Which Marvel Phase I Film Has Aged the Best?
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has plunged deep into unknown territory with Phase Four. Entries have introduced concepts such as the multiverse, time travel, and alternate dimensions. In addition to these otherworldly realms, the MCU has expanded its roster of heroes; Thor, an original Avenger, remains active, but is now joined by a host of newcomers like She-Hulk and Moon Knight.
As fans discuss the direction of Marvel Phase Four, it is worth returning to Marvel’s roots: Phase One. Viewers can consider which of the original films are worth emulating and which ones have become outdated.
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6. The Incredible Hulk
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Fans often forget about The Incredible Hulk, and for good reason. Upon its release, the film received poor critical reception, and it later became the lowest-grossing film in the MCU.
The Incredible Hulk brings little of the humor and lighthearted nature of later Marvel films. Edward Norton’s Hulk, which was later replaced by the warm, affable Mark Ruffalo, must open with a dull origin story and contend with a generic villain called Abomination.
5. Thor
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Thor suffers the most by comparison to its later counterparts. As originally conceived, the legendary God of Thunder broods over his throne without a trace of charm and makes the proceedings feel overly serious. Yet it is fun to revisit Thor’s brother Loki as he begins his journey from power-hungry usurper to dimension-traveling antihero.
Taika Waititi’s conception of Thor as charismatic, romantic, and even goofy makes the previous iteration seem dull and lifeless in comparison. The personality shift is so dramatic that the original version of Thor almost feels like an entirely different character.
4. Iron Man 2
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As is to be expected, the always-entertaining Tony Stark steals the show in Iron Man 2. Seeing Stark trying to connect with his deceased father Howard through the technology expo brings depth to Tony’s edgy billionaire playboy persona.
Unfortunately, Iron Man 2 embodies some of the MCU’s worst tendencies. Like many Marvel villains, Vanko and Hammer feel one-dimensional and bland.
The introduction of Black Widow, Nick Fury, and Agent Coulson - critical figures in the larger MCU - takes valuable screen time away from other plot threads. World-building and establishing an interconnected universe comes at the expense of developing compelling side characters and a satisfying standalone narrative.
3. Iron Man
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Iron Man deserves credit for being one of the first films to kick off the superhero phenomenon. It’s tight plotting, dazzling action sequences, and memorable dialogue set the foundation for every Marvel movie to follow.
Yet putting Tony Stark to rest later in the series was perhaps for the best. Stark’s patronizing attitude of subordinates, womanizing tendencies, and defense of global policing and arms dealing all come across as cringeworthy in Iron Man. Stark grows as a character over time, but he never truly embodies the ethos that the Avengers and the larger MCU seek to uphold.
2. Captain America: The First Avenger
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Captain America: The First Avenger feels like an old adventure serial, but not overly quaint, despite featuring an honorable boy scout like Steve Rogers as the protagonist.
Transporting Rogers to the modern world sets up one of the best MCU films, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Before arriving in contemporary America, Rogers has an exciting adventure in World War II-era Europe. The special effects are dated, and the origin story drags in act one, but despite these flaws, Captain America: The First Avenger powers through in its later half with extraordinary action sequences.
1. The Avengers
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The MCU truly formed its identity with The Avengers. The group dynamic brings out the best of each individual hero and sets up the hilarious banter that the team is known for. It also represented one of the greatest cinematic events of the current era, bringing so many title characters together into one film.
The Battle for New York remains one of the most eye-popping large-scale battles ever to take place in the MCU. With this one scene, The Avengers set the stage for even larger ensemble casts and massive fight scenes like the ones seen in Avengers: Endgame.
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