Marvel Studios Least to Most Favorite Productions of 2021

🛑 Please Do Not Read If You Would Like to Avoid Spoilers 🛑

The year 2021 has ended and now begins the new year of 2022! Though last year wasn’t perfect we as a society had the luxury of actually having an experience of going to the theaters again. Unfortunately, the year before when multiple movies were to be released the nation stopped due to the deadly virus, COVID-19. Everything was on lockdown including production sets for movies and TV shows while theaters suffered as well eliminating the interactions humans normally have in the theater. Finally, in 2021 by the middle of the year theaters opened back up and movies were starting to be released. Not only movies were released, due to the virus many shows were postponed and couldn’t be broadcasted to the general public. With productions shutting down there wasn’t a chance to finish said shows on time. By 2021, shows were issued with many of them looking as if nothing had changed. Though I was starving for the movies and shows to be released I knew once they were released, I would be full-on glory.

That is what Marvel Studios did! I am a huge Marvel Comic fan and have been since I was a child. Last year Marvel Studios released a plethora of material on their streaming platform, Disney+, and in the theaters. With the productions ranging from shows to movies, I can say it was great being able to watch the heroes on screen. With what was happening in the world I wished we had such people in society to save us from such turmoil. To officially say goodbye to 2021, though it is already 2022, I decided to create a list consisting of all the nine productions released by Marvel last year. The list will consist of my least to most favorite productions of 2021 with a mixture of the movies and shows developed by Marvel Studios. Number nine on my list is my least favorite and number one is my overall favorite. It was fun creating such a list because it helped me reminisce and prepare for the upcoming material this year in 2022!

9. Eternals

The first on my list coming in as my lowest ranking is Eternals. It is about a group of immortal aliens whose appearances match those of humans. They are given tasks by the entity Arishem who created them and sends them on missions to protect humans from their enemy, deviants. Once on earth, they develop a love for such due to the humans on the planet. Occasionally told not to involve themselves in human conflict they do so anyway due to the unjust and hurt they witness. After much searching, the Eternals find out the person who orders them is not what it seems to be. They fight against and amongst each other to save the planet from destruction.

I did not like this movie 🤷🏾‍♀️. I hate to say it, but it is solely true. I am used to Marvel movies possessing a multitude of action scenes, but this movie did not hit the mark. The fight scenes seemed rushed, and you can notice that the scenes were configured by CGI. Also, when certain Eternals powers were explored such as Sersi there wasn’t an in-depth understanding of how she did such. Then there were so many flashbacks I was confused about what scenes were present-day and the past. It was not organized in a way that made the sequence of the film understandable which I hated the most. Then there were no character developments of each Eternal and you found out their powers as the film went on. You had two characters who liked each other but never shared a kiss and the movie kept playing on their romance. You had the married couple whom we see their relationship develop and then end. I did not enjoy this movie and I was excited about it due to the representation it possessed. The film even seemed too long, but nothing truly happened in the sequence of the movie making me want more, but dread it to end because I knew it wasn’t coming. The only two characters that I liked were Ikaris played by Richard Madden and Druig played by Barry Keoghan. Druig barely had any scenes, but the ones that he was in he stole. I just am hoping the future installments are better than this one and deliver on true action, an in-depth understanding of each character, and time to explain more of the issues transpiring.

8. What If...?

What If…? is an animated series on Disney+ that depicts different heroes and villains’ stories in multiple universes. The episodes are narrated by The Watcher a person who overlooks the multiverse and though certain actions are taken that may end that particular world The Watcher never interests himself in such conflict. Instead, he chooses to let those that make certain decisions suffer the consequences due to an oath he swore to. In retrospect, the movies we watch part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are different from the other universes.

