Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marks not only James Gunn’s swansong for his loveable band of misfits, but may also be one the final MCU properties to get the trilogy treatment, as Disney boss Bob Iger recently said: ‘’Sequels typically work well for us, but do you need a third or a fourth for instance? Or is it time to turn to other characters?’’
The Guardians threepeat is the second trilogy capper from Marvel this year, with Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania concluding the Peyton Reed-helmed franchise. Doctor Strange, Black Panther and arguably Captain Marvel, will be two for three by the time The Marvels debuts this November, but will we ever see those third films? Or will these characters fate be sealed in upcoming Avengers instalments or other films?
Following a character’s journey over several chapters has been one of the great thrills and successes of the MCU, but which is the best trilogy in the franchise?
6. Ant Man
The smallest Marvel trilogy in terms of box office, critical reputation and, well, title character. Unlike some future entries on this list, Ant Man does have a thematic throughline, if a loose one at that, tackling family relationships and second chances.
The first film is a solid entry in the tried and tested establishing film canon but is followed by a forgettable sequel and this year’s Quantumania, which abandons a lot of the humour and supporting characters that made the Ant Man world distinctive.
The Scott-Cassie relationship helps ground the story, especially against the pixel onslaught on the Quantum Realm, but the wider Van Dyne-Lang family bonds are underexplored and underdeveloped. Even the titular Ant Man and the Wasp romance is largely forgotten about. It’s also a damming inditement of the trilogy when the character’s best moments are in other films, like his memorable role in Civil War’s airport battle or bringing much needed levity to the start of Endgame.
5. Thor
On paper, a famed thespian was a sensible choice to bring a modern Shakespearean story to the masses, but subsequent directors struggled to grasp the character and world established in Kenneth Branagh’s Thor. The Dark World is largely acknowledged as lesser Marvel, even at the time of release, but Whedon’s Avengers films also suffer in delivering compelling material for Chris Hemsworth, despite making Loki a standout.
It wasn’t until the almost clean slate approach, in terms of tone, supporting cast and look, that Taika Waititi took in Ragnarok that Thor cemented himself as a flagship character. So much of what works about the Russo brother’s Avengers is thanks to the establishing work of Waititi. Hemsworth delivers his best dramatic turn as both a man (God?) with nothing left to lose in Infinity War, and afterward, as an unrecognisable and broken Thor who must rediscover himself and his purpose in Endgame.
The rule of the trilogy means ignoring Love and Thunder, but that would serve much better as a second film in a Ragnarok started series. The credits promise a return for Thor, but a fifth solo outing seems unlikely.
4. Iron Man
If you sense a theme developing in this list, it’s decent origin films giving way to subpar sequels. No where is this more prominent than with Iron Man 2.
Iron Man is forever caveated as launching the MCU brand, but the second Jon Favreau-directed outing is plagued by issues that later infect other Marvel entries. Namely, introducing characters for future films (here, Black Widow) and disgruntled Stark employees seeking revenge (see Spider-Man: Homecoming and Far From Home). It also tells a father and son story, which is better realised in Captain America: Civil War.
Shane Black brings a keen directorial authorship to Iron Man 3 and rights some of those wrongs. Separated from his suit and left to ponder his past, Tony confronts his demons and settles with Pepper, neatly completing the arc beginning in the Afghanistan cave. It works as a satisfying close to a trilogy for a character that would go on to make many more appearances.
3. Spider-Man
Thanks largely to Civil War introducing Tom Holland’s webslinger into the fold, Homecoming is allowed to be a fun, origin-story free Spider-Man film. The latter made a character with two big screen instalments mere years prior feel fresh and vibrant.
As well as the perfect Peter Parker in Holland, this series fills the supporting cast with likeable, well-rounded friends and foes. The villain stakes are equally raised, with rogues’ gallery favourites like Vulture and Mysterio making a bigger impact than typical MCU bad guys.
Director Jon Watts provides a steady hand over the three films, never losing track of Peter’s journey. The loss of Aunt May and Peter’s desire to make everyone forget his identity is impressively not overshadowed by No Way Home’s returning Spider-Men and iconic villains. Not only does Watts tie up his franchise, but he also gives better conclusions to the Rami and Webb series. That’s an unparalleled manoeuvre.
2. Captain America
What may seem like weaknesses, a sprawling narrative and no one film like the other, are the strengths of the Captain America trilogy. Steve Rodgers remains remarkably a man out of place, in both the past and the present, and each time finds himself facing an enemy looking to upset the world order. On the edges of the law, Steve nonetheless does what’s required to set right the world.
These are lofty ideals that are core to the character, which directors Joe Johnston and Anthony and Joe Russo recognise and deliver. The First Avenger deserves more recognition for the relationship work it does in making Peggy’s death and Bucky’s return provide two emotional punches in the sequel.
Winter Solider escapes the second film curse, and mixes up the genre with a taught, espionage thriller that is still among Marvel’s best. Even in a quasi-Avengers film with Civil War, Cap’s story is front and centre. Chris Evans performance isn’t as flashy as RDJ or Hemsworth’s, but it’s note perfect – every moral dilemma antagonises his face.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy
Captain America, Spider-Man, and Iron Man’s respective trilogies may arguably contain better single films, but none work as well as a cohesive, emotional, singular story. That’s largely down to the unique sensibilities of James Gunn, who (like Peyton Reed and Jon Watts) directed all three ‘volumes.’
Gunn infuses deeply personal stories into each film, as Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill confronts the relationships he has with his mother, his father and ultimately, himself. Every Guardian goes through an evolution: the Rocket, Drax, Mantis etc. aren’t the same ones we first meet. For Gamora and Groot, literally. The same can’t be said for any other MCU property, but few are true ensembles. Consistency is achieved not just through story, but the Guardians exist in a world that is wholly realised and brought to life through music, colour, and striking visuals.
The nature of Marvel, like the comics it’s based on, is to tell a continuing story where concluding arcs give way to new sagas. No spoilers for the just released Volume 3, but it’s a rare MCU entry that’s allowed to largely conclude the story, freed from servicing the larger narrative. It gives us what possibly only Endgame has before: a satisfying end.