Up until recently, Marvel Studios’ Phase Five slate of films was definitely rough-around-the-edges. With only about a 50% batting average — only three out of the six films were considered great — it was most certainly a tough time for Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, while it may have had a tough beginning and middle, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to like, and even underwhelming or not-so-great movies can be considered rewatchable.
As Phase Five hits its end with the release of Thunderbolts* and before the MCU moves forward into Phase Six with Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s fun to look back on the films of Phases past and maybe even give them a rewatch (if considered worthy). So, while audiences think about the future of The New Avengers in the MCU or how the newest iteration of The Fantastic Four is going to fare at the box office, it’s fun to look back and rank every movie in Phase 5 based on how rewatchable they are, whether because of their stories, characters, importance, or a mix of everything.
6
‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ (2023)
Directed by Peyton Reed
The Ant-Man trilogy has been a rocky one, indeed. With a strong start and middle-tier sequel, the question about the quality of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was up in the air, especially given the fact that this third movie was greenlit and made during the Bob Chapek era of Disney. Not to mention, the trilogy-capper was going to introduce the version of Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors) that was going to be the main villain of the MCU moving forward. Safe to say, this movie didn’t exactly live up to its potential, and Kang ended up being a total disappointment.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is not only the worst movie in Phase Five, but easily one of the worst MCU movies, period. It has some of the worst CGI in the franchise, a rough plot, and Kang was represented terribly. There’s genuinely not much fun or worth rewatching about Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. If Jonathan Majors’ scandal didn’t ruin the reputation of Kang in the MCU, this third Ant-Man movie may as well have. It’s especially not worth a rewatch now that everything it set up has pretty much been written out of the cinematic universe’s future.
5
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)
Directed by Julius Onah
The fourth Captain America film, Captain America: Brave New World, also had a lot on its shoulders. Not only was it the final film made in the Bob Chapek era of the MCU to be released, but Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) had a lot to prove himself as the universe’s new Cap. It’s also the first film where Harrison Ford is acting as a replacement for William Hurt as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.
While this most definitely isn’t a perfect movie, there are a good number of things about it that make it worthy of a rewatch before Captain America leads the charge against Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) in Avengers: Doomsday. Whether fans get to watch Captain America surf on a missile or fight the Red Hulk, Captain America: Brave New World isn’t a total slog. While it may be considered “mid” but modern MCU standards, it’s pretty hard to say that it’s terrible.
4
‘The Marvels’ (2023)
Directed by Nia DaCosta
Captain Marvel wasn’t amazing, but it wasn’t horrible, either. So when the sequel not only continued Carol Danvers’ (Brie Larson) story from the first movie, but also Kamala Khan’s (Iman Vellani) and Monica Rambeau’s (Teyonah Parris) from Ms. Marvel and WandaVision, the pressure was on. Executing all of that in merely 1 hour and 45 minutes was always going to be an uphill battle, but it doesn’t totally fail at it.
There’s a lot of fun in The Marvels, and it is not as bad as everyone claims. The dynamic between the whole team is awesome, andthe concept of “switching places when we use our powers” makes the action unique and interesting. While it may not be perfect and may be dogged on by haters who only attack it for malicious reasons, The Marvels is a boatload of fun and has some electrifying visuals. Plus, how can a bunch of kitten Flerkens eating an entire space crew be beaten?
3
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024)
Directed by Shawn Levy
Deadpool & Wolverine are the first introduction of the Fox X-Men characters into the MCU. When deciding how they were going to begin delving into it, the logical choice was that a third Deadpool movie with Ryan Reynolds would be the way to do it. Boy, did it pay off. Everybody loves the Deadpool franchise, and not only did it bring the Merc With a Mouth back, but Hugh Jackman in his iconic role as Wolverine, too. Even just the announcement of the movie made headlines all over the world and the Marvel fandom.
The third Deadpool movie is so incredibly funny and filled with a ton of cheer-worthy moments. The cameos and action sequences, especially in the latter half, make for a very engaging ride. But even better, the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine is prime chemistry and makes them an absolute joy to watch. How can viewers not crack a smile at these two bickering guys? The two actors had been wanting to work together for quite some time, and when they finally did, they most certainly made it count.
2
‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)
Directed by Jake Schreier
With Thunderbolts* being the first movie produced under the Bob Iger era of Disney and being helmed by the wonderful director, Jake Schreier, it only makes sense that it’s as good as it turned out. This project about the obscure misfits of the Marvel universe ended up being one of the most heartfelt, honest, and raw MCU movies to date. With astounding performances from fan-favorite Florence Pugh, MCU newcomer Lewis Pullman, and the entire cast, people connected with the characters almost right away.
The recent success of Thunderbolts* is more than understandable, with these things in mind.It also spells a very good future for the MCU if they decide to continue forward with content like this. It’s also getting people engaged in the franchise again, especially with the post-credits scene teasing the team’s new status as the New Avengers, the upcoming conflict in Avengers: Doomsday, and the first appearance of The Fantastic Four in the main MCU timeline.
1
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)
Directed by James Gunn
Oh, James Gunn, how everyone loves you—understandably so. He managed to make the world care about a cast of characters from the Marvel Comics world that no one ever really cared about and made them not just household names, but some of the most lovable and compelling figures in the entire MCU. The Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is borderline perfect and has an extremely strong and bittersweet finish with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
The long-awaited third installment depicts the story of Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) before he met the Guardians. It’s an incredibly heartbreaking backstory, easily one of the most emotionally tear-jerking, compelling, and dark stories in the MCU. Moreover, the film also presents a natural progression for every member of the team, concluding their stories on a lovely and cathartic note. It’s a beautiful sendoff to the James Gunn era of the Guardians of the Galaxy and easily the best and most rewatchable Phase Five entry.
