With the release of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" this officially ends Phase 4 of The Marvel Cinematic Universe. While this season was very mixed amongst fans, these are our thought on each project and where we think they stand against their competitors.
18. What If... ? (Season One)
Taking last place amongst most fans is "Marvel Studios What If... ?". While this series had its highs such as the Supreme Strange episode and it's finale. Overall it just wasn't used to its full potential and left us disappointed and wanted more. With a second season in the works, we here at Screened are expecting a major improvement from season one.
17. She Hulk: Attorney At Law (Season One)
Even after it's mind blowing finale, "She Hulk: Attorney At Law" still finds itself at the bottom of our list. The short episode time and lack of structure make the series feel cheap and rushed. While the return of Matt Murdock will launch this to the tops of many fans lists, its not fair to judge She Hulks own series off of a cameo. Tatiana Maslany isn't going anywhere anytime soon and we are sure her next appearance will blow us out of the park.
16. Thor: Love and Thunder
Sometimes comedy isn't always best, and with "Thor: Love and Thunder" that is the case. Seeing Natalie Portman return as Jane Foster was amazing and Christian Bale steals the show as Gorr the God Butcher but even they can't carry an entire film. It's hard to take this film seriously and almost ruins on of Marvel's best villains. If Chris Hemsworth winds up meeting his fate come 2025 in Secret Wars or Kang Dynasty this isn't the best foot to leave off on.
15. I Am Groot
Everyone's favorite CGI hero reappear on our screens this year with some fun and laughable shorts. While "I Am Groot" iant the deepest or most action packed content from this phase, It gives a nice look inot the life of the Guardians and some fun clips for everyone to enjoy. With James Gunn's trilogy soon to be finished, it's hard to tell when we will see Groot again
14. Ms. Marvel (Season One)
Marvels streak with disappointing Disney Plus series sadly continues with "Ms. Marvel". While this show has a lor to love from Iman Villani to some great world building, the story just falls flat when it needs. The change of Kamala's power continues to be an odd choice and makes us wonder what exactly is in store for the MCU's first official Mutant.
13. Black Widow
Long overdue, "Black Widow" gives us a story that we should've seen in 2014. This film delivers some great family bonding and fun action but is almost destroyed by its terrible villain and poor CGI. Scarlett Johansson gives a great performance and Florence Pugh steals the show but acting alone can't carry this film into the top 10.
12. Hawkeye (Season One)
Squeaking its way into our top 12 is one of the first Avengers himself "Hawkeye". This series has so much to love from the relationship between Clint and Kate to Hailee Steinfeld's great performance. Sadly it follow the contant theme of these show with dropping the ball in the finale with a poor representation of Wilson Fisk and a missing Spider-man cameo that never appeared.
11. Doctor Strange: In The Multiverse Of Madness
While mixed amongst fans, "Doctor Strange: In The Multiverse Of Madness" does have some good qualities. The films CGI and different universes is definitely a standout for most. Unfortunately the Multiverse aspect isnt used to its full potential giving us our Wanad as the main villain, an arc that she didn't deserve to start with. Cameos can only take a film so far when the story isn't cohearent.
10. Moon Knight (Season One)
Marvel goes all out with god and magic in "Moon Knight". Oscar Isaac is already one of the best actors in the MCU and steals the show as Mark and Stephen. Unfortunately a poor villain and yet again poor finale hold this show back from being what it can be. While it has its flaws, Moon Knight's unique skills make him fun to watch on screen and even more fun to deconstruct.
9. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Season One)
Steves legacy has never been more on blast than it was in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier". This show proves that the MCU thrives on these mature stories that tackle real world issues. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan are great and seeing Sam's journey to become Captain America is nothing less than magic. With Captain America 4 already confirmed, we cant wait to see where these characters go next.
8. Werewolf by Night
Easily the most unique project of Phase 4 so far, "Werewolf by Night" steals the show with magic, monsters, and heart. This projects use of Black & White is amazing and the lore it builds is bound to set up something amazing. This special presentation format is definitely a great alley for some of these projects and i can't wait to see where the go next with these chargers and presentations.
7. Eternals
While divisive amongst fans, you can't deny that "Eternals" broke the MCU formula. An all star cast and oscar winning director is bound to create something great. Gemma Chan and Richard Madden are outstanding and will definitely be powerhouses in the war against Kang. Even though their return is unknown as of now, after that cliffhanger we cannot wait to see The Eternals again.
6. The Guardians Of The Galaxy: Holiday Special
James Gun once again proves with "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special" that no one can do these characters justice the way he does. An outstanding soundtrack and tons of heart makes this stand out from even the big budget films of this phase. Saying goodbye to these characters is going to be even harder after this masterful Christmas experience.
5. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Marvel dives deep into magic and Chinese culture with "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings". Simu Liu is outstanding and really embraces his character. This film also delivers some of the best fight scenes since The Winter Soldier fully embracing ancient chinese culture and weapons. With a sequel all but confirmed we can't wait to see where Shang-Chi finds himself next.
4. Wandavision (Season One)
Marvel's first attempt at a Disney Plus series, "Wandavision" continues to stand above the rest. A well constructed story and unique use of different eras makes this show feel like nothing we've seen before. Elizabeth Olsen is outstanding and brings so much depth to Wanda. Even if her arc was tainted with MOM you can't argue how great she was in this series.
3. Loki (Season One)
As it stands, "Loki" continues to be the most impressive and impactful Marvel show to date. Tom Hiddleston gives a brilliant performance as gets to use his acting abilities ti the max. Loki and Silvi's relationship is something that is bound to have an impact in Season 2 as well and Kangs revenge against the universe after this shows internet breaking finale.
2. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Marvel's most recent release, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" continues to create waves in the film industry. Letitia Wright gives one of the best performances in the MCU and builds a brilliant legacy for T'Challa. This film achieves everything it set out to and the final product is something Chadwick Boseman would be proud of.
1. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Taking the number 1 spot to no one's surprise is "Spider-Man: No Way Home". Tom Holland gives the performance of his career and really embraces the character of Spiderman. Andrew and Tobeys returns shattered the internet as well as great performances form the calolog of returning villains. Not only is this film the bets of phase 4, but on of the best superhero films to date.
While Marvel Phase 4 had its highs and lows, the overarching theme of grief and loss is really what matters. Every project has its purpose and no matter out thoughts, proper respect should be given to the cast and crews of all. The future of Marvel is still bright with "Antman and the Wasp: Quanumania" set to kick off Phase 5 this february.