This show was well put together and was interesting due to the animated aspect of it. I enjoy animated movies and shows even at the tender age of 23 due to the difference you witness in the story without human figures. I would say that I wouldn’t watch it again and it is not because it isn’t good. For some reason, it didn’t resonate with me like shows or movies usually do. At points in the show due to the episodes being less than 35 minutes most of the time, it did seem rushed through the storyline. Maybe due to me being used to the universe aspired on the big screen in theaters I was just resistant to the new storylines. I can say it was amazing hearing the late and great Chadwick Boseman’s voice again after his death. I always think about him and his role as Black Panther. Seeing him as Black Panther again for a short time, but as Star-Lord in another universe made me reminisce and become emotional. Apart from that, I think The Watcher is symbolic of society. We watch as people get hurt through the lenses of fear which makes us think if we interfere it shall hurt us or ruin the incoming future for our society. That is one of the reasons we choose to resist entering different countries to turning a blind eye to the injustice taking place. It pissed me off sometimes when he didn’t step in which reminded me of the Eternals, but then I understood at the same time. I am excited to see where the Guardians of the Multiverse goes because I know season two is supposed to focus more on the group. This show was good, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of it and due to Marvel Studios releasing some amazing material last year I had nowhere else to put this show on the list 😕. I can’t wait until season two of the show which I know is supposed to release this year!

7. Hawkeye

Hawkeye is a series that follows Avenger Clint Barton, Hawkeye, and a troublemaker, Kate Bishop. The show depicts Barton trying to make it home on Christmas as he fights alongside Bishop. Unfortunately, his past hidden identity Ronin has come out into the public by the mistake of Bishop. With enemies after Ronin, he must protect himself and Bishop from them while facing another threat who believes Barton killed someone close to her. Though Barton can hold himself in a fight Bishop can as well who possess a connection with Hawkeye that we see transpire at the beginning of the series.

Before watching this show, I was hesitant because my uncle who is a huge fan of Marvel Comics like myself said it was “all right.” Then I decided to watch the show on my own and come up with my own opinion because that can only be fair. After watching it I came to realize he had a point, but I enjoyed the show much more than he did which is why I put the film at number seven. When it first began, I did view Kate as an annoying young adult that started to embark on her journey as a hero for good reason. Hawkeye saved her when she was younger and from that point on, she wanted to follow the same path. She still was annoying and did stupid stuff such as spying on people and even attending a black-market auction by following people. I think she forgot for a minute that though she was trained and had skills she was still at the beginners’ stage and never even fought against true criminals yet. Unfortunately, for me, I did expect more action which is usually what Hawkeye brings, but this didn’t have as much. Even if they did have some it was glossed over with delicacy. Compared to what I have seen before in the Marvel Cinematic Universe I was disappointed with the material we were given. Even when Kate met Clint it was weird how they met and from there they went to her place, and he stayed at one of her relative’s apartments. It felt kind of rushed from the beginning to me, but once the end came my favorite character arrived, Yelena, it became better. I knew Kates’s mother was up to something, but Jack, I misunderstood him. Towards the end of the show Kate kind of grew on me though I think as time goes on, she will become a better fight. The representation in this show was well depicted due to Maya who was a villain herself being deaf. I didn’t like the fact that she was kicking Hawkeyes a** at major points of the show because it is Hawkeye and how the hell was that possible. I am looking forward to the future of Kingpin who was barely in the show but managed to maintain a large amount of power over people in it. I am not sure if it will be a season two, but I hope it will be due to how great the story became eventually.

6. Black Widow

At number six on my list, I have Black Widow which was one of Marvel Studios’ first movies since the pandemic to be released in theaters. The movie follows Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow. Currently, she is on the run due to the involvement in Steve Rogers and James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes Jr. escape. With multiple people hunting her, Romanoff finds herself facing her past including the family she once had before the Avengers. With a newfound enemy who she once served Romanoff has to confide in the parents that once abandon her. Her sister that she was separated from young in age and ending the control and death many girls endure under the leadership she previously aided.

