Every Superhero Movie This Decade Ranked - Worst To Best

24. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Captain America The First Avenger After Credits Hq
Marvel Studios

In retrospect, it's pretty amazing how much pre-release scepticism there was about a Captain America movie being anything more than a lame flag-waving exercise, but thanks to its old-school adventure movie tone, a terrific Chris Evans performance and a crucial self-awareness, this was MCU Phase One's most pleasant surprise.

Sure, the CGI hasn't aged particularly well - especially the "skinny Steve" effects - but it boasts one of the franchise's most compelling romances to date, Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) is a suitably OTT villain, and its earnestness is a refreshing response to the hyper-sarcasm of the Iron Man movies.

Cleverly crafting an iconic superhero while lightly ribbing war movies as propaganda, director Joe Johnston walks a delicate tight-rope and largely pulls it off.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.