The acquisition of Marvel and 20th Century Studios by the Walt Disney Corporation brought about a significant change in the entertainment industry. This allowed Disney to have access to the complete lineup of superheroes that Marvel has been creating since the 1930s. As a result, Disney+ became the ultimate destination for all the top-notch Marvel movies. If you're in the mood for some thrilling superhero action, here are some of the finest Marvel movies available on Disney+.
For additional suggestions, take a look at our curated collection of the finest movies and shows on Disney+.
Editor's note: This article was updated October 2023 to include Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3.
Iron Man (2008)
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Run Time: 2 hr 6 min | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Director: Jon Favreau
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Terrence Howard, Iron Man began as a passion project for director Jon Favreau, but quickly grew into a monumental franchise. Lead actor Robert Downey Jr., in the role of Tony Stark, was able to revive his career and became the iconic face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite being rooted in the post 9/11 era, the film still holds its ground, with impressive visual effects that have aged better than many other superhero movies of its time. Setting the standard for the MCU, Iron Man ushered in a new era of superhero films, captivating audiences worldwide.
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
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Run Time: 2 hr 30 min | Director: James Gunn
Starring Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Chukwudi Iwuji, Karen Gillan, and Dave Bautista, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the third installment in the highly successful trilogy. The film follows Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his team as they once again face the daunting task of saving the universe. This time, not only is the potential end of existence at stake, but also the fate of the Guardians themselves. With its mesmerizing visual effects and thrilling action sequences, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 transcends the superhero genre. Its exceptional soundtrack and witty script add to its appeal, creating a truly enjoyable experience. Despite its longer duration, the film maintains a fast-paced momentum, building up to an exhilarating finale. A standout within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 showcases the perfect chemistry among its ensemble cast. - Jake Hodges
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Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Run Time: 2 hr 13 min | Genre: Action, Adventure | Director: Jon Watts
The movie Spider-Man: Homecoming marked a significant milestone in the cinematic journey of the famous web crawler. After nearly ten years of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, Spider-Man made a triumphant return, now officially integrated into the Marvel brand. Director Jon Watts successfully delivered an impressive film. The story takes place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, and follows Peter Parker (played by Tom Holland) as he struggles to find his identity as a superhero and grapples with his own future. However, amidst his personal struggles, Spider-Man must face a pressing challenge: he must track down a dangerous group of weapons dealers in order to prevent them from flooding Queens with unstable alien technology. Portraying the leader of this group is Michael Keaton, known for his role as Batman. Keaton brings to life the character of Adrian Toomes, also known as The Vulture, a charismatic antagonist who serves as a perfect counterpoint to Holland's portrayal of the friendly neighborhood hero.
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Black Widow (2021)
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Run Time: 2 hr 16 min | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Director: Cate Shortland
Starring Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz, Black Widow is a gripping action spy thriller set just before the events of Avengers: Infinity War. The film delves into the intriguing life and history of Natasha Romanoff, a Russian spy turned S.H.I.E.L.D. agent portrayed by Johansson. Taking audiences back to Russia, the story follows Romanoff and her adopted family as they uncover the secrets of the enigmatic Red Room. With a talented ensemble including Pugh, Harbour, and Weisz, the film has been long-awaited, offering Johansson the chance to shine as one of the MCU's longest-running members. Black Widow seamlessly combines thrilling action, clever humor, and a formidable villain, exceeding all expectations.
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Iron Man 3 (2013)
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Run Time: 2 hr 10 min | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Director: Shane Black
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce, and Gwyneth Paltrow, Iron Man 3 is often hailed as the epitome of a perfect Iron Man movie. Director and writer Shane Black (known for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) delivers a gripping spy thriller in this final installment of the trilogy, emphasizing that Iron Man is more than just a man in a suit – he is a flawed genius striving to fix the world he helped destroy. Set after the events of the Avengers team-up, the film delves into Tony Stark's anxieties and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from a near-death experience. The captivating storyline is only part of the charm, as Robert Downey Jr. shines on screen with his trademark witty remarks, while also showcasing a fresh, vulnerable side of the character that resonates with audiences like never before.
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X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Run Time: 2 hr 12 min | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Director: Bryan Singer
Starring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Hugh Jackman, X-Men: Days of Future Past is a unique gem that captures a rare moment of brilliance. Over the course of a decade, FOX's X-Men franchise has built a loyal fan base, with X-Men: First Class introducing a new era of characters and stories. In this film, however, both new and old fans can unite as the story cleverly connects the timelines, featuring the return of beloved veteran actors in a dark and gritty alternate future. James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart brilliantly portray two different versions of Professor X, representing the franchise's evolution. Seamlessly shifting between different time periods, the movie delivers an epic narrative that stays faithful to its comic book origins.
