Top 15 Marvel Animated Movies You Must See Before You Die

The Marvel Cinematic Universe holds the title of the most successful franchise ever made, and justifiably so. However, their animated films have fallen short in comparison. Yet, as this article will demonstrate, they are continuously improving. With Disney now operating its own streaming service, there’s a strong possibility that Marvel will elevate its animated content as well. So, if you’re a Marvel enthusiast, these animated movies should definitely be on your radar. This piece presents a list of the 15 best Marvel animated films, ranked from least impressive to most outstanding.

It turns out that compiling a list of 15 Marvel animated films isn’t as straightforward as it may seem, since not every single one is top-notch. We did our best to select them, and if you’re a dedicated Marvel fan, you’ll no doubt want to watch all of them. So, let’s get started!

15. Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United (2013)

Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United” – This is a direct-to-video animated movie by Marvel Animation. It marks the first long-form animation produced by Marvel since their Marvel Universe TV block, primarily intended for younger audiences. The film features Adrian Pasdar as Iron Man, Fred Tatasciore as both Hulk and Banner, and Dee Bradley Baker as Zzzax.

In their innovative approach, termed “2-D wrapping”, the studio combined classic animation techniques with digital technology. By initially creating the animations manually, they later scanned these into a computer to apply texture and depth to the backdrops. This method also served to accentuate facial expressions significantly.

A pair of researchers from Hydra recruit the monstrous Abomination to apprehend the Hulk and harness his gamma power for their modified adaptation of Tony Stark’s arc reactor. However, by the time Iron Man gets there to look into the matter, he and the Hulk are up against a brand-new energy being called Zzzax. Additionally, they engage in combat with a Wendigo and an army of Mandroids.

This film falls short of expectations and may not be considered Marvel’s finest work in the realm of animated films. However, it serves as evidence that even Marvel can stumble occasionally. Luckily, their subsequent productions have shown improvement. We’ve included it here for your viewing pleasure, but please keep in mind that it is not one of Marvel’s best animations.

14. Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013)

Iron Man: Technovore Ascension” – This is a direct-to-video animated superhero film produced by Madhouse, serving as a continuation of the Marvel Anime series. Hiroshi Hamasaki, renowned for his work on Shigurui: Death Frenzy and Texhnolyze, is the director, while Brandon Auman penned the story. The voices of Tony Stark and Punisher were brought to life by Matthew Mercer and Norman Reedus respectively.

As a tech enthusiast and self-proclaimed prodigy, Ezekiel Stane has crafted an advanced techno-organic armor that appears to surpass Iron Man’s capabilities. Unfortunately, during the rollout of Tony Stark’s latest satellite, Stane orchestrated a terroristic act, leading to me being falsely accused. Now, I find myself on the run from S.H.I.E.L.D.’s relentless pursuit and determined to uncover the truth and clear my name.

This second film on our list of top-rated animated movies represents an improvement, yet it’s not a significant leap forward. Despite having more captivating characters that give it a grander feel, the character development could use some work. The dialogue is lackluster, and the action sequences fail to generate excitement. If you’re a dedicated Marvel fan, you might find it enjoyable.

13. Iron Man and Captain America: Heroes United (2014)

The Marvel Animation-produced digital animated film titled “Iron Man and Captain America: Heroes United” debuted on platforms like Digital HD, On-Demand, and Disney Movies Anywhere on July 29, 2014. In this movie, Adrian Pasdar takes on the role of Iron Man, while Roger Craig Smith portrays Captain America.

As Tony Stark and Steve Rogers engage in a debate over their unique approaches to problem-solving, an unexpected third party enters the fray: the Taskmaster, dispatched by the Red Skull. His mission is twofold – seizing Stark’s technology and kidnapping Rogers. With both objectives achieved, the Red Skull initiates his plan for global domination, with Rogers serving as a crucial piece in this scheme. Now it falls on Stark to rescue his friend and together they must thwart the Red Skull’s ambitions, each employing their own strategies.

This sequel to Marvel’s animated series titled “Heroes United” shows improvement compared to its precursor featuring Iron Man and Hulk, but it falls short of being an outstanding animated film. The animation quality and graphics are subpar, voice acting could use more enthusiasm, and the continual brawls between the characters become monotonous. However, the plotline is intriguing, which is the sole advantage this sequel holds over other Marvel animated movies on our list.

12. Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors (2018)

2018 saw the release of “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors,” a television-produced animated superhero movie from Marvel Animation. This film features less commonly known heroes like Ms. Marvel, Quake, Squirrel Girl, Patriot, among others. It marks the beginning of the Marvel Rising series and was simultaneously premiered on Disney Channel and Disney XD on September 30, 2018.

Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors gathers Marvel’s most recent and popular characters that have sparked immense fan enthusiasm in recent years. The teenage powerhouses Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Quake, Patriot, America Chavez, and Inferno unite to form an unexpected yet potent group of budding heroes. Facing a peril none anticipated looming over the Marvel Universe, this makeshift team of inexperienced teenagers are compelled to band together.

This animated movie stands out significantly from its Marvel predecessors on our list. Regrettably, the character development falls short, appearing hasty. Given that these characters aren’t well-known among many, this could’ve been an excellent opportunity for a more effective introduction. However, it’s likely to be enjoyed by kids and offer them an encounter with some fresh Marvel personalities.

11. Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)

2014 saw the release of the direct-to-video anime movie “Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher,” produced by SH DTV AC BW&P Partners, a collaboration between Marvel Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan, and Madhouse. This film is an extension of the Marvel Anime series. The movie hit shelves in North America on March 25, 2014, available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms.

Following his participation in a clandestine operation, the Punisher found himself apprehended by an agent from S.H.I.E.L.D., as well as Black Widow, a member of the Avengers. Upon orders from director Nick Fury, the Punisher and Black Widow embark on a mission aimed at thwarting Leviathan, a dangerous terrorist organization seeking to peddle pilfered technology to the highest bidder. With the world’s safety and the fate of the Avengers hanging precariously in the balance, the superhero and the spy now find themselves united, striving to keep this technology from falling into perilous hands.

As a dedicated Marvel Anime fan, I must say that the latest installment surpasses Iron Man: Rise of Technovore in many aspects, despite some lingering issues. The dialogue could use a touch-up, and character development seems slightly off-kilter. However, where it stumbles with dialogue and character building, it excels in action sequences that are nothing short of spectacular, and weaves an intricate and captivating storyline.

10. The Invincible Iron Man (2007)

The Marvel Animated Features (MAF) are a collection of eight animated superhero movies produced by MLG Productions, a partnership between Marvel Studios (later known as Marvel Animation) and Lions Gate Entertainment, directly for video release.

The Unbeatable Iron Man” is the third installment of the series, inspired by the iconic Marvel Universe creation by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This movie was produced by Starburst Entertainment and hit the screens on January 23, 2007. Marc Worden reprises his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man, who was seen in the Ultimate Avengers movies.

The brilliant billionaire Tony Stark summons an ancient doom prophesying the return of the Mandarin, once ruler of China’s most ruthless and oppressive dynasty. After his closest friend gets abducted, he journeys to China for their rescue. To combat the sinister powers at play, Tony will design a technologically advanced armor suit, which doubles as his ultimate weapon. Known as Iron Man, he is a legend.

“The Iron Man film exhibits a well-structured narrative that begins gradually and gains momentum effectively, featuring impressive fight sequences. Conversely, the sequel seems to move at a faster pace, with events becoming increasingly chaotic almost immediately.

9. Thor: Tales of Asgard (2011)

Thor: Tales of Asgard is the concluding installment within the Marvel Animated Features (MAF) series. This animated production hit the screens on May 17, 2011, arriving eleven days subsequent to the initial release of the Thor movie.

On an extraordinary journey, Thor and his steadfast sibling Loki find themselves. Initially, the mission appears straightforward: retrieving a magical sword. However, it transforms into a lethal predicament, forcing the brothers to join forces once more in order to demonstrate their valor and ensure Asgard’s survival!

Explore the ancient enigma as we delve into uncharted realms, where darkness reigns, and terrifying creatures lurk amidst the icy wilderness. Join Thor and his kin on their quest to unearth the legendary Sword of Surtur, a weapon that once graced Tor’s hand before Mjolnir took its place in mythology.

This film marks a significant improvement in the Marvel animated series, offering an intriguing perspective on Thor and Loki’s bond. The dialogue was humorous at times, with a touch of mature humor. It delved into romance, as well as some intense, thought-provoking scenes. Notably, it features impressive musical scores too.

8. Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008)

The film “Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow,” initially called “Teen Avengers” and later “Avengers Reborn,” is the fifth installment in the Marvel Animated Features series. It was unveiled on September 2, 2008. Preparations for “Teen Avengers” had started as early as January 18, 2007. By the time its sneak peek was shown in August 2007, the title had been changed to “Avengers Reborn.” Fred Tatasciore reprised his role as the Hulk, a character he played in the previous Ultimate Avengers movies.

In the aftermath of their confrontation against Ultron, six Avenger heroes succumbed to their injuries, leaving the remaining team in defeat. Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, then chose to safeguard the children of these fallen heroes, secluding them far north of the Arctic Circle. Among them were James, Henry, Azari and Torun. For an entire span of twelve years, Stark concealed their upbringing and training while keeping their true heritage a secret. After many years had passed, it was time for the Avengers to uncover the truth about these children’s origins.