Black Widow was one of the second movies I went to see in theaters last year with a friend, but weeks after it came out. In 2020, when it was supposed to come out, I was looking forward to it especially finding out who the person was behind the mask of the Taskmaster. Then I went to go see it and thought it was good with a recurring theme of abandonment I was less than impressed. Black Widow without power is the greatest when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. I watched the movie, and I kept asking where the multiple action scenes are. To me when they were present it was short and made me sit at the edge of my seat because I wanted more. That was the biggest issue, I feel like it wasn’t long enough, and the movie could have been extended. With the storyline, there was so much to explore and connect with her life in America. When the Taskmaster was exposed, I wasn’t surprised because part of me knew Antonia Dreykov was still alive and that was going to be the twist. I might have complaints, but the movie was good overall. When the action was present it was perfect 👌🏾! Seeing her family was great quality, but I was always baffled that Natasha didn’t have a Russian accent, but supposedly she has been in America long enough to have lost it. Though the film was solo and didn’t possess any of the other Avengers, Scarlett Johansson did a great job at dominating the screen without other well-known characters. Of course, the movie has one of my favorite characters, Yelena, who was hilarious, but dangerous at the same time. I always feel like even if the movie is Marvel and based upon a comic book it portrays a deep message. As I said abandonment from the perspective of Romanoff, but guilt as well which can eat at a person for the rest of their life was explored. The movie was bittersweet because we know on the Avengers: Endgame Natasha dies. The mid-credit scene was shocking and has a connection to the Hawkeye series which is why I wasn’t surprised when Yelena arrived. I do hope we see some of the characters even more in the future such as Yelena, Alexei, Melina, and Antonia! I am looking forward to more possible characters coming from this movie.

5. Loki

Following the first and ultimate villain of the Avengers, Loki is a series that depicts the journey of the villain and brother of Avenger Thor, Loki. In The Avengers after Loki is captured, he manages to escape infiltrating the timeline. Upon doing so he is captured and detained by the Time Variance Authority he assists in finding their enemy. Soon Loki finds out that those he is assisting are not whom they say they are and has to partner with a surprising ally. Those that are in control are not truly in control which affects the universe and timeline that is known.

Coming at fifth place and almost halfway through my list is Loki which was amazing. Tom Hiddleston is a great actor and I always enjoyed him playing as Loki specifically his hair 🤣. Even when it first started, and he damaged the timeline I was intrigued about what was going to happen. The color scheme was amazing because even though the esthetic held bright colors and mixed them with dull color schemes there was still a dark undertone. Even the visuals such as the different planets were beautifully done which caused me to continue to watch the series as well. I was more surprised to learn about the multiverse and different timelines with multiple different variants. I was intrigued to find out that the Loki variant they were after was a female named Sylvie. When they started to like each other, it was weird because basically, they are the same person just from different timelines 😂. However, the action was great, and hearing Hiddleston sing with his beautiful voice was enduring not to mention Loki coming out as bisexual just adds to the representation Disney is embracing ♥️. Sylvie did frustrate me and Loki trying to put some sense into her was entertaining because he of all people doing such was a mockery. By killing “He Who Remains” she basically just f**ked everyone in the multiverse because when you get rid of one dictator a worse one takes his/her place. But, to not be rude the actor Jonathan Majors who played “He Who Remains” I found his acting to be cringe at points. I have seen him on multiple projects such as Lovecraft Country and The Harder They Fall. He was excellent on both of them which made me surprised by his role here and the way I wasn’t really into his acting. I know he will be playing Kang the Conqueror whom I am looking forward to seeing. I am sure he will do better than more than likely. With Owen Wilson being present in it I would have never expected him as an actor to take on a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe! This was a great show and at moments I wish it would have been longer, but I know there will be a season two which I am looking forward to watching in the near future.

4. The Falcon and the Winter Solider

Even though my uncle was upset about this in fourth place I put The Falcon and the Winter Solider. A Disney+ series that follows Sam Wilson, also known as the Falcon, soon after the Avengers win against the villain, Thanos. Now with Captain America no longer present, he holds his shield within his possession, and it is up to Wilson to live up to the pressure of being Captain America. He has to fight a group of people known as the Flag Smashers who are seeking to bring “equality”, but through the wrong methods of killing innocent people while doing so. Though Wilson has his strengths he needs a partner who will help him fight those that are more powerful. That person is James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, none other than the Winter Soldier himself who in the midst of helping is seeking redemption himself for the crimes he committed while being an assassin.

