Don’t forget to get Marvel a heartfelt card, some flowers, or maybe even a fancy night out on the town because…Marvel Studios is celebrating its 10 Year-Anniversary!
Credit: Official Marvel at https://news.marvel.com/movies/84187/marvel-studios-kicks-off-the-marvel-cinematic-universe-10-year-anniversary-celebration/
Marvel’s cinematic universe – as we know it and love it – started with the first Iron Man film in 2008 and has been followed by a long line of blockbuster hit after blockbuster hit, ending with the exciting Avengers: Infinity War premiere in April 2018.
Marvel has been with us – through thick and thin – for the last 10 years; all those Friday night movie dates, superhero-themed birthday parties, or even those days you were too sick to get off the couch and just needed someone to save the world. Marvel was there for you!
So, take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the reasons you fell in love with Marvel 10 years ago – and why you can’t imagine your life without them today:
1) Iron Man
We meet the billionaire playboy, Tony Stark, and over the span of several movies we watch him save the world, fall in love, and eventually mature into a level-headed hero and leader – even if he has to make a few mistakes or break a few Iron Man suits to get there.
“Downey updates the superhero prototype with a unique blend of bravado and wit.” -Brian D. Johnson, Maclean's Magazine.
2) Hulk
Hulk awesome, Hulk a smash hit! The grumpy green monster has had his fair share of films and his fair share of temper tantrums, but we still love Bruce Banner and his mean green alter-ego.
“The Incredible Hulk is the best kind of summer popcorn movie. Just let loose your inner green geek and Hulk out.” - Julie Washington, Cleveland Plain Dealer.
3) Thor
Every Thor film lets us watch the Asgardian royal learn humility, as well as, what it means to be human (all the while battling his brother Loki, Hela, Frost Giants, and all sorts of other notable enemies). His dry humor makes for a lovable hero who always managed to make us laugh.
“It's Hemsworth who is mostly responsible for the film's tongue-in-cheek hilarity and nails its best jokes with impeccably timed deadpan aplomb.” - Jason Best, Movie Talk.
4) Captain America
Steve Rogers is living proof that you don’t need muscles to be a hero – all you need is heart. Every Captain America film allows us to watch Steve Rogers evolve from a boy into a hero; he is so much more than just a costume and a mask.
“Though it's never much of a question who'll save the day, it's nice to be able to feel like the good guy's worth rooting for.” - Dan Mecca, The Film Stage.
5) Avengers
Loki always has something up his sleeve but – thanks to his mischief – we see the Avengers assemble on the big screen in the Avengers hit. There is nothing more exciting than getting all your favorite heroes at once.
“If you are a Marvel fan, then The Avengers will feel like Christmas. Thanks to the merry doings of the director, Joss Whedon, all your favorite characters are here, as shiny and as tempting as presents under the tree.”- Anthony Lane, New Yorker.
6) Guardians of the Galaxy
Star-Lord’s sense of humor, sassy quips, and awesome mixed tape won our hearts (well, actually, it was really Groot who stole our hearts). An unexpected group of criminals, villains, and pirates decide that saving the world is way better than a life of crime.
“Chris Pratt, overflowing with charisma, plays the leader of the pack of misfits, and his blissed-out space cowboy (with a love for seventies music) is so full of good will that he buoys the film and its requisite whizbang special effects.” - Bruce Diones, New Yorker.
7) Ant-Man
Ant-Man reminds us that heroes can come in even the smallest packages and that bad guys can change their ways. With the help of the scientist Dr. Hank Pym, Scott Lang becomes Ant-Man and saves the world in a big way.
“... a breath of fresh air..." - Daniel Krauze, El Financiero.
8) Doctor Strange
He may have been a little arrogant, but Steven Strange learns to focus his energy – good and bad – into learning about the Eye of Agamotto, astral planes, and other dimensions; he becomes the hero the world needs him to be.
“Cumberbatch, both a natural comedian and a subtle one, knows how to get a big laugh from nothing more than an arched eyebrow.” - Stephanie Zacharek, TIME Magazine.
9) Spider-Man
Peter Parker struggles to balance being a normal teenager with his superhero duties; Spidey tries to prove he’s a hero to Iron Man, makes his best friend, Ned, the coolest “guy in the chair”, and leaves you wishing you could go just back to high school to hang out with these kids.
“An utter gas, a fast and very funny superflick that inserts Spidey into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe without ever losing sight of what makes him unique and beloved.” - Christopher Orr, The Atlantic.
10) Black Panther
We’ve been on the edge of our seats waiting for Black Panther since we saw the first trailer. T’Challa, Shuri, Nakia, and even Killmonger are empathetic and well-rounded characters who leave you laughing, biting your fingernails, and wishing you could just hang out in Wakanda. Plus, there are adorable rhinos wearing armor. Need we say more?
“Run, don't walk, to the theater to see Black Panther. This is not hyperbole. It's just that good. Heck, saying it's just "good" is underselling it.” - Monique Jones, Slashfilm.
Every Marvel film, whether or not you are a diehard comic book fan, is a world where people – labeled different, odd, or even dangerous – overcome obstacles to become the heroes we need them to be. There is nothing more heartwarming than discovering strength in the most unexpected places; it is a reminder that we can all be heroes: even a high school science student, a playboy inventor, or an orphaned space pirate. Marvel reminds us that there is the potential for greatness in all of us.
Cheers, Marvel; to 10 years of memories and 10 years of the best heroes we could ask for! To be a part of the celebration, share a favorite memory and enter the Marvel Studios 10 Year Anniversary Sweepstakes or enjoy a Fifth Sun Marvel tee today!
