Ranking Every MCU Phase 2 Movie From Worst To Best

Whereas Captain America's first big screen outing was an old-fashioned pulp blockbuster, the sequel took its cues from the conspiracy thrillers of the 1970's to deliver what is arguably the finest movie ever to come from Marvel Studios, as well as turning a character that is the least interesting Avenger on paper into a certifiable bad-ass.

In an incredibly surprising development the sibling directors of You, Me and Dupree turned out to be more than adept at crafting a blockbuster comic book action movie, leading to the Russos being named as Joss Whedon's replacements for the two-part Avengers: Infinity War. Displaying a strong handle on set-pieces, the opening freighter infiltration, the elevator punch-up and the showstopping freeway attack are without a doubt three of the best action sequences across the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Also one of the more dialogue-heavy and intelligent movies in the MCU, Winter Soldier sneaks some social commentary and political subtext into a $170m summer blockbuster while still delivering plenty of blockbuster entertainment. Chris Evans seems more comfortable than ever as the title character and generates plenty of chemistry with co-star Scarlett Johansson with Samuel L Jackson, Anthony Mackie and Robert Redford lending solid support. Although it suffers from recurring Marvel problems (third act aerial battle, underdeveloped villain), Captain America: The Winter Soldier is nonetheless the pinnacle of the studio's Phase Two.