Why are there so many MCUs now?

Why the MCUs are popular

The explosion of interest in large-scale film worlds occurred against the backdrop of the success of the Marvel Universe. Although, in fact, similar projects have appeared on screens much earlier.

Now literally every studio is trying to launch its own cinematic universe. The advantages of this approach are obvious. Most likely, viewers will want to know what happens next. Even a picture from a little-known director will surely interest fans, because the tape develops their favorite universe. Moreover, the films themselves can be completely different, so the creators have a certain degree of freedom. It is no coincidence that action films, horror films and even comedies coexist in the MCU.

Of course, within the same world, directors and screenwriters have to follow more rules. And producers can tightly control individual authors so that the new film meets all the requirements of the cinematic universe. Therefore, failures occur in such large-scale projects. For example, "Dark Universe", dedicated to horror characters, disintegrated after the first film "

How the cinematic universe differs from the franchise

The difference between the two is not always obvious. In both cases, the viewer is presented with a whole series of films, the events of which take place in the same world. But if the characters do not change in the film franchise, then the cinematic universes combine pictures about different characters. The protagonist of Mission Impossible films is permanent - this is Agent Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. But in the Marvel universe there are separate stories about both Iron Man and Captain America.

In what order to watch MCU movies

It was in the one in which the tapes were released.

Sometimes other options are advised. For example, arrange Star Wars in a chronological order, starting with The Phantom Menace. But still, the impressions will be more vivid if you first familiarize yourself with the story of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, and then move on to the prequels. And the series "Agents of SHIELD" from the Marvel Cinematic Universe it is even more useful to watch in parallel with full-length films, their events intersect.

What movies to watch for horror lovers

Cinematic Universe Universal

The film studio was the first to create a series of horror films. It all started with the 1931 film Dracula, where Bela Lugosi played the main role of the vampire. Then came "Frankenstein" with Boris Karloff. A year later, this actor appeared in The Mummy.

Each of the paintings received several sequels. And in 1941, "The Wolf Man" was released - a film about werewolveswhich has become very popular. But more importantly, in 1943, the first ever crossover "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man", which combines stories about different characters.

Later, the same Universal studio launched a series of self-parodies in which comedians Abbott and Costello met either Frankenstein or a mummy.

Where to start: "Dracula"

Dracula

• USA, 1931.
• Horror, drama.
• Duration: 75 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.5.

Real estate agent Renfield travels to Transylvania. His goal is to sell the old Carfax Abbey in London to Count Dracula. But the locals immediately warn the hero that he is going to a real vampire.

The Conjuring Universe

In 2010, director James Wan launched the popular franchise horrors Astral. Three years later, the Australian shot the first "The Conjuring", which launched the whole world of horror.

Interestingly, some of the plots of these films are based on on real events. More precisely, on the memories of ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren. Skeptics, of course, argue that all the affairs of this couple are fiction and fraud.

The various creepy creatures that appeared in The Conjuring later got their own spin-offs. For example, a separate trilogy was made about the Annabelle doll. Also, a solo picture was shot about a nun from the second film. And Father Perez, who appeared in The Curse of Annabelle, became one of the heroes of The Curse of the Weeping One.

Where to start: "The Conjuring"

The conjuring

• USA, 2013.
• Horror, thriller, detective.
• Duration: 112 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.5.

Spouses Ed and Lorraine Warren banish ghosts from their homes and lecture on exorcism. But one day they are invited by a family, in whose new housing something terrible has settled. Heroes have to face the most dangerous evil in their lives.

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Cloverfield cinematic universe

Perhaps the most unusual and heterogeneous cinematic universe. It started in 2008 with the horror film "Monstro" (original Cloverfield), filmed in the "found tape" genre. The next picture "Cloverfield, 10" was not a horror, but a chamber thriller, which only in the finale makes a reference to the original film.

The third film, "The Cloverfield Paradox", was released directly on Netflix. Moreover, the first trailer was shown just an hour before the premiere. And this part has already been filmed in the science fiction genre. And the tape also opened up space for many sequels and prequels.

The diversity of the MCU comes from the studio's distinctive approach. Producer J. J. Abrams collaborates with independent filmmakers who tell stories within the same world. The films themselves are linked by only small references, and the authors have creative freedom.

