If you’re a fan of superhero movies featuring powerful female leads, thrilling action sequences, and a touch of humor, then you’re in for a treat! Let’s explore some other fantastic films that will satisfy your craving for Marvel-esque adventures.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the 15 best movies like The Marvels that you can enjoy right now. From the MCU to the DCEU and beyond, these films showcase incredible heroines, jaw-dropping visual effects, and captivating storylines. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get started!
1. Ms. Marvel (2022)
First on our list is the Disney+ series that introduced us to the lovable Kamala Khan, a.k.a. Ms. Marvel. This coming-of-age story follows Kamala, a Muslim Pakistani-American teenager from New Jersey, as she discovers her cosmic superpowers and navigates the challenges of high school and family life.
Ms. Marvel is a refreshing addition to the MCU, with its vibrant visuals, diverse representation, and heartfelt performances. Iman Vellani shines as Kamala, bringing charm, wit, and relatability to the role. The series also explores themes of identity, culture, and heroism, making it a must-watch for fans of The Marvels.
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
2. Captain Marvel (2019)
Next up is the film that introduced us to Carol Danvers, the cosmic-powered hero who will lead the charge in The Marvels. Set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel follows Carol as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes and finds herself at the center of a galactic war between two alien races.
Brie Larson delivers a stellar performance as Carol, bringing strength, humor, and vulnerability to the character. The film also features an all-star cast, including Samuel L. Jackson as a young Nick Fury, Ben Mendelsohn as the shape-shifting Skrull leader Talos, and Lashana Lynch as Carol’s best friend and fellow pilot Maria Rambeau. With its ’90s nostalgia, epic space battles, and empowering message, Captain Marvel is a must-see for any Marvel fan.
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
3. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
While not directly connected to The Marvels, Thor: Ragnarok is a prime example of how Marvel can blend action, humor, and heart into a wildly entertaining superhero film. In this cosmic adventure, Thor must race against time to prevent the destruction of his home world, Asgard, at the hands of the powerful villain Hela.
Director Taika Waititi injects his signature style and wit into the film, making it a colorful and hilarious ride from start to finish. Chris Hemsworth shines as Thor, showcasing his comedic chops alongside his heroic physique. The film also features standout performances from Tessa Thompson as the fierce Valkyrie, Jeff Goldblum as the eccentric Grandmaster, and Cate Blanchett as the menacing Hela. If you’re looking for a fun and action-packed Marvel movie, Thor: Ragnarok is a perfect choice.
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
4. Eternals (2021)
Eternals may have divided critics and fans, but it’s still a visually stunning and ambitious entry in the MCU. The film follows a group of immortal beings who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, as they reunite to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants.
Directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao, Eternals boasts a diverse and talented ensemble cast, including Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, and Angelina Jolie. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and the nature of heroism, while also expanding the cosmic mythology of the MCU. While it may not be everyone’s favorite Marvel movie, Eternals is still worth watching for its breathtaking visuals and thought-provoking ideas.
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
5. Black Widow (2021)
After years of anticipation, Natasha Romanoff finally got her solo film in Black Widow. Set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, the movie follows Natasha as she confronts the darker parts of her past and the dangerous conspiracy that ties back to her origins as a spy.
Scarlett Johansson delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Natasha, showcasing the character’s strength, vulnerability, and wit. The film also introduces us to Natasha’s dysfunctional “family,” including Florence Pugh as the scene-stealing Yelena Belova, David Harbour as the bumbling Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as the enigmatic Melina. With its thrilling action sequences, emotional depth, and exploration of found family, Black Widow is a worthy addition to the MCU.
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
6. Wonder Woman (2017)
Switching gears to the DCEU, we have the groundbreaking Wonder Woman, which proved that female-led superhero movies could be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Set during World War I, the film follows Diana, an Amazonian warrior princess, as she leaves her idyllic island home to fight alongside humans and discover her true destiny.
Gal Gadot embodies the iconic role of Wonder Woman, bringing grace, strength, and compassion to the character. The film also features a compelling supporting cast, including Chris Pine as the charming spy Steve Trevor and Robin Wright as the fierce Antiope. With its stunning visuals, thrilling action, and inspiring message of love and heroism, Wonder Woman is a must-watch for any superhero fan.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
7. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
While not directly related to The Marvels, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is widely regarded as one of the best films in the MCU. Set after the events of The Avengers, the movie follows Steve Rogers as he uncovers a deep-rooted conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. and faces off against a mysterious assassin known as the Winter Soldier.