This series was authentic and had a light tone to it mixed with dark themes 😀. However, watching the show, made me feel a sense of home when it gave a view into Sam Wilsons life. He and his sister were facing hardships financially due to their small business profits decreasing and provoking them to have to apply for a loan resonates close to me. I don’t come from a family that has a mass amount of money and family members of mine living paycheck to paycheck. The fact that this was incorporated into the series really stands out because Sam did help save the world, but still faces financial setbacks. To add on, the representation and the social issues that were discussed were a bonus even finding out about the black Captain America that the government experimented on. Though I understand people don’t like the “woke” message presented often 🤷🏾‍♀️ because when you look at shows and movies you want to avoid the negativity that happens in the outside world. As viewers movies and shows help us enter a new world that many of us wish existed. But, telling the real-world story in shows and movies is important because connecting with viewers is a vital reason why many productions are created. Apart from that, the show was filled with action scenes and revelations that as a viewer I was surprised about. Learning about the revamped super-soldier serum was interesting because this time around you can be the size of a fourteen-year-old, but strong as Superman without your body physically changing 😂. Then Zemo coming back was amazing to see because I wondered where he was, but seeing him in action and with his signature look donning his mask was a first. The greatest attribute was seeing Bucky played by Sebastian Stan whom I have had the biggest crush on since he played the villain on the supernatural film The Covenant. I find him extremely attractive and seeing him seeking redemption was understanding, but he wasn’t going upon it in the right format though it sustained no violence. Seeing his time in Wakanda and witnessing the Dora Milaje kick a** was the best 👏🏾! I wonder what they will do about Zemo because I truly believe he is going to escape the Raft. I did not like Karli whose message was to bring equality, but do so through killing anyone in the way. That is the easy and bogus way to go about fighting issues that plague the world in a negative way. The person behind all the antic’s taken place was the Power Broker who was none other than Sharon Carter. I was suspecting her because of her personality shift and the way she would just pop up at scenes when she wasn’t asked to be there. This show was amazing with the visuals that were realistic and The Falcon, who is now Captain America, a new suit was beyond my expectations. His keeping the wings was an added necessity with the replicated suit colors from Steve Rogers suit was amazing. The fact that the suit came from Wakanda is even better though it is not made from vibranium which would have made the suit untouchable. I do hope that this show has a second season because it has not been confirmed like Loki that the show will be renewed, but it will do phenomenal if it is 👍🏾.

3. WandaVision

WandaVision is a series that follows superhero lovers Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlett Witch, and Vision. It follows the two as they navigate their lives through separate time periods while living in the suburbs hiding their true identities’. Made as a show within a show the series follows the outside world authorities as well who are trying to infiltrate the town stolen by Wanda as she creates a new life since the Avengers ending. Though Wanda is in true control there are strange circumstances happening in the life she built, and she soon finds out she is truly not ruling the narrative she created.