In essence, this animated Marvel movie presents a unique tale since it isn’t adapted from any published comics. Designed primarily for younger viewers, it showcases the offspring of certain Avengers. The characters are entertaining, yet it’s puzzling that most of these kids possess powers remarkably similar to their parents’. While I understand why this is, having them almost exactly the same without any variations isn’t particularly engaging. It would be more exciting to witness novel abilities from them. However, the plot may not be remarkable, but it does include some enjoyable battles, making it entertaining overall.

7. Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload (Mini-series 2013)

Superheroes such as Iron Man, Thor, Iron Fist, Captain America, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Falcon, Wolverine, and others engage in a battle against adversaries like Venom, Doc Ock, Mandarin, and Red Skull, all orchestrated by Loki, in an effort to dominate our planet Earth.

As a diehard Marvel fan and avid LEGO enthusiast, I’ve got to say that the latest collaboration between these two giants has left me absolutely thrilled! They’ve just unveiled a mini-series titled “Maximum Overload,” and let me tell you, it’s jam-packed with some of my favorite Marvel characters, both heroes and villains. This ride is pure fun from start to finish, and if you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly recommend giving it a watch! The animation is stunning, the humor is spot-on, and it’s simply a must-see for any Marvel fan!

6. Ultimate Avengers II (2006)

Ultimate Avengers 2: Emergence of the Black Panther”

Description: This is the second installment in the series, a follow-up to “Ultimate Avengers: The Movie”, produced by Dong Woo Animation. Released on August 8, 2006, this film finds the Black Panther joining forces with the Ultimate Avengers as they carry on their battle against alien invaders who have set foot in Africa.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, I must say that the previous escapades of The Ultimate Avengers have been nothing short of spectacular – they’ve vanquished formidable foes, both individually and collectively, and reveled in numerous triumphs. However, the battle they are about to engage in surpasses any challenge they’ve faced before. This time around, these heroes will lock horns with an unimaginably massive horde of sinister space invaders, who have set their sights on Earth’s conquest.

The Black Panther, well aware that he cannot stand against this formidable enemy alone, will reach out beyond the borders of his people in the enigmatic land of Wakanda for aid. He seeks none other than the unbeatable, the extraordinary, the singular – the Ultimate Avengers.

As a dedicated fan, I’d enthusiastically affirm that this movie serves as an impressive sequel, maintaining almost the same level of quality as its predecessor. The antagonist in particular is remarkably well-crafted. However, there are a couple of aspects that could use some polish. Some characters seem a bit off, and I found Black Panther’s powers to be somewhat peculiar in this installment.

5. Ultimate Avengers: The Movie (2006)

The initial movie in the Marvel Animation Series, titled “Ultimate Avengers: The Movie,” is a loosely based adaptation of the first six issues of The Ultimates, written by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. This film hit screens on February 21, 2006, and was produced by DongWoo Animation.

6 Decades following World War II, Captain America mysteriously vanished beneath the ocean’s depths. Half a century later, an unusual human pulse was detected within the icy expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean. The discovery led to the revival process of the frozen Captain, who had been part of Dr. Bruce Banner’s top-secret Super Soldier program.

A captivating Marvel animated film primarily focuses on Captain America, although it features numerous characters. This movie kickstarted the Marvel Animated Features series, with some titles even surpassing its rank in this list. The plot has roots in the adult comic book series Ultimates but is adapted for younger audiences while preserving the essence of the Ultimate universe. The animations and dialogues are commendable, neither exceptional nor poor.

4. Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007)

Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (also known as Doctor Strange) is the fourth installment in the Marvel Animated Features series, featuring the character created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. This storyline exists independently from the Ultimate Avengers universe. Released on August 14, 2007, it was recognized at the Annie Awards and garnered a Golden Trailer Award for Best Anime Film.

In the towering peaks of Tibet, Doctor Stephen Strange searches for healing under the guidance of the Ancient One. However, even as his injuries mend, Strange must let go of his tormented past and uncover within himself a rare talent – the ability to wield magic. As the Strongest Sorcerer Supreme, Strange tests his capabilities, battles mythical creatures and faces the scariest entity in existence.

Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme offers an engaging origin story that’s both entertaining and captivating. It manages to strike a balance between fun and seriousness, keeping viewers hooked throughout. The animation quality is decent, although there’s certainly room for improvement given the resources available. Considering the budget, it delivers a solid Marvel animated movie experience.

3. Planet Hulk (2010)

The seventh installment in the Marvel Animated Features collection, titled “Planet Hulk,” was unveiled on February 2, 2010. This movie was the second production of Madhouse. The storyline for this film is adapted from the Planet Hulk comic book series, which was penned by Greg Pak and Carlo Pagulayan between 2006-2007.

