Callum Ward
Marvel has dominated the superhero movie genre for decades, but not all of its hits belong to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From Fox’s ambitious X-Men series to Sony’s varied takes on Spider-Man, several films have made a lasting impact on audiences without being part of the wider MCU narrative. While the MCU has redefined interconnected storytelling, these standalone gems have proven that compelling Marvel stories can exist beyond that framework. With this in mind, it’s time to rank the best of the rest, focusing on storytelling, character development, visual innovation and cultural significance.
10. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man took a stab at rebooting the beloved Marvel hero after Sam Raimi’s iconic trilogy. Andrew Garfield swung into the role of Peter Parker with a fresher, more quippy approach that contrasted sharply with Tobey Maguire’s earnest, sometimes awkward portrayal. The real magic here, though, was his chemistry with Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy, which felt natural and heartbreakingly real. The film’s darker, detective-style tone divided audiences, but it also made Peter’s journey feel a bit more grounded and personal. While not without its flaws, it remains a fascinating attempt at diving deeper into Spidey’s world.
9. Deadpool (2016)
Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool was a game-changer for superhero cinema, finally giving fans the R-rated, foul-mouthed and irreverent antihero they had been longing for. Its success was driven largely by Reynolds’ perfect embodiment of the character, blending sarcasm, brutality and an abundance of fourth-wall-breaking humour. The film’s unapologetic nature set it apart from other superhero films, proving that there was a significant audience for more mature, unconventional comic book adaptations. Its success also paved the way for other R-rated superhero films, including the subsequent sequels as well as, arguably most notably, Logan – but we’ll get to that later.
8. X-Men: X2 (2003)
Bryan Singer’s X2 is one of those rare sequels that outshines the original. Opening with a jaw-dropping Nightcrawler attack on the White House, the film immediately signaled it was ready to level up. Diving into themes of prejudice, identity, and acceptance, X2 hit on social issues in a way few superhero films had at the time. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine continued to steal scenes, while Ian McKellen’s Magneto proved once again why he’s such a compelling villain. X2 cemented the X-Men franchise under Marvel Films at 20th Century Fox as a major player in the superhero game.
7. Spider-Man (2002)
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man brought Marvel’s most beloved character to the big screen in a way that felt both sincere and larger-than-life, and it still holds up to this day. Tobey Maguire’s portrayal of Peter Parker struck a chord with audiences thanks to his awkwardness, sincerity and determination to do the right thing. Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin provided a memorable antagonist – so much so that the Marvel Cinematic Universe itself brought him into the fold in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home – delivering a campy yet menacing performance that remains iconic to this day. Raimi’s blend of heart, humour, action and distinctive filmmaking style laid the groundwork for the superhero movie boom of the 2000s.
6. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Combining the original X-Men cast with their younger counterparts from First Class, Days of Future Past offered a time-travel storyline that managed to both celebrate and clean up the franchise’s tangled continuity. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine served as the perfect bridge between timelines, while James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender continued to impress as Charles Xavier and Magneto alongside their excellent elder counterparts, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. The Pentagon breakout scene featuring Quicksilver became an instant classic, showcasing creativity and humour rarely seen in superhero films, and the satisfying conclusion to the film solidified its status as one of Marvel’s finest.
5. X-Men: First Class (2011)
After the disappointing reception of X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Matthew Vaughn’s First Class breathed new life into the franchise. With a sleek, stylish approach and a 1960s Cold War setting, the film reintroduced audiences to a younger Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender). The chemistry between McAvoy and Fassbender was a standout element, offering a deeper exploration of the friendship and ideological divide between their characters. The film balanced perfect character development with excellent action and a strong story, resulting in a revitalised series that set the stage for future entries.
4. Logan (2017)
James Mangold’s Logan was a brutal, emotional farewell to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Stripped of the traditional superhero gloss, Logan embraced a grittier, Western-inspired tone that allowed it to explore themes of loss, redemption and legacy. The R-rated approach permitted a level of emotional and physical brutality previously unseen in Marvel’s X-Men franchise. The film’s emotional core, driven by the bond between Logan, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), and Laura (Dafne Keen), was both heartbreaking and satisfying.
3. Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
If Logan was all about stripping things back, Into the Spider-Verse was about pushing the boundaries of what an animated superhero film could be. A groundbreaking animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse embraced the visual aesthetics of the many different Marvel Comic books like never before. Introducing audiences to Miles Morales as Spider-Man, the film blended innovative storytelling with stunning animation that felt both fresh and familiar. It was a love letter to Spider-Man’s legacy while simultaneously pushing the character’s mythology forward. Winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, the film broke boundaries and set a new standard for animated superhero storytelling.
2. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero films ever made, Marvel or otherwise, Spider-Man 2 elevated the original’s strengths while deepening its emotional and narrative complexity. Peter’s struggle to balance his personal life with his responsibilities as Spider-Man felt all too real. Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus was a standout antagonist, providing both physical threat and tragic depth. The film balanced character-driven storytelling with thrilling action sequences, proving Raimi’s mastery of the genre.
1. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023)
Expanding upon the multiverse concept introduced in its predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse delivers an even richer, more visually stunning experience. The film’s exploration of identity, purpose and destiny was compelling and heartfelt. The creative decision to give each universe a distinct animation style showcased an unparalleled level of artistry. With a gripping narrative and emotional resonance, Across the Spider-Verse cemented itself as a modern classic, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
Marvel films outside the MCU have shown that captivating storytelling, strong performances, and creative vision can thrive beyond the interconnected universe. From Raimi’s Spider-Man series to the groundbreaking Into The Spider-Verse, these films have cemented their place in superhero cinema history. What is your favourite Marvel film outside of the MCU? Let us know in the comments below!
