Marvel’s Phase 5 has been a rollercoaster in every sense of the word—full of aggressive swings, tearful moments, and some stumbles. With Thunderbolts wrapping up this stage of the MCU, it’s time to look back at the six movies that defined this phase. From multiverse chaos to character-centric goodbyes, here’s where they rank.
6. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – Big Stakes, Uneven Results
Quantumania was supposed to be a game-changer, featuring Kang the Conqueror as the MCU’s next big bad. But with all the high stakes and bright colors, the movie couldn’t help but buckle under its weight. The tone shifted from cosmic epic to low-brow comedy, and Kang’s impending menace lost steam because of off-screen controversy. Despite some inspired moments (and a comic-accurate, if polarizing, M.O.D.O.K.), the movie never quite got its legs, so it’s Phase 5’s most inconsistent entry.
5. The Marvels – Fast, Fun, and Fleeting
There’s no denying the charm of The Marvels. The on-screen chemistry between Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan was a plus, and director Nia DaCosta breathed life and style into the film’s hyperkinetic action.
Unfortunately, it was tainted by a disappointing villain and an uninspired marketing campaign, which led to it underperforming despite some genuinely fun moments. That stunning post-credits scene hinted at great things, but the film itself didn’t quite ring as hard as it should have.
4. Captain America: Brave New World – A New Shield, Familiar Struggles
Sam Wilson’s first outing as the new Captain America was always going to be big, and while the movie addressed political issues and legacy with ambition, it sometimes struggled to land. The return of legacy figures such as Betty Ross and
The Leader was a welcome payoff, and Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross provided weight. But Sam’s take on Cap, as compelling as it was, still felt a little stuck in Steve Rogers’ shadow. Brave New World was good in places, but could not form a clear new direction for the mantle.
3. Deadpool & Wolverine – Absolute, Unadulterated Fan Service
This one gave exactly what the fans wished for—and then some. Deadpool & Wolverine was not merely a violent romp through the multiverse or a buddy comedy; it was a Marvel celebration of their cinematic heritage.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were charged with great energy when together on screen, and the movie’s rapid-fire cameos (long-awaited return and surprise inclusion alike) were a treasure for dedicated fans. It might not have moved the MCU forward in terms of story, but it showed us how much fun these films can be when they lean into character, craziness, and irreverence.
2. Thunderbolts – Marvel’s Most Grounded Surprise
Thunderbolts might have flown under the radar at first, but they turned out to be a beacon. With a core group of layered anti-heroes—Yelena, Bucky, Ghost, and others—the film balanced gritty realism and emotional narrative.
Florence Pugh stole the show, and the more realistic tone of the film provided a welcome respite. The emotional journey of Sentry, particularly, added a level of unexpected depth, making what would’ve been a typical team-up effort one of the most considered MCU entries in years.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – An Emotional, Perfect Farewell
James Gunn’s last installment of the Guardians trilogy was a masterclass in character writing. Rooted in Rocket’s tragic back story and rife with character development moments for each member of the team, Vol. 3 was both a goodbye and a party.
It balanced humor, action, and heartache equally well, never forgetting the emotional core of these dysfunctional heroes. It didn’t just dominate Phase 5—it reminded us what the MCU is truly capable of when it prioritizes story and character.
The Final Verdict on Phase 5
Phase 5 has its highs and lows, but it also gave us standout performances, surprise twists, and iconic goodbyes. Whether you were in or starting to feel some superhero fatigue, these movies kept people talking—and the MCU’s evolution far from over.