Originally, the Hulk was an uncontrollable beast due to his immense power, causing Earth’s mightiest heroes to exile him out of reach in outer space. In the harsh environment of a distant planet, the Hulk, weakened by space travel, found himself enslaved. Now, after being sold into servitude, the Hulk has been transformed into a gladiator on the planet Sakaaru.

Planet Hulk, a Marvel animated film, is simply fantastic! The animation is top-notch, boasting intricate backdrops, moody color schemes, and stylish character designs. The action scenes are skillfully orchestrated and thrilling, while the music lends an eerie ambiance that perfectly suits this movie’s tone. The script is sharp and thought-provoking; though the premise might be familiar, the storyline is evenly paced and captivating. Characters are generally well-fleshed out, Hulk is charismatic yet brooding, the Emperor serves as a formidable villain, and Beta Ray Bill adds an exciting twist. The voice acting is also excellent. However, one could argue that it falls short in length, which may have led to a rather silly departure for Beta Ray Bill.

2. Hulk Vs. (2009)

On January 27, 2009, the double-feature film “Hulk vs.” hit the screens, marking its sixth release in the Marvel Animated Features series. This movie consisted of two main segments: “Hulk vs. Thor” and “Hulk vs. Wolverine”. The latter was inspired by the comic book “The Incredible Hulk #181”, written by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr. Instead of an Ultimate War/Thor double feature film, “Hulk vs.” was chosen to be produced. This production was handled by Madhouse.

Hulk vs. Thor

At Asgard’s most vulnerable moment, Loki seizes the chance to eliminate his nemesis, Thor, once and for all. He joins forces with the Enchantress in an attempt to enlist the aid of the indomitable Hulk against him. In a clash between deity and beast, Thor confronts the one creature whose power matches his own – the colossal Hulk.

Hulk vs. Wolverine

In a different phrasing: The indomitable Hulk wreaks havoc on the pristine landscapes of Canada, leaving destruction in his wake. It is essential to halt him at any expense, and for this daunting task, only an exceptional professional – though not overly compassionate – was chosen: Wolverine. Dispatched by the Canadian authorities, Logan’s mission is to subdue the Hulk. However, they both find themselves captured, confronting a puzzling figure and his unique band of mutants.

I enjoy both tales, but my preference leans towards Hulk versus Thor. Both stories are superbly crafted and feature top-notch animation. The fights between Hulk and Thor are outstanding, among the best in animated films, whereas Hulk vs. Wolverine is decent, though not quite as impressive. I must admit that the ending of Hulk versus Wolverine could’ve been better. Additionally, it might surprise you to know that this isn’t just a kids’ cartoon; there’s plenty of graphic violence and bloodshed here. As for Marvel animated movies, this is our all-time favorite.

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1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

2018’s animated superhero movie, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” is an American production that brings to life the Marvel Comics character, Miles Morales as Spider-Man. This film was a joint effort between Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation, in partnership with Marvel, and it was distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.

In a groundbreaking move for the Spider-Man series, we have the debut of an animated film titled “Spider-Verse.” This movie takes place in a shared universe consisting of various realities known as the Multiverse. The talented trio of directors, Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, guided the production, with Phil Lord and Rothman penning the script. Shameik Moore plays Morales, joined by Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Luna Lauren Velez, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, and Liev Schreiber in this exciting cast.

In the animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Miles Morales joins forces with numerous other Spider-Men to protect New York City and thwart Kingpin. This story delves into a fresh perspective of the Spider-Man universe, offering a new take on everything previously known about the globally renowned web-slinger. The narrative introduces us to Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn, who demonstrates the vast potential of the Spider-Man realm, while also showing that he’s not the only one in this multiverse.

A delightful, animated film suitable for all ages, offering laughter and joy for both kids and adults alike. The movie is entertaining and suspenseful throughout, boasting a clever and amusing script with engaging dialogue among the characters. The characters are captivating, and despite their numerousness, each one is relatable in their own unique way. The humor isn’t juvenile; instead, it’s hearty laughter that spans across generations, ensuring everyone will laugh from the heart, regardless of age.

This production is nothing short of astounding, simply incredible! It’s a rarity for such a blend – animation and comic book adaptation – to coalesce so seamlessly within a single movie. Scenes reminiscent of that eccentric Batman series from the 1960s are interwoven, but with superior quality – pow, zap… The entire experience is enriched by excellent music throughout the film.

Without a doubt, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse stands out as an exceptional Marvel animated film, and it’s likely among the greatest animated movies ever made.

2025-05-18 03:47