If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

MCU: Top six moments from the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (fight me)

No, the Thanos snap is not on this list

Still image of Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers
Image credit: Marvel Studios

There have been a whopping 33 movies (and a handful of TV shows) released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and in those movies, there have been dozens of epic moments that have cemented themselves into superhero cinema history. But which are the top six moments? Well, more specifically, which are my top six moments?

This is certainly a list that many would probably argue with. There is no Thanos snap, no "Avengers Assemble!," not even an "I am Iron Man" (though that one was very close to making the list). But hey, this is all my (to be fair, pretty educated) opinion. Feel free to argue (nicely) for and against any of my choices in the comments. Here are my top six moments from the MCU.

6. "Captain's orders" in Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Screenshot from Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Image credit: Marvel Studios

This quiet little moment in Captain America: The Winter Soldier beat out both the Bucky motorcycle scene and the Cap elevator fight scene by being the perfect illustration how Captain America functions as a hero. He's not just cool, he's not just a great fighter - he inspires people (both superheroes and regular old folks) to bravery, even to self sacrifice. It may seem cheesy, but this quiet little scene is one of the ones that sticks with me the most out of all superhero movies.

5. Thor goes lighting mode in Thor: Ragnarok

Screenshot of Thor descending with lightning powers in Thor Ragnarok
Image credit: Marvel Studios

Is there a more epic scene in the MCU? There certainly isn't a cooler or more slick moment. Definitely not one with a better musical cue. Thor's embracing of his lightning/thunder powers in response to Hela's attack (and the death of his father) in Thor: Ragnarok is pure superhero adrenaline, and so much fun to watch.

4. "I'm always angry" in The Avengers

Still image of Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers
Image credit: Marvel Studios

I have been accused for loving The Avengers too much, but how could anyone love The Avengers too much when it has all of these iconic moments - including this one, where Bruce Banner turns back to tell Cap his secret - he's always angry. This moment is followed up by another pretty cool moment of Bruce turning into the Hulk, but really, it's the dialogue that pays off and makes this a great movie moment.


Related: From Beyond the Spider-Verse to a Brave New World, here's every upcoming Marvel TV show and movie (plus their release dates!)


3. Baby Groot dances in Guardians of the Galaxy

Screenshot of Baby Groot dancing in Guardians of the Galaxy
Image credit: Marvel Studios

Guardians of the Galaxy remains one of the best movies in the MCU, and its end tag of Baby Groot dancing to The Jackson Five's "I Want You Back" and subsequently freezing in place each time Drax turns around to catch him out, is one of the cutest and most joyous and fun moments in the MCU.

2. Nick Fury finding Tony for Avengers Initiative in Iron Man

Still image of Samuel L. Jackson in Iron Man
Image credit: Marvel Studios

The beginning of it all - the MCU proper, that is. When Nick Fury showed up at the end of Iron Man to ask Tony Stark to join the Avengers Initiative, who could have imagined that moment would branch out into the massive MCU that we have today? It's certainly a moment to remember (and just beats out "I am Iron Man" in my book).

1. Peter Parker standing up from the rubble in Spider-Man: Homecoming

Still image of Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Homecoming
Image credit: Marvel Studios

Some people find it cheesy, but Peter Parker finding the inner strength to push his own way out of the rubble in Spider-Man: Homecoming may be my favorite cinematic superhero moment of all time. We see Peter at his lowest, he's been told he isn't good enough, he's literally failed in taking down his villain, and all is lost. All he can do is look within for the strength to pull himself out of the rubble to go and save the day, and like a real superhero, he does.


What did you think of our list? Maybe a rewatch of the MCU will refresh your thoughts. Check out our watch order for the whole Marvel Cinematic Unvierse.


Robert Downey Jr. says his Iron Man role is some of his "best work" ever despite bias against the genre

Tiffany Babb

Tiffany Babb: Tiffany Babb is a professional lurker (aka critic) who once served as Popverse’s deputy editor and resident Sondheim enthusiast.

Comments

Want to join the discussion? Please activate your account first.
Visit Reedpop ID if you need to resend the confirmation email.

View Comments (0)

Find out how we conduct our review by reading our review policy