You know that feeling when you’ve just seen an awesome Marvel movie in theaters and can’t wait to get it on Blu-ray? To experience all the epic action, laugh-out-loud humor, and crowd-pleasing moments again and again? Well, our dear fellow Marvel fans, we’re here to help you build (or expand) on the perfect home superhero movie collection with some of our recommended Marvel picks this year.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
For both newcomers and long-time fans alike, collecting these superhero epics for home viewing allows you to revisit the legendary journeys of heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, and the Avengers. To help assemble your definitive MCU collection, we’ve compiled a list of the absolute must-own Marvel movies you won’t regret adding to your shelf. So make way!
After his father’s death, T’Challa returns to Wakanda to assume the throne as king and Black Panther protector. His rule is challenged by his cousin Killmonger who seeks to take the throne and upend Wakanda’s place in the world.
Black Panther is one of the most culturally impactful and entertaining films to come out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Set in the advanced African nation of Wakanda, Black Panther introduces audiences to T’Challa, played masterfully by the late Chadwick Boseman (rest in peace, sir), as he assumes the throne and mantle of the Black Panther after his father’s death, who initially struggles with carrying on the legacy while also struggling to maintain his nation’s secret identity.
This struggle becomes intensified with the arrival of Killmonger, an adversary tied to T’Challa by blood. Jordan’s performance makes Killmonger magnetically complex as a villain, driven by conviction rather than pure evil. The philosophies of isolationism and interventionism (we’re trying to be more fancy these days, it’s fine) that T’Challa and Killmonger represent provide intriguing food for thought.
Equally impressive is how the film refuses to sideline its female characters. T’Challa’s genius sister Shuri is a technical wizard, while the Dora Milaje warriors are some of the fiercest we’ve seen in the MCU. Even T’Challa’s love interest Nakia shows incredible depth as a former warrior turned undercover spy for Wakanda. What makes Black Panther one of the greatest Marvel films is how it delivers on every front; as a mind-blowing superhero tale, a family saga, plus a commentary on colonialism and African identity.
Steve Rogers grapples with a modern world of shady politics and betrayal, confronting his past when a formidable foe, the Winter Soldier, emerges with a mysterious connection to his own history.
Okay, okay, we know this came out like a decade ago, but honestly, even in 2024, this movie is still a must-have for any Marvel fan. The Russo brothers really knocked it out of the park with this one. It’s not just your typical superhero flick; it’s got this cool mix of spy thriller vibes and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Chris Evans as Cap? Phenomenal! He’s not just waving the flag here; he’s wrestling with some pretty heavy stuff, like government surveillance and what it means to be a hero in a world that’s not just black and white. And let’s not forget about Bucky, a.k.a. the Winter Soldier. Sebastian Stan brings so much to this role. It’s intense, emotional, and just adds so much depth to the story.
The fights are on a whole another level. They’re not just flashy, they’re smart, well-choreographed, and they really make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. What the Russo brothers did here set a new bar for superhero action scenes. The supporting cast also deserves a mention. Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow and Anthony Mackie’s Falcon (all hail the Falcon/Cap bromance) are more than just sidekicks, they’re fully realized characters who add their own layers to the story. All in all, a brilliant cinematic masterpiece.
Avengers: Endgame is a climactic marvel, uniting heroes against Thanos in a time-traveling quest. It’s a poignant blend of action, emotion, and closure, marking an epic finale to a decade-long saga, redefining heroism and sacrifice in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Endgame is like the ultimate reunion and farewell party rolled into one epic, universe-spanning bash. Picture this: every hero you’ve cheered for over the last decade, dealing with their biggest flop…Thanos' snap. It’s not just about the action (which, by the way, is spectacular); it’s about how they handle loss. It’s deep, seeing these larger-than-life characters wrestling with feelings we all get.
Robert Downey Jr. brings a whole new layer to Tony Stark. He’s not just the wise-cracking Iron Man; he’s a guy looking for a second chance, a do-over. And Chris Evans as Captain America? He’s the rock, the guy who keeps believing even when things look grim. Coming to the plot, the time travel twist is a stroke of genius. It’s not just a fun sci-fi element; it’s a way for characters to confront their pasts. It’s nostalgic, sure, but it also adds depth, letting the characters (and us) reflect on their journeys.
The action? It’s like the directors went, “Let’s make every fan’s dream come true.” The final showdown is a feast for the eyes, but what makes it special is that it’s more than just cool moves and explosions. It’s got heart. It’s got “Avengers… Assemble” Endgame is a love letter to fans, a celebration of the Marvel journey. It ties up loose ends, sets up new beginnings, and does it all with a sense of grandeur and intimacy. It’s not just a movie; it’s a cultural moment, a testament to the power of storytelling that leaves you both fulfilled and excited about the future.
