Over the course of more than a decade, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become the most successful feature film franchise in history. This achievement can, in part, be attributed to the obvious culprits we see on screen in every one of these films; the stars of the show are those who garner the most attention from fans. However, just as important, if not more so, to the success of these productions are the people who work behind the scenes before, during, and even after the footage is shot.
It takes so many more people than those we see on screen to make a movie, and it is important to recognize all those who make our favorite productions possible. Here are the most beheld directors according to their MCU films' IMDb scores (presented as averages).
Peyton Reed (7.2/10)
This director made his way onto the Marvel screen at the helm of the Ant-Man franchise, whose films earned scores of 7.3/10 and 7.1/10. Peyton Reed is one of the few MCU directors with a background in comedy; his other credits include such genre classics as Bring It On and The Break-Up.
He brings a unique and refreshing tone to the otherwise somber MCU with the only films that truly third installment of the Ant-Man franchise.
Shane Black (7.2/10)
By the time The Predator.
Black's addition to the MCU comes at a critical time for its first hero, kicking off Phase 2 and dealing with the aftermath of the Chitauri invasion. In an interview, Black said about his take on the character, "There's an immense power about him, but he comes around, and he says, 'I still have a responsibility to do the right thing.'"
Ryan Coogler (7.3/10)
His film was a groundbreaking addition to the Marvel universe, for even more than the reason that it introduced the nation of Wakanda, which would go on to be hugely important to the narrative. While most of the film's peers are lucky to pick up an Academy Award nomination for visual effects, Black Panther took home the MCU's first Oscars for costume design, production design, and original score. It is also the only MCU film to date to receive a Best Picture nomination.
Coogler's experience as a director and writer undoubtedly played a huge role in earning the attention of not only the Academy but a slew of other accolades. He had previously worked on the award-winning its 2018 sequel.
Jon Favreau (7.45/10)
In the wake of the MCU's unprecedented success, it's hard to that Iron Man as "a big independent movie." The production was, however, Marvel Studios' first film, which was centered on a comic book character who was, although well-liked, not as popular as other heroes like Spider-Man or the Hulk at the time.
The concept intrigued Favreau, who also directed Iron Man 2 and who had already established himself as an actor, writer, and director in several previous films. He met with producer Kevin Feige, who has said about Favreau that "he deserves a lot of credit for g up with this new studio."
Jon Watts (7.45/10)
With numerous big-screen iterations of Spider-Man already in play, Spider-Man: Homecoming, even drawing up storyboards and editing a mock trailer for the film.
After a successful release, the studio hired him to direct final film scheduled for release in 2021.
Scott Derrickson (7.5/10)
This filmmaker co-wrote for its sequel.
His experience and critically acclaimed skill for developing a frightening atmosphere brought a new, thrilling tone to the MCU. Although Derrickson has Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, he will continue on as executive producer for the sequel.
Joss Whedon (7.65/10)
For the endeavor of bringing all the Avengers together and realizing a complex and cohesive universe, Marvel Studios landed this talented writer/director of Age of Ultron.
Prior to these cornerstone Marvel films, Joss Whedon was most notably the creator of television shows like Justice League.
James Gunn (7.8/10)
This talented filmmaker was responsible for bringing the Guardians of the Galaxy to the big screen in both its sequel. These beloved MCU additions cleverly and hilariously introduce this band of misfits as the intergalactic crime-fighting team who fans would come to know and love.
After the films' success, his talents caught the eye of the Warner Bros. studio, who hired him to write and direct the DC universe sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is scheduled for a 2021 release.
Taika Waititi (7.9/10)
Marvel's decision to bring new blood to the What We Do in the Shadows, which spawned a 2019 television series.
After Ragnarok, Waititi went on to write and direct Thor: Love and Thunder.
Anthony & Joe Russo (8.1/10)
After making their debut in the MCU with Avengers: Endgame. Their work in the MCU has earned them some of the highest IMDb scores of the franchise.
The brothers' other directorial credits include episodes of the popular sitcoms The Gray Man, written by Joe Russo and Endgame writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.
