Summary
TheMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)has been around for almost 17 years, shifting genres, themes, and tones from movie to movie, depending on what best suits each superhero. However, as istypical for the comic book genre, adventure often lies at the heart of anMCUfilm. Whether it’s an expansive quest to collect powerful artifacts, a journey to a mysterious land or dimension, or simply being stranded on a strange planet in the vastness of space—Marvel heroes constantly find themselves in the most unexpected places.
While narrowing down the adventurous aspects of MCU films can be tricky, this ranking prioritizes the feeling of a quest or journey, as well as frequent changes in scenery, as heroes explore new locations to create a constant sense of wonder. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best adventure-driven Marvel movies that most MCU fans love.
While a bit messy and ultimately failing to deliver on its promise of being the MCU’s first true horror film,Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessstill earns a spot among the most adventure-focused Marvel movies. From the start, the film teases a journey through alternate realities—and it delivers on that front. However, by the time it hit theaters, audiences had alreadygrown weary of the Multiverse concept, with its cameo-filled universes and events that ultimately feel inconsequential.
For Doctor Strange fans, there are plenty of moments for Benedict Cumberbatch to shine, though some may feel that the central character is somewhatovershadowed by Wanda in his own movie. Nevertheless, the variety of places and characters that Strange and America Chavez encounter on their journey makes this MCU film an easy recommendation for those seeking a unique superhero-dark fantasy mix—a genre blend that’s all too rare.
Staying true to the essence of the sub-series,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2is a wild mix of space travel, unmatched team dynamics, and heartfelt messages of friendship and love. Much like the original (and much unlike the third installment) the sequel focuses on the strangest worlds and places in outer space, rapidly introducing new locations, characters, and situations faster than any other MCU film.
While primarilydedicated to Peter Quill (Star Lord) and his family,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2never forgets how much viewers enjoy traveling aboard the Milano with Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, delivering brief yet exciting episodes throughout. The unique and intricately explored world of Ego adds an extra layer of mystery and intrigue. But rest assured: in this universe, the strongest is still the one with the biggest gun—or a bomb.
The originalDoctor Strangeremains a standout film in the MCU, centered around the psychedelic, transformative journey of Stephen Strange through magic, with groundbreaking visual effects that make for an unforgettable experience. While it follows a typical origin story—covering the protagonist’s life before his superhero days, his traumatic accident, and his quest for spiritual healing—Doctor Strangeis packed with classic adventure tropes, as well as a perfect blend of humor and unique action.
From studying under the Masters of the Mystic Arts and learning the nuances of magic in the MCU to a high-stakes rivalry against Kaecilius, who seeks to bring an interdimensional demonic entity known as Dormammu into our world,Doctor Strangeis often an edge-of-your-seat time. It unveils a previously unseen side of the Marvel universe, hidden beneath the political intrigue and extraterrestrial threats.
AlongsideDoctor Strange,Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsstands as one of the most unique origin stories in the MCU, breaking new ground and blending fresh genre elements. From wuxia-inspired martial arts action sequences, built on practical stunts and exquisite camerawork, to theentirely new realm of the mystical Ta Lo village, filled with mythical creatures and vibrant magic rooted in ancient Chinese mythology,Shang-Chiis packed with discoveries and revelations, often feeling like a world of its own rather than just another piece of the larger MCU.
In addition to its unique mix of martial arts action and rich fantasy elements,Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringstells a deeply personal and resonant story, exploring themes of family, legacy, and the price of ambition. Both visually stunning and emotionally compelling, Shang-Chi’s introduction stands as one of the best superhero origin stories to date.
Thor has long struggled to find his identity in the MCU, beginning as an almost Shakespearean tragic hero (borderline boring at times) whose journey revolves around themes of loss, exile, rivalry, and pride. After the first twoThormovies, the character underwent a much-needed reinvention, taking cues fromGuardians of the Galaxyto embrace a chaotic, playful narrative with just the right amount of silliness, all while featuring expansive space travel and occasional gladiatorial arena battles.
Oh, and there’s also the end of the world constantly looming in the background.
Thor: Ragnarokwas a massive success and is often regarded as one of the most beloved MCU films. The dynamic relationship between Thor, Bruce Banner (Hulk), and Loki is at the heart of the movie, while compelling villains and epic action sequences make this installment a near-perfect, endlessly rewatchable adventure that never fails to entertain.
The originalGuardians of the Galaxywas a breath of fresh air that both Marvel and the superhero genre desperately needed. Mischievous, colorful, and packed with timeless music hits, it struck the perfect balance between genuinely funny gags and deeply resonant emotional moments that never felt forced. This space adventure about an unlikely band of misfits managed to tell its own story while still serving as an essential link in the overarching Infinity Saga.
With its rich variety of locations, worlds, and alien races,Guardians of the Galaxyeffortlessly defined the space aesthetics of the entire MCU, influencing laterAvengersandThorfilms. But beyond all that, it remains an incredibly fun and engaging adventure, featuring perfect casting and universally relatable themes.
Avengers: Endgameis often regarded as the true finale of the MCU, after which nothing ever felt quite the same. And it’s not just because of thebittersweet farewell to the old guard—Captain America and Iron Man. The stakes have never been as high again, relationships as impactful, a villain as menacing and compelling, or the buildup as rewarding and well-balanced.
While the time-travel element had its skeptics, it was arguably the only way to resolve the puzzle left byAvengers: Infinity War, and to the creators' credit, it was executed masterfully.
As one of the longest films in the MCU,Endgameserves as a perfect medley of the franchise’s entire legacy, giving every character their moment—whether a nostalgic callback, a spotlight in the action, or a meaningful resolution. Weaving together past events, beloved characters, emotional beats, and thrilling action,Avengers: Endgameis every MCU fan’s dream come true—a pinnacle of superhero adventure and atruly grand finale to everything that came beforeit.
If any MCU movie can surpassAvengers: Endgamein terms of adventure, it’s undoubtedlyAvengers: Infinity War. With its expansive, overarching quest of Thanoscollecting all six Infinity Stones, the film took a rare approach for the genre by making its complex villain the true protagonist, while the Avengers served as mere obstacles on his journey.
What’s most surprising is that this shifted dynamic didn’t disappoint—if anything, it elevated the film.Thanos was fully fleshed out as a character, deeply committed to his goal, and learning about his lifelong motivations made for a truly captivating journey. Endlessly dramatic, cohesive, climactic, and packed with unforgettable moments,Infinity Waris Thanos' gripping odyssey across the galaxy, with the Avengers desperately trying to stop him—culminating in one of the most legendary cliffhangers in superhero cinema history.
