"Captain American: Civil War" hits theaters at midnight tonight, bringing fans back to the superhero cinematic universe for yet another year. Marvel films have been in high demand for years now since "Iron Man" was a huge success in 2008.

And by most accounts, the films have been huge critical success as well. But which is the best of Marvel's films? Here is a look at the top films in the canon of the cinematic universe.

5. "Captain America: The First Avenger"

Steve Rogers' first adventure is undeniably one of the traditionally structured movies in the entire canon with the shades of grey almost non-existent. Yet this is the perfect film to get moviegoers excited about the Captain, portraying him as a weak youth who grows into an worldwide idol. The film's cliffhanger ending is the only major misstep, paving the way for obligatory and inevitable sequels. That said, the twist adds a tragic dimension to the tale of a man who winds up lost in a different era.

4. "Marvel's The Avengers"

Lacking in substance but high on fun and energy, Joss Whedon succeeds in creating a balanced interplay between the heroes, helping him hide what is an otherwise shallow plot. That said, seeing superheroes fight one another and then slowly come together to form the ultimate theme is terrific entertainment.

3. "Captain America: Winter Soldier"

The sequel to "The First Avenger" is a tremendous thriller filled with political intrigue, high stakes and tremendous fun. Rogers' character gets an added dimension, his loyalties get tested and his understanding of the modern world he was never built for continues to add poignancy to his drama. That said, Marvel betrays the viewer by "raising the stakes" through a murder and then lowering them again by saving said character.

2. "Guardians of the Galaxy"

Fun, irreverent and self-conscious, James Gunn's space romp is a delight to watch and undoubtedly the most entertaining of the films on this list and in Marvel's overall oeuvre. The film works on its own as a standalone film, allowing for it to be enjoyed time and again without the added frustration that accompanies most of these "purposely" unfinished films, while at the same time making us beg for a sequel.

1. "Iron Man"

If Marvel had stopped after this film, then the company would have created a touchstone comic book masterpiece. Of course we knew that they wouldn't stop there, but the film bears celebrating for its tremendous personality which straddles the line between self-conscious irreverence while still maintaining the seriousness of tone and drama. Still the best film in the canon and one that will be tough to top.

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