Thor: Ragnarok

Thor is stranded on the far side of the galaxy after a crushing defeat, cut off from Asgard as a new and deadly threat rises at home. He wakes up on a chaotic planet where gladiatorial fights and offbeat allies dominate, and he has to move fast to stop the ruthless Hela from destroying his world and people. With time running out and familiar relationships frayed, Thor pieces together a daring plan that mixes brute force, unexpected humor, and new alliances. The film keeps twists under wraps while turning a familiar hero story into something looser and more irreverent.

Released in 2017, the film was directed by Taika Waititi and draws on Marvel Comics characters created by Craig Kyle, Christopher L. Yost, and Stan Lee. It’s the third Thor installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and leans heavily into Waititi’s offbeat style and comedic instincts, while featuring a star-studded cast including Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, and Idris Elba.

Critics and audiences responded well, reflected in a solid vote average and strong word of mouth. Reviewers praised the film’s fresh tone, colorful production design, and the chemistry among the leads, especially Hemsworth’s willingness to play against his earlier, more serious take on the character. Thematically, the movie touches on leadership, legacy, family betrayal, and the costs of empire, all wrapped in a lighter, more humorous package than previous entries.

The film had a noticeable cultural footprint thanks to its bold visual style and unexpected comedic beats. The gladiator arena, the redesign of familiar characters, and Waititi’s irreverent humor influenced later MCU entries and pop culture references. Several sequences and character moments became shorthand for the franchise’s shift toward greater tonal variety, and the movie helped redefine what a blockbuster superhero film could feel like.