Both before and since the creation of theMarvel Cinematic Universe, there have been a number of Marvel movies that truly never get old. Since the start of theMCU’s movie timeline, Marvel adaptations have seemed to dominate the box office, earning unprecedented success and popularity, and becoming a huge part of pop culture. There are many Marvel movies both in the MCU and outside of it that stand out as exceptional examples of the cinematic potential of the superhero genre.
Among those great Marvel movies, there are a select few that simply never get old. There aremultiple movies in the MCUthat remain exceptional no matter how regularly they’re revisited, and others from adjacent Marvel franchises that are deeply touching, entertaining, or epic as well. There has been no shortage of movies based on Marvel Comics characters and stories, but these 10 genuinely never get old.
10X2: X-Men United (2003)
Directed by Bryan Singer
Though it may not be thebest of theX-Menmovies, 2003’sX2: X-Men Unitedis one of the franchise’s best offerings. Considering the relative limitations of CGI technology at the time and that more than two decades have passed since its release,X2holds up remarkably well. This goes some way toward explaining why it’s a Marvel movie that never gets old, but its quality actually runs far deeper.
X2’s story further explores the most intriguing character from the first movie – Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine – and better examines the nature of the prejudice humanity feels toward mutants and how their reactions to that adversity come to define them. Thematically,it’s a movie with a story that continues to hit hard, while also serving up some incredible superhero action.Add to that its impressive visual effects and performances from its cast, andX2simply doesn’t get old.
9Iron Man (2008)
Directed by Jon Favreau
2008 marked not just the beginning of the MCU, but also the beginning ofIron Man’s MCU story. The first movie in the franchise set a tone that the MCU has been trying to maintain ever since, blending comedy, action, and redemption in a single film. With Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of Tony Stark so organically, it’s no wonder thatIron Manis every bit as good today as it was upon release.
Practically every element of the MCU’s inaugural movie holds up perfectly. Its use of a blend of CGI and practical effects still looks exceptional, and RDJ’s performance continues to stand out as one of the best pieces of casting in the history of the superhero genre. Additionally,the ways in whichIron Manperfectly established the tone and formula for the rest of the MCU remain evident, highlighting how it never seems to get old.
8Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Directed by Sam Raimi
There’s no doubt thatSam Raimi’sSpider-Manmovieshelped define the modern superhero blockbuster, and 2004’sSpider-Man 2is widely considered the best of the three-film arc. Picking up from where the original movie left off, the sequel explores Spider-Man’s difficulty effectively leading his double life while also battling Doctor Octopus. Even more than twenty years after its release, looking back onSpider-Man 2makes it clear how well it holds up.
While its visual effects, action, and acting are all still great,what makesSpider-Man 2so consistently excellent is its story.The movie’s exploration of themes of identity and responsibility make it one of the most brilliant sequels ever made, as they serve as a perfect continuation of its predecessor’s story. It’s a movie that helped shape the genre in multiple ways, and it’s another Marvel adaptation that just doesn’t get old.
7Deadpool (2016)
Directed by Tim Miller
Though where exactly theDeadpoolmovies sit inFox’s X-Men movie timelineisn’t entirely clear, the movies are undoubtedly part of the franchise. They’re also some of the best entries into Fox’s inconsistent adaptations of Marvel characters, especially 2016’sDeadpool. Following on from the character’s disappointing live-action debut inX-Men Origins: Wolverine,Deadpoolbecame a passion project for Ryan Reynolds, who went on to ensure the movie would be as comic-accurate as possible.
The result is a delightfully dark comedic outing packed with the levels of brutal violence and quotable one-liners befitting the character of Deadpool.The movie is so packed with humor alongside its surprisingly emotional story that it’s easy to forget elements, making it even better upon rewatching. It’s a deceptively well-crafted movie that turned out to be so much better than anyone could have expected, and so revisitingDeadpooljust never gets old.
6Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Directed by Jon Watts
Spider-Man’s introduction into the MCU was a relatively divisive journey, as reactions ranged from excitement at his appearance in the shared universe to disappointment at the deviations from strict comic accuracy. By the time the third movie in Spider-Man’s initial MCU trilogy came around, however, everything changed, and he reclaimed his position as one of the franchise’s most loved characters. With a story that helped to fully kick off the Multiverse Saga,Spider-Man: No Way Homeis one of the MCU’s best solo movies.
