The beloved series, “The Last of Us“, has made its grand return with the debut of Season 2, which also offers fans an initial sneak peek into its portrayal of the video game “The Last of Us Part II”. Certain scenes in this season opener are directly inspired by the game, such as a scene featuring sniper rifles that mimics a tutorial for using the weapon in the game. Isn’t it impressive how they repurpose the source material so cleverly?
In the first episode of “The Last of Us” Season 2, there are numerous hidden gems, secret references, and subtle details you might not have noticed. We’ll delve into these Easter eggs, as well as examine shifts in the relationships among key characters like Joel and his brother Tommy. We’ll also explore the symbolic significance behind the giraffes depicted throughout the series. For a comprehensive analysis, check out our breakdown video below:
If you found the video about Easter eggs in Season 2 Episode 1 of The Last of Us enjoyable, don’t forget to explore more of our videos! You might be interested in one that discusses why The Last of Us is an exceptional TV show, another explaining the merits of the debated game The Last of Us Part II, and a comparison between two popular zombie shows: The Last of Us and The Walking Dead. Additionally, you’ll find numerous other videos on ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming episodes! New episodes of The Last of Us air weekly on Sundays on HBO and Max.
Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
35. Eternals
Previously, I wouldn’t have anticipated that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in the least vital addition to the franchise. Regrettably, Eternals fails to coalesce effectively. It generally adheres to Kirby’s key principles with a few minor yet significantly disappointing alterations, such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into faceless monsters lacking objectives or motivations. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the main characters, Gemma Chan’s Sersi and Richard Madden’s Ikaris, falter in their portrayal of a centuries-old romance that appears to be their first date gone awry. The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes regarding the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to forsake them for a string of routine battles against uninspiring adversaries. It is challenging to conceive of a more tedious film about immortal extraterrestrial robots attempting to thwart universal annihilation than this one.
34. The Incredible Hulk
In such a disorganized and unrefined manner, it seems as though Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man became a massive success and hastily produced this film. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s most formidable soldier is a mistake that Loki could never outdo, especially considering his transformation into a large, bony, unsightly creature. (You can read more about it
33. Thor: The Dark World
Almost had Thor directed by Patty Jenkins, but instead we ended up with a film that’s more of a gloomy pursuit for a mystical object (MacGuffin) featuring one of the most uninteresting villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s any silver lining, it might be that without this movie performing so poorly, Marvel may not have been as inclined to make such significant changes as they did with Thor: Ragnarok (read more here).
Instead of Patty Jenkins directing Thor, we got a movie that felt dreary and was essentially a chase for a mystical object with one of the least engaging villains in the MCU. On the bright side, if this film hadn’t flopped so badly, Marvel might not have been as open to shaking things up as much as they did with Thor: Ragnarok (for more details, check out this article).
32. The Marvels
This Marvel film, although superior to three others listed, can be considered the most disorganized and intense. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau) are haphazardly thrown into a scenario where they must collaborate to thwart a Kree warlord intent on causing havoc for unclear reasons. Despite the actors delivering impressive performances, the plot, albeit concise, is chaotic and filled with questionable decisions that make little sense.
31. Captain America: Brave New World
In a less-than-ideal scenario, the phrase “Right hero, wrong plot” could encapsulate several underwhelming Marvel films (including “The Marvels”), yet it resonates particularly with “Captain America: Brave New World”, which grants Anthony Mackie’s captivating Sam Wilson his solo film debut, only to burden him with a dull antagonist and a tale brimming with unnecessary references to “The Incredible Hulk” (leaving us all on the edge of our seats about Betty Ross, wasn’t it?).
30. Doctor Strange
Visually striking scenes are a plus, but “Doctor Strange” seems to be more like an enhanced version of “Iron Man 2 (with a magical twist)”. On the positive side, the clever ending with Dormammu was well done. However, I wasn’t too fond of Strange’s eccentric cape. For further insights, check out [this article](here).
29. Iron Man 2
Although it surpasses your memories, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dance moves can conceal many flaws, but not all of them. If you trim 15 minutes of the Avengers‘s prelude from this, it could potentially be quite impressive. (Continue reading here.)
Sam Rockwell’s dancing skill can hide numerous flaws, but not all of them. Even though it’s better than you recall, the movie isn’t fantastic yet. By removing 15 minutes of setup from the Avengers, it could become something truly remarkable. (Read more here.)
28. Ant-Man
Ant-Man is decent, but it feels like a smaller-scale version of what we could have had from director Edgar Wright. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the best non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it here.)
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Ant-Man is okay, but it seems like a smaller adaptation of what Edgar Wright’s film could have been. Nevertheless, Michael Peña’s character Luis is among the best non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (For more details, check out this article.)
