Iron Manbegan theMarvel Cinematic Universeall the way back in 2008, and I find it incredible to see how well the movie scored with critics compared to all of the other celebrated installments in the franchise.The MCU’s complex and wonderful timelinebegan years ago with Robert Downey Jr. starring in the Jon Favreau film as Marvel’s now-iconic on-screen Iron Man. The ending of the movie gave the first hint of the Avengers Initiative, and the story quickly expanded from there, bringing in some of the most beloved heroes in movie history.
Not all Marvel projects are created equal. Looking at theRotten Tomatoesranking of Marvel moviesreveals critical disparity between reviews for some of the films. Still, whileEternalsandAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumaniahave taken the bottom two spots, I’d argue that even their scores are not terrible, at 47% and 46% respectively. Considering the overall quality of the franchise, it is actually surprising to look back on the first film in the series, and to see how favorably it compares to the plethora of sequels that have followed.
Iron Man Still Holds A Vital Place Almost 2 Decades Into The MCU
The First MCU Film Remains Important To The Story Of The Franchise
Iron Manbegan the MCU, and remains an important part of its overall story.The film began the story of Tony Stark, who was arguably the most important figure in the franchise throughout the Infinity Saga.That film’sRobert Downey Jr. casting, story, and even dialogue were impactful all the way through toAvengers: Endgame, which saw the character’s death. This was done in a powerful scene that harkened back toIron Man, with Downey repeating his iconic"I am Iron Man"line before he sacrificed himself in the fight against Thanos.
So many details of the film have gone on to influence the shape of the MCU even after Tony Stark’s passing.Iron Man’s way of dealing with his secret identitybecame the standard in the franchise, and the hero went on to influence other characters, including Spider-Man.With Robert Downey Jr. set to appear as Doctor Doom inAvengers: Doomsday, it now appears that details from the firstIron Manwill still be instrumental to the larger MCU story moving forward,makingIron Manan even more important film.
Iron Man’s Rotten Tomatoes Review Score Looks Pretty Impressive Today After Many Other MCU Movies Have Released
The Film Holds An Impressive 94% Critic Score
Iron Manwas beloved upon release, and has only grown in esteem. However, reviewing the film’sRotten Tomatoesscore goes to show exactly how well-lovedIron Manhas been.Iron Manholds an incredible 94% rating from critics, with 279 reviews.This excellent result gives the film the third-highest rating of any movie in the MCU, behind onlyBlack PantherandAvengers: Endgame.Thor: RagnarokandSpider-Man: No Way Homefollow just behind, which are some of the most loved movies of recent years.
Considering the ranking of theMarvel Cinematic Universe movies, and how so many of these films have gone on to be among the most popular and adored films of the last two decades, it is incredible to seeIron Man’s high score and just how well it holds up in many regards.While I loved seeing the film in 2008, I had no idea how important the film would wind up being.Seeing its place in the larger MCU now makes sense, and it is genuinely impressive that the first film in the franchise could rank so highly among so many wonderful films.
Why Iron Man Has Such A High Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score
The 2008 Film Reset The Superhero Landscape
Iron Mancreated the Marvel Cinematic Universe, launching one of the most beloved characters in recent memory with an excellent and acclaimed performance by Robert Downey Jr. The film was released in a landscape of dark and gritty superhero films, withThe Dark Knightreleasing that same year.Iron Man, instead, brought humor, action, charisma, and great effects in, telling an excellent character story that was accessible and fun for audiences of all ages.The film stood on its own, but teased an incredible future.
Simply,Iron Manholds such a greatRotten Tomatoesscore because it created the MCU style and tone.The film felt special and unique when it was released, and it has gone on to be incredibly influential throughout the franchise even in its more recent installments. Everything about the film worked, from its designs, to its greatIron Manvillain, to the larger world that it set up, making audiences hungry for even more. As something genuinely new and special for its time, the film went on to become one of the most important superhero movies ever.
I’m surprised to see how wellIron Manholds up compared to the rest of the franchise, but thinking about it, it makes sense.The building blocks of the larger, interconnected universe had to begin somewhere, and there are few stronger individual films within the larger franchise.Setting the stage for one of the greatest franchises in cinematic history,Iron Manremains a genuinely fun and exciting entry in the MCU that can also stand alone as one of the best contained stories in superhero cinema.
