I really like the Captain America motion pictures. In reality, some could view this subsequent assertion as blasphemy (Batsphemy?), however I actually suppose the Captain America trilogy is best than the Darkish Knight trilogy.
I do know, I do know. Like I mentioned, blasphemy. However, I’ve at all times simply felt that these motion pictures have been at all times the strongest movies in the whole MCU catalogue. Now, with Captain America: Courageous New World presently in theaters (which our very personal Eric Eisenberg had a factor or two to say about in his evaluation), I assumed that this was nearly as good a time as any to re-evaluate the movies and rank them.
As a result of actually, what’s extra American than hopping on-line and rating issues so that individuals can get upset and name you an fool? It’s proper up there with apple pie, baseball, and being in bank card debt. So, with out additional ado, listed below are all 4 Captain America motion pictures, ranked.
4. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Captain America: The First Avenger was the proper Cap film…for its time! Now, don’t get me incorrect. I significantly admire the primary MCU Captain America flick, and it was a daring option to make it a interval piece.
Nonetheless, as my colleague, Alexandra Ramos, mentioned when she rewatched each part of the MCU, she decided that Section 1 was the weakest of the bunch, and I are likely to agree (although, I do have a tender spot for the primary Thor film).
The difficulty is that it actually does really feel dated when put next with the later Captain America movies. On this film, we see Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) go from a weakling with an enormous coronary heart, to an enormous man with a fair larger coronary heart (due to the Tremendous Soldier Serum, you see).
We additionally get launched to fan favourite character Bucky Barnes BEFORE he turns into the Winter Soldier, and thru a enjoyable collection of scenes, we see Cap develop into the hero that the nation wanted throughout World Conflict II.
Not solely that, however we additionally get a wonderful villain in Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of Pink Cranium. In each manner, The First Avenger is a superb set-up for what would ultimately come later.
However, that’s simply it. It’s inconceivable to rewatch this film and never take into consideration all the greatness that’s nonetheless but to return within the MCU. So, it’s an exceptional entry level for the character, however one which feels a bit modest compared to what would come later.
3. Captain America: Courageous New World (2025)
Sure, I’m properly conscious. Captain America: Courageous New World is the bottom rated movie within the Captain America collection, receiving an outright “rotten rating” on the combination web site, Rotten Tomatoes. I additionally know that the movie went by way of some huge reshoots over the lengthy course of its manufacturing, and that what we obtained could not have been the film that we have been alleged to get.
BE THAT AS IT MAY, I nonetheless actually loved my time watching Courageous New World, and I believe it’s an incredible addition to the franchise, in the identical manner that I believe Toy Story 4 is a superb addition to that franchise.
In different phrases, did this film really have to be made? Perhaps, perhaps not. Wouldn’t it have been higher if the collection had simply ended as a trilogy? I’m going to say virtually positively. However, for what it’s value, Courageous New World nonetheless looks like a welcome addition to a collection of movies that have been already fairly rattling wonderful. And you understand what? That ain’t unhealthy.
On this fourth entry, which follows the occasions of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, we get Sam Wilson with the brand new title of Captain America. As the brand new Cap, he has to face off towards all method of villains, together with a brand new character named Sidewinder, performed by Giancarlo Esposito, Pink Hulk, performed by Harrison Ford, and one other villain who I will maintain a secret for individuals who haven’t seen the film but.
The movie could possibly be a bit sharper within the plot division, and it positively ought to have leaned extra closely into the concept of Sam not taking the Tremendous Soldier Serum (and all of the dangers that entails).
However, so far as post-Endgame MCU motion pictures go, it’s tremendous enjoyable and pleasurable, with nice motion and a center of the road story. Perhaps I’m a bit biased since I similar to the truth that Cap selected Sam over Bucky, however, as an entire, that is my third favourite Captain America film, which isn’t any small feat given how a lot I like the primary movie.
2. Captain America: Civil Conflict (2016)
Usually glibly referred to as Avengers 2.5, Captain America: Civil Conflict really is as bombastic as you can presumably get.
On this movie, Cap defends his pal, Bucky, who remains to be seen as a world risk, and types an alliance with different superheroes to basically stay impartial contractors. Tony Stark, however, understands the hazards which may happen on account of their powers, and decides to align with the federal government. This types a rift between the 2 sides, and thus, the eponymous “Civil Conflict” begins.
Although it may appear small immediately, this was the film that first launched each Black Panther and Spider-Man to the MCU. Whereas The First Avenger feels outdated now in 2025, Civil Conflict nonetheless manages to really feel contemporary with simply how they launched these aforementioned characters.
Additionally, the subject material nonetheless feels as related now as ever. Do you facet with Cap and consider that these with energy must be allowed to make use of it nonetheless they see match, so long as they’re combating for the frequent good?
Or, do you facet with Iron Man and suppose that utmost energy ought to be stored in examine, particularly given the collateral harm that would happen every time these super-powered beings throw down? Truthfully, whichever facet you decide, it in all probability additionally aligns along with your political opinions, which is an attention-grabbing litmus take a look at to make certain. Both manner, Civil Conflict is a brilliant, energetic, emotional film, and it might be the perfect Cap flick if not for one different movie.
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Come on now. You knew this needed to be primary.
Usually thought of probably the greatest (if not the finest) MCU motion pictures of all time, Captain America: The Winter Soldier just about flipped the script on superhero movies a lot in the identical manner that The Darkish Knight did.
That’s as a result of it is a film that feels extra like an espionage movie with superheroes, fairly than a superhero film with some espionage thrown in (which is sort of what the most recent film looks like, however beggars for enjoyable Marvel motion pictures can’t be choosers).
On this movie, Captain America is hunted by a brand new villain, just for him to be taught that it’s his finest pal, Bucky, again from the lifeless, and brainwashed. Many of the movie is Cap making an attempt to determine why this has occurred, solely to be taught that the nefarious group Hydra has its tentacles all over the place.
This, for me, was the movie that actually made me fall in love with the MCU and its limitless prospects. In reality, this was an incredible one-two punch, as Guardians of the Galaxy, which additionally expanded what the MCU could possibly be, was launched after this.
However, in each manner, The Winter Soldier simply looks like the proper Captain America movie. Cap is on the very middle of it, so it’s not held up by its interval piece setting, nor does it act as a centerpiece for all the different Avengers. It’s deeply private because it offers together with his thought-to-be-dead finest pal, Bucky, and the motion is simply so brutally intense, it provides me goosebumps. Not solely that, however the political intrigue is completed proper, and it simply all comes collectively immaculately. Yep, The Winter Soldier is the perfect Cap film, and I’m fairly positive nothing will ever surpass it.
However, these are simply my picks for the perfect Captain America motion pictures. What are yours?