Ranking Every MCU Film From Worst To Best

Despite a tacked on third act that appeared to be filling a violence quota and a silly name change for UK cinemas, the Avengers was an astonishing success, not least in financial terms. 

That public response - and the critical reception as well - was the perfect tonic to suggestions that the film would have too many elements and too many personalities to ever work, as well as the whispers that some of the characters weren't all that great.

But in bringing Joss Whedon on board, Marvel hit the bullseye, as the Buffy creator balanced all constituent parts perfectly, and managed to actually make Hulk work as a sellable character again. Whedon deserves credit for a lot of brave decisions that paid off magically: the reuse of Loki as the main villain primarily, but also killing Agent Coulson, reimagining Tony Stark as a grand manipulator and pulling off some legitimately hilarious gags.

It's the film's commitment to spectacle and blockbuster principles without seeking to dull the audience's brain with special effects assaults that should be remembered most fondly, however. Because balancing that with 8 main characters (including Loki) was an unprecedented achievement.