Marvel's Infinity Saga: Every MCU Movie Ranked Worst To Best

17. Iron Man (2008)

When we look back at the MCU's first days now, we should all count ourselves remarkably lucky that Jon Favreau and Kevin Feige were able to convince the studio that their judgement on the casting of Robert Downey Jr was wrong and that he was perfect for Tony Stark. Because without him and this movie, there'd be no MCU.

Downey Jr's own struggles with substance abuse and behaviour that had christened him something of an enfant terrible of Hollywood couldn't have been more perfect for the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist with a vulnerable soft centre like no other.

And it's not just about him, the story is strong and there's enough conflict with Jeff Bridges' Obediah Stane to add substance beneath the surface. It never really sought to reinvent the wheel, but this is definitely where Marvel caught lightning in a bottle.