‘Thunderbolts’ Recap: Every MCU Film and Show You Need to Know

The initial film titled “Thunderbolts” introduces the enduring band of Marvel’s antagonists, however, most of its members have already made appearances within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, some with extensive histories.

In the Black Widow movie, we have Yelena (played by Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko. Later on, Yelena showed up in the Hawkeye series on Disney+. Ghost, portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen, was the main villain in Ant-Man and Wasp. U.S. Agent, played by Wyatt Russell, took over as Captain America during The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s storyline. Last but not least, there’s Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, whose Marvel background spans back to World War II and Captain America: The First Avenger.

Essentially, if you’re planning to watch the movie “Thunderbolts”, it requires a fair bit of knowledge about the MCU. If you haven’t caught up on all the movies or shows mentioned earlier, or simply need a quick refresher because it’s challenging to remember so many films and series, our new Marvel video is designed to assist. It condenses over 30 hours of Marvel Cinematic Universe adventures into a concise 29-minute summary, preparing you for the “Thunderbolts” experience.

Watch it below:

If you enjoyed our video summarizing the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and series leading up to Thunderbolts, don’t forget to explore more of our videos below! We have one that delves into all the Easter eggs hidden in the first official trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps, another focusing on the CinemaCon footage of the same title, and a third discussing the reasons behind the mistake in the Muse storyline of Daredevil: Born Again Episode 7. Additionally, you’ll find even more videos waiting for you at ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to stay updated on all our future episodes! Thunderbolts hits theaters this weekend.

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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

35. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have imagined that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in one of the company’s least significant releases. Regrettably, Eternals failed to coalesce effectively. It largely adheres to the fundamental ideas of Kirby’s work with a handful of minor but quite vexing alterations, such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into faceless monsters lacking purpose or intention. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, yet the principal characters – Gemma Chan portraying Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – grapple to convincingly depict their supposed passionate romance (a relationship that spans 6,000 years, yet appears as if it’s on their first awkward date). The screenplay occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the links between superheroes, mythology, and faith, only to discard them repeatedly in favor of predictable combat sequences involving dull enemies. It’s challenging to conceive a more monotonous film about immortal alien robots striving to thwart impending doomsday than this one.

34. The Incredible Hulk

In a rather disorganized, unrefined manner that suggests hasty production, this film seems to have taken Marvel by surprise following the massive success of Iron Man. The choice of Tim Roth as the world’s supreme soldier, who transforms into a large, bony creature resembling a turd, is a casting decision even Loki himself might find questionable (for further details, click here).

33. Thor: The Dark World

Almost had a Thor movie directed by Patty Jenkins, but instead we got a film that was more of a dull chase for a mystical artifact with one of the least exciting villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A silver lining might be that if this movie hadn’t flopped as badly as it did, Marvel may not have been open to making such drastic changes as they did with Thor: Ragnarok (read more here).

32. The Marvels

This Marvel film isn’t the most disappointing – it surpasses three others in the series, after all – yet it’s arguably the most disorganized and intense. The trio of captivating Marvel characters (Captain Marvel played by Brie Larson, Ms. Marvel portrayed by Iman Vellani, and Monica Rambeau embodied by Teyonah Parris) unite to thwart a Kree warlord with destructive intentions, but the narrative, albeit short, is incredibly chaotic and filled with perplexing decisions that lack coherence. The actors shine together, but the plot leaves much to be desired in terms of clarity and logic.

31. Captain America: Brave New World

In a nutshell, “Correct character, flawed narrative.” This phrase aptly sums up several underwhelming Marvel films, such as the latest installment The Marvels, and it’s particularly applicable to Captain America: Brave New World. Despite giving Anthony Mackie’s charming Sam Wilson a long-awaited solo film, the movie disappointingly offers a dull villain and a story riddled with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk, leaving fans puzzling over trivial matters like Betty Ross’ whereabouts.

30. Doctor Strange

In a nutshell, while the stunning imagery is appealing, “Doctor Strange” struggles to shake off the impression that it’s merely an updated version of “Iron Man 2,” with a dash of magic. However, kudos for the smartly written ending involving Dormammu. On the flip side, the eccentric cape worn by Strange was met with less enthusiasm. (For further details, click here.)

The movie “Doctor Strange” is like “Iron Man 2” with magic added, but it’s not completely unique. The ending was great because of Dormammu, but some people didn’t like Strange’s crazy cape. (For more details, click here.)

29. Iron Man 2

Despite being better than you may recall, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing talent can conceal many flaws, but not all of them. Trimming 15 minutes from the setup scenes in Avengers could potentially result in something truly impressive. (Continue reading here.)

28. Ant-Man

In a simpler phrase: Ant-Man isn’t terrible, but it feels like a scaled-down version of what could have been Edgar Wright’s big-screen Marvel film. Despite this, the character Luis, played by Michael Peña, is arguably the most compelling non-superpowered character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it here.)