In my lifetime it is rare, but I have watched shows or movies that were portrayed as shows within shows or movies within movies. It transpires a dynamic in the said productions as viewers which creates an enduring feeling. That is what WandaVision did from the beginning of the show that started as a 1950’s sitcom depicting Wanda and Visions’ life as a couple in the suburbs interacting with neighbors while hiding who they truly were. At first, I was confused because I was like why is the sitcom created and took place during the 1950s instead of the modern-day? Then I was definitely confused because Vision is supposed to be dead being killed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War which broke my heart 😢, but he was there in the show living a happy life with Wanda. As the show went on, I was hit with a reveal time after time. The fact that Agatha Harkness was behind every glitch and issue that happened within the “hex” Wanda created was kind of surprising, but expected. To add on, understanding the ways in which Wanda grew up in her early childhood and where she came from was nice to take a peek at. Also, finding out about Wanda’s enhanced powers after the experiments conducted on her and her brother with the use of the mind stone was great to witness. But, those on the outside I knew they were doing shady business outside of the “hex” working to end Wanda’s control, but in the midst of doing more wrongdoings 😕. I can say witnessing Wanda become the Scarlet Witch, though she didn’t know she possessed such a label or power, was amazing and her powers growing were the biggest highlight of the show ♥️. As for the “hex”, I know grief can be the worst feeling and she basically lost everyone she ever loved that being Vision, her parents, Pietro, and even the Avengers dismantlement left her alone. She recreated Vision and her small children creating a new life which if I had that power, I would probably do the same. Though I understand she was shellfish for taking over the lives of innocents who had their own duties in life I understand that she was in pain. Watching the “hex” actually be built was visually amazing and the transition from the modern-day world to the 1950s with everything turning to black and white was surprising to the eye. Then as the show progressed timelines changed by the decades: 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and modern-day time. Including the timelines switching based on the styles each character donned made it visible the period of time, the show was in. The action scenes were great even seeing Vision Vs White Vision was eye-catching because to me one can’t beat the other when they are not limited from the same powers, they each share 😂. To be honest, Agatha was beating the hell out of Wanda, but of course, our girl Wanda had something up her sleeve. Due to the end, I now wonder what will happen to Agatha now that she has a different identity. I know she is supposed to have her own show which I am looking forward to! Seeing the kids fighting was great while they had their own powers. The person I enjoyed most in this show was Monica Rambeau who I have been looking forward to seeing in a Marvel movie or show. She actually had pure intentions and wanted to help Wanda, but when she was in the “hex” at the beginning I kind of had a feeling, she knew something, and it was proven she did. Now that she has powers and has a history with Captain Marvel and actually becoming the second Captain Marvel herself, I look forward to seeing her in The Marvels that will be released next year in theaters 😜! The best part of this show is the amount of power that dominated this series. Many characters had powers, and I was scared that it was going to be clustered within a show compared to a movie, but it was well done. The visual effect on WandaVision was so well done that I felt as if I was a theatre watching the series in 3D. The colors were bright even when dark and they were able to stand out even when the decades changed over time. There are many questions I still have, and I know Wanda is going to be in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so I have that to look forward to. However, where is vision, and will there be a second season? Also, I know many viewers know what Wanda did, but what did Agatha mean when she said Wanda has no idea what she has done? I have my speculations, but I don’t want to jump to a conclusion. There are many questions, but I am sure the show ended off that way for a purpose. I would not change a thing about this show, and it would have been my top pick if it weren’t for other greater productions that Marvel Studios released last year.

2. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Coming in second is a film that I went to go see twice in theaters last year, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. It is about Shang-Chi a former child assassin and son of Xu Wenw, the leader of the criminal organization Ten Rings. Having escaped from his criminal path in life he suddenly has to now face his past head-on along with his childhood best friend, Katy. Also, he seeks out his estranged sister whom he hadn’t spoken to or seen in years for the turmoil that reenters his life. Eventually, he finds out that he is needed for pure intentions, but under the wrong guidance the person seeking him out, his father, is being manipulated.

