The world of superhero movies, and movies as a whole, changed forever with the formation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The bold idea saw Marvel Studios bring together some of their most beloved characters into interconnected movies that eventually led to a massive team-up event like nothing fans had ever seen on the big screen before.
Though there was a lot of skepticism that this would work, by the end of Phase 1, it was a proven success. Not only had the films hit big at the box office, but fans seemed to really enjoy these superhero adventures. Taking a look at the audience scores of the Phase 1 movies on Rotten Tomatoes, it's no surprise the MCU grew into such a hit.
6 The Incredible Hulk (2008) - 70%
If there is a black sheep in the MCU family, it is surely The Incredible Hulk. Coming off the success of Iron Man, fans may have been expected another fun and humorous superhero movie. Instead, they got Edward Norton as a fugitive Bruce Banner on the run from the army and seeking a cure for turning into the rageful green monster.
Despite the poor reputation of the movie as one of the MCU's most forgettable entries, it is the only Phase 1 film to have a higher audience rating than its critic score. While the critics were a little harsher on the movie, earning it a 67%, fans saw a little more to enjoy. Even after all these years, this is the one MCU movie to not receive a sequel.
5 Iron Man 2 (2010) - 71%
Once Iron Man proved to be a giant hit, the studio wasted little time getting to work on a sequel. Iron Man 2 is the only sequel to come out in Phase 1 and there was only one other movie, The Incredible Hulk, separating the two Iron Man films. The second adventure followed Tony Stark battling a severe illness as multiple rivals emerge, challenging his new position as the world's hero.
The fans seemed to largely agree with the critics, who awarded the sequel a 72%. The movie did have some bright spots as Robert Downey Jr. continued to show that this was the role he was born to play and Scarlet Johansson debut as Black Widow. But many people thought the over-crowded story and lackluster villains made it a lesser movie compared to its predecessor.
4 Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - 74%
Captain America was one of the biggest question marks when it came to bringing these Marvel heroes to the big screen. It seemed like the character couldn't be taken seriously in a live-action setting, but this origin story made the wise decision of maintaining Cap's World War II roots, which made for a throwback adventure.
Critics were a bit more charmed by the film, earning it an 80% score. Audiences may have needed a little more time to get used to the character's earnestness. Still, Chris Evans quickly became a beloved leader of the MCU and this film secured the last piece of the puzzle before The Avengers.
3 Thor (2011) - 76%
The MCU expanded into the more fantastical elements of the Marvel Universe when it introduced the titular God of Thunder in Thor. Chris Hemsworth made a memorable debut as the cocky and brash would-be king of Asgard, who is taught a lesson in humility when his father Odin takes his power and banishes him to Earth. Meanwhile, his brother Loki uses this moment to make his move on the throne.
Fans were once again basically in agreement with the critics, who gave the movie a score of 77%. Despite the ambition of introducing this world of gods and magic into what was thus far a somewhat grounded universe, director Kenneth Branagh balanced it quite effectively. The adventure may have been surprisingly small scale, but Hemsworth was a breakout star as was Tom Hiddleston as Loki, the MCU's first great villain, and an instant fan-favorite.
2 Iron Man (2008) - 91%
Without the success of Iron Man, the MCU would never have become what it is today. Robert Downey Jr. starred in this origin story of how Tony Stark, a rich and arrogant weapons manufacturer, discovered his new path. Building the groundbreaking Iron Man suit, Stark begins his mission of being the world's most determined protector.
While the critics gave it a slightly higher 93%, making it the most critically acclaimed Phase 1 movie, it is clear fans were wild for this one as well. The surprising casting of Downey Jr. proved to be one of the smartest gambles in Hollywood history as he immediately became the face of the MCU. Director Jon Favreau allowed the movie to be a funny, quippy adventure that leaves a big smile on your face. This established the tone for the MCU going forward. And that unforgettable post-credit sequence in which Nick Fury emerges from the shadows blew everyone's mind with the promise of what's to come.
1 The Avengers (2012) - 91%
While Phase 1 had some major successes, it wasn't until the world saw The Avengers that they understood how big this thing was going to be. Fulfilling the dreams of comic book fans everywhere, The Avengers brought together all of the so-far established heroes in the MCU as they joined forces to defeat Loki and his plan to conquer Earth.
Both audiences and critics gave the film a 91%, proving that the culmination of Phase 1 had certainly been worth the wait. Writer-director Joss Whedon did a wonderful job bringing these larger-than-life characters together and had a lot of fun bouncing their massive egos off one another as this super-team tries to work together. The cast immediately has fantastic chemistry and seeing the six original heroes standing together on-screen for the first time is a pretty mind-blowing moment that fans will likely never forget.
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