TheMarvel Cinematic Universemight have had some impressive trilogies, but one Sci-Fi movie stands as the best trilogy finale in the superhero franchise.Most of theMCU’s biggest franchiseshave lived long enough to release a trilogy, as has been the case for characters like Captain America, Iron Man, and more. The same goes for teams, such as the Avengers.
With heroes like Spider-Man and Thor getting four solo movies, it is possible thatfuture MCU movieswill end up making it so that a few popular characters have two trilogies. While that time does not arrive, I believe thata look back at some of the MCU’s best franchises reveals the clear best trilogy finale, which is a Sci-Fi movie.
Half of the MCU’s original Avengers led a trilogy. However, Iron Man and Thor had uneven franchises. That said, Chris Evans' Captain America might just be the face of the MCU’s best overall trilogy, even when factoring in the Avengers movies. OtherMCU trilogiesinclude the Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man, Spider-Man, and the Avengers, all of which had major releases.
Some of those had a stronger start, such as Iron Man and Ant-Man, but could not maintain the same level throughout. Others had the perfect finale, like Thor’s, but the overall quality was not up to par with the rest. That said,some of the MCU trilogies were pretty consistent in terms of quality, with a few coming to mind.
The Captain America trilogy played with different genres and saw every entry excel at what it set out to do. The Spider-Man franchise revitalized the character by putting him in the middle of a shared universe. The Avengers movies changed how cinema works. Finally,the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy felt different from the restof the MCU in the best way.
The Guardians Of The Galaxy Franchise Is One Of The MCU’s Most Unique
Recently,James Gunn showed withSupermanat DC that he continues to fire on all cylinders. The director has now proven he understands comic book characters on a deep level by delivering successful and thrilling projects in multiple cinematic universes. Before Gunn went on to spearhead DC, the director helmed Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, which was quite surprising.
While the MCU did not have access to some of its biggest characters — some unavailable names included Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four — Marvel Studios still had well-known names like the Hulk and Captain America to start building its cinematic universe. When it came to the Guardians of the Galaxy,the team was obscure, not even very popular comics-wise.
Gunn managed to successfully turn a ragtag group of misfits into franchise mainstays by the end of the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Over the course of the franchise, their popularity would explode. The trilogy also felt unique due to its Sci-Fi elements.Most MCU projects were set on Earth, making the cosmic franchise and its many aliens stand out.
I’m Convinced Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Is The Best MCU Trilogy Finale
I would say that many of the MCU’s trilogies have impressive finales. It is hard to argue that the scope of movies likeCaptain America: Civil War,Spider-Man: No Way Home, andAvengers: Infinity Wardoes not surpass that ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. However,as the finale of a contained storyline, I’m convinced the latter works better.
Since the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Gunn had been planting the seeds of many important events in the franchise’s final movie.Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3had a perfect mix of emotional moments, hilarious jokes, and action-packed set pieces. The focus on Rocket Raccoon’s backstory easily makes itone of the most haunting stories in the MCU.
The Sci-Fi movie wrapped up the arcs of the Guardians of the Galaxy satisfyingly. Star-Lord comes to Earth to be with his grandfather; Drax and Nebula will rebuild Knowhere and take care of the kids; Mantis sets out to find her place in the universe; and Rocket will lead the new Guardians of the Galaxy with Groot. A poignant finale.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 4 Would Still Work Despite Such A Brilliant Finale
While I would be okay with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise ending after the third movie, as Gunn has now moved on to DC and the original team has been disbanded, the door is still open for a new Sci-Fi trilogy in the MCU. WithThe Marvelsbecoming the MCU’s lowest-grossing movie, Marvel will need to establish its cosmic side elsewhere.
With Rocket and Groot part of the new Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel has enough firepower to guarantee that a possible fourth movie in the franchise would be a box office hit. Characters like Phyla-Vell and Adam Warlock are brimming with potential to grow over a new trilogy.Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s mid-credits scene set up this exciting new team.
Rocket’s backstory is firmly established in the MCU, and he has dealt with his trauma, so Bradley Cooper’s MCU hero could be his best version from now on. With development paused on his Marvel series, Nova could enter theMCUthrough the Guardians of the Galaxy. The possibilities are endless for a new chapter afterGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