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, considers Scott Lang as being out of his depth. This seemingly lopsided matchup could symbolize the film itself: The humble, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series, characterized by its dry humor and lovable human characters, struggles to compete with the grand multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5. As a cinematic Marvel adventure, it’s passable. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man storyline, it falls short of expectations, particularly for fans hoping to see Michael Peña’s character Luis, who unfortunately does not make an appearance in this installment.

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it embraces its compact nature, featuring Paul Rudd’s witty banter with his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt monologues, and a heartwarming, intimate story of a fractured family striving to heal their bonds. (For further details, see 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 in delivering a strong emotional punch. Nevertheless, it managed to keep audiences engaged thanks to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson (and his remarkably convincing de-aging visual effects) portraying the youthful Nick Fury. (For more details, click here.)

24. Black Widow

2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited standalone film, “Black Widow,” where she primarily acted as a straight woman to her sarcastic Russian superhero cohorts, such as David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s scene-dominating Yelena. Consequently, “Black Widow” might not have been the fitting farewell the character deserved. Nevertheless, it remains another well-executed Marvel blockbuster, boasting several impressive stunt sequences and an intriguing villain in the form of Taskmaster, who possesses the ability to replicate the combat styles of any adversary encountered.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Viewing Taika Waititi’s sequel to “Thor” carries an aura of a magician performing the same trick twice, leaving one somewhat less awestruck compared to the first performance. The initial presentation was astonishing; the second, while still impressive, lacked the element of surprise. Christian Bale portrays Gorr the God-Butcher in a chilling manner, yet his intense and highly emotional villainous character doesn’t harmonize perfectly with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his constant humor. “Love and Thunder” retains all the aspects of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together as cohesively this time around.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

The camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in this movie is exactly what you’d expect – it’s fantastic, even surprising at times. The plot, however, pushes the limits of how much information a film can pack without becoming confusing. (One character’s tragic past could have sufficed; instead, we get two!) If you can manage to ignore whatever’s happening on screen for a moment, you’ll likely enjoy it. And Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver an entertaining take on Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly teaming up to save the Fox X-Men universe. It’s just too bad that the writers (including Reynolds himself) didn’t quite live up to their end of the bargain as much as we’d hoped.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

It’s worse than you might recall, but it’s still worth watching. The advertising focused too much on the conspiracy thriller aspect, but Anthony Mackie as Falcon was an excellent new addition to the series, and Chris Evans played Captain America with his usual strength and reliability. However, I can’t help but feel frustrated that Nick Fury, the world’s top spy, didn’t realize that almost everyone in SHIELD was corrupt except for him and his two friends. Really, Nick? Wake up! (For more details, check out [this article].)

In this version, I have made an attempt to simplify the language and make it easier to read while preserving the original meaning.

20. Avengers: Infinity War

This film offers a grand scale and an unforgettable finale, but it seems there’s something lacking. If you’re seeking non-stop action with some witty remarks, then this might be your choice. However, if you prefer character development, camaraderie, and more subtle moments amidst the fights, this movie may not hit the spot for you. (For further discussion, check out the full review here.)

19. Iron Man 3

A film that’s quite enjoyable overall, but its quality was slightly diminished by the surrounding Marvel Cinematic Universe context. The movie culminates in Tony Stark deciding to leave his Iron Man life behind and riding off towards the sunset. Unfortunately, he went on to star in five more films after this one. Despite Guy Pearce’s character being underwhelming, Robert Downey Jr.’s exasperated conversations with a clever child were top-notch. (You can read more about it [here](…)).

18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

From the get-go: The climactic scene, filled with dragons and monsters clashing amidst a thick gray haze, was quite disappointing in terms of CGI. However, prior to that point, Shang-Chi could very well be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. The one on the San Francisco bus is particularly enjoyable. Simu Liu delivers a standout performance as the lead character, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh offering deep and captivating supporting roles. Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently bring laughter to the table, with Kingsley’s portrayal of former Mandarin Trevor Slattery proving to be a delightful addition to the Marvel universe, despite initial skepticism about his character’s popularity.

17. Thor

This epic, spanning across the cosmos, is primarily set in… the tiniest town in New Mexico – an unusual setting for a movie like Thor. Despite its flaws, it stands out as the first Marvel film where exceptional acting and captivating performances managed to overshadow structural and script issues. These problems later became characteristic of Marvel productions. (Continue reading here.)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler encountered a formidable task while directing “Wakanda Forever”: Apart from creating a sequel that matched the excellence of “Black Panther”, he had to accomplish it without the captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, just as filming was set to commence. Coogler and the cast’s mourning for Boseman is poignantly reflected in the narrative of a grieving Wakanda. Unfortunately, the remainder of the movie can be a bit disorganized; it features an array of intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and an antagonist, King Namor, whose motives become somewhat confusing at times.

