Marvel Movie March Madness
- Nathan R.
- 7 hours ago
- 10 min read
With March Madness in full swing, brackets are everywhere. Your roommates have one, your church has one, your siblings have one, and your professor probably has one. And if you’re someone who doesn’t care that much about basketball, this time of year can feel loud. But brackets don’t have to be about buzzer beaters and free throws. If you’d rather relax on the couch than watch a game, movies might be your version of March Madness.
Arguably the best movie franchise, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU, shook up superhero movies with the success of Iron Man and continues to dominate the superhero movie game. Although they had a lack of good movies and TV shows after Avengers: Endgame, Marvel is looking like it will rise back to its former glory with its recent releases of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Thunderbolts*, and the Loki TV series. The MCU has had some GREAT movies, but what is the BEST movie? To find out, I threw every MCU movie ever released into a bracket!
Before we begin, 37 Marvel movies have been released, 5 of which won't fit into the 32-team bracket. Just like college basketball, not every team makes it to the March Madness bracket. Here are the WORST Marvel movies that don't deserve to see the bracket.
The lowest-grossing film in Marvel history, and for fair reasons, is The Marvels (2023), and earns its spot as the worst Marvel movie.
I actually have not seen Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (2022); I've just been told it is terrible.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) was an ultimate waste of Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror character, who was destined to be the next "Thanos." Despite Majors' brilliant acting, he was fired from Marvel due to his personal life decisions, and, due to his contract, Kang the Conqueror died with him.
I personally thought Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) was decent, but it received a lot of hate for director Taika Waititi's comedic take on the serious character. And for that reason, it barely doesn't make the cut.
Round of 32
Avengers... assemble! It's time for Marvel Movie March Madness! To keep a level of fairness and randomness in matchups, movies will be matched earliest to latest by release date.
Iron Man (2008) 🤖 vs. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) 4️⃣
I loved Fantastic Four. Although it is predictable at times, with the great characters, great acting, and the end-credit scene revealing Doctor Doom, this movie has me hype for the future of Marvel.
However, it doesn't even come close to the original Iron Man. This movie alone changed the entire superhero movie industry. RDJ is the perfect actor for Iron Man, and the plot and visual effects were outstanding. The movie did such a great job at portraying a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and flawed human as he transitions to becoming a superhero. Iron Man wins.
The Incredible Hulk (2008) 🟩 vs. Thunderbolts* (2025) 💥
The Incredible Hulk is generally regarded as a solid, underrated, and action-packed movie early in the MCU. It was a great introduction of the Hulk character with extremely high-tense action. With that being said, I honestly haven't seen it since my freshman year of high school, but even if I saw it sooner, there is no way it would top Thunderbolts*.
Thunderbolts* is more than just a movie about a team of broken antiheroes; it is deeply grounded in themes of mental health, depression, loneliness, grief, and finding your purpose through human connection. It's emotional, but at the same time hilarious because of the banter between all the characters. It's funny, it's deep, it gives me hope for Marvel's return, and it's probably the best movie I watched in 2025. Thunderbolts* wins.
Iron Man 2 (2010) 🤖 vs. Captain America: Brave New World (2025) 🪖
Brave New World saw Anthony Mackie's Falcon character take on a new role as the next Captain America after Steve Rogers' retirement. Although it wasn't anything special, I personally liked this movie and Harrison Ford's entrance into the MCU.
Iron Man 2, however, is a great sequel to Iron Man, deepening the character of Tony Stark and introducing Whiplash, the antagonist of the film, future Avengers War Machine, and Black Widow. Overall, a great movie. Iron Man 2 wins.
Thor (2011)⚡vs. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (2023) 🎧
Thor was a great introduction to Thor played by Chris Hemsworth and Loki played by Tom Hiddleston. The dynamic between the two is great. The transition of a cocky, arrogant god into a humble hero through his visit to Earth, which causes some funny "fish out of the water" moments, is great. Overall, a great movie.
This might be the hardest choice yet because Guardians of the Galaxy 3 had some very funny moments of dialogue and also many deep heartbreaking moments as the audience dove deeper into Rocket Raccoon's history. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 wins.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) 🪖 vs. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) 🐾
Wakanda Forever was a disappointment when compared to its predecessor, Black Panther, but there is only so much you can do after the passing of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman. Instead of recasting, the studio decided to honor Boseman by killing off his character; however, with no in-movie explanation. I loved the story of the villain of the film, Namor, and the themes of grief and the burden of legacy. It was good. Not great.
