Throughout the various releases of the Marvel Cinematic Universethere were certain moments that can only be considered totally perfect. Since the beginning of the MCU film timeline, the franchise has established itself as a purveyor of cinematic excellence. In bringing superhero stories to life on the big screen, the MCU has delivered many memorable characters, who have in turn appeared in moments that have since become nothing short of iconic.
Since the MCU films have been so successful, it’s not surprising that the franchise contains some absolutely perfect moments. Many of these moments delivered exactly what fans wanted, or brought the best possible representation of the development of a single narrative in a way that is considered beyond criticism. With that in mind, here are 10 MCU moments that are completely perfect.
10
Hulk vs Loki
The Avengers (2012)
Of all the characters introduced in Phase 1 of the MCU, Hulk was employed as one of its most interesting and complex figures. In 2012 The AvengersHulk’s role within the team is questioned, especially since the green giant is primarily known for his destructive capabilities. When Hulk comes face to face with Loki for the first time, the villain speaks ill of the hero, only to be immediately humiliated by the Avenger.
Hulk repeatedly picking up and throwing Loki to the ground is a moment that is still considered one of the funniest in the MCU, and It perfectly dissipates much of the tension built up around the Hulk. The moment of levity establishes Hulk as a comedic force in the MCU while also putting a super-confident villain in his place. As such, it remains an entirely perfect MCU moment and a seemingly key point in Loki’s character arc.
9
T’Challa’s Coronation
Black Panther (2018)
2018 Black Panther is commonly considered one of the best standalone entries in the MCU. As such, it’s full of memorable scenes, though few stand out like T’Challa’s coronation scene. After the introduction of the character in Captain America: Civil War and the preparation for him to inherit his father’s throne, Black Panther details the details of T’Challa’s rise to royalty after facing ritual combat against M’Baku.
There are many elements of the scene that make it one of the MCU’s most perfect moments. The depth of Wakandan society is outlined, with the introduction of varied characters that celebrate aspects of African culture. The combat itself is visceral and perfectly executed, helping to make the scene even more fun. Considering the many qualities of the scene, the moment when T’Challa is able to claim his throne stands out as a perfect payoff.
- Director
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Ryan Coogler
- Release date
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February 16, 2018
8
Nick Fury’s first cameo
Iron Man (2008)
In the first of the MCU’s post-credits scenes, Iron Man introduced the idea of the shared cinematic universe, teasing the future of the franchise in a single short scene. The film’s final stinger introduced Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, while also confirming the existence of other heroes in Iron Man continuity. The moment has become a legendary development in MCU history, but it has also aged perfectly considering how the franchise’s story has unfolded since then.
Considering the comics modeled Nick Fury’s look on Jackson, his casting in the MCU was a masterstroke. His appearance declared the birth of the MCU and succinctly teased the future of the franchise’s history.. It remains as emotional a moment as any other post-credits teaser in the MCU, and a completely perfect moment in the franchise’s history.
7
The three spider-men
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
The cast of Spider-Man: No Way Home saw many characters return across the MCU Multiverse, with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man facing off against several villains from alternate realities. After losing almost everything trying to help reform the villains, help arrives through similar means, and Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield reprized their roles to form a team of three Spider-Men. The three heroes who set out to stop the villains together became instantly iconic after the film’s release.
In addition to bringing a popular meme to life in live-action, the three Spider-Men coming together was a perfect moment. It was a triumphant return for Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield after their respective turns in the role were cut shortoffering a form of rescue for each one. This also proved to be a passing of the torch for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in the MCU, marking yet another perfect moment in the franchise.
- Director
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Jon Watts
- Release date
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December 17, 2021
6
Iron Man’s first flight
Iron Man (2008)
Some scenes in the MCU have only gotten better with time, and this is the case with several scenes from Phase 1 of the franchise’s history. 2008’s Iron Man features many brilliant scenes, but one that stands out in particular is the hero’s first flight. After returning home from captivity, Tony Stark builds his Mark II Iron Man suit, and the moment he dons the iconic armor for the first time is a perfect scene.