Interest in the universe is also added by various videos and conspiracy sites that allegedly reveal the secret world of "Cloverfield".

Where to start: "Monstro"

Cloverfield

• USA, 2008.
• Horror, thriller.
• Duration: 81 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.0.

Rob plans to leave for Japan and throws a party about it, filming the events with a video camera. The entire film represents this very recording. In the midst of a party, chaos reigns in the streets: something gigantic has attacked the city, but no one understands where the threat came from.

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What movies to watch for fans of comics

Cinematic universe

Today the most popular and large-scale in history. It all started in 2008 when the movie Iron Man came out. For the company, it was risky project. Marvel Entertainment has already sold the film rights to the Spider-Man and Fantastic Four comics to avoid bankruptcy. The failure of a new picture would mean ruin.

But the tape proved to be excellent at the box office. Iron Man and its sequel were followed by The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and The First Avenger. And in 2012, all the main characters of these films united in a large-scale crossover "The Avengers".

Since then, the cinematic universe has grown to dozens of full-length films. Numerous series about minor characters have appeared on television and streaming services. Moreover, "Agents of SHIELD." and new projects from Disney + are directly related to film events. And here are the series of the cycle “Defenders"On Netflix almost doesn't overlap with the main stories.

Where to start: "Iron Man"

Iron man

• USA, Canada, 2008.
• Science fiction, action, adventure.
• Duration: 121 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.9.

Billionaire and playboy Tony Stark is captured by terrorists and nearly dies. The hero is saved only thanks to his intellect. He creates a high-tech Iron Man suit and becomes a superhero.

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Universe "X-Men"

In 1994, Marvel Comics sold the film rights to the mutant comics to 20th Century Fox. Already in 2000, the first movie of the Cinematic Universe "X-Men" was released. It turned out to be very successful, and deservedly so. But then everything went wrong.

A lot of inconsistencies have appeared in the MCU. In the Wolverine prequel, many of the characters have been changed. Then in "First Grade" they talked about the formation of Professor X and Magneto, but what was shown did not coincide with the history of the first parts. Unlike Marvel, in this universe, the plot was repeatedly rewritten, and different actors could play the same characters. And in Days of Future Past, different versions of mutants even ended up on the same screen. Remained unchanged only Hugh Jackman in the form of Wolverine.

In 2019, the failureDark Phoenix”Finally ruined Fox, and most of the company was taken over by Disney. Since Marvel also belongs to this corporation, the X-Men universe was promised to be restarted within the framework of the general superhero world.

Where to start: "X-Men"

X-Men

• USA, 2000.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 105 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.4.

Logan, a lone mutant with claws made of durable metal and the ability to regenerate, decides to join the X-Men team led by Charles Xavier. The organization will have to face attacks from the government, and then fight other mutants.

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Universe "Invincible"

M. Night Shyamalan became famous for films with unexpected twists and a mysterious atmosphere. In the 2000 thriller Invincible, the director tried to portray a superhero story in the real world. Painting with Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson the audience liked it, but then the story calmed down for a long time.

In 2017, the movie "Split" was released about a maniac with multiple personality disorder. In the finale, Willis's character reappeared. And in 2019, all the main characters of the two films met in the Glass crossover. True, this part is considered the most unfortunate in the trilogy.

Where to start: "Invincible"

Unbreakable

• USA, 2000.
• Science fiction, thriller, drama.
• Duration: 106 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.3.

Security guard David Dunn turns out to be the only survivor of a terrible train accident. After some time, he meets the millionaire Elijah Price, who was nicknamed Mister Glass because of his fragile bones. A new friend thinks David is a real superhero.

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DC Expanded Universe

In 2013, the eternal rival of Marvel in the comics is the DC studio, part of Warner Bros. Entertainment, launched its own superhero cinematic universe.

Responsible for the first films Zach Snyder, who had already filmed the graphic novels "Keepers" by Alan Moore and "300 Spartans" by Frank Miller. The director decided to start by reimagining the stories about Superman. In Man of Steel, the alien story is shown in a more modern and darker way.

