THE Marvel Cinematic Universe is full of great moments, but there are only a few that never really get old. Since the beginning of the MCU timeline, the franchise has built a reputation for incredible superhero action and pivotal moments of levity. Bringing Marvel Comics stories and characters to life on the big screen has seen many iconic moments happen in the franchise.
Of these remarkable moments, only a few manage to maintain their quality over the years. The MCU films and TV shows have provided many unforgettable scenes, whether of epic scale, narrative importance, or awe-inspiring execution. In a franchise that relies so heavily on visual effects, creating a moment that ages perfectly isn’t always easy, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe often finds a way to make it happen. Here are 10 MCU moments that truly never get old.
10
Thor allows Surtur to destroy Asgard
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
As Thor is one of the oldest Avengers in the MCU, his history in the MCU has seen him go through a lot of character development. One scene that especially defined Thor’s story in the MCU came at the end of Thor: Ragnarokwhen he is forced to allow Asgard to be destroyed in order to defeat Hela and save his people. It’s a pivotal moment for the God of Thunder and also a moment that simply never gets old.
The emotional weight of the moment alone is already impactful, but the way the scene develops makes it perfect. Seeing Thor recover from a low point and fight his hardest against Hela only to fail is heartbreaking, but his decision to allow Surtur to claim Asgard was both devastating and triumphant. Seeing Thor make an impossible decision and great sacrifice to be a true hero is a moment that’s still great no matter how many times it is seen.
9
Doctor Strange surpasses Dormammu
Doctor Strange (2016)
The introduction of Doctor Strange into the MCU opened up a new world of possibilities involving the mystical arts and associated characters from the comics. His debut saw him primarily fighting Kaecilius, although the stakes were raised when Dormammu arrived. Desperately beside himself, Doctor Strange employed an unexpected and subtly hilarious tactic to defeat the far more powerful entity.
Using the Time Stone to trap Dormammu in a time loop was a stroke of brilliance, and even though he was killed repeatedly by Strange, the sorcerer simply waited for him to get bored of doing it. The brilliant strategy to thwart the immensely powerful Dormammu was comical and decidedly suited to Benedict Cumberbatch’s somewhat abrasive portrayal of Strange. The ingenuity of the moment combined with its presentation means it remains as enjoyable as it was at launch.
8
The airport battle
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
One of the most significant moments for the Avengers in the MCU’s Infinity Saga occurred Captain America: Civil Warin which the team was divided in two by the controversial Sokovia Accords. After establishing their differing opinions on the Accords, Captain America and Iron Man found themselves at odds, each supported by their own team of heroes. The culmination was an epic airport showdown, with several new heroes joining the Avengers for the first time.
The airport battle in Civil War It remains a perfect MCU moment and it simply never gets old. Seeing former friends and allies turn against each other is upsetting, but The action is so well crafted that it’s hard not to enjoy the spectacle of the moment. There’s very little not to love Civil WarThe airport battle, which features several MCU heroes in a moment that is as epic as it is devastating.
7
Spider-Man rises
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
While Spider-Man’s MCU history is filled with pivotal moments for the young hero, there’s one especially underrated scene that only gets better with age. After its brief introduction in Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming followed Peter Parker as he operated a hero under the guidance of Tony Stark, complete with a high-tech Stark suit. Left without his suit and its functionality, Spider-Man finds himself trapped under the rubble by the Vulture.
The moment when Spider-Man wants to get up and get out of danger is extremely inspiring. Seeing the teenage hero recognize his own power instead of relying on his idol was just a glimpse of his true potential, and it came in a moving and perfectly written scene. It’s a moment that speaks to the inner strength of the MCU’s Spider-Manand it really never gets old.
6
Iron Man defeats Thanos
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Perhaps the most bittersweet moment of all the MCU films, the end of Avengers: Endgame sees Iron Man defeat Thanos once and for all. After the epic clash of heroes and villains in the Battle of Earth, Iron Man is able to gather the Infinity Stones, giving him the upper hand over Thanos. Taking advantage, he snaps his fingers, defeating the Mad Titan at the cost of his own life in one of the most iconic heroic sacrifices of all time.
