After the conclusion of Phase Three withAvengers: EndgameandSpider-Man: Far From Home,Marvel Studioshad a big job to do in setting up the next big overarching story of theMarvel Cinematic Universewith the introduction ofPhase Four. Throughout the next saga of films and television shows, the opinion of the beloved cinematic universe wavered quite a bit. With the CEO of Disney becomingBob Chapek, who had an interesting, “quantity over quality” mindset towards content, these opinions were a little validated. However,the Marvel Cinematic Universe still delivered projects that are quite enjoyableand, in turn, rewatchable.
Whether it be one of the best projects Marvel Studios has put out or a stinker sequel to a beloved franchise, the rewatchability of Phase Four for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is very back and forth. One of its biggest issues being thatthere are a lot of projects that aren’t horrible, but not astounding as well,making them very middle-ground projects quality-wise. Nonetheless, there is still a lot of good to return to in this fourth era of the Marvel world.
17’Thor: Love and Thunder' (2022)
Directed by Taika Waititi
WhileThor: Ragnarokwas considered one of Marvel Studios' best projects in a while and, to some, saved the character of Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the sequel to said film flopped exponentially among Marvel fans. While the additional humor added to the tone ofThor: Ragnarokwas a huge plus for that film, directorTaika Waitititook the humor a bit too far in the fourth outing and, therefore, made the project upsettingly unserious.The worst result of this is the fact that even though they got the extremely talentedChristian Baleto play one of the coolest, most threatening Marvel villains in recent years, he was severely underutilized and not taken seriously.
Thor: Love and Thunderhad the foundation to have been an incredible film. Although there’s speculation and rumors that a plethora of content was cut from the film, regardless, the final product is what needs to be judged and that ended up being less than desirable.The misuse of Gorr the God Butcherwas the final nail in the coffin for many fans, as there was a lot of talking about how powerful the villain was and not enough showing.The overuse of humor and unserious tone to a plot that’s supposed to be taken seriously makes this a tough film to rewatch.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Thor’s quest for inner peace is interrupted by the arrival of Gorr the God Butcher, a vengeful enemy targeting deities across the cosmos. Teaming up with King Valkyrie, Korg, and his former love Jane Foster, who now possesses the power of Thor, they must confront this formidable threat.
16’What If…?' - Season 1 (2021)
Created by A.C. Bradley
Admittedly, most of theWhat If…?episodes are pretty fun on first watch. However, when returning to them, there’s not much worth returning for. Many fans initially (and still do) complain thatthe “What If” scenarios that make up the season’s episodes are a bit oddand not the kinds of stories one would expect or want from a show that’s producing alternate scenarios for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While fans were hoping for episodes surrounding events like “What if the other half got snapped?”, they instead got episodes like,Season 1, Episode 2, “What If… T’Challa Became Star-Lord?"(which was a fine episode, but what is that concept?)While there are pretty good episodes in there, there’s not much worth returning to that have any rewatchability factor.They’re mostly fine on a first watch, but that’s about it.
What If…?
Based on the Marvel Comics series of the same name, this animated anthology looks at alternate timelines in the multiverse that would happen if specific moments in the MCU occurred differently.
15’Eternals' (2021)
Directed by Chloé Zhao
Upon its release in 2021,Eternalswas critically ripped apart. There are plenty of reasons for this, but one of the largest thatadded to this receptionis boththe film’s pacing and overall plot structure.Both of these factors make the film somewhat difficult to return to, which is a shame, as the directing displayed byChloé Zhaoin the movie is wonderful and some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s best.
Many believe the film’s plot is a bit all over the place, which has causedsome to even consider the film boring,which, obviously, is not something to return to. While the film could and should have ushered the Marvel Cinematic Universe into a new era and unlocked a new corner of their world, it ended up falling flat.
14’Black Widow' (2021)
Directed by Cate Shortland
TheBlack Widowmovie arrived far later than it ever should have.Many claim that the movie, given the story presented, should have come out directly afterCaptain America: Civil War. However, unfortunately, the film was released after her death inAvengers: Endgame, which took away from how compelling the plot could have been. Despite this, there’s still a good amount of stuff to return to within the film.
The action sequences are quite entertaining, giving the vibe of a classic spy film,but in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, fans had speculated for years about the secret behind the “Budapest Mission” that was first mentioned by Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) inThe Avengersand finally got the payoff. The drama behind the film is very well done, especially when addressing the mission itself. Not to mention, the chemistry between the former spy family is great, thanks to the wonderful performances.
Black Widow
Natasha Romanoff confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.