Already in the second part of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" appeared one of the most popular DC heroes - an avenger in a suit bat. They also introduced Wonder Woman and hinted at Flash and Aquaman.

Unfortunately, after that the studio started having problems. Suicide Squad, about a team of villains hired by the government to save the world, has been turned into a comedy. Director David Ayer was forced to urgently complete and re-edit some scenes, which, of course, affected the integrity of the picture.

And during the filming of "Justice League" Zach Snyder left the project due to the tragedy in the family. The film was hastily completed by Joss Whedon, who was asked to change the atmosphere to a more positive one. As a result, the picture failed miserably.

After that DC released extremely funny and light films. Only in 2021 did the fans wait for the director's cut “Justice league"From Zach Snyder.

Where to start: "Man of Steel"

Man of steel

• USA, UK, 2013.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 143 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.0.

A family from the crumbling planet Krypton, saving their child, sends him to Earth. He grows on an ordinary farm, hiding that he has almost limitless powers. But one day the hero has to save humanity from global danger.

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What films to watch for fans of science fiction

Star Wars Universe

"Distant, distant galaxy" George Lucas appeared on screens back in 1977. After the original trilogy, the author made prequels about the young heroes of the first films. And in 2015, a sequel started, also in three parts.

Gradually, the world of "Star Wars" has grown to enormous proportions. In addition to the main films, two spin-offs have been released: Rogue One and Han Solo. In addition, several animated series appeared and “Mandalorian»On Disney +.

All these projects are connected by common heroes, but they unfold at different times and in different parts of the galaxy.

Getting Started: Star Wars Episode 4 - A New Hope

Star Wars. Episode IV: A New Hope

• USA, 1977.
• Space opera, fantasy, adventure.
• Duration: 121 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.6.

The cruel emperor Palpatine and his assistant Darth Vader have conquered the galaxy. The resistance is almost crushed, but suddenly the rebels have a new hope - young Luke Skywalker, who will revive the order of the Jedi warriors.

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Universe of monsters

Pictures about huge monsters have been released since the middle of the 20th century. Once upon a time, the Japanese studio Toho even built its own universe with Godzilla. There, a nuclear-breathing lizard regularly fought with various monsters, about which separate films were also filmed.

Then the stories about Godzilla and King Kong, a giant monkey from a lost island, were repeatedly restarted. In 2014, the Legendary studio filmed its own story, which began the "Universe of Monsters".

In this "Godzilla" appeared the organization "Monarch", which watches out for monsters. She also appeared in Kong: Skull Island. Moreover, in addition to the main characters in the films, other monsters were recalled: Motra, King Gidoru, Rodan.

In 2021, it's time for the main crossover "Godzilla vs. Kong». And the studio already has plans for the development of the universe.

Where to start: "Godzilla"

Godzilla

• USA, Japan, 2014.
• Horror, action, fantasy.
• Duration: 123 minutes.
• IMDb: 6.4.

In the late 1990s, a terrible accident destroyed a nuclear power plant in Tokyo. 15 years later, it turns out that the cause of the tragedy was a huge monster. Several similar monsters are awakening in different parts of the Earth. But Godzilla comes out to fight them.

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Universe of "Alien"

In 1979, director Ridley Scott released a fantasy thriller about a space tug crew facing an unknown and deadly life form. Moreover, initially the author did not plan any sequels, all the heroes in the final had to die. But 20th Century Fox saw the potential in the tape, and the ending of the picture changed.

Then the series passed into the hands of other authors, each of whom developed the story in their own style. And at the beginning of the XXI century, they released two crossovers with the films of the Predator series. True, they turned out to be a failure.

Ridley Scott only returned to work on the Alien universe in 2012. He filmed prequels that revealed the history of the appearance of dangerous aliens.

Where to start: "Stranger"

Alien

• Great Britain, USA, 1979.
• Horror, thriller, fantasy.
• Duration: 116 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.4.

Spaceship Nostromo's crew picks up a distress signal from the unexplored planet LV-426. There, the heroes are faced with an unusual form of life: a predatory creature grows right in the human body. After hatching, the body tries to kill anyone who gets in the way.

