Ranking Every Major MCU Phase 5 Villain from Worst to Best

Marvel Studios has expanded the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) significantly with the introduction of various villains throughout Phase 5, which began in early 2023. The phase kicked off with the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and included a total of six live-action films and six television series. As Phase 5 concludes with the releases of Thunderbolts and Ironheart, the reception of these antagonists varies widely among audiences.

This phase has brought forth some of the most formidable villains in the MCU’s history while also introducing a few that failed to captivate viewers. A total of 14 major villains have featured prominently in these live-action installments, with some confirmed to return while others remain uncertain about their future in the franchise.

Analyzing the Villains of Phase 5

Starting from the bottom, one of the least impactful villains was Gravik, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir. His role as the leader of the Skrull rebellion in Secret Invasion was met with a 53% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as the lowest-rated MCU series. Gravik’s transformation from an ally to an antagonist was underwhelming, culminating in a swift defeat during a CGI-heavy battle against G’iah, played by Emilia Clarke.

Following Gravik is Dar-Benn, the Kree villain from The Marvels, played by Zawe Ashton. Although the film received a positive critical reception, it underperformed at the box office, perhaps preventing many viewers from experiencing her quest for the Quantum Bands. Critics noted that Dar-Benn lacked the charisma to compete with the film’s lead characters, diminishing her overall impact.

Another notable mention is Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford, who finally transitioned into the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World. Despite the excitement surrounding his character’s evolution, the film’s crowded narrative did not allow for adequate development, limiting his effectiveness as a main antagonist.

Highlighting the Most Memorable Antagonists

On a more positive note, the portrayal of Kang the Conqueror by Jonathan Majors aimed to establish a compelling long-term villain for the MCU. However, his fate became uncertain following legal issues that led to shifts in Marvel’s plans. While Kang displayed immense power, his swift defeat in Quantumania undermined his perceived threat.

The introduction of Mephisto, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, in the finale of Ironheart has generated excitement among fans. As a significant figure in Marvel lore, Mephisto’s manipulative nature and history of deals with prominent characters hint at a potentially influential role moving forward, although his future remains unconfirmed.

Equally significant was the debut of The High Evolutionary, portrayed by Chukwudi Iwuji. This character became one of the most harrowing villains in the MCU, employing brutal methods to achieve his vision of a perfect society. His chilling portrayal added a layer of complexity to the narrative of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

The return of Wilson Fisk, also known as the Kingpin, played by Vincent D’Onofrio, solidified his status as one of the MCU’s most dangerous antagonists. His ascension to mayor of New York City allowed him to wield substantial power, making him a formidable presence even without superhuman abilities.

In conclusion, Phase 5 of the MCU delivered a mixed bag of villains, with some leaving a lasting impression while others fell flat. As audiences look ahead to future phases, the legacy of these characters will continue to shape the trajectory of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans are eager to see how these narratives unfold and which villains will make a notable comeback.