27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
In the battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, acknowledges that Scott Lang is operating on a different level. This stark contrast might symbolize the film itself; the down-to-earth, humor-laced, and relatable world of the Ant-Man series versus the grandiose, multiversal saga of Marvel Phase 5. As a Marvel cinematic experience, it’s satisfactory. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man series, it falls short. Unfortunately, if you were hoping to see Michael Peña’s character Luis in this installment, you’re out of luck, as he doesn’t make an appearance here.
26. Ant-Man and the Wasp
As a movie buff, I’d say that “Ant-Man and the Wasp” truly shines when it embraces its compactness, with Paul Rudd cracking jokes left and right among his fellow actors, Michael Peña delivering his captivating monologues, and a heartwarming, small-scale story about a fractured family striving to mend their bonds once more. (You can read more about it here.)
25. Captain Marvel
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers could be the most potent hero, yet her movie seemed to fall short emotionally. However, it remains captivating with two exceptional standouts: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson (and his impressive de-aging visual effects) playing a youthful Nick Fury. (For more details, check this out.)
24. Black Widow
2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing from the Avengers, where she largely played a straight character to her quippy Russian superhero co-stars, such as David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow falls short of the fitting farewell the character deserved. However, it remains another powerful Marvel production, boasting impressive stunt sequences and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who has the ability to copy the fighting styles of anyone he confronts.
23. Thor: Love and Thunder
Experiencing Taika Waititi’s second Thor movie, “Love and Thunder,” is somewhat like watching a magician perform the same trick twice. The first time was mesmerizing, but the second time, while still impressive, loses some of its initial surprise factor. Christian Bale delivers a chilling portrayal as Gorr the God-Butcher, yet his intense and emotional villain character doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his continuous banter. Essentially, “Love and Thunder” retains all the components of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend as smoothly this time around.
22. Deadpool & Wolverine
In this movie, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s camaraderie is simply fantastic, with cameos that are nothing short of astonishing. However, the narrative tends to push the limits of how much background information a film can provide without becoming confusing. (One character’s backstory could suffice, but in this case, there are at least two!) If you manage to not think too deeply about what’s happening on screen for even a moment, you’ll likely have an enjoyable experience. And both actors effectively portray Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly teaming up to safeguard the Fox X-Men universe. Admittedly, at times, you might wish that the writers (including Reynolds) had provided a slightly more coherent storyline.
21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
A revised version of the Iron Man 2 movie: The Unusual Iron Man 2: Less enjoyable than you recall, yet satisfactory. The advertising exaggerated the conspiracy-thriller aspect, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon is a fantastic newcomer to the series, and Chris Evans remains as solid and reliable as Captain America. However, it bothers me that Nick Fury, the world’s greatest spy, was clueless about the fact that everyone in SHIELD except for him and his two companions were completely corrupt. Come on, man. Wake up and see! (For further reading, check this out: here.)
20. Avengers: Infinity War
This film certainly delivers on grand scale and epic ending, yet it seems there’s a certain depth lacking. If you’re primarily seeking an action-packed Marvel movie with some witty quips, then this might be just what you’re looking for. However, if you appreciate the characters, their relationships, and the peaceful scenes amidst the battles, this film may not hit the mark. For further details, you can read more here.
19. Iron Man 3
The film was generally enjoyable, but its quality was slightly diminished by being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie’s climax revolves around Tony Stark retiring as Iron Man and setting off towards the sunset. However, this didn’t quite stick as he went on to feature in several more films afterwards. Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, was underwhelming, but Robert Downey Jr.’s exasperated interchanges with a clever child were top-notch. (You can read more about it here.)
18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Initially: The climax, filled with dragons and monsters clashing amidst a thick gray fog, is visually displeasing due to poor CGI. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi could potentially be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. For instance, the one on the San Francisco bus is highly enjoyable. Simu Liu heads a remarkably deep Marvel cast, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering impactful supporting roles, and Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently providing comic relief. Interestingly, despite not being the most favored Marvel villain initially, Marvel has transformed Kingsley’s character, former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, into a delightfully charming sidekick.
17. Thor
An expansive, universe-traversing tale, predominantly unfolding in the tiniest town of New Mexico – that’s quite an intriguing setup for a movie like Thor, doesn’t it? Despite its flaws, this Marvel film stands out as the first to showcase exceptional acting talent and captivating performances overcoming initial structural and script difficulties. These issues would later become characteristic of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Continue reading here.)
16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In the task of creating “Wakanda Forever,” director Ryan Coogler encountered an exceptionally tough predicament: Apart from crafting a sequel that matched the greatness of the original “Black Panther,” he had to achieve this feat without his captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, mere months before filming began. The movie truly shines when it weaves Coogler and the cast’s grief for Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. Unfortunately, the remainder of the film struggles somewhat; it is a patchwork of intriguing concepts, an overabundance of characters, and a villain, King Namor, whose motivations are somewhat unclear.
