Not every animated film from Marvel steals the thunder of its blockbuster live-action brethren, but be assured, there is gold in the vault. Hiding behind the MCU’s billion-dollar glare are a number of underrated animated adventures sporting that same heart, humor, and heroics that define Marvel storytelling. Whether it’s alternate universes, origin stories, or cosmic chaos, these movies show that great animation can stand tall against any big-screen spectacle. Here’s a rundown of the top Marvel animated films, ranked by their IMDb scores, from early gems to modern masterpieces.
10. The Invincible Iron Man (2007)
Before Robert Downey Jr. made Tony Stark a household name, The Invincible Iron Man offered fans an animated origin story packed with ancient legends and shiny armor. Pitting Iron Man against the Mandarin, the movie feels very mid-2000s in both look and vibe-but that’s part of its charm. A nostalgic trip back to Marvel before the MCU explosion.
9. Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008)
What if Earth’s mightiest heroes had kids, and they had to clean up their parents’ mess? That’s the playful premise of Next Avengers. With Ultron as the big bad, a new generation of superheroes steps up to defend the planet. Aimed at younger audiences, sure, but full of heart, legacy, and a sense of fun that keeps it worth watching.
8. Thor: Tales of Asgard (2011)
This movie, set long before Thor ever picked up Mjölnir, follows a teenage god of thunder on a quest for adventure (and trouble). Tales of Asgard features early banter between Thor, Loki, and the Warriors Three, plus a fun appearance by Amora the Enchantress. It’s a light, character-focused tale that expands the Asgardian world in ways the MCU only hinted at.
7. Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther (2006)
Black Panther joins the fight as the Avengers once again reunite to face off against the Chitauri. The villain isn’t new, but the sequel amps up the stakes and introduces Wakanda a few years before the character’s live-action debut. It’s old-school, straightforward superhero fun – and a glance at how Marvel’s animated universe was building even before the MCU began.
6. Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007)
Before Benedict Cumberbatch donned the Cloak of Levitation, this animated feature gave fans a mystical deep dive into Stephen Strange’s transformation from surgeon to sorcerer. The tone is darker, the magic more mysterious, and the storytelling sharp enough to earn an Annie Award nomination. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the more supernatural side of Marvel.
5. Ultimate Avengers: The Movie (2006)
The one that started Marvel’s animated team-ups. Bringing together Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Wasp, and Black Widow, Ultimate Avengers delivers exactly what you’d expect-classic heroes, classic action, and a classic alien threat. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a fun, nostalgic prelude to what the MCU would later perfect.
4. Planet Hulk (2010)
One of the Hulk’s most beloved comic arcs sees life here. Cast away to a savage planet, the Hulk becomes a gladiator and then a leader. It is an emotional, epic story about rage, honor, and belonging-and it is so good that Thor: Ragnarok borrowed elements from it. If you want peak Hulk storytelling, this is the one.
3. Hulk Vs. Thor (2009)
Two stories. One unstoppable force. Hulk Vs. Thor and Hulk Vs. Wolverine pairs raw action with surprisingly nuanced storytelling, balancing carnage with character. Loki’s manipulation and Weapon X’s brutality push Hulk to his limits, making these shorts unforgettable entries in Marvel’s animated lineup.
2. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Sure, it’s technically Marvel, and sure, it is an absolute delight. Big Hero 6 takes a comic no one knows about, turns it into an animated success stuffed with heart, humor, and robotics. Baymax steals the show as everyone’s favorite healthcare companion, and Hiro’s arc is so full of emotion. It is proof that Marvel can go family-friendly without losing its edge.
1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
A milestone not just for Marvel animation but for animation in itself, Into the Spider-Verse reimagines Spider-Man through Miles Morales’ eyes, blending vibrant visuals, humor, and emotional storytelling into something revolutionary. It’s not just Marvel’s best animated movie with its multiverse madness and heart-on-its-sleeve energy; it is a masterpiece of modern cinema.
Marvel’s animated outings fly under the radar, but they capture the imagination just the same as any live-action adventure. From epic battles to origin stories to emotionally poignant journeys, these movies prove one thing: animation can be every bit as mighty as the Avengers themselves.