Chris Evans delivers a compelling performance as Steve, showcasing the character’s unwavering moral compass and physical prowess. The film also features standout performances from Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, and Robert Redford as the duplicitous Alexander Pierce. With its gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and exploration of political themes, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a thrilling and thought-provoking superhero film.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
8. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
If you’re in the mood for a fun and irreverent space adventure, look no further than Guardians of the Galaxy. The film follows a ragtag group of misfits, including a wise-cracking human, a talking raccoon, and a sentient tree, as they band together to save the galaxy from a powerful villain.
Director James Gunn brings his unique vision and humor to the film, making it a refreshing and entertaining entry in the MCU. Chris Pratt shines as the charismatic Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, while Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel round out the lovable cast of characters. With its killer soundtrack, dazzling visual effects, and heartfelt themes of found family, Guardians of the Galaxy is a must-see for any Marvel fan.
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
9. Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther made history as the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and for good reason. The movie follows T’Challa, the newly crowned king of the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, as he navigates the challenges of leadership and faces off against a powerful adversary.
Chadwick Boseman delivers a regal and nuanced performance as T’Challa, while Michael B. Jordan steals the show as the complex and sympathetic villain, Erik Killmonger. The film also features an incredible supporting cast, including Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright. With its stunning visuals, thrilling action, and exploration of themes like identity, colonialism, and social justice, Black Panther is a groundbreaking and essential entry in the MCU.
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
10. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
While not part of the MCU, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a must-watch for any superhero fan. This animated film follows Miles Morales, a teenage Spider-Man from an alternate universe, as he teams up with other Spider-People from different dimensions to save the multiverse from destruction.
The film’s unique visual style, which blends 2D and 3D animation techniques, is a feast for the eyes. The voice cast, which includes Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, and Mahershala Ali, brings the characters to life with humor, heart, and depth. With its clever writing, thrilling action, and exploration of themes like identity, family, and heroism, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a fresh and exciting take on the superhero genre.
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
11. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a groundbreaking entry in the MCU, as it features the franchise’s first Asian superhero in a leading role. The film follows Shang-Chi, a skilled martial artist, as he confronts his past and the mysterious Ten Rings organization led by his father.
Simu Liu delivers a charismatic and relatable performance as Shang-Chi, while Awkwafina steals scenes as his wise-cracking best friend, Katy. The film also features stunning martial arts sequences, breathtaking visuals, and exploration of themes like family, identity, and legacy. With its fresh perspective and thrilling action, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a must-see for any Marvel fan.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
12. Birds of Prey (2020)
Birds of Prey is a fun and irreverent take on the female superhero genre, following Harley Quinn as she teams up with a group of badass women to take down a ruthless crime lord in Gotham City.
Margot Robbie shines as Harley Quinn, bringing her signature charm, wit, and unpredictability to the role. The film also features standout performances from Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the Huntress, Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Black Canary, and Ewan McGregor as the villainous Roman Sionis. With its colorful visuals, kinetic action sequences, and exploration of themes like female empowerment and found family, Birds of Prey is a wild and entertaining ride.
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
13. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted and fun superhero adventure, Ant-Man and the Wasp is the perfect choice. The film follows Scott Lang as he balances his responsibilities as both a father and a superhero, while teaming up with Hope van Dyne to uncover secrets from their past.
Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly have great chemistry as the titular heroes, bringing humor, heart, and action to their roles. The film also features a compelling supporting cast, including Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Laurence Fishburne. With its clever size-shifting action sequences, witty banter, and exploration of themes like family and redemption, Ant-Man and the Wasp is a delightful entry in the MCU.
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
14. Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Strange introduces us to the mystical side of the MCU, following the brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon Stephen Strange as he discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a commanding performance as Strange, bringing depth and humor to the character’s journey from skeptic to sorcerer. The film also features stunning visual effects, mind-bending action sequences, and exploration of themes like ego, humility, and the nature of reality. With its unique take on the superhero genre and introduction of new concepts to the MCU, Doctor Strange is a must-watch for any Marvel fan.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
15. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
While not as universally acclaimed as its predecessor, Wonder Woman 1984 is still a fun and nostalgic superhero adventure. Set in the vibrant 1980s, the film follows Diana Prince as she faces off against two formidable foes, Max Lord and the Cheetah, while reuniting with her long-lost love, Steve Trevor.
Gal Gadot once again embodies the iconic role of Wonder Woman, bringing strength, compassion, and grace to the character. The film also features standout performances from Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, and Pedro Pascal. With its colorful visuals, thrilling action sequences, and exploration of themes like truth, greed, and the power of love, Wonder Woman 1984 is an entertaining and heartfelt entry in the DCEU.
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
There you have it, folks! The 15 best movies like The Marvels that you can enjoy. From the MCU to the DCEU and beyond, these movies showcase incredible heroines, thrilling action, and compelling storytelling.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cosmic adventure, a grounded spy thriller, or a lighthearted heist, there’s something for every superhero fan on this list. So, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by these amazing films.
