Marvel Studios has become a cultural phenomenon. From the first Iron Man in 2008, Marvel’s superheroes and villains have become a part of our pop culture. Having some of the highest-grossing movies of all time, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has had a lasting influence on the film industry like no other.
Marvel is a privately owned company, so the exact financial numbers are difficult to pin down. However, we have estimated their worldwide revenue by analyzing the various Marvel movies released.
Here are the highest-grossing Marvel Movies according to their worldwide revenue.
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
At the time of its release in 2019, Avengers: Endgame surpassed Avatar as the highest-grossing movie of all time. Later, Avatar was able to gain its spot again. It is now officially the 2nd highest-grossing movie of all time.
The movie was perhaps the most awaited one of 2019, continuing the story left off in its prequel, Avengers: Infinity War. After about 20 movies’ worth of story building, this Marvel movie concluded the storyline and delivered an ending as good as our expectations.
The movie had all the main characters, including Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, The Hulk, Captain America, and others, and was also the last Marvel movie in which we saw them together. As they aim to bring back the 50% of the population eliminated by Thanos, the movie uncovers a plot full of suspense, drama, some Marvel humor, and some tragic deaths no one saw coming. [1]
2. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War has a box office revenue of US $2.048 billion, making it the 5th highest-grossing movie of all time, surpassing popular movies such as Jurassic World, Furious 7, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. It is also the 2nd highest-grossing movie in the superhero movie genre. At the time of its release, the movie broke several records, including being the fastest movie to gross $1 billion within 11 days of its release. It is officially the highest-grossing movie of 2018.
As the movie unfolds, we see The Avengers again trying to save the universe from Thanos’ plan to finish off half the world’s population. The movie ends with one of the most shocking cliffhangers in cinema history, which left fans in disbelief and quite possibly in a state of grief, impatient for the next movie. [2]
3. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Spider-Man: No Way Home earned US $1.877 billion within just 3 months after its release. It crossed major benchmarks in cinematic history, including being the second-biggest domestic debut earning $260 million, and the third biggest globally with $600 million. The Movie also got itself nominated for an Academy Award for “Best Achievement in Visual Effects.”
The movie had a delightful surprise for all Spider-Man fans worldwide. In a truly iconic cinema moment, Spider-Man: No Way Home bought together Toby Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland – all 3 Spider-Mans playing their character in the same movie. With Zendaya playing MJ and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, we see an amazing cast come together to save the multiverse. [3]
4. The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers (2012) earned a US $1.519 billion global revenue. It was the first Marvel movie to bring together all the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, giving fans a treat to watch. With actors such as Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Hiddleston, and Chris Evans appearing onscreen together for the first time – it was no doubt the movie was destined to break many cinematic records.
Perhaps one of the most loved villains in the Marvel series, Loki is the movie’s main antagonist. Based on Norse Mythology, we see Thor’s adoptive brother Loki wanting to control Earth as SHIELD Agent Nick Fury assembles a team to combat him. This action-packed movie has everything one would hope to see, from suspense and humor to sibling rivalry. [4]
5. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Avengers: Age of Ultron grossed US $1.403 billion USD globally, being the fastest movie to break the IMAX record of earning over $40 million in IMAX theaters in 2015 in 12 days. Despite the record-breaking release, the movie had critical reception, disappointing many fans.
As the Avengers team up again, it is to defeat Ultron, an AI-powered robot fixated on destroying humanity. Ultron, mistakenly created by Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Bruce Banner (The Hulk), is an eccentric being that failed to meet many fans’ expectations of a Marvel villain.
On the plus side, the movie introduces Scarlet Witch, portrayed by Elisabeth Olsen, and Vision, played by Paul Bettany, another being programmed by Tony Stark, who would both have important roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe later on. [5]
6. Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther grossed US $1.344 billion and became the highest-grossing film ever directed by a black filmmaker. It is also the 2nd highest-grossing film of 2018. The movie won three Academy Awards, being the first Marvel movie to do so. Ruth Carter won for Best Costume Design, and Hannah Beachler won for Best Production Design, being the first women of color to do so in their respective categories.
The movie tells the story of King T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, as he fights to save his kingdom, Wakanda. The fate of the entire kingdom rests in his hands as he battles alongside Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o, and Okoye, played by Danai Gurira.
The movie showed fans an entirely new world full of culture, exciting traditions, and a technologically superior African nation. [6]
7. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Iron Man 3 grossed US $1.214 billion and broke The Weekend Opening records in many countries worldwide, including Argentina, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Russia.
With Robert Downey Jr playing Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, we see a deeper insight into this fan-favorite Avenger as he embarks on a journey to defeat the mystery villain, The Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley.
After many adversaries and defeats, we see Tony Stark go down a spiral of self-reflection and see the character development that would make fans praise Robert Downey Jr’s performance. We also view his character through his relationship with Pepper Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays a crucial role in defeating the enemy. [7]
8. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Grossing at over US $1.153 billion, it set the record for the largest opening day in Mexico at 7.3 million and France at 2.4 million. The audience positively received it, sometimes referred to as the third unofficial Avengers movie.
Steve Rogers, known as Captain America, played by Chris Evans, finds himself at odds with the other Avengers, as half of them oppose the government’s decision to limit their authority. We also get to see the praise-worthy performance of Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes and Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, as they support Captain America in the civil war between the Avengers.
The movie brings together other Avengers, including Iron Man, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Wands, T’Challa, and Ant-Man. It’s the first time we see many Avengers, including Spider-Man and Ant-Man, being introduced to the others, and, naturally, the movie sets the plot towards the ultimate Avengers movies. [8]
9. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Spider-Man: Far From Home had a total Box Office revenue of US $ 1.132 billion. The movie holds the record of spending its first two weekends as Number 1 at the Box office.
Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, finds himself recruited by Captain Nick Fury to save the world as four entities represented by the 4 elements; fire, air, earth, and water, wreak havoc upon the world. We also see a manipulative yet charming villain in Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. With Zendaya playing MJ, Peter Parker’s love interest, and Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, Peter Parker’s friend, this movie shows a glimpse of high school life in an action-packed superhero movie. [9]
10. Captain Marvel (2019)
With US $1.128 billion worldwide revenue, Captain Marvel became the 10th highest-grossing Marvel Movie of all time. It also became the first-ever female-led superhero movie to cross $1 billion.
Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, is an extra-terrestrial Kree warrior fighting to save her people from the Skrulls. With the help of SHIELD agent, Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, she tries to uncover her past life on earth while dealing with Yon-Rogg, the main antagonist, played by Jude Law.
Despite Captain Marvel being considered the strongest Marvel Superhero, the movie wasn’t without some criticism. Often considered boring by fans, it is only the last few minutes of the movie which grasp the audience’s attention. [10]
Conclusion
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has a pop culture influence that few others have had. Reaching significant Box Office revenues alongside iconic movies such as the Star Wars series, Avatar, and Titanic, the Marvel Movies continue to leave fans content and ever-excited for the next movie.
References
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/23/movies/avengers-endgame-review.html
- https://deadline.com/2019/04/avengers-infinity-war-profit-box-office-2018-1202591380/
- https://jasonsmovieblog.com/2021/12/23/spider-man-no-way-home-2021-review/
- https://marvel-movies.fandom.com/wiki/The_Avengers_(film)
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/avengers_age_of_ultron
- https://www.gradesaver.com/black-panther-film/study-guide/summary
- https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Iron_Man_3
- https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Captain_America:_Civil_War
- https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/marvel-movies-ranked-best-and-worst-mcu-films/
- https://www.marvel.com/movies/captain-marvel
