The Unforgettable Journey: A Thanosian Sweep Through the Marvel Cinematic Universe

If you were Thanos and wanted to delete half of all 23 MCU movies, which ones would you choose to sacrifice? This question invites a deep dive into the personal top and bottom tiers of the series. Let’s start with Avengers: Infinity War, the film that solidified the Infinity Stones and the dramatic stakes of the MCU. And we can’t forget Iron Man 2, which, despite its importance, isn’t on the list of favorites for many fans.

1. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Beloved by some, not as consistently enjoyed by others, Spider-Man: Homecoming is often seen as setting the stage for future Spidey adventures. However, it doesn't hold a candle to its successor, Spider-Man: Far From Home, in the eyes of many. If you need space in your library, this might be the one to go.

2. Avengers: Age of Ultron

While it’s not a terrible film, the narrative is somewhat too spread out, and it lacks the cohesive story that the early films of the series provided. Its absence would leave a noticeable void, but ultimately, it's one of the less impactful choices on the list.

3. Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange, while innovative and visually stunning, is perceived as over-artistic for some viewers. The mystical and surreal elements can be too much for the casual fan. This movie is on the chopping block for many, and rightfully so in our Thanosian sweep.

4. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The sequel to Ant-Man lacks the impact of its predecessor, making it an easy victim to Thanos's snap. The plot and character development fall a bit flat, making it a less memorable installment.

5. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

This film, while significant in its exploration of Hydra, suffers from an overly dramatic and drawn-out narrative. It isn't the exemplary follow-up to The First Avenger that some hoped for.

6. Iron Man 2

Iron Man 2 is a bit tedious, particularly with its slower pace and lack of impactful character moments. Though it’s a necessary film in the series, it’s not in their top ranks for most fans.

7. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

This film, while beloved by some, is criticized for several plot holes and underdeveloped character moments, especially in relation to the previous installment. Rigidbody choices in this film tanks its overall quality, making it a prime candidate for deletion.

8. Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel, though it holds its own, ends up in the discard pile. Critics argue that its standalone nature and weak integration into the rest of the series make it easier to cut from the timeline.

9. Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World is a letdown for many fans. It’s not particularly compelling and lacks the magic that made the Thor saga so beloved. Removing it from the lineup would be a welcome change for many fans.

10. The Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk, the first film to star the titular character, doesn’t hold up when reviewed in retrospect. It’s a must-see for hardcore fans but not for those looking for a streamlined, impactful experience of the universe.

11. Avengers: Endgame

Ironically, Avengers: Endgame, which promised to wrap up the story, ends up on the chopping block. Many fans feel it was over-hyped and let down expectations for the series. If one must edit the universe, this might just be the final choice.

Conclusion

From the chaos of Avengers: Infinity War to the instability of Iron Man 2, this Thanosian sweep through the Marvel Cinematic Universe reveals an interesting insight into personal preferences within the series. While the top eleven films remain, the bottom eleven, along with the ambiguity of Black Widow, create a complex and varied timeline for our hypothetical would-be supervillain. So, if you were Thanos and could just snap half of these movies away, which ones would you choose?