MCU: Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie Ranked Worst To Best

16. Iron Man (2008)

If Iron Man hadn't worked, we might not have the MCU as it is, and much of the film's success comes down to director Jon Favreau's insistence that Robert Downey Jr - at the time something of a toxic brand in Hollywood - was the right man for the job of Tony Stark.

Luckily, he was able to convince the studio that their judgement on the actor was wrong and that RDJ's blend of roguishness and charisma was the perfect blend for Stark. Hell, it's the exact same potion that Stark is made of.

In the end, the film is a vehicle for RDJ to show off, but there's a strong enough story and enough conflict with Jeff Bridges' Obediah Stane (and his own morality) to add substance beneath the surface. Even now, entertaining the idea that Marvel once wanted Tom Cruise for the role just baffles: how could anyone have ever looked past RDJ?!