MCU’s Most Underrated Movies Of The Last Decade

The Marvel Cinematic Universe: a behemoth of modern cinema that has Single-handedly reshaped the way we consume superhero movies. Since the release of Iron Man in 2008, the MCU has been on a tear, churning out hit after hit, record-breaking box office numbers, and a veritable Who’s Who of iconic characters. With all the hype surrounding each new release, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and overlook some of the lesser-known gems hiding in plain sight.

That’s exactly what we’re going to rectify today – by shining a spotlight on the most underrated MCU movies of the last decade. Sure, you might have seen them, but do you really appreciate how fantastic they are? From superhero origin stories to space operas and even a little bit of magic, we’re about to embark on a thrilling adventure that highlights a few of the most grossly underappreciated entries in the MCU canon.

First up, we have 2013’s ‘Thor: The Dark World’. Often maligned by fans and critics alike, this flick is so much more than the sum of its parts. Lest we forget, the film not only introduced us to the MCU’s version of the Asgardian realms, but it also delved into some truly cosmic stuff – namely, the Dark Elves and the Aether. Sure, it may not have had the same cultural cache as ‘The Avengers’ or ‘Iron Man 3’, but in terms of sheer scope and ambition, ‘Thor: The Dark World’ is a real winner. Don’t @ me.

Next up, we have ‘Ant-Man’ (2015), a movie that flew (no pun intended) under the radar upon its initial release. This pint-sized hero might not have the same marquee value as some of his more famous colleagues, but Paul Rudd’s portrayal of Scott Lang is equal parts hilarious and endearing. Combining witty banter, impressive visual effects, and a healthy dose of dysfunctional family dynamics, ‘Ant-Man’ proved that even the smallest superheroes can make the biggest impact.

But the real dark horse of this era is undoubtedly 2016’s ‘Doctor Strange’. This weird, beautiful film might not have blown the box office to smithereens, but in terms of straight-up, cinematic sorcery, ‘Doctor Strange’ is an unparalleled masterclass. With a generous serving of dazzling visuals, intellectual curiosity, and the raw, unadulterated charm of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange, this flick embodies everything that’s great about the MCU – by shattering conventional norms and rewriting the very boundaries of our universe.

Another frequently-overlooked masterpiece is the oft-maligned ‘Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2’ (2017). While some might bemoan the shift away from the first installment’s ragtag team dynamic, ‘Vol. 2’ actually represents a bold step forward in terms of overall ambition and introspection. It strips away the façade, tackling themes such as paternal influence, regret, and what it truly means to be part of a "family" – all with a killer 1970s-inspired soundtrack no less.

Rounding out our collection of unfairly-maligned wonders is 2019’s ‘Captain Marvel’. Unfortunately, due to dubious marketing efforts and general fatigue with the genre, ‘Captain Marvel’ undeservedly took a beating from both the media and public at large. Still, when all is said and done, ‘Captain Marvel’ shines bright – mostly because of Brie Larson’s breathtaking turn as the incomparable Carol Danvers. By focusing more on emotion, loyalty, and resilience rather than explosive action or shallow machismo, ‘Captain Marvel’ bravely ventured into previously uncharted territory – effectively crafting a character-driven, emotional juggernaut.

While their initial releases may have left fans with a lukewarm impression, these under-the-radar gems deserve some serious reevaluation. Overlooked by some, loved by a select few – but cherished by many whose hearts and minds were forever changed – it’s time we acknowledge the staggering genius lying just beneath the surface in these Marvel movies that time forgot.