Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man (2008) 
Iron Man (2008) is the film that launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and redefined superhero movies. Directed by Jon Favreau, the movie stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a genius billionaire and weapons manufacturer who is kidnapped by terrorists. Using his intelligence, he builds a powerful armored suit to escape and later refines it to become the hero, Iron Man.
Robert Downey Jr. delivers an iconic performance, perfectly balancing Stark’s arrogance, wit, and eventual transformation into a hero. The film’s grounded storytelling, combined with stunning visual effects and thrilling action sequences, makes it one of the best superhero origin stories ever. Jeff Bridges plays the menacing Obadiah Stane, while Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard shine in their supporting roles as Pepper Potts and James Rhodes.
What sets Iron Man apart is its blend of action, humor, and emotional depth. The practical suit effects, combined with CGI, still hold up today. The film also introduced the now-famous post-credits scene, where Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) hints at the Avengers Initiative, changing the superhero genre forever.
With its strong storytelling, unforgettable performances, and groundbreaking impact on the MCU, Iron Man remains a must-watch for any Marvel fan.
