With the highly anticipated release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, we figured it was the perfect time for the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Non-MCU Marvel Films/Series.
Each writer ranks his or her top 15 releases in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five.
5. DEADPOOL
After years of rumors, Ryan Reynolds (after leaking some test footage) finally got to properly bring Wade Wilson to the big screen, and it changed the superhero movie game in more ways than one. It showed that mainstream comic book movies could be successful while also being hella violent and raunchily R-rated. It’s also one of the first to demonstrate that major blockbusters can open in February, and, if we’re being honest, it kinda resurrected Reynolds’ career. Most of all, though, it gave studios permission to take risks when it comes to superhero content, especially when you stay true to the character. - Quentin
4. X2: X-MEN UNITED
The first X-Men movie was quite a ride, but X2: X-Men United is the rare sequel that doubles down on what made the original so great while also introducing new ideas to help elevate the genre. Of course, the action and mutant shenanigans are on full display, but what makes X2 better than its predecessor is the surprisingly detailed character work that makes you genuinely connect. Many comic book sequels have come out since then, but X2 will always be the gold standard. - Adriano
3. SPIDER-MAN 2
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 is not only considered one of the greatest comic book sequels of all time, but it’s also the ultimate live-action Spidey movie. Raimi is able to establish a tone that feels straight out of a comic book despite being real life. It’s a lighthearted film with dark themes that are executed in perfect balance, and the inner conflict of what it actually means to be Spider-Man still feels real and raw. Spider-Man 2 remains one of the ultimate non-MCU Marvel movies to swing onto the big screen. - Paige
2. SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE
When trailers for Into the Spider-Verse initially released, there was a general “uhh, sure” that was heard across Film Twitter. But then we all saw it, and it changed animation, comic book movies, and Spider-people forever. It’s heartfelt, action-packed, incredibly voice-acted, and all out pure awesomeness in every meaning of the word. From the Cage-iest Nic Cage you can find to the moving monologue by Miles’ dad (Bryan Tyree Henry) through the door, Spider-Verse fires on all cinematic cylinders. The best Spider-Man movie is animated, and it’s not even close. - Amarú
1. LOGAN
This modern-day western is a bonafide masterpiece that shows the potential for what a superhero film can be, thanks to the maturity and grittiness that director James Mangold brought to the X-Men universe. Hugh Jackman (playing dual roles) manages to take his performance up yet another notch as he says goodbye to the longtime role (Deadpool 3, notwithstanding), while Patrick Stewart returns as a painstakingly brittle Charles Xavier. And don't even get me started on the finale. This is truly exceptional filmmaking. - Nick
HONORABLE MENTIONS
X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
SPIDER-MAN (2002)
DEADPOOL 2
BIG HERO 6
Photo Credits: Photo 1, 2, 5 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 3, 4 - Sony Pictures Releasing