The Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced some powerful Avengers over the years, but which one is the strongest is a hotly debated subject. The Avengers have proven themselves to be Earth's mightiest heroes, but they don't all pose the same level of threat. Some are skilled fighters with specialized talents, while others wield cosmic powers that can reshape reality. From Captain America to Captain Marvel, this list ranks each Avenger based on their potential threat, focusing on how their abilities can influence the battlefield.
This ranking will focus on the Avengers seen in Phases 1–3 of the MCU timeline, better known as the Infinity Saga. This period saw the Avengers unite to take on powerful villains like Loki, Ultron and Thanos, in some of the best MCU films of all time. From strategic skill to brute strength, each hero played a distinct role in protecting the universe from Thanos' quest to control the Infinity Stones, but some certainly posed a greater threat than others.
16
The Wasp, also known as Hope Van Dyne
Played by Evangeline Lilly
Hope Van Dyne, the Wasp, wields the Pym Particle's powers to shrink, grow and fly, adding a unique skill set to the Avengers lineup. Although she is a formidable hand-to-hand combatant and can shrink to an almost undetectable size, Your primary threat level is limited by your close-range abilities. Hope's greatest strength lies in her tactical thinking and agility, making her a dangerous opponent in small-scale battles or stealth missions. However, she doesn't possess the raw firepower or cosmic abilities to take on some of the MCU's larger-scale threats, putting her at the bottom of this list.
15
Hawkeye, aka Clint Barton
Played by Jeremy Renner
Clint Barton, known as Hawkeye, is the team's expert marksman, known for his accuracy with a bow and specialized arrows. While Clint's abilities are undeniable, his threat level is limited compared to his super-powered companions. Hawkeye his greatest strengths lie in his tactical awareness, quick reflexes and extensive field experience. His contribution to the Avengers is critical in hand-to-hand combat and ranged support, but in terms of sheer power, he is among the most grounded heroