Ranking Marvel's Phase Five Films by Box Office Earnings

The Challenges of Phase Five and the Hopes for Phase Six

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has evolved significantly over the years, with each phase marking a new chapter in its sprawling narrative. Phase Six is set to begin with "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," which will also include "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and two "Avengers" films, including "Avengers: Secret Wars." It's remarkable that the MCU has grown so large that it now spans six distinct phases. However, the line between these phases has become increasingly blurred, especially after the conclusion of "Avengers: Endgame."

One example of this blurriness is how many moviegoers were unaware that "Thunderbolts*" marked the end of Phase Five. This collection of six movies was an attempt by Marvel to merge film and television, but it largely failed. The results were inconsistent, with some films struggling at the box office. While Phase Three had no films under $600 million globally, half of Phase Five’s entries fell short of $420 million, with several even losing money.

This era of the MCU was particularly challenging, as it saw a decline in both critical and financial success. "The Marvels," released in 2023, became the lowest-grossing MCU film ever, with only $206.1 million worldwide. Its poor performance highlighted the growing difficulties Marvel faced in maintaining its dominance. The studio had relied heavily on positive word-of-mouth and audience trust in its storytelling, but projects like "Quantumania" and "Secret Invasion" eroded that confidence.

A Mixed Bag of Box Office Performances

Despite the challenges, not all Phase Five films were failures. "Thunderbolts*" received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Focusing on anti-heroes like Yelena Belova, Alexei Shostakov, and Bucky Barnes, the film was praised for its deeper themes and strong performances. However, its box office performance was disappointing, grossing only $382 million worldwide. The film struggled to attract general audiences, who may have felt they needed prior knowledge of Disney+ content to fully understand the story.

Another film, "Captain America: Brave New World," also faced significant challenges. Despite a favorable release date and marketing campaign, it only grossed $413.64 million worldwide. This was far below expectations, especially when compared to earlier "Captain America" films. The movie’s poor reception, reflected in its CinemaScore grade, further underscored the struggles Marvel faced in maintaining audience interest.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" was another major misstep. The film attempted to expand the Ant-Man universe into the Quantum Realm, but it failed to resonate with audiences. With a budget of $326 million, it only earned $476 million worldwide, falling short of the success of its predecessors. The film's chaotic visuals and lack of emotional depth led to a steep drop in box office earnings after its initial release.

A Bright Spot in Phase Five

In contrast, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" managed to overcome early concerns about audience fatigue. While its opening weekend was lower than expected, the film recovered strongly in the following weeks, ultimately earning $360 million in North America and $845.5 million worldwide. Writer-director James Gunn’s ability to craft engaging and emotionally resonant stories helped the film succeed, proving that the MCU could still deliver compelling narratives.

Another standout was "Deadpool and Wolverine," which was seen as a safe bet for Marvel. The film exceeded expectations, earning $1.33 billion worldwide and becoming one of the biggest movies of all time. Its success was fueled by nostalgia for the characters and the excitement of seeing Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman together on screen.

Looking Ahead to Phase Six

With the challenges of Phase Five behind it, the MCU is hoping that Phase Six will bring more consistent success. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is expected to be a turning point, offering fresh stories and new characters. As the franchise continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether it can reclaim its former glory and maintain its position as a leader in the superhero genre.