky charm. Each episode is a mini-adventure, putting Groot in all sorts of amusing and heartwarming scenarios.
Whether he's getting into mischievous escapades or just being his adorable self, I Am Groot is a light-hearted treat that's sure to bring a smile to the faces of Marvel fans of all ages. It's a refreshing, family-friendly addition to the MCU that celebrates the joy and innocence of one of its most lovable characters.
It could never compare to the high-energy antics and world-ending stakes that some of its counterparts have dealt with this year, so it wouldn't be fair to rank it among them. It's made for a different purpose, simply to entertain (and remind us why we love Groot so much). It's successful in doing all of that, making for yet another light-hearted and fun adventure set against the backdrop of the MCU.
I Am Groot season 2 excels in the same way that the first season did, making us all smile as it does so. We love that little guy so much!
5. Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion is the first of this year's Marvel Cinematic Universe shows to arrive on Disney Plus. It was also highly anticipated as it aimed to bring an espionage twist to the beloved universe. But, despite its high ambitions and an intriguing premise similar to Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the series unfortunately falls short in execution. The show, which had the potential to be a gripping reinterpretation of the comic book classic, struggles to maintain momentum and is actually pretty underwhelming. While it's constructed on solid foundations with some genuinely promising ideas, Secret Invasion fails to fully translate its source material's excitement and threat to the silver screen.
The series isn't without its merits, though. The performances, particularly those of Samuel L. Jackson and Olivia Colman, are standout elements that add to the narrative. Their respective portrayals of Nick Fury and Sonya Farlsworth bring much-needed dynamism to the screen, offering peeks at what could have been a much more compelling story. There are occasional insights and observations that kind of give the story a little deeper meaning, but these moments are too few and far between and fail to elevate Secret Invasion beyond its shortcomings. The show's inability to develop its good ideas into something more impactful leaves it feeling like a missed opportunity.
There was definitely potential, but the stars just didn't align here, leaving audiences feeling that Secret Invasion deserved a long-running arc to bring this one together (like the Infinity Saga got).
4. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania took viewers deep into the quantum realm, bringing with it high expectations for another exhilarating chapter in the MCU. But, despite its ambitious scope and the promise of a fantastical micro-universe, the movie kind of missed the mark and left fans and critics alike underwhelmed. It did officially introduce us to my favorite MCU villain, Kang the Conqueror, so I do like to give it kudos for that.
The movie's shortfall came partly from its story's execution which, while visually stunning, lacked the cohesive storytelling and character depth that we have come to expect based on previous MCU movies. The plot, revolving around the exploration of the quantum realm, presented a prime opportunity for imaginative storytelling. But it often felt cluttered and unfocused, leading to a sense of disconnect from the Ant-Man series' previous charm and warmth. Also, while the movie showcased some impressive visual effects, they weren't enough to compensate for the story's shortcomings.
Those aforementioned previous Ant-Man movies kept the stakes relatively low, and that's why they were worked. They were palette-cleansers. Quantumania wanted to be alarger-than-life Avengers movie without any of the ch
Also, it pains me so much to say this, but I really did not enjoy Michelle Pfeiffer's Janet at all in this movie. She kind of ruined it for me.
3. The Marvels
Landing at the number three spot in my 2023 MCU lineup, The Marvels brings back the fun element we've been missing from superhero movies lately. 2023 was a year where the movie world was a game of musical chairs - but the music's a mix of pandemic blues and writer and actors' strikes samba. Despite all this, The Marvels steps up to the plate, swinging for the fences in a box office that has been playing hard to get all year long for the superhero genre. It's a tough gig when movie-goers are swapping big screens and reclining seats for couch cushions and TV screens for streaming.
But here's where The Marvels shines and struts its stuff - this movie is a bold statement against the sour grapes in the fan world. The film throws open the doors of the superhero clubhouse and acts as a high-five to all the teenage girls and women out there - it's a move that's incredibly refreshing. This isn't just about flexing superpowers - it's about the power of connections, the ties that bind mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. This emotional undercurrent gives the film its heartbeat. In a nutshell, The Marvels is more than a superhero flick. It's a celebration of stories for everyone, served with a main course of kick-ass action and a side of feels.
Some people might get caught up on the story of the movie's underperformance at the box office, but the story of The Marvels is far better than that one.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 lands at the number two spot in my 2023 MCU ranking, and it's not hard to see why. This movie wasn't just a space adventure; it was an emotional odyssey that tugged at the heartstrings. Right from the get-go, it was a movie rollercoaster designed to whisk you through an entire galaxy of feelings. The movie brilliantly closed the chapter on the Guardians' saga, infusing every scene with a mix of raw emotion and the signature Guardians humor.
The story's depth was remarkable, diving into the complexities and past of Rocket, the soul of the team. The exploration of his backstory was a heart-wrenching journey, giving audiences a new level of empathy and connection to the character and legitimately bringing all the emotions out of the viewer. And let's talk about the ensemble cast – they were like a perfectly tuned orchestra, each bringing their unique flair to the table. The chemistry was perfect as usual, continuing to give us a dynamic that never fails to be feel both authentic and deeply moving.
But what truly set Guardians Vol. 3 apart was its fearless approach to storytelling. It dared to go dark, diving into themes that were both profound and touching, yet it never lost that spark of joy and wonder that defines the Guardians franchise. This balance between the light and the dark, the fun and the serious, made it a standout. It wasn't just a superhero movie - it was a whole cinematic experience that celebrated the highs and lows of being alive and sentient.
In a year packed with superhero content, Guardians Vol. 3 shone as a testament to the power of storytelling done right, proving that even in a universe brimming with heroes, there's always room for stories that touch the soul.
1. Loki season 2
The second season of Loki took the MCU by storm, proving to be a spectacular triumph and arguably the best Marvel TV series in recent years. My MCU husband Tom Hiddleston, reprising his role as the lovably narcissistic Norse god, and Owen Wilson as the ever-charming Agent Mobius, brought their A-game in this time-hopping adventure.
Loki wasn't just about the flashy time travel and cosmic escapades - it was also a showcase of brilliant performances and emotional depth. The show dazzled not just with its storyline but with its visual style as well, featuring meticulously designed sets that transported viewers to different eras, from '70s London to 19th-century Chicago. Every episode was a visual treat, complete with period-specific details that added layers of authenticity to the time-travel escapades.
It was this combination of strong performances, intricate plot, and stunning visual design that elevated Loki to the top of the MCU's 2023 releases. The show managed to create and sustain a narrative that was both fun and thought-provoking, keeping viewers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns.
In a year filled with various Marvel releases, Loki stood out as not just a continuation of a beloved character's story but as a testament to the creative heights the MCU can achieve when it blends its unique brand of storytelling with top-notch production and acting talent.
All hail Loki, God of Marvel (literally - he's the one keeping everyone we know in the MCU alive).
As we exit 2023 and prepare to dive into 2024, I can't wait to see what all is in store of us when it comes to the MCU.
What was your favorite Marvel release this year?