Captain America: The First Avenger, however, is awesome. Steve Rogers carries the message that being a hero isn't about physical strength and power, but about your heart, dedication, bravery, humility, and care for others. And for that, Captain America: The First Avenger wins.
The Avengers (2012) 🦸♂️ vs. Spider-Man No Way Home (2021) 🕷️
This is definitely the hardest choice yet. Seeing No Way Home in theaters was such an awesome experience, especially with all three Spider-Men in one film as well as their respective villains. Tom Holland's Spider-Man's loss of everyone he loves is so emotional and makes me look forward to Brand New Day.
But the first Avengers movie was the first successful team-up superhero movie seeing Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye team up against Loki and the Chitauri Army to defend New York City. Additionally, Iron Man's sacrifice and near-death experience have such great weight. Both should make it to the next round, but No Way Home barely tops Avengers just because it's the best of its trilogy, while The Avengers has better sequels. Spider-Man: No Way Home wins.
Iron Man 3 (2013) 🤖 vs. Eternals (2021) 🕜
The conclusion of the Iron Man trilogy is really well written, with Iron Man overcoming his PTSD and reliance on his suits of armor after the Battle of New York and his near-death experience.
I personally enjoyed Eternals, unlike the general public. I liked the idea of immortal superheroes living through all the earth's moments in history, but it wasn't a very memorable movie other than its visual effects and costume design. It was good, not great. Iron Man 3 wins.
Thor: The Dark World (2013) ⚡ vs. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) 🐉
The Dark World did what a lot of sequels do, it didn't live up to the original. I enjoyed watching it, but the villain, Malekith, was forgettable and to be honest, Thor: Love and Thunder should've been in this spot. But it wouldn't be March Madness without at least one team that doesn't belong.
Shang-Chi kicks Thor to the curb. Great acting, great comedic moments, great weight, great fight scenes, great plot. Until Thunderbolts* , it easily was the greatest Marvel movie since Endgame. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings wins.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) 🪖 vs. Black Widow (2021) 🥋
Despite having a low profit at the box office, it didn't help that Black Widow came out in the wake of COVID-19. Nevertheless, the movie was a nice background story to the character, but wasn't that special.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier however is easily a final four contender. It has an awesome plot, it's high stakes, it has unexpected moments, it's sad, it's funny, it brings back Bucky Barnes, has great action scenes, and overall is a great political thriller. Captain America: The Winter Soldier wins.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) 🎧 vs. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) 🕷️
Far From Home is such a great story with Peter Parker trying to balance going on an international field trip and fighting crime, creating such a unique plot line. The plot twist of Jake Gyllenhaal's character being the villain the entire time is super unexpected.
It's a great movie, but Guardians of the Galaxy's soundtrack and cast carry the entire movie. I love the plot and the comedic moments between characters. It was super unique when it came out. Although only by a little bit, Guardians of the Galaxy wins.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) 🦸♂️ vs. Avengers: Endgame (2019) 🦸♂️
Avengers versus Avengers. It's a tough decision. Time-travelling to past Marvel movie moments, defeating Thanos, and Iron Man's sacrifice is super emotional in Endgame and such a great way to end Tony Stark's story.
Age of Ultron is also a great movie with one of the greatest dialogues between Vision and Ultron. Both are high-stakes, action packed, and emotional, but Avengers: Endgame wins.
Ant-Man (2015) 🐜 vs. Captain Marvel (2019) 🤜
Not even close, Ant-Man is one million times better than Captain Marvel. Captain Marvel is an okay movie, but the acting and plot is sub-par.
Ant-Man however is outstandingly hilarious while also being action packed and emotional. Ant-Man wins.
Captain America: Civil War (2016) 🪖 vs. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) 🐜
Even though Ant-Man and the Wasp was a good, funny movie with an interesting villain, it could never come close to Captain America: Civil War.
We see the Avengers split after the world's reaction to Age of Ultron's events which makes for a massively high stakes and interesting plot when you have two teams of insanely powerful people fighting against each other. Captain America: Civil War wins.
