The Marvel Cinematic Universe broke open the multiverse with its most recent hit, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Letterboxd – a social media platform for film buffs – has unsurprisingly ranked it as the most popular film of the year so far based on its s' interactions, reviews, ratings, and more.
Marvel and Pixar movies dominate the top spots in the fantasy genre on the site, with just a few exceptions. This speaks volumes about what audiences have looked forward to and enjoyed over the past decade, with the well-known movies representing the biggest hits that kept fans coming back to cinemas every single year.
Thor: The Dark World (2013) – Rating: 2.5, Fans: 75
Available to stream on Disney+.
Thor is reunited with Dr. Jane Foster in The Dark World where an ancient weapon known as the Aether has been unleashed and threatens to plunge the universe into darkness. Its main antagonist, Malekith, wreaks havoc with other Dark Elves before the Nine Realms align, forcing Thor and Loki into a shaky alliance that will test the limits of their powers.
The sequel to 2011’s Thor is certainly far from being the best that the franchise has to offer, as its lackluster plot and somewhat dragging initial scenes make it difficult to feel invested in the predictable outcome of its grand final battle. Its top spot on the site underscores the fact that the most popular films are not always critically-acclaimed ones.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) – Rating: 2.8, Fans: 1k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Peter Parker is struggling in more ways than one in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. He can’t keep his promise to Gwen Stacy’s late father to stay away from her, he’s uncovering bizarre new details about his family’s past, and he has to confront a new villain named Electro and an old friend on top of all of that.
Despite Spider-Man 2’s memorable scenes like Electro’s transformation and Harry Osborn’s confrontation with the superhero, it falls short precisely because there are too many high-stakes moments that result in a messy overall narrative. It’s a box office disappointment that never got a sequel because of this – not even the chemistry between Peter and Gwen is enough to make up for the convoluted plot.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – Rating: 3.5, Fans: 1.5k
Available to stream on Disney+.
Set thirty long years after The Force Awakens depicts the rising threat of the evil Kylo Ren and what the Resistance – led by General Leia Organa – plans to do about it. The stakes are higher than ever as The First Order seeks to annihilate the New Republic, and newcomers like Rey and Finn must step up before it’s too late.
The highly-anticipated sequel breathed life into the franchise, revitalizing interest in the Skywalker Saga for both old and new Star Wars fans. Its brilliant use of nostalgia is seen through familiar faces in the epic space opera, which signals a new beginning through the introduction of new heroes and villains that have become instant icons.
Doctor Strange (2016) – Rating: 3.5, Fans: 1.6k
Available to stream on Disney+.
The titular hero’s origin story is portrayed in Doctor Strange where Stephen seeks out the Ancient One after losing control of his hands due to an accident. His career as a neurosurgeon becomes the least of his concerns once he’s thrust into the sorcerers’ world, which is soon threatened by a powerful being from the Dark Dimension.
With its stunning visual effects and mind-bending action sequences, the Marvel film became an instant classic that would signal the beginning of the well-written character’s fantastical adventures. Its deceptively straightforward plot is complicated by hard-hitting subjects like sacrifice, raising questions about what it means to fight for the greater good.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – Rating: 3.9, Fans: 6.4k
Available to stream on Disney+.
Set two years after the battle of Sokovia, his powerful sister Hela is about to break out of her cage and exact revenge for her imprisonment eons ago.
Aside from its riveting story and likable characters, the Marvel blockbuster sets itself apart with its vibrant visuals and genuinely gut-busting comedy. Its enthralling narrative builds up to a high-stakes climax that actually forces the heroes to risk it all and make some tough choices.
Sorry To Bother You (2018) – Rating: 3.8, Fans: 3.4k
Available to stream on Netflix.
Cash Green and his girlfriend Detroit are struggling to get by in Sorry to Bother You. Tired of living in his uncle’s garage, he gets a job as a telemarketer, but soon discovers that he’s having trouble with clients. His life changes after an older employee teaches him how to use his “white voice,” which prompts a series of events that lands him in the macabre world of the company’s elite “Power Callers.”
The comedy film’s absurd premise is only made more surreal by its fantasy elements, which appear soon after Cash is invited to the elite workers. Its hilarious scenes serve as biting satire, with the protagonist’s internal conflict regarding his new position and his role in organizing a union hitting too close to home in the best way possible.
The Lighthouse (2019) – Rating: 4.1, Fans: 14k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Set on a remote New England island in the 1890s, The Lighthouse is centered on two lighthouse keepers who become stuck in the creepy location due to a destructive storm. With a dwindling food supply and an increasingly tense environment, their conversations take several dark turns that lead to disturbing events.
The critically-acclaimed film is known for its more unsettling scenes, which often feature distortions of reality and other fantasy elements. As its two protagonists drink and uncover more about each other, it becomes harder for them to ignore their irreconcilable differences.
Soul (2020) – Rating: 4.0, Fans: 2.5k
Available to stream on Disney+.
Pixar’s Soul tells the story of the middle school music teacher Joe Gardner, who wants to be a successful jazz musician more than anything else. When he finally lands a career-defining gig, an unfortunate accident gets him into the You Seminar instead. There, he poses as a mentor who trains young souls looking for their ions, with his mentee 22 being his key back to his life on earth.
Several of Joe’s thought-provoking quotes in the animated film highlight its profound message about the meaning of life and death. In classic Pixar fashion, it’s full of poignant and tear-jerking moments as the characters make important realizations about their lives.
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021) – Rating: 3.7, Fans: 1.2k
Available to stream on Disney+.
It becomes impossible for Shaun to run away from his identity in exhilarating action sequence shows Shang-Chi’s strength, which is only rivaled by his sister’s at that point. The two reunite only to find out that their father Wenwu is on a senseless and dangerous quest.
From its flawlessly choreographed action scenes to its gorgeous visuals, there’s more than one reason to fall in love with the magical movie. It draws inspiration not just from Marvel comics, but from Asian mythology, which lends the film its fantastical touch.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022) – Rating: 3.4, Fans: 1.1k
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness premiered to critical acclaim when it was released earlier this year. The mind-blowing Marvel movie revolves around the titular hero’s fight against the Scarlet Witch, who is determined to go after alternate-universe-jumping America Chavez. Doctor Strange must figure out a way to help America and stop the terrifying Scarlet Witch, but it’s not an easy task when he’s seemingly aimlessly catapulted through the multiverse.
With its jarring horror elements, numerous cameos, and well-written plot, the box office hit is a true standout in the MCU. There’s an impressive level of character development seen throughout the course of the film, which makes it easy to feel invested in both their individual storylines and the movie’s overarching narrative.
