Ranking the Top 5 MCU Movies on Opening Weekend

It’s not just a phase! The Marvel Cinematic Universe has proven to be one of the most financially successful franchises in all of film history. Fans in every part of the world flock to theaters to see their favorite super heroes and super-villains explode across the screen. Over and over, we seek the thrills of high-octane action and heart-stopping drama that only the MCU can provide.

Most recently, Deadpool & Wolverine shattered multiple box office records. Only a week after its release, the 34th MCU film continues to do well at the box office and with audience ratings. Deadpool & Wolverine now has the highest R-rated opening of all time, both domestically ($211M) and globally ($444.1M). For domestic July opening weekends, it has surpassed the previous record holder, Disney’s The Lion King. It’s also the fourth highest super hero opening weekend of all time, only after Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Avengers: Infinity War.

Before these two messy worsties entered the MCU with cameos and Easter eggs, how exactly did other MCU films stack up on opening weekend? Let’s look at the numbers.

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Avengers: Endgame (2019)

$357,115,007

For good reason, Avengers: Endgame rests at the very top of MCU opening weekends. This film is the culmination of the Infinity Saga, the story where every previous film meets in one last stand against the universe’s greatest threat, Thanos. Endgame is the type of film that warrants endless rewatches because it features so many favorites at their very best. The stakes had never been higher for the MCU, and every scene tugs at the heartstrings of Marvel fans.

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Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

$260,138,569

Many Marvel fans view this film as one of the best Multiverse stories to date. Spider-Man: No Way Home not only incorporated the reality-bending dangers of multiversal magic, but it also brought in beloved versions of Peter Parker from years past. Alongside the Peter Parker of the MCU, we saw Spidey from the original Spider-Man trilogy as well as the Amazing Spider-Man. Together, they quipped and thwipped their way into a dizzying climax that nearly pushed MCU Peter over the edge. But fans everywhere agreed that this film accomplished the delicate balance of friendly neighborhood humor and character-driven heart.

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Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

$257,698,183

Perhaps even more so than Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War truly challenged audiences’ sense of hope (and the ability to not tear up). Heroes are always expected to triumph over evil, but how does it feel when every effort they make falls short? Infinity War brought together heroes who had never met (or even heard of) each other. The results were both hilarious and gut-wrenching. As the Avengers and their allies sacrifice everything to thwart Thanos, we see what it really takes to be a hero — and the crushing reality when that’s not enough. For a whole year, Infinity War had Marvel fans aching for more.

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The Avengers (2012)

$207,438,708

Taking it back to the first team-up movie that started it all, we have The Avengers. At this point in their careers, the Avengers were barely acquaintances. In fact, multiple egos had to be kept in check in order for this team to actually function. The world-endangering threats of Loki and Thanos, however, proved to be just enough to bring this squad together. And it’s fortunate they overcame their differences because the Avengers would become the backbone of the MCU for more than a decade.

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Black Panther (2018)

$202,003,951

Black Panther is that rare type of film where every detail feels purposeful. From the moving score to the exquisite costume design, not to mention compelling characters in a rich (literally) new setting, Black Panther took audience’s collective breath away. Now, with the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, the film remains an homage to his talent in bringing King T’Challa to life. In addition to the stunning visual aspects and fascinating characters, Black Panther also presents a villain with a point — something the MCU has always done well. Killmonger is the perfect foil to T’Challa and their climactic duel is nothing short of legendary.

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Taking the MCU’s latest release into account, Deadpool & Wolverine moves into the fourth spot, right above The Avengers and Black Panther. Forget the mouth, that’s the Merc with the Money!

Have you gone to every MCU opening weekend? What’s your top 5 ranking? Join the conversation with other Marvel fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!