15. Captain America: Civil War
The plot lacks credibility, even for a moment’s consideration, and the entire film is constructed to culminate in the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me tell you: Wow, that airport battle between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers is absolutely amazing! (Read more here.)
14. Spider-Man: No Way Home
As a cinephile taking a closer look at Jon Watts’ third installment of the Spider-Man franchise, I must say it shares some similarities with Sam Raimi’s third outing. Both films are somewhat overburdened with an abundance of antagonists. However, what sets this movie apart is its exceptional portrayal of Peter Parker as a character – a man who may stumble but never gives up on the quest for redemption.
The film also pushes the boundaries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by introducing the multiverse in a grand manner, making it an essential stepping stone in the ongoing saga. Overall, it’s a worthwhile addition to the Spider-Man series, offering plenty for fans to appreciate.
13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
15 years later, director Sam Raimi made a comeback to the Marvel universe, delivering an exhilaratingly chaotic tale of a struggle for the destiny of multiple realities. Just as his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi managed to incorporate his unique flavor and visuals – such as slapstick humor, maniacal zombies, startling surprises – into the conventional Marvel mold. (Continue reading here.)
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Despite some criticisms about its lower quality compared to the initial Avengers movie and the confusion surrounding Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, I find the climactic scene where the Avengers unite to rescue everyone in Sokovia to be an authentic representation of Marvel’s essence. (Continue reading
11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
I tried to maintain the original tone while making the text easier to read and flow smoothly. The changes I made include using “the length” instead of “too long,” replacing “at least four!” with “at least four,” removing the double use of “and” in favor of a comma, and replacing “here” with a hyperlink.
10. Thor: Ragnarok
9. Spider-Man: Far From Home
In the second Spidey film by Marvel, starring Tom Holland as the incredible web-slinger, the movie slightly falls short of its predecessor but offers a delightful blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. The phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” may not be explicitly spoken, yet the movie “Far From Home” embodies this concept just as profoundly as any other Spider-Man film. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, is caught between his longing for love with MJ, played by the witty Zendaya, and his mission to thwart a group of elemental creatures, ordered by a rather exasperated Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a film that offers the perfect Marvel cocktail: Exciting action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and characters who touch our hearts deeply, making us genuinely care for them. (By the end of Vol. 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a secondary Marvel character to one of the company’s most compelling and heartbreaking heroes.) After a series of less impressive films, Gunn effortlessly proves his mastery. It’s unfortunate that he’ll be moving on to manage DC.
7. Avengers: Endgame
A significant leap beyond “Infinity War” and arguably the second greatest Avengers film, it is packed with massive action sequences, plenty of humor, and likely a record-breaking number of Easter eggs across all cinematic universes. (Read more
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Among the most enjoyable Marvel Cinematic Universe films, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling web-slinging sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man (which he performs). Aren’t you hooked? (Continue reading here.)
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
At halfway point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the original Guardians movie was a significant milestone, proving that Marvel’s unique style could draw audiences to lesser-known properties. Before James Gunn took over, the Guardians were mere footnotes, but he transformed them into an unexpected blockbuster success. It’s universally agreed and indisputable that Rocket is the best among the Guardians – so there’s no need for debate, simply acknowledge this truth. (Read more
4. Captain America: The First Avenger
Although the narrative structure could use some refinement (as it condenses an entire war into a quick montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America stands out as one of the most convincing character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film breathed life into a hero often criticized for being bland or outdated, transforming him into a captivating, complex individual embodying authentic human values. Perfect for when you need a boost of inspiration. (Read more here.)
3. Black Panther
In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for intricate connections across the cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merit of a self-contained narrative style. The film’s conclusion, where Black Panther decides to share Wakanda with the world and its characters with other stories, is intended as a joyful resolution. However, if this choice leads to a future sequel that becomes more dispersed and relies heavily on guest appearances, it may not be ideal. (Source: [ScreenRant](https://screenrant.com/black-panther-2-wakanda-forever-movie-sequel-problems/))
2. The Avengers
Despite the epic events that unfolded in “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains an astonishing feat. Each character is skillfully balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York stands as one of the most memorable action sequences of recent times. (Read more here.)
1. Iron Man
The original movie remains unsurpassed in quality. Looking back, not being tied to a broader universe enhanced its cinematic appeal. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark tests his suit and subsequently takes flight for the first time, better encapsulate the excitement of superpowers than any film ever made by Marvel or another studio. (Read more here.)
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2025-04-17 22:15