Certain actors are defined by one role, and Chris Evans definitely falls into that category. Although most of the charismatic actor’s early roles were in poorly received films likeNot Another Teen Movieand theFantastic Fouradaptations, they exposed Evans to a large audience and proved he had what it took to be a leading man. Eventually, projects likeSunshinearrived that allowed Evans to really demonstrate his acting chops.
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The 2010s were huge for the actor as he was cast as Captain America in theMarvel Cinematic Universe, a role he would reprise throughout the decade. When he was not being America’s greatest boy scout, Evans could be found taking on other mainstream projects that highlighted his versatility. What are Chris Evans’s best movies according toMetacritic?
Disclaimer:Cameos will not be considered.
10Captain America: The First Avenger (66)
Like all of the MCU’s solo Phase 1 entries not calledIron Man, Chris Evans’s debut as Captain America has not aged especially well. Mostly taking place during World War II,The First Avenger’s unique setting (for the MCU) does allow it to stand out from the rest of the franchise’s early films; however, its uneven pacing and lackluster villain dull the project’s sharp edges.
For all of the film’s faults, Evans embodies Steve Rogers splendidly, capturing the character’s unflinching righteousness and humanity. The ending is also quietly heartbreaking.
9Avengers: Age of Ultron (66)
Theweakest of the MCU’s team-up films,Age of Ultronfeels more like a stepping stone to future stories than a project designed to be satisfying on its own. While most of the Avengers gets some moments to shine, they are largely overshadowed by a messy plot, an overabundance of clumsy foreshadowing, and Tony Stark being Tony Stark.
Putting aside the opening sequence that has Captain America go full boy scout and a fun exchange that sets up thehero’s Mjolnir moment inAvengers: Endgame, Rogers is relegated to a supporting role for lengthy chunks of this crossover movie.
8Avengers: Infinity War (68)
As theMCU sought to bring to an end a plotline that had been around 20 moviesin the making,Infinity Warsplintered off into various directions that saw the Avengers fighting overwhelming odds. Captain America is missing for a solid chunk of this film, although he does eventually return in a crowd-pleasing moment (and sporting a new beard).
Infinity Warfeatures great direction, a well-paced build-up to a suspenseful final act, and consistently fantastic acting. By this point, Chris Evans had become synonymous with Captain America.
7Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (69)
Prior to appearing in any of the Marvel films, Chris Evans landed a small but entertaining part in Edgar Wright’sScott Pilgrim vs. the Worldas one of the Evil Exes the protagonist has to defeat. Portraying an arrogant and unlikable Hollywood superstar who constantly tries to put down Scott, Lucas’s over-the-top smugness eventually leads to his self-inflicted demise.
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Evans does not last long in the movie, but he makes the most of his brief time on screen.
6The Avengers (69)
Even though later films would outdo 2012’s crossover in terms of quality,The Avengersis arguably the MCU’s most important film,Iron Mannotwithstanding. As the culmination of Phase 1,The Avengerstied together five stand-alone movies and managed to do right by most of Marvel’s heroes.
In many ways, Captain America serves as the straight man to Tony Stark and, to a lesser extent, Thor; however, once the banter gives way to action, Rogers takes his rightful place as the leader of the Avengers.
5Captain America: The Winter Soldier (70)
2014’sCaptain America: The Winter Soldierplays out like a Cold War espionage thriller that happens to feature superheroes. Rather than cartoonish action,The Winter Soldieris more interested in telling a personal story fueled by character moments and political intrigue, although there is still plenty of room for exhilarating fights.
Captain America: The Winter Soldieris the type of film that someone who is not a fan of the MCU might enjoy, and Chris Evans is a big reason why that is the case.
4Captain America: Civil War (75)
Marvel loves pitting heroes against each other, so it was only a matter of time before the MCU welcomed a civil war. While not as memorable as the comic that inspired it,Captain America: Civil Waris a stimulating epic that ends with one of the best fights in the franchise.
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Despite its title,Civil Waris just as much aTony Stark storyas it is about Steve Rogers, as the former believes the Avengers should be subjected to governmental oversight while the latter disagrees.
3Avengers: Endgame (78)
A movie more than a decade in the making,Avengers: Endgameis overstuffed, disjointed, and messy; however, it is also incredibly satisfying and the definition of a cinematic experience. WithEndgamehaving so many moving pieces to contend with, Steve Rogers is only given a few sporadic moments to shine. It just happens that Evans makes the most of them.
Currently,Endgamelooks set to beEvans’s last hurrah as Captain America. If that proves to be the case, then the actor went out on a high.
2Knives Out (82)
The best way to bounce back from portraying one of the most beloved characters of the century is to take on a wildly different role in a film that happens to be amazing. Boasting an all-star cast featuring the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis andDaniel Craig,Knives Outis a very entertaining whodunnit that comes packed with twists and A-listers to spare.
Although Evans takes a while to show up, the actor delivers a complex performance and steals every scene he is in.
1Snowpiercer (84)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the same person behind 2019’sParasite,Snowpierceris an intelligent and socially conscious sci-fi action film. Set on a train where passengers are divided by class,Snowpiercerpresents Evans as a reluctant hero, a revolutionary pushed into the role out of desperation rather than natural inclination.
Snowpiercer’s narrative is intense and unpredictable, as are its characters. The movie has plenty of (fantastic) action sequences, but they never overshadow the human drama and always serve to further the plot.
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