In many ways,No Way Homehas it all.It connects to the wider MCU, and it brings back fan-favorite heroes and villainsfrom previous live-action franchises, redeeming disappointing endings and building upon the MCU’s own Spider-Man story. It’s as poignant as it is exciting, andNo Way Home’s emotional endingis one of the MCU’s best. It’s a movie that holds up perfectly when rewatched, and stands out as a landmark point in the franchise.
5Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Directed by Joe & Anthony Russo
Avengers: Endgameis undoubtedly one of the most substantial and pivotal moments in the history of superhero cinema. The culmination of more than a decade of shared universe storytelling builtEndgameup to be an epic conclusion to the MCU’s Infinity Saga, and it didn’t disappoint. Its importance to the franchise and to the genre as a whole helps it remain every bit as impactful as it was upon release.
Endgamemakes use of some of the best storytelling in the entire MCU, and also delivers many of its most powerful moments to date. Giving endings to multiple founding Avengers was bittersweet, with heroic sacrifices and happy endings both continuing to tug at the audiences’ heartstrings years later.Avengers: Endgameis considered one of the MCU’s best movies for a good reason: it never seems to get old.
4Logan (2017)
Directed by James Mangold
There are few superhero movies that have bridged the gap between entertainment and genuine critical acclaim, and many of them have come under DC’s banner. However, 2017’sLoganis widely recognized as one of the greatest comic book movies ever made, surpassing even the MCU in some peoples’ estimations. James Mangold’s adaptation of theOld Man Loganstoryline has become legendary, and holds up spectacularly no matter how often it’s revisited.
Logan’s emotionally rich story is offset by its brutal violence.It captures the spirit of traditional Westerns while still tapping into the themes of prejudice that run throughout all good X-Men stories.Hugh Jackman’s performance – and once his supposed final appearance – as Wolverine is nothing short of hypnotic, withLogandelivering one of the most devastatingly touching and poignant endings of all time, making it truly exceptional even on repeated viewings.
3Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023)
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, & Justin K. Thompson
Spider-Man is undoubtedly one of Marvel’s most consistently popular heroes, and movies starring the Webslinger have usually done well with fans. However, 2023’sSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Versetook that popularity to a whole new level, building upon the success of 2018’sInto the Spider-Versein the best possible way. With Miles Morales established as his universe’s only Spider-Man,Across the Spider-Versesees him explore other realities and his own place within them.
Across the Spider-Versenever gets old for many reasons, but perhaps the most significant is how gorgeous it is.It’s a movie that presents its story in a breathtaking visual spectacle, seamlessly blending art styles and making use of eye-catching animationthat brings its story to life in the best way imaginable. The power of its story shines through the impressive presentation of the movie, andAcross the Spider-Versesimply doesn’t get old as a result.
2Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
The superhero genre is primarily known for its eye-catching action, which undergoes the difficult task of bringing the fantastical nature of the comic books to life in live-action. No Marvel movie has achieved this better thanAvengers: Infinity War, which formed the first half of the Infinity Saga’s two-film conclusion. Revisiting the 2018 movie makes it clear just how brilliantly it was executed, as it remains every bit as exhilarating as it did upon release.
Infinity War’s stacked roster of heroes and villains is almost certainly the most ambitious in superhero movie history. Considering it had never been done before on such an epic scale and with such an action-heavy story,Infinity Warabsolutely nailed its tone and visual style.Everything about the movie exudes polished quality, and it’s something that makesInfinity Wara treat to watch again and again.
1Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
WhereInfinity Warnailed the outlandish action elements of the Marvel Universe,Captain America: The Winter Soldierbrought it to life as realistically as possible.The Winter Soldieris widely considered the best solo movie in MCU history, as well as one of the best sequels of all time. It sees its hero attempting to adjust to modern life while also facing the ghosts of his past and a potentially world-ending threat, but that isn’t what makesThe Winter Soldiergreat.
Captain America: The Winter Soldierfeatures some of the greatest action sequences in cinematic history. The hand-to-hand combat is exceptionally well-crafted, with multiple scenes that stand out as especially impressive. What’s more,The Winter Soldierboasts a story that begins to transform Captain America within the franchise, standing out as an important part of theMarvel Cinematic Universeas well as one of its movies that never gets old.
