Last Updated on August 3, 2021
Over eleven years and twenty two films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has redefined what franchise filmmaking can accomplish. The stunning box office and fan reaction to AVENGERS: ENDGAME has capped an unbelievable run of movies of which there are countless memorable moments. Looking back over the first three phases of the MCU, here is a ranking of the ten most memorable. We have excluded ENDGAME from the list to avoid spoilers for those who have not seen it yet and because that film contains a top ten list unto itself. If you disagree with our picks or think we missed one, let us know in the comments below.
AVENGERS: ENDGAME is now playing.
I Am Iron Man (IRON MAN)
The film that started it all with the line that set the table for a decade to come. IRON MAN was a conventional superhero origin story but it was the magnetic performance from Robert Downey Jr that showed the world that this was more than a generic movie based on a comic. With most heroes keeping their identities secret, Tony Stark proclaiming himself to the world changed the dynamic forever. As the most defining hero in the entirety of the MCU, this line will forever represent Marvel Studios amazing franchise.
360 Degree Shot (THE AVENGERS)
No single shot encompasses the MCU more than this one. Well, the post-credits shawarma scene changed how soon audiences leave theaters when a film ends, but this shot that sweeps around the assembled superhero squad for the first time is the definition of epic. A similar shot at the end of AGE OF ULTRON comes close to looking like the filmed realization of a comic book splash page, but this one is subtle and yet evocative at the same time.
Elevator Fight (CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER)
The second CAPTAIN AMERICA film and first MCU movie directed by Joe and Anthony Russo is possibly the best film in a franchise of movies. A thrilling spy movie, THE WINTER SOLDIER also showcases the close quarters elevator fight that gave us a very unique look at Steve Rogers' skill set. Gritty and brutal, it is not nearly as epic as other fights but it is damn near the coolest single action scene in the entire MCU.
The Snap (AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR)
While the MCU has shown varying levels of success for the titular heroes, they never lost like they did at the end of INFINITY WAR. We all knew the heroes would be back, but seeing half of them turn to dust and Thanos reigning happily while the rest of our heroes were scattered and broken was one of the boldest endings since THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, but the loss of Peter Parker in Tony Stark's arms will always hurt most of all thanks to the heartfelt and emotional performance by Tom Holland.
Airport Battle (CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR)
Up until CIVIL WAR, we had seen small fights between heroes, memorably in the first AVENGERS film when Cap, Iron Man, and Thor fought each other. But it was in CIVIL WAR that we finally saw almost every major MCU hero on screen together and duking it out. It also introduced Black Panther and Spider-man to the universe which helped usher both heroes into their own acclaimed franchise-starters. Until INFINITY WAR, this was the most epic superhero scene ever put to film.
Hulk vs Hulkbuster (AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON)
While AGE OF ULTRON underwhelmed many, it still has some very memorable sequences, especially the showdown between a mind-controlled Hulk and the Iron Man armor Bruce Banner helped design to take himself down. It is a great and epic fight that showed us a very different Iron Man armor as well as the intensity of just how strong of an opponent the Hulk could be.
We Are Groot (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY)
James Gunn's two GUARDIANS movies have some epic dance sequences and memorable musical numbers, but it is the emotional sacrifice of Groot and his relationship with Rocket that showed just how deep a movie about a team of a-holes could be. It was a gut punch of a moment but one that also laid the groundwork for further emotional scenes with Rocket and his wooden friend in INFINITY WAR and ENDGAME.
Wakanda Forever! (BLACK PANTHER)
T'Challa's battle cry became a pop culture sensation in 2018, symbolizing the groundbreaking box office of BLACK PANTHER as well as introducing one of the most memorable one-liners in comic book history. It goes without saying that the presence of the battle cry in both BLACK PANTHER and AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR was a rousing call to arms for both movie fans and superheroes on screen.
Vision lifts Mjolnir (AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON)
In an early scene of AGE OF ULTRON, we see Steve Rogers barely wiggle Thor's hammer which gives the God of Thunder momentary pause. Later in the film, when Vision easily wields the weapon, everyone looks shocked. Now, through the MCU we saw the hammer wielded by only one other person (Hela, who destroyed it) which gives the importance of the tool in ENDGAME so much more of a lofty significance. But this scene helped pave the way for just how meaningful Mjolnir was to Thor and the MCU at large.
Puny God (THE AVENGERS)
A moment of levity during a grueling battle sequence, Loki's monologue was rudely interrupted by Hulk smashing the Asgardian villain multiple times. Hulk's great two word quote followed by Tom Hiddleston's groaning in pain made this the second funniest moment in the film after Hulk's suckerpunch of Thor and cemented the balance between action, dramatics, and a great sense of humor in the MCU.
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