21 Best Films Of The 21st Century By Genre

5. Comic Book - The Avengers

It has been the century for the blockbuster Comic book movie, and while DC produced a dark and gritty Batman trilogy and a quality Wonder Woman flick, it really has been Marvel's time to dominate. The original Spiderman films sparked the comic book fire, but it was the surprise success of the Robert Downey Jr-led Iron Man that sent the comic book film to new heights.

While there have been no less than 23 films released as part of the MCU, there was one film that still stands out as the best of them all, the 2012 film in which our heroes first united. Everything about this blockbuster is perfect, from the primary villain Loki, the perfect mix of genuine superheroes and humans fighting above their weight, dazzling special effects and a script that delivers great character development and a wonderful sense of humour.

Downey Jr's Tony Stark is the undeniable star of the show, his tensions with Chris Evans' earnest Cap America providing genuine tension throughout. The film also sees the best portrayal of the Hulk ever, Mark Ruffalo's laid back portrayal of Bruce Banner making the transition to weapon of destruction all the more entertaining.

Director Joss Whedon manages to set the template for all superhero movies to come, the ability to give each character their moment in the sun executed to perfection. And let's not forget the hilarious post credit sequence, which made everyone want to give shawarma a try.