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Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
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Run Time: 2 hr 12 min | Genre: Fantasy, Action | Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Starring Simu Liu, Awkwafina, and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks Marvel's Phase Four entry, offering a refreshing backdrop and a host of new characters following the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. Paying homage to classic Hong Kong kung fu movies, the film showcases mesmerizing fight scenes and features esteemed talents from Chinese cinema, such as Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Michelle Yeoh, and Wah Yuen. Director Destin Daniel Cretton skillfully employs practical lighting and sweeping camera movements to immerse the audience in a vibrant world, while also exploring profound themes of family struggles and personal growth.
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Captain Marvel (2019)
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Run Time: 2 hr 3 min | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, and Lashana Lynch, Captain Marvel refuses to succumb to the criticisms of disgruntled fanboys on the internet. This exhilarating film boasts the greatest buddy cop pairing in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Larson, known for her role in Room, and Jackson, renowned for his performance in Pulp Fiction, deliver impeccable chemistry that elevates this 90s-set sci-fi flick. Bursting with clever nods and winks, Captain Marvel proves to be more than a mere nostalgic trip, as it seamlessly incorporates a thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of imperialism. Through the portrayal of the Kree Empire, the film serves as an allegory for the political superpowers that dominate our world. Unlike the post-9/11 nationalism prevalent in Iron Man, Captain Marvel boldly reshapes our perception of victims of imperial conflicts and refugees, offering a refreshing perspective on these global issues.
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Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
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Run Time: 2 hr 1 min | Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy | Director: James Gunn
Starring Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, and Karen Gillan, "Guardians of the Galaxy" served as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's pioneer in exploring the cosmic realm of comic book mythology. Significance aside, James Gunn (The Suicide Squad) beautifully crafted a funny, heartfelt, and delightfully peculiar film, propelling this relatively unfamiliar Marvel creation to the top of many individuals' favorite movie lists. This tale of a band of outcasts, united against the Kree Empire to save the galaxy, offers an abundance of memorable lines and exhilarating action sequences, making it a highly rewatchable gem.
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Big Hero 6 (2014)
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Run Time: 1 hr 42 min | Genre: Action, Animation | Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams
Starring Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, and Damon Wayans Jr., Big Hero 6 is a remarkable retelling of the Man of Action comic series. This film delves into the themes of loss, healing, and accepting one's uniqueness, all within the dynamic blend of San Francisco and Tokyo known as San Fransokyo. Director Don Hall, renowned for Raya and the Last Dragon, brings to life a world of heroism, populated by a vibrant and unconventional group of characters who add authenticity and excitement to the story. Ryan Porter, known for his role in Supah Ninjas, flawlessly embodies Asian representation and the heartwarming bond that develops between his character Hiro and the lovable robot Baymax, portrayed by Scott Adsit, is truly spectacular. This film serves as an exceptional tool for children to learn how to navigate the grieving process when faced with the loss of a loved one.
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Werewolf by Night (2022)
Run Time: 52 min | Genre: Horror, Drama | Director: Michael Giacchino
Starring Gael García Bernal (known for his role in Coco), Werewolf by Night is a phenomenal addition to the MCU. This feature presentation pays homage to classic monster films while staying true to its origins. With its stunning cinematography and intricately designed sets, the black-and-white film effortlessly pops with high contrast, displaying every shade of gray in sharp detail. The story strikes a perfect balance between horror and humor, seamlessly blending purposeful schlock with captivating minimalist sequences. It's an immersive experience that leaves viewers eagerly filling in the terrifying gaps with their own dark imaginations. Werewolf by Night stands as a true gem in the realm of Monster Hunter battle royale.
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The Avengers (2012)
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Run Time: 2 hr 23 min | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
Before achieving widespread fame, the MCU was merely a concept - a loose blueprint for uniting a group of superheroes in a single film to explore their potential. Needless to say, it turned out to be a success. The Avengers was a daring risk that would determine the fate of the growing franchise. Penned and directed by Joss Whedon (known for Firefly), this installment marked the conclusion of Phase One of the MCU, weaving together numerous individual storylines into a cohesive standalone movie. Even after a decade, the performances, visual effects, and character development remain impressive, and the standout moments still pack a powerful punch.