Action. Action. Action. Action. That’s all I can say about this film it was filled with action from the beginning to the end. Personally, I didn’t know much about Shang-Chi prior to the announcement of the film, but after I looked his comic book character up and read much about him before watching the film in theaters. It was amazing and the movie came out at a time when the slogan #StopAsianHate was being used frequently due to the discrimination Asians were facing because of the spread of the Coronavirus. I was thrilled to see the connection this movie held to the Ten Rings criminal organization that was first discussed in Iron Man 2, but on there it came out to be a scam. When it comes to the movie Shang-Chi was a great funny character who I understood wanted to escape his past from his father who was the leader of the Ten Rings. He has a great support system from his best friend Katy who was a true friend when she went with him to confront those from his past, his sister. She didn’t care how dangerous it could be though he explained to her his past and the violence that plagued it. However, Katy was annoying at certain points with the comedy she brought to the film, but I was able to ignore it because the action overshadowed it. As for his sister she was a bad b***h who taught herself how to fight when she was prohibited by her father to learn so. She has every right to be upset with her brother who basically abandoned her when she only had him after their mother died and their father was too worried about growing his power while possessing those rings ignoring those that needed him the most. When they finally came back as a family I was worried from the beginning because I knew their father was ambitious to his goals. When he revealed to them what he was after I know it was not going to end well which it didn’t, and I was flabbergasted by the view of Dweller-in-Darkness once it was released. I didn’t know the movie was going to go in such a direction, but enjoyed it either way. As for the visuals they were awesome which I expected nothing less of from Marvel Studios. But, the action was just astonishing at the beginning when as a viewer I witness Xu Wenwu taking the power of empires. Even his delicate fight against his future wife Ying Li with their different fighting styles was well done, and it was amazing how the camera was able to establish their faces in slow motion while fighting. It was the same as when Xu Wenwu fought Shang-Chi, who copied his mother’s fighting style, and the rings are being controlled by Shang-Chi and changed colors during his ownership. I can say I hear many people talk about the bus scene as the best action scene which I understand, but my favorite is when Xu Wenwu got his revenge against the Iron Gang for killing his wife. Even though it was short I enjoyed it and the way you see the fight’s reflection from the mirror instead of straight forward was a cool dynamic. I think Xu Wenwu loved his children he proved so even when he sacrificed himself for Shang-Chi, but the power was too great to ignore. To add on, when he garnered so much power, he had too many enemies so he couldn’t just leave and ignore the lifestyle. When he did such his wife was killed, unfortunately. This movie was so great I went to see it twice in the movie theaters and I will never regret it 👌🏾! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Shang-Chi because I know there will be another part. With the representation taking place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I am glad to see it and the progression it is making. Now with Xialing, Shang-Chi, sister leading the Ten Rings, I am intrigued about what is going to happen. Definitely looking forward to the possible action that will be taken place in the movie’s future.

1. Spider- Man: No Way Home

With the countdown being overcoming at number one on my list ladies and gentlemen as my favorite production released by Marvel Studios in 2021 is Spider- Man: No Way Home. As a Spider-Man fan, I am not surprised, but I can say I was surprised by the exquisite nature of this film. The film follows Peter Parker whose identity has been released to the public by a fake superhero, Mysterio. Facing public scrutiny, he eventually goes to Doctor Strange for help in reversing his exposed identity. Unfortunately, that causes a whirled wind of issues after Doctor Strange spell is affected introducing Peter to the multiverse. He now has to find out that being Spider-Man comes with a mass number of responsibilities that lead to him questioning his role.

I am going to keep this short and sweet. This movie was beyond any words I can say at all. It was f**king awesome, and I will never describe it as anything else. The reason this will be short is that it is my favorite and came out in December of last year which was less than a month ago from January 2022. Also, I wrote a thorough review on Spider-Man: No Way Home on my blog not too long ago, and if you would like to read it click here. I go into grave detail why this film is one of my favorite Spider-Man movies and the reason Tom Holland has boosted his presence as Spider-Man to me. If I want to say anything here it’s that I wouldn’t change anything about this film because it gave me a chance to relive my childhood making this film more remarkable! After seeing it I am hoping Tom Holland returns because this movie could not be his last film 😀. Marvel Studios and Sony worked together to make a masterpiece!

Welp. That is the end of my list for my Marvel Studios Least to Most Favorite Productions of 2021! It was fun writing this and helped me reexamine all the movies and shows I watched last year under Marvel Studios. I can’t wait for the oncoming years and the future productions including this year of 2022. But, if you don’t agree with my list and ratings I have for each comment down below and tell me. I love to hear different opinions on a daily basis ✌🏾!