The Top Grossing MCU Movies Of The Last Decade

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has taken the world by storm over the last decade, breaking box office records and redefining the superhero genre. With 23 interconnected movies, the MCU has given birth to some of the most iconic characters and storylines in cinematic history. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top-grossing MCU movies of the last decade, exploring what made them tick and why they’ve become so beloved by fans.

The top spot on our list belongs to Avengers: Endgame, released in 2019. This monumental film brought together the entire MCU roster, from Iron Man to Captain Marvel, in a battle to save the universe from Thanos’ destructive power. Directed by the Russo brothers, Endgame has become the highest-grossing film of all time, raking in an astonishing $2.79 billion worldwide. Its epic scope, heart-wrenching moments, and satisfying conclusion made it an instant classic among fans and critics alike.

Coming in second is The Avengers (2012), which set the stage for the massive success of the MCU. Joss Whedon’s masterful direction and the chemistry among the lead actors made this movie an instant hit, earning $1.519 billion worldwide. With a diverse cast, witty dialogue, and thrilling action sequences, The Avengers proved that the superhero ensemble film was a force to be reckoned with.

Another Marvel behemoth that rounds out our top three is Avengers: Infinity War (2018). This gritty, unexpected prelude to Endgame sent shockwaves through the fandom with its mind-blowing plot twists and a Thanos that redefined villainy. Anthony and Joe Russo once again proved their prowess as directors, guiding the diverse cast to deliver a performance that left audiences both electrified and devastate. Infinity War cinched $2.05 billion at the global box office, setting the stage for Endgame’s triumphant conclusion.

Fourth on our list is The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), which demonstrated that Marvel could successfully balance character development with superhero action. Joss Whedon’s wit and creative genius once again made their presence felt as the Avengers grappled with the arrival of the infamous AI, Ultron. A $1.4 billion box office haul demonstrated the ever-increasing appeal of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe.

Fifth place is given to Black Panther (2018), the film that put the world in the sights of Wakandan grandeur and the world of Afrofuturism. With staggering $1.35 billion in worldwide collections and diverse positive word-of-mouth reviews, this groundbreaking film is much more than a visually dazzling blockbuster. By celebrating black heritage, showcasing women empowerment, and questioning our sense of responsibility and power, director Ryan Coogler provided us a new prism through which to see the world.

The remaining entries on our list are: Iron Man 3 (2013), with $1.215 billion; Captain America: Civil War (2016), with $1.153 billion; Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), with $1.85 billion; Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), with $954 million; and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), with $863.8 million.

The last decade has been a rollercoaster of feelings with Marvel on a cinematic universe spree. While their recipe to recreate these astronomical success rates remains ambiguous, something is clear: it’s impossible to imagine a more eventful cinematic decade than the one they’ve just presented us. It’s that perpetual energy, evergreen themes, genuine storytelling prowess and an unashamedly inclusive vibe that justifies no hesitation to hope for great things to come in the ever-growing chapters of this universe we adore.