The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been the best brand in movies for the last decade. But the question of its legacy is a little bit weird, because there are so many noteworthy films, even if something is just going to be considered the most popular of them eventually.
What is the MCU film most likely to pop up in best of lists ten years from now?
The main suspects seem to be...
Iron Man- The first Marvel Cinematic Universe film, with a comeback performance by Tony Stark and early hints of the shared universe to come.
The Avengers- The first of the big team-up movies. Up to that point, it was the most successful crossover film.
Guardians of the Galaxy- A well-regarded sci-fi romp. Established James Gunn as a major director, and made a star out of Chris Pratt.
Black Panther- The most commercially example of afrofuturism ever. Also the one MCU film that got a Best Picture nod (so far)
Thor Ragnarok- A showcase for Taika Waititi, who has established himself as an A-list director.
Avengers Infinity War- Earlier films do better in rankings (you'll find Star Wars above Empire Strikes Back and Fellowship of the Ring above Endgame.) It also has a high rating on IMDB.
Avengers Endgame- The culmination of the first decade of MCU films. It's the well-regarded payoff to all of it.
Wandavision- Perhaps you think the whole film/ TV divide is an anachronism, and what people will remember is Wandavision telling a fantasy horror story skewering TV history.
Loki- Any series that is compared favorably to Doctor Who is going to have a cult following.
Shang Chi- Successful blend of the MCU and a different genre (martial arts fantasy) with Hollywood recognizing the brilliance of Tony Leung.
Spider-Man No Way Home- Saved the box office post-COVID. Features characters who predated the MCU in a critically acclaimed box office smash.
There will also be an other option for anyone who thinks another film will be to the MCU what Easy Rider was to BBS, Singin' in the Rain was to Hollywood musicals, or The Godfather was to new Hollywoods.