13’Ms. Marvel' (2022)
Created by Bisha K. Ali
The introduction of the fan favorite comic book character, Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), had an incredibly strong start. Within its first two episodes,Ms. Marvelbrought a unique style, brought forth by Kamala’s fan-fiction writing and drawings.However, by the third episode, the style disappears, not to return until the final episode. However, even though the middle of the series becomes more like a standard Marvel Studios project, there is a lot of good inMs. Marvel.
The series isone of the better coming-of-age storiesin the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a plethora of heart and soul, that makes Kamala Khan a great protagonist to follow. She’s lovable, charismatic and interesting,all due to the wonderful performance and care of Iman Vellani.
12’The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' (2021)
Created by Malcolm Spellman
The Falcon and the Winter Soldierwas done a disservice by being released directly afterWandaVision, as it was quite different from the debutDisney+Marvel series. Looking back, though,the series is far betterthan the attention it was initially given.The series is far more of a drama than the likes of what was being released from Marvel Studiosat the time, and it’s very compelling.
The stories of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) becoming Captain America and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) getting over his past were a great pairing. The high-flying action on top of said plot made it even better. It’s profoundly dramatic and while many aren’t fans of the show’s primary antagonist, Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman), the plot and sequences still bring a lot of good to look back on.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Following the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ Sam Wilson/Falcon and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier team up in a global adventure that tests their abilities – and their patience.
WATCH ON DISNEY+
11’She-Hulk: Attorney At Law' (2022)
Created by Jessica Gao
She-Hulk: Attorney At Lawreceived a boatload of unnecessary flak from fanswho expected something far different from the seriesthan what they received. However, looking back on the series with hindsight of what it was supposed to be, the show is so much fun.It’s a more lighthearted, sitcom-like series direction,which was a bit new for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The show was a more unserious run, which is why it was so hated, but also why it is actually so fun to watch.For those who went in with more open minds,She-Hulk: Attorney At Lawwas an entertaining weekly ride that gives a more happy-go-lucky look into the Marvel Studios world. Not to mention, it marks the first introduction of Daredevil (Charlie Cox) in a Marvel Cinematic Universe outside his Netflix series.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
10’Moon Knight' (2022)
Created by Jeremy Slater
Oscar Isaac,May Calamawy,Ethan Hawke– an astounding cast that makes for one of the best in Phase Four. Fans of the Marvel Comics universe had been asking for the character Moon Knight to be brought into the fold, and they finally got what they wanted whenMoon Knightwas released in 2022.
Specifically,the performance of Oscar Isaac (who’s playing two vastly different characters at once) was the major highlight of the series.It also explores the more mysterious supernatural corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There’s a lot of unique action between the likes of Moon Knight and Mr. Knight, which keeps things interesting and the constant pushing and pulling between the two identities, adds both conflict and compelling motivations.
Moon Knight
Steven Grant discovers he’s been granted the powers of an Egyptian moon god. But he soon finds out that these newfound powers can be both a blessing and a curse to his troubled life.
9’Hawkeye' (2021)
Created by Jonathan Igla
Everyone loves a good Christmas story. Fans were begging Marvel Studios for quite some time for Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) to get his own project, specifically based on the comic run written byMatt Fraction. With these things in mind, the company decided to combine these two things and use the project to alsobring fan favorite Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld)into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Hawkeyefinds so much rewatchability because it’s something fans can return to every Christmas. Much like coming back toone’s favorite holiday movies,Marvel fans can enjoyHawkeyeevery Christmas.The chemistry between Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld is electric and the plot of Clint Barton trying to wrap things up to make it to a holiday celebration with his family is compelling as ever.
Series based on the Marvel Comics superhero Hawkeye, centering on the adventures of Young Avenger, Kate Bishop, who took on the role after the original Avenger, Clint Barton.
8’Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' (2022)
Directed by Ryan Coogler
There was so much weight on the shoulders of directorRyan Cooglerand the rest of the cast and crew ofBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverafter the tragic, untimely death of Marvel Studios' original Black Panther,Chadwick Boseman. How were they going to continue this franchise after the passing of the man who led it? Should they? Do they recast? How do they move forward? All these questions weighed on the film as it entered production.
However, when the film released in 2022, fans were pleased to see thatthe movie is a perfect celebration of Chadwick’s life and respectful in every way.Everyone trusted that Coogler was going to be able to handle the film with taste and he did. This resulted in a wonderful film that resided in audiences' hearts for quite some time. While the film drags a bit in the second act, the pros far outweigh the cons ofBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever.
