Editor’s note: This is the second in a series looking back at the Marvel films leading up to Thursday’s release of Captain America: Civil War.

Second on the road to Civil War is be the Captain America franchise. While there are only two Captain America films, the series is just as well done as the Iron Man trilogy, and it will be very interesting to see the conclusion to this fine trilogy.   

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

Captain America is possibly one of the most important superhero films in recent times. This movie came out during a time where almost every hero had to be the dark and brooding Batman-type after the success of the Dark Knight. Captain America: The First Avenger showed that without any irony or parody, a hero can be good just for the sake of being good.

Chris Evans’ performance perfectly encapsulates the boy scout attitude of the original comic’s character and he’s easily one of the most likeable protagonists of any superhero film. Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull is the perfect antithesis to Captain America, being a devious, horrific monster of a human being who doesn’t let anyone stand in the way of his vision. The supporting cast including Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes and Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter are incredibly enjoyable as the backup assistance and love interest for Steve Rogers.

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CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

While Captain America: The First Avenger is a good action romp, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is leagues above it. Steve Rogers’ arc has only gotten more interesting since the first film. He is now a man out of time trying to find his place in the world, but also trying to stay good in a world that is his exact opposite.

Anthony Mackie’s Falcon is a great new addition to the cast, paving the way for some amazing fight scenes toward the end of the film. Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow has only gotten better since her debut in Iron Man 2, being a tough, quick-thinking-but-also-funny partner for Rogers. Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce is also a terrific new character being a no-nonsense, authoritative member of the U.S government. And while he’s not in the film too much, The Winter Soldier himself is one of the most compelling characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it’s going to be intriguing to see where his story goes next in Captain America: Civil War.

The soundtrack by Henry Jackman is an intense, heart-pounding one that complements the film’s mind blowing action sequences nicely. This is far more gritty and grounded than the original film, but given the story and where it’s leading, iit makes sense, but it also doesn’t become depressing to watch.

Hopefully Captain America: Civil War will be able to live up to its predecessors and be a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.