For anyone that knows me, they know Marvel is one of my great loves. The movies, as well as the comics and shows, bring me great joy and it seems no matter how many times I watch them I never get tired of them. While they are “simple” superhero movies these movies have the ability to teach its audience great lessons, which is one reason why I love them so much. So here is a list of five of my favorite Marvel movies and a few things that can be taken from each.
Daredevil
Admittedly this movie was pretty horrible. It was actually known as Marvel’s first big flop, and many believed it would be one of their last big movies. Of course looking back we realize that is very far from the truth. This movie is one of my favorites simply because I love Daredevil’s character, and the message he sends. He is one of the only superheroes with a physical disability, and he is therefore a great role model for children that have disabilities. Using his model, they know that they can do anything they truly set their mind to. Matt Murdock also happens to be a lawyer, which again shows how he doesn’t allow his disability to limit what he does in life.
X-Men: First Class
The X-Men franchise is actually owned by FOX, rather than Disney which owns the others on this list. The X-Men movies as a whole are some of my favorite movies, and that is thanks to the lessons that can be learned. Mutants in this franchise are seen as freaks of nature, and are often oppressed. When mutants first appear they are seen as a threat and people want to destroy them, which actually continues throughout the movies and even worsens. These movies show a lot about human nature and our tendency to look down on those that are different from us. But, this movie also shows human compassion, as we see Professor X loving nonmutants and looking to help them despite the way they seek to oppress mutants. This movie takes examples from the real world, such as the holocaust, and shows how often history repeats itself.
Thor
This movie is a favorite among Marvel fans, not for the protagonist for which the movie is named but for his younger, adopted brother, Loki. Thor himself teaches us that we shouldn’t have such a hard-set plan for the future. Even though this is a movie about Norse gods this makes me think about God, and how He is in control of all things and laughs when we make plans. Thor was set to become King at a time that ended up not working out. He also teaches us the importance of humility, especially when he tries to lift Mjolnir, his hammer, and finds he is no longer worthy. Looking at Loki, we can learn the importance of dealing with issues, rather than letting them boil inside (and lead you to take over Earth in the next movie on the list).
Avengers
The very first movie in our time to bring together different heroes, including the aforementioned Thor as well as Loki, who is the movies antagonist. Each member of the Avengers has something to teach their audience. Thor, for instance, shows that no one is better than anyone else. Though he is a “god” he is no better than Hawkeye, perhaps the most human of the Avengers. Speaking of Hawkeye, his lesson is that when you are allowing someone to control you (or in his case being mind controlled) your life spirals out of control very easily. Tony Stark, or Iron Man, teaches us the importance of being a team player, and of sacrifice. The Hulk, or Bruce Banner, shows that even though someone might look a certain way, you shouldn’t assume the worst about them. The Hulk is a vital part of the Avengers team, although he is often seen as a green monster. Steve Rogers also known as Captain America, teaches the importance of good leadership in a team unit. While the Avengers are a team they do look to Steve for guidance. Lastly would be Black Widow, or Natasha Romanoff. Romanoff shows that sometimes we have to go outside of our comfort zone, or go a little further than initially planned, to achieve a goal that is truly worth the effort.
Captain America: Civil War
One of the most political Marvel movies to date, Civil War makes it clear that there is always two sides to a story, and sometimes it is very hard to choose who is correct. Other times, there is no answer at all. In Civil War both Captain America and Iron Man have reasons for not wanting, and pushing for, a registration act for superheroes. This movie shows that even though the government is obviously in place for a reason, sometimes following orders isn’t the right thing to do. Different viewpoints tear the Avengers apart, showing the power of guilt as well as the power friendship.