Seeing Iron Man take to the skies for the first time remains as exciting years later as it was when the film was released. The hero learning to wield the armor’s abilities while flying is a high-stakes moment that fully captures the character’s carefree spirit.. Even years after the conclusion of the hero’s story in the MCU, the first time Iron Man flew remains completely flawless.
5
“I’m always angry.”
The Avengers (2012)
The Hulk has enjoyed many great moments in the MCU, but none of the character’s lines stand out as much as his now-iconic transformation into The Avengers. After spending the film talking about learning the secret to controlling his ability, Bruce Banner is asked by his teammates to “get angry” and transform to help them in the Battle of New York. In response, Banner walks away, uttering the immortal phrase: “That’s my secret, captain. I’m always angry.”
The delivery of the line is perfectly timed to align with the Hulk’s transformation, followed by the hero taking down a Chituari Leviathan with a single punch. The writing and execution of the scene make it absolutely perfectas it feels as epic and powerful as it deserves. It’s these qualities that make it a perfect MCU moment that remains flawless over a decade later The Avengers‘ release.
4
Captain America elevator scene
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Elevator scenes are a staple of action cinema, offering a claustrophobic perspective on on-screen hand-to-hand combat. The MCU’s own elevator scene is widely hailed as one of the greatest examples of the trope across all genres, as pits Captain America against several Hydra sleeper agents in an epic, against-all-odds battle. It’s a scene that has become iconic in its own right, and the opening moments remain absolutely perfect.
Realizing he is surrounded by Hydra goons, Steve Rogers calmly announces to the silent elevator: “Before we start, does anyone want to go out?The moment deftly sets the scene, with Steve Rogers’ quiet confidence and simple resignation that he’s about to find himself in a fight communicated in a single line. It’s as perfect an MCU moment as it gets, leading to an unforgettable action sequence.
- Release date
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April 4, 2014
3
Iron Man’s sacrifice
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The MCU is a franchise full of emotional and memorable moments, but none intersect the two as fully as Iron Man’s snap. As the Avengers begin to turn the tide of the Battle of Earth against Thanos, the Mad Titan believes he has the upper hand. Tony Stark revealing that he had taken possession of the Infinity Stones was an instantly iconic moment, with his “I am Iron Man” line punctuating his ultimate sacrifice.
Iron Man sacrificing his life to stop Thanos once and for all was the culmination of the entire Infinity Saga and a bittersweet ending to his considerable character arc. Preceded by a journey of self-discovery and heroism, it’s a sacrifice that means a lot to its audience.. In its simple execution and emotional impact, it’s an absolutely perfect MCU moment.
- Release date
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April 26, 2019
2
Captain America wields Mjolnir
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Another key moment of triumph during the Battle of Earth in Avengers: Endgame belongs to Captain America. After the Avengers begin to be overwhelmed by Thanos, Mjolnir comes flying in from off-screen, interrupting the action. He returns perfectly to Steve Rogers’ hands, revealing that he has proven himself worthy of wielding Thor’s hammer and possessing the power of the gods.
It’s a moment that paid off a long-standing MCU fan theory about Rogers being worthy, and one that spoke to the enormous character development he’s undergone throughout his cinematic history. It was also simply an incredible and unforgettable moment to see an Avenger other than Thor wielding the hammer, and one that added an extra layer to the Battle of Earth. Seeing Cap wield Mjolnir remains as triumphant a moment as any in MCU historyand it’s just perfect in every way.
1
The Avengers assemble for the first time
The Avengers (2012)
After the founding Avengers were introduced in the franchise’s first films, they were reunited in an unprecedented team-up film that promised the iconic team of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes would make their big-screen debut. Although the heroes spend much of their first foray into teamwork fighting each other, they eventually form a team. The moment when they finally become a cohesive unit remains the MCU’s most perfect.
The context of the scene above The Avengers‘liberation is critical. The first time that the Avengers really came to life side by side in a cinematic spectacle, it nailed the scene of the six heroes fighting the Chitauri horde, marking a key moment in the franchise’s history. As such, it remains an absolutely perfect moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe on every conceivable level.