In Thor: Ragnarok, Thor ends up imprisoned far across the universe, without his trusty hammer. He’s in a desperate race against time to get back to Asgard and prevent Ragnarok – the total destruction of his homeworld – all while facing the formidable and ruthless villain, Hela.
Thor: Ragnarok is a total game-changer in the Thor saga. It’s like someone took the rulebook for what a superhero movie should be and threw it out the window (And let’s be honest, after Thor 2? We desperately needed that). Directed by Taika Waititi, this film is a wild ride from start to finish, blending action, comedy, and some surprisingly deep moments into a package that’s just a blast to watch.
Right off the bat, you’ve got Chris Hemsworth as Thor, showing off a funnier, more relaxed side of the God of Thunder we hadn’t really seen before. His comedic timing is spot-on, and it’s refreshing to see a superhero not take himself too seriously all the time. Then there’s the Hulk, and the whole ‘buddy movie’ vibe between him and Thor is just perfect.
But “Ragnarok” isn’t just laughs. Hela, played by Cate Blanchett, is a formidable villain. She’s not just evil for the sake of it; she’s got depth and a connection to Thor that adds layers to the story. And the way the film explores the theme of imperialism, with Asgard’s not-so-glorious past, is both bold and thought-provoking. It also made us fall in love with Loki, which was a very harsh move, considering he gets killed off like, two seconds later (We’re not forgiving you for that btw, mARveL).
When Rocket is critically injured, the Guardians must find a way to save him, leading them to uncover his tragic origins. And during this emotional journey of self-discovery, they must band together one last time against an ominous new threat.
After over a decade of cosmic misadventures, the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy comes to a bittersweet close with Vol. 3. Director James Gunn pulls no punches, delivering a deeply personal story that explores the meaning of family. This band of intergalactic misfits has become an unlikely family over the years, and now they must face their biggest challenge yet…letting go.
The brilliance of Guardians has always been its blend of humor and heart. Vol. 3 leans heavily on the heart. There are still funny moments, courtesy of Dave Bautista’s Drax, but the overall tone is more melancholy. Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill struggles with grief and his sense of belonging, while Zoe Saldana’s Gamora seeks purpose.
Visually, this film is a masterpiece. Gorgeous cosmic vistas pair with thrilling action sequences (you know the one). But the quiet moments shine too, like Rocket gazing at the stars, contemplating his past and future. Gunn’s song choices, from rock ballads to pop classics, are something that go a long way in amplifying the poignancy. Speaking of Rocket, his origin story is a highlight. It adds new dimension, making his gruff exterior a mask for deep pain. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a bittersweet goodbye to a beloved cast of characters. It made us fans laugh, cry, and leave the theater contemplating the value of makeshift families. For this fan, it’s a fitting, emotional culmination of the Guardians saga.
As the multiverse faces collapse, awkward teen hero Miles Morales must join forces with a ragtag spider-team from alternate dimensions to defeat the reality-shredding threat, all while navigating his place among these experienced arachnid allies.
So, you remember that mind-bending Spider-Verse flick from a while back? Well, guess what? They’ve swung back into action with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Quick note, this is NOT from the MCU, but it is still a Marvel movie. Moving on. Shameik Moore brings Miles to life once more, and his journey is not just about superhero stuff. It’s about finding your place in the cosmos. And speaking of cosmic adventures, Gwen Stacy, aka Spider-Woman, is back in town. Her arrival adds a layer of nostalgia, connection, and a bit of a love story that’ll tug at your heartstrings.
What sets “Across the Spider-Verse” apart? It’s not just the action; it’s the feels. When Miles gently consoles Gwen, when Miguel gazes at a photo in longing, we are reminded of how fragile even the most powerful of heroes can be. And Miles' struggles with self-doubt and responsibility hit you right in the gut. And the visuals? Boy oh BOY, did they bring it home with this one! The animation team here doesn’t just push the envelope; they tear it to shreds. Every single frame in this cinematic masterpiece is a testament to the power of imagination.
Did we want to pull our hair and rip our seats out at that glorious, yet devastating cliffhanger? Maybe. Does it haunt us at night, cause the next movie won’t come out for a long, long time? Perhaps. But all in all, this movie is a reminder that every choice we make leads to a different path, a celebration of the infinite possibilities that exist within us all.
Well, there you have it folks, some of the best movies you can go for this year. You may be thinking “Hey, what about that new Ant-Man movie, or even The Marvels?”
Sadly, they weren’t cool enough to make the cut. Also at the time of writing this article, The Marvels hasn’t made it to DVDs yet, so you TECHNICALLY can’t buy it. We’re gonna keep a lookout for the other cool movies coming out this year and update this page though. In the meanwhile, have a great day!