Doctor Strange (2016) 🧙♂️ vs. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) 🦸♂️
Infinity War is such an awesome movie where the villain actually wins and the audience is utterly confused. Great action, high-stakes, great characters even with how many there are. It would beat a lot of other movies, but not Doctor Strange.
The origin of a prideful surgeon losing the only thing he knows to become a superhero is such an interesting plot. When matched with the incredible acting of Benedict Cumberbatch, it makes for a great movie. Doctor Strange wins.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) 🎧 vs. Black Panther (2018) 🐾
Guardians 2 somehow has a better soundtrack than the first Guardians, and also has great comedic moments and moment of intense action and emotion with Yondu's sacrifice.
However, it doesn't come close to Black Panther. Chadwick Boseman did such a great job portraying the character. Although some jokes haven't aged well, this movie is super high stakes and interesting to watch, especially with Michael B. Jordan's villain character. This was the go to car-ride movie for years. Black Panther wins.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) 🕷️ vs. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) ⚡
Tom Holland's first Spider-Man movie is phenomenal. Although it has some great moments showcasing Tony Stark as a mentor and Peter Parker maturing and growing into the superhero role, Ragnarok is easily the best Thor movie.
Ragnarok has high stakes, lots of action, lots of comedic moments, as well as very emotional moments with Odin's death and the villain of Hella. Thor: Ragnarok wins.
Sweet 16
Although it might've taken a while to get here, here is where things heat up!
Iron Man (2008) 🤖 vs. Thunderbolts* (2025) 💥
New versus old. Without the old, there wouldn't be the new. Iron Man wins.
Iron Man 2 (2010) 🤖 vs. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (2023) 🎧
Neither of these movies stand out to me to be a clear winner, but Iron Man 2 wins.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) 🪖 vs. Spider-Man No Way Home (2021)
This is a hard choice. Both are great, but Captain America: The First Avenger wins.
Iron Man 3 (2013) 🤖 vs. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) 🐉
Although Iron Man 3 has emotional moments, nothing beats Shang-Chi and his relationship with his family. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings wins.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) 🪖 vs. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) 🎧
A great matchup, but the comedy of Guardians beats the seriousness of The Winter Soldier. Guardians of the Galaxy wins.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) 🦸♂️ vs. Ant-Man (2015) 🐜
Ant-Man is hilarious and emotional, but nothing compared to the emotion of all the Avengers assembling to defeat Thanos. Avengers: Endgame wins.
Captain America: Civil War (2016) 🪖 vs. Doctor Strange (2016) 🧙♂️
I might get backlash for this, but sometimes Civil War can be a little too complicated when following the plot and reasons why the Avengers are fighting each other. Doctor Strange wins.
Black Panther (2018) 🐾 vs. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) ⚡
This is another great match-up. I have gone back and forth a million times but, final answer, Thor: Ragnarok wins.
Elite 8
Iron Man (2008) 🤖 vs. Iron Man 2 (2010) 🤖
A battle of Iron Men. Iron Man 2 doesn't beat the first one. Iron Man wins.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) 🪖 vs. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) 🐉
Two origin stories face off. It's close, but Captain America: The First Avenger wins.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) 🎧 vs. Avengers: Endgame (2019) 🦸♂️
Guardians is great, but Endgame is better. Avengers: Endgame wins.
Doctor Strange (2016) 🧙♂️ vs. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) ⚡
Doctor Strange is a great movie but it lacks one thing: comedy. Ragnarok on the other end is hilarious. Thor: Ragnarok wins.
Final 4
Iron Man (2008) 🤖 vs. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) 🪖
Just like civil war, the two face off. Iron Man wins.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) 🦸♂️ vs. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) ⚡
This one was close, but you can't beat Endgame. Avengers: Endgame wins.
Championship
Iron Man (2008) 🤖 vs. Avengers: Endgame (2019) 🦸♂️
The end of Iron Man vs. the beginning. The start of the MCU verses the culmination of
over a decade of storytelling. And the best marvel movie is... drum roll please...
Avengers: Endgame!
I hope you enjoyed the Marvel Movie March Madness. I'm sorry if your favorite movie didn't make the cut. These are just my opinions. But no matter what movie you watch, watching it with friends makes it 3,000 times better.
Be well, Auburn.
