1. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
A perfect addition to the MCU's biggest outlier, WandaVision. While it can't take the bulk of the credit, it solidified Wanda as the best character from CBLA thus far. Coupled with Raimi's strong direction, regardless of it ultimately being limited by the studio.
2. Eternals
Similarly distinct, I believe this, and Black Widow, to be the only MCU films that feel like a mix of the studio and indie/arthouse styles. However, Eternals is the best at balancing the two and working within those limits. It has the abrupt comedy, and large scale threat, but manages to generally use the former in service of its themes, and turns the latter into a diversion and simple background for a much more emotional conflict. Emotion that is often handled quite well. From the relationship of the team, to how they manifest differently in the world, to Ikaris' struggle between perceived purpose and love, etc. None of these films are exactly excellent, IMO, but they rank quite high among CBMs for that reason.
3. Black Widow
Apart from the former two, this easily stands above the rest of the MCU in terms of its characters - having two of the best arcs in Nat and Yelena, along with an above average to strong supporting cast. The parents, especially in their main two scenes with their daughters, well serve their roles in the film's themes on family. Taskmaster is a serviceable threat and reflection of Nat's guilt, and Dreykov has a grounded annoyance that most MCU antagonists lack, and feel cartoonish as a result. On first watch I was mostly indifferent to this film because of the sharp shift in tone between the first and latter two acts. Not able to balance the comedy as well as Eternals, it definitely takes a hit after Red Gaurdian's appearance. However, upon re-watch, it was a lot less jarring, and I could even see said comedy as intentionally endearing at times.
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