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What films to watch for comedy lovers

View Askewniverse Kevin Smith

In 1994, they released "Clerks"- Kevin Smith's directorial debut. The feed is dedicated to one day in the life of a supermarket seller. In the film, the author himself and his friend Jason Mewes first appeared as Silent Bob and Jay.

Several of Smith's next paintings are conditionally combined into the cinematic universe View Askewniverse. Locations from past tapes appear in them, for example a supermarket from "Clerks", and the same characters and events are mentioned. Jay and Silent Bob also appear in almost every film.

Where to start: "Clerks"

Clerks

• USA, 1994.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 92 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.7.

A run-down supermarket employee Dante Hicks takes over from a colleague. Together with his friend Randall from the video distribution, the hero plays hockey, goes to the funeral and solves personal problems. There is no rich plot in the film. But there are many great jokes, pop culture references and satire on modern society.

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What movies to watch for fans of action movies

Universe "Fast and the Furious"

Action-fighters starring Vin Diesel started in 2001. Initially, these were stories about street races and gangs. But over time, the films turned into semi-sci-fi with super-soldiers and flying cars.

There is also a painting "Tokyo Drift". One of the characters, Han Liu, is a gang member from the main film series. This hero also appeared in "Better Fortunate Tomorrow", which is conventionally referred to the world of "Fast and the Furious", and the seventh part of "Fast and the Furious" continued the events of "Tokyo Drift".

In addition, in 2019 there was a spin-off “Hobbs and Shaw", And on Netflix appeared the animated series" Fast and Furious: Spy Races "about the cousin of the hero Diesel.

Where to start: "Fast and the Furious"

The fast and the furious

• USA, Germany, 2001.
• Action, crime.
• Duration: 106 minutes.
• IMDb: 6.8.

Undercover policeman and racing fan Brian O'Connor infiltrates Dominic Toretto's gang to investigate an attack on trailers carrying vehicles. Gradually, the agent is more and more imbued with sympathy and respect for criminals. This leads to a tricky choice.

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Universe "Terminator"

In 1984 director James Cameron released a fantastic action movie that greatly influenced the future of cinema. The Terminator movie solidified the fame of former bodybuilder and aspiring actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as increased interest in stories about the confrontation between people and machines.

The sequel was released seven years later. "Terminator 2: Doomsday" turned out to be even more popular than the first part. This film used cutting-edge special effects, and the atmosphere of a dark thriller gave way to an energetic action movie.

Alas, all the other full-length sequels, which were filmed by other directors, turned out to be weaker than Cameron's works. The story was told in a circle, only adding new details. Only in the film "Let the Savior Come" did they try to tell about the world of the future and the war. But on the TV channel FOX released two seasons of the good series "Terminator: Battle for the Future."

Where to start: Terminator

The terminator

• UK, USA, 1984.
• Action, thriller, fantasy.
• Duration: 108 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.0.

In the future, machines revolted and destroyed most of humanity. The few survivors are led by John Connor. Therefore, the robots decide to send a terminator to the past, who must kill the mother of the rebel leader before he is born.

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What films to watch for fans of fantasy and fairy tales

Universe of "Harry Potter"

Fantasy books by J.K. Rowling about a boy studying at a magic school have become one of the main literary events of the late XX - early XXI century. Of course, against the backdrop of the worldwide success, they decided to transfer the stories to the screens.

In 2001, director Chris Columbus directed the first part of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, which, like the original books, became a real hit. Initially, the films seemed like just children's fairy tales, but with each new tape, the story became more mature and darker.

For a long time, the series could be considered just a linear franchise. But since 2016 they have been releasing prequels “Fantastic Beasts"About other heroes, and now the development of a series around the world of" Harry Potter "is underway.

Where to start: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

• UK, USA, 2001.
• Fantasy, adventure.
• Duration: 152 minutes.
• IMDb: 7.6.

A young orphan Harry Potter lives with his evil uncle and aunt. But on his eleventh birthday, a stranger brings the boy a letter, from which Harry learns about his magical origin. As a result, the young man is enrolled in the Hogwarts school of magic, where the future sorcerer finds friends and embarks on dangerous adventures.

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Which MCUs do you like? Or perhaps you would like your favorite film series to become a complete world? Share your favorites and expectations in the comments!