15. Captain America: Civil War

The narrative of the movie falls apart upon closer examination, but let me tell you, the epic battle between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport is absolutely thrilling! (You can read more about it here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality comparable to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share the trait of being packed with numerous villains. However, this film excels at portraying Peter Parker as a character – a man who may stumble but never gives up on making things right next time. Additionally, it introduces the concept of the multiverse into MCU films in a significant and substantial way, making a notable mark in the ongoing storyline.

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

After a 15-year absence, director Sam Raimi reentered the Marvel universe with this exhilaratingly chaotic tale of a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi incorporated his unique style and visuals – including slapstick humor, maniacal zombies, and sudden jumps – into the conventional Marvel narrative. (For further details, click here.)

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite some criticisms – such as it being less impressive than the first Avengers and the complexities with Wanda and Pietro’s storyline – I can’t help but appreciate the climactic scene where the Avengers unite to rescue everyone in Sokovia, which truly embodies the essence of Marvel. (Read more here.)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The sequel of Marvel’s lighthearted franchise is excessively long, featuring at least four (definitely four!) post-credits scenes. What’s striking is the audacity to create a follow-up that concludes on a somber note. It’s the only Marvel film that manages to make me shed tears and also includes humor about cosmic deity phallic references. In my opinion, this unique blend makes for an outstanding movie experience. (For further discussion, check out the link below.)

The sequel of a joky Marvel franchise is unnecessarily lengthy with at least four post-credits scenes. However, it’s impressive to see them take such a risk and create a follow-up ending on a sad note. It’s the only Marvel movie that makes me cry, and it also has jokes about divine member jokes. In my opinion, this mix of emotions makes for an excellent viewing experience. (For more insights, look at the provided link.)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the second Spidey film by Marvel, starring Tom Holland as the astounding web-slinger, the movie slightly drops behind its predecessor yet still offers a delightful blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. The classic phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” may not be uttered, but “Spider-Man: Far From Home” beautifully explores this concept as much as any Spiderman film has before. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, finds himself caught between his yearning for romance with MJ, brilliantly played by Zendaya with a touch of dry wit, and the directives from Nick Fury, skillfully acted by Samuel L. Jackson with an air of annoyance, to thwart a group of elemental villains.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a film that strikes an exceptional balance for Marvel: It offers thrilling action, quirky sci-fi visuals, and characters we deeply care about. By the culmination of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a minor Marvel character to one of the company’s most intriguing and tragic heroes. After a series of less impressive films, Gunn makes it seem effortless. It’s unfortunate that he will be moving on to manage DC instead.

7. Avengers: Endgame

As a die-hard Avengers fan, I must say that the latest installment surpasses “Infinity War” and is arguably the second greatest Avengers film yet. It’s packed with colossal action sequences, hearty laughter, and what might be an unprecedented number of Easter eggs across any cinematic universe to date. (Read more… here.)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s movies that are hard to resist watching again, this one boasts engaging characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man, which he happily performs. Aren’t you captivated already?! (Find out more here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

As we reach the halfway mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the debut of the “Guardians” series served as a turning point for Marvel Studios. This groundbreaking film demonstrated that the studio’s reputation was robust enough to pull audiences towards previously unrecognized properties. Before James Gunn took the helm, the Guardians were merely an afterthought; however, he transformed them into an unexpected box-office sensation. It is universally acknowledged and beyond debate that Rocket, one of the Guardians, stands out as the best character in the series. This is simply a fact that should be accepted without question or argument. (For further details, check out this article.)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

In my opinion, the 2011 Captain America film, starring Chris Evans, stands as one of the most impactful adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film breathed life into a character that had faced persistent criticism for being too bland or outdated. Instead, it transformed him into a dynamic, charismatic, and deeply complex individual embodying classic human values. When I need a dose of motivation, this is the MCU movie I turn to.

3. Black Panther

In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for deep connections with the cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merit of a more isolated strategy. Towards the end of the film, when Black Panther decides to expose Wakanda to the world (and its characters to future roles), it’s meant to be a joyful conclusion. However, if this means that subsequent movies will become less focused and overflow with appearances from various characters, it might not be so pleasant after all. (Original source: https://www.theverge.com/culture/2018/4/26/17273952/black-panther-review-movie)

2. The Avengers

Despite the events of “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains a remarkable feat. Each character is expertly balanced, the script is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York stands as one of the outstanding action sequences of recent times. (Additional information can be found here.)

1. Iron Man

To this day, no other movie has surpassed its greatness. Looking back, it’s clear that being unbounded by a larger universe allowed for a superior film experience. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, tests his armor and subsequently flies for the first time, convey the exhilaration of superpowers more effectively than any movie, Marvel or otherwise, has ever achieved in history. (Original source: Read more here.)

2025-04-28 17:27