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Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
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Run Time: 2 hr 29 min | Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Zoe Saldana, and Josh Brolin, Avengers: Infinity War marks the culmination of a decade-long effort to craft a vast and interconnected superhero universe. This ambitious film unites a diverse roster of characters from across the world and galaxy, presenting the Avengers with their greatest challenge to date. Audiences are introduced to the menacing presence of Thanos, portrayed by the talented Josh Brolin (known for his role in Deadpool 2), and his complex and morally self-righteous persona adds depth to the story. Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (known for their work on Cherry), the film skillfully balances the numerous characters, delivering an exhilarating and fast-paced tragedy.
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Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
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Run Time: 2 hr 16 min | Genre: Sci-Fi, Action | Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan
Captain America: The Winter Soldier has completely transformed the entire landscape of the MCU and stands as one of the most unforgettable films in the early days of the franchise. Even though the elevator scene alone has been parodied and memed for years, it's not even the movie's strongest aspect. This marks the Russo Brothers' initial foray into the MCU, setting the stage for their eventual dominance in the realm of big team-up films. Their knack for delivering high-stakes storytelling and heart-pumping action is evident. In Phase Two of the MCU, the focus was on dismantling the existing formula, and this film accomplishes that by infusing elements of a political spy thriller, completely turning the status quo on its head.
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Deadpool (2016)
Run Time: 1 hr 48 min | Genre: Action, Comedy | Director: Tim Miller
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Karan Soni
Another rare stroke of luck and circumstance was sparked by FOX's X-Men franchise. Deadpool, a personal project beloved by Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool 2), was relentlessly pursued for several years after he believed the character had been mishandled in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The second installment featuring the witty and irreverent Merc with a Mouth has proven to be an enormous triumph, with Reynolds reprising the role in a side-splitting, action-packed adventure that remains astonishingly faithful to the original comic. Reynolds's sheer aptitude for portraying Deadpool shines through, as the film allows him abundant opportunity to showcase his quick thinking and charismatic charm, both in impromptu moments and in breathtaking fight sequences that capitalize on his passion for performing as many of his own stunts as the studio permits.
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Black Panther (2018)
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Run Time: 2 hr 14 min | Genre: Sci-Fi, Action | Director: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Black Panther is a groundbreaking example of Afro-futurism and serves as a milestone for Black representation in the superhero genre. Director Ryan Coogler (known for his work on Creed) successfully brings the beloved comic characters to life, offering a powerful and empowering experience for Black individuals of all ages who can now see themselves represented as heroic figures on the grand screen, bravely battling against oppression. While the late Chadwick Boseman's (known for his role in 42) portrayal of T'Challa and Michael B. Jordan's (from Fruitvale Station) performance as Erik "Killmonger" Stevens are absolutely compelling and worth watching, it's important to note that they are not the sole actors who excel in their roles. Danai Gurira (from The Walking Dead) and Angela Bassett (known for Waiting to Exhale) also deliver captivating and heartfelt performances that light up the screen.
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Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Run Time: 2 hr 10 min | Genre: Adventure, Comedy | Director: Taika Waititi
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
Director Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows) showcases his unique comedic style in Thor: Ragnarok, resulting in the most exceptional film of the series. Building upon the existing dynamic between Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the movie further enhances the strengths of these characters. Additionally, it deftly incorporates elements of Greg Pak’s iconic Planet Hulk storyline from the 2006 comics. By exploring themes such as the perils of imperialism and colonialism, Thor: Ragnarok, like other films in the MCU Phase Three canon such as Black Panther and Captain Marvel, delves into the origins of Asgard’s kingdom.
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Logan (2017)
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Run Time: 2 hr 17 min | Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama | Director: James Mangold
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
Logan presents a desolate yet optimistic conclusion to FOX's X-Men franchise, set in a distant future where only two members of the original X-Team remain. Director James Mangold (known for 3:10 to Yuma) loosely adapts the Old Man Logan comic storyline, crafting a Western-inspired narrative that follows the aged and ailing Logan (played by Hugh Jackman) and Charles Xavier (portrayed by Patrick Stewart) as they guide a young Mutant girl on a perilous journey across the country. Throughout the film, they are relentlessly pursued by a ruthless corporation intent on exploiting her powers. While the movie has its dark and harrowing moments, particularly when witnessing the beloved characters at their lowest, it ultimately offers a poignant and gratifying resolution to their stories.
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