Ranking All Captain America Movies and TV Shows

Overview of Captain America Adaptations

Captain America: Brave New World ventures beyond Steve Rogers while connecting with previous MCU narratives.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier establishes the groundwork for Captain America: Brave New World, blending intrigue with thrilling elements.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier stands out as an exemplary MCU entry, influencing subsequent storylines while wrapping up the S. H.I. E.L. D.saga.

Captain America has been a symbol of heroism in comics for decades. Since his introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2011, he has also become a cinematic cornerstone.Captain America: Brave New World marks the fourth significant film featuring Captain America, but notably, it centers around a new hero: Sam Wilson, formerly known as The Falcon.

As the story transitions from The Falcon to Captain America, the narrative stakes are heightened from the Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This shift, along with the previous Steve Rogers trilogy and a clandestine adaptation, leads to a total of six significant media portrayals of Captain America worth evaluating. Here, we will rank these adaptations without leaning too heavily into spoilers.

7 Captain America (1990)

A Hidden Gem

Promotional art from Captain America (1990)

Long before the MCU brought Patrick Stahls’ Captain America to life, a lesser-known adaptation made its way to screens in the 1990s. This version was poorly received at the time; its star, Steve Rogers, lacked the charisma of modern portrayals. The costume appeared outdated, the shield barely made an appearance, and the character’s motivations left much to be desired.

Despite its lackluster performance upon release, this film has garnered a nostalgic following among fans who appreciate its so-bad-it’s-good qualities. Particularly memorable is an outlandish scene involving a car that viewers still chuckle about to this day. Now, let’s pivot to the more polished MCU offerings.

6 Captain America (1979)

A Campy Classic

Promotional art from Captain America (1979)

Runtime: 97 Minutes

The 1979 adaptation, though less well-known than its 1990 counterpart, is more enjoyable overall despite its budgetary constraints. It’s clear that this version was created for television, evidenced by its costumes and a transparent rendition of Captain America’s iconic shield.

Even if the film can occasionally drag, it embraces the comic book roots with a playful spirit. Uniquely, Captain America in this adaptation undertakes several heroic acts, contrasting sharply with the earlier depiction. Following the original’s release, a sequel—Captain America 2: Death Too Soon—hit screens later that same year, featuring the legendary Christopher Lee as the villain, General Miguel, though it failed to make a lasting impression.

5 Captain America: Brave New World

A Long-Awaited Entry

Promotional art from Captain America: Brave New World

The anticipation surrounding Captain America: Brave New World has been palpable since the conclusion of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in 2021. While it doesn’t necessarily surpass its predecessors, it does present an engaging thriller experience for fans invested in Sam Wilson’s evolution from Falcon to Captain America.

However, the film’s pacing presents some issues, as moments of high tension fluctuate with instances of slower dramatic beats. Moreover, it neglects to fully develop some intriguing characters, such as Isaiah Bradley and Sidewinder. Yet, it does pave the way for future MCU narratives by hinting at the Celestials and their storylines following the events of Eternals.

4 The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

Banter and Bonding

Promotional art from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was one of the inaugural MCU series on Disney+, focusing on Sam Wilson’s reluctant ascent to Captain America following the passing of the shield from Steve Rogers. The U. S.government attempts to impose John Walker as their version of Captain America, creating a complex dynamic as Sam navigates his new identity amidst external pressures.

The early episodes are particularly gripping, showcasing the chemistry and comedic exchanges between Sam and Bucky Barnes. Baron Zemo also returns, adding a delightful layer of complexity and humor. While the latter half of the series can feel disjointed as it searches for a compelling antagonist, it undeniably lays significant groundwork for Captain America: Brave New World and the upcoming Thunderbolts, making it a noteworthy addition to the MCU narrative.

3 Captain America: Civil War

The MCU Expands

Captain America: Civil War stands out for its monumental introduction of characters like Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, aka Black Panther, and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. The action-packed chase sequence featuring Black Panther is particularly memorable even today.

This film also addresses the pressing issue of superhero accountability; however, its stakes didn’t quite match the gravity of the Civil War storyline from the comics. Waiting longer to introduce additional heroes may have enriched the narrative and response to the overarching themes.

2 Captain America: The First Avenger

Captivating and Campy

Captain America: The First Avenger offers a campy, yet heartfelt portrayal of the iconic hero during World War II. While some elements of the film might feel dated by today’s standards, Chris Evans’ compelling performance brilliantly captures Steve Rogers’ essence.

This film balances action and nostalgia while providing an engaging backstory for Captain America, allowing it to stand on its own, free from the larger MCU web—making it accessible to a wider audience.

1 Captain America: The Winter Soldier

A Cinematic Masterpiece

Captain America: The Winter Soldier remains the gold standard for Captain America films. Combining elements of political intrigue and thrilling action, it successfully resolves pivotal storylines, including the eventual disbandment of S. H.I. E.L. D.

This film emphasized the character’s depth and emotional ties, particularly showcased in Steve Rogers’ dedication to his friend Bucky. It has earned its status not just as the finest Captain America film but also as one of the top entries in the entire MCU, frequently discussed among the franchise’s elite.

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