Responding to “Thanos”I am inevitable” with “and I am Iron Man” lent the moment even more power. Tony Stark’s final act, being one of pure selflessness to protect others, is especially triumphant considering the overall thrust of his character’s arc.and remains powerful years later End of the gamelaunch. It’s a moment that never seems to get old, no matter how many times it’s rewatched.
5
Iron Man tests the Mk. II
Iron Man (2008)
There are many incredible moments in Iron Man’s MCU history, but the first time he flies remains one of the best. After refining his initial plans for a more advanced model, Tony Stark decides to test the Mark II. What was initially intended to be a brief test impulsively turns into a full-fledged flight, in a moment that is completely characteristic of Stark’s recklessness in the early days of the MCU.
The scene doesn’t get old because it remains one of the most fun and engaging moments in the MCU. The framing of Iron Man’s first flight puts the audience in his position, offering the thrills of Stark’s new invention. It’s a moment that distills everything about Stark into a single scene, perfectly capturing the essence of the character. in a single remarkable sequence that cemented the cinematic potential of the MCU.
4
Captain America wields Mjolnir
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
As one of the MCU’s most important and beloved heroes, Captain America plays an important role in the events of the Infinity Saga. Leader of the Avengers and role model for his fellow heroes, Steve’s worth in wielding Mjolnir was hinted at in Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, Avengers: Endgame sees Cap wield Mjolnir in a moment that was a welcome surprise and an epic cinematic development.
The photo of Steve Rogers holding Mjolnir became synonymous with the Battle of Earth because it proved to be an instant fan favorite. There was no other Avenger more worthy of lifting Thor’s hammer, and seeing the idea that Captain America could wield Thor’s power confirmed on the big screen was a huge triumph. The iconic nature of the moment and the implications it has for Steve’s character mean that he doesn’t really age.
3
The Avengers assemble for the first time
The Avengers (2012)
2012 saw the release of The Avengersthe long-awaited culmination of four years of preparation. The heroes introduced in the franchise’s previous films finally appeared on screen together, with much of the film establishing the need for the titular team. The film’s climactic battle saw the Avengers finally become a true team, with a single scene capturing all six founding members in one of the franchise’s most memorable and beloved moments.
From the Hulk’s timely transformation and one-punch knockout of a Chitauri Leviathan to the perfectly placed team shot, It is a moment that was recorded in the history of cinema. Everything about the Avengers meeting for the first time is impeccable, especially considering the events surrounding their introduction to each other. The moment remains as powerful as it was in 2012, indicating that it simply won’t get old.
2
The three spider-men
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Although the MCU is one of the most far-reaching franchises in film history, rights issues have led to some disappointments for fans. Spider-Man’s late arrival to the franchise has caused the MCU to take a different approach than previous iterations of the character, leading to many comparisons between the three live-action Spider-Man actors. It wasn’t until Spider-Man: No Way HomeIn the Multiverse narrative that the three versions of the character were able to appear together.
After months of denying their involvement in the film, Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire’s appearance was truly incredible. Seeing the three Spider-Men preparing to fight side by side was one of the most exciting cinematic experiences of all time for fans of the character.yielding decades of narrative in a single epic moment. No matter how many times it’s revisited, the moment remains as incredible as it was upon release.
1
Captain America elevator fight scene
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
The MCU has excited fans since its inception, but one scene in particular has remained an undeniable crowd pleaser. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is considered one of the best MCU films of all time, thanks in large part to its remarkable action sequences. Halfway through the film, Cap finds himself in an elevator full of Hydra sleeper agents. He calmly and calmly asks if anyone would like to leave before the fight scene abruptly begins.
The claustrophobic and brutal scene that follows is the greatest action sequence in the MCU. The well-shot, violent display shows Captain America at his best, fending off multiple henchmen against all odds in what may very well be his finest cinematic moment. It can be watched over and over again, as nothing about the scene has aged – it’s still the best fight scene in history. Marvel Cinematic Universe.