The Marvel Cinematic Universe first launched with the origin story of Tony Stark in 2008's Iron Man. Since then, the massively-successful franchise has introduced a slew of fan-favorite heroes with a multitude of origin films. Though team-up films tend to garner the most attention, the origin films within the MCU are some of the strongest and most engaging projects to date.
The MCU's typical formula of several origin films before the next team-up is vital to the success of the franchise, as these outings allow fans to gain a deeper understanding of the character before they are thrown into the larger world of the MCU, where character development is often hindered by overarching plots and an extensive ensemble.
10 Captain Marvel Is A High-Flying Adventure In True '90s Style
Brie Larson made her highly-anticipated debut in the MCU as Carol Danvers with 2019's Captain Marvel. In the film, released between Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Carol's origin story takes fans back to the 1990s as the character comes to understand the truth behind her newfound superpowers.
Larson is joined by a digitally de-aged Samuel L. Jackson as MCU fan-favorite Nick Fury and Clark Gregg as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson. A sequel to the film, The Marvels, is scheduled for release on July 28, 2023.
9 Thor Takes The MCU To A New Realm
Prior to the 2012 team-up film The Avengers, the God of Thunder made his MCU debut with 2011's Thor. The origin movie, directed by Kenneth Branagh, introduces the realm of Asgard, bringing the franchise to a new level as it expands beyond Earth for the very first time.
Tom Hiddleston also makes his MCU debut in the film as Thor's adopted brother, Loki. Thor and Loki have emerged as staple characters for the franchise, as the pair continue to headline projects over 10 years since their debut.
8 Ant-Man (2015) Highlights The MCU's Comedic Prowess
The exceedingly charismatic Paul Rudd debuted in the MCU as Ant-Man in his titular origin movie, Ant-Man, released in 2015. The film follows Scott Lang, recently out of prison, as he becomes involved with scientist Hank Pym, played by Michael Douglas.
Critics and fans alike commended Ant-Man's unique tone compared to others within the franchise, particularly in regard to the film's comedic elements. A sequel to the film, Ant-Man and the Wasp, was released in 2018. A third film, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, is set to launch Phase 5 of the MCU in early 2023.
7 Doctor Strange Showcases A New Kind Of Superpower
Doctor Strange takes the MCU in a new direction with the introduction of the mystic arts through the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The character's origin story chronicles his journey from renowned neurosurgeon to master of the mystic arts following a severe car accident.
Since Strange's debut, he has emerged as a key player for the entire franchise, having appeared in six MCU projects thus far. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness continues the character's story after several co-starring appearances in other MCU films since his debut.
6 Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings Proves The MCU Origin Movie Is Alive & Well
With so many heroes already in the MCU's extensive ensemble, much of the franchise's fourth phase has focused on developing existing characters with new television shows and sequel films. However, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings proves that the MCU origin story as a staple of the franchise is as strong as ever.
Simu Liu gives a memorable performance as the titular hero in an action-packed adventure that balances tense family drama with a classic superhero journey. The film also provided an important redemption of the MCU's portrayal of the Mandarin with Tony Leung's portrayal of Xu Wenwu.
5 Iron Man Unexpectedly Launches A Franchise
Perhaps the most iconic origin movie of the MCU is the introduction of Iron Man in his titular film from 2008, Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr.'s debut performance as Tony Stark in the very first MCU film helped to establish the character as the face of a franchise that continues to dominate the box office nearly 15 years since its inception.
The origin movie chronicles Tony's evolution from billionaire playboy to superhero after he is held captive by the Ten Rings. Though he attempts to conceal his identity as Iron Man throughout the film, the movie concludes with Stark's public admission of his alter-ego.
4 Captain America: The First Avenger Traces The History Of The Avengers Initiative
2011's Captain America: The First Avenger takes the MCU back to the 1940s to follow Steve Rogers' journey to becoming Captain America. The origin story serves as an essential component of the MCU's early foundation, establishing one of the franchise's central heroes and setting the stage for the Infinity Saga as a whole with the introduction of the Tesseract.
Chris Evans grew to become one of the most recognizable faces of the MCU, carrying on with the role through 2019's Avengers: Endgame. The mantle of Captain America continues to play a vital role in the world of the MCU, with Sam Wilson taking on the title in Phase 4.
3 Spider-Man: Homecoming Is A Fresh Take On A Well-Known Hero
After two cinematic iterations of the web-slinger, the MCU decided to put their own spin on the iconic superhero with the introduction of Tom Holland's Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War. In the following year, Spider-Man: Homecoming marked the character's first solo outing.
Spider-Man: Homecoming skips over Peter's well-known origin story, instead presenting a new story focusing on his journey into becoming a proper superhero. Under the guidance of Tony Stark, the MCU establishes the distinct nature of its portrayal of the hero by connecting the character to the most iconic face of the franchise.
2 Guardians Of The Galaxy Is A Unique Spin On The Superhero Origin Story
Straying a bit from tradition, Guardians of the Galaxy presents the origin story of a superhero team rather than a solo hero. After the massive success of The Avengers, it seemed a bit risky to stray from the iconic superhero group to introduce another one to the MCU, but it was a risk that paid off significantly for the franchise.
The Guardians' eclectic ensemble showcased the willingness of the MCU to take on a different tone than traditionally established. The film received a sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, in 2017, with a third and final installment in the works as well.
1 Black Panther Is An Introduction Fit For A King
The late Chadwick Boseman first debuted in the MCU in Captain America: Civil War, which introduced T'Challa and his father T'Chaka. Two years later, T'Challa received a proper origin film with Black Panther, a compelling story that elevates the traditional superhero's journey.
Featuring a star-studded ensemble including Lupita Nyong'o, Daniel Kaluuya, and Angela Bassett, Black Panther proved its worth by scoring an impressive nomination for Best Picture at the 2019 Academy Awards. A sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will draw the MCU's fourth phase to a close in fall 2022.