6. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
It’s easy to forget how it seemed like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 wouldn’t happen—or at the very least, not with James Gunn at the helm. Despite the longer-than-expected wait, the threequel comes peacocking in like nothing happened, and it’s easily one of the stronger Marvel affairs in the last few years. As silly and poignant as its direct predecessor, Vol. 3 is a little darker (and by extension, more emotionally manipulative) than the first two Guardians films, while also offering a real sense of growth and finality across this trilogy. The MCU’s cosmic a-holes couldn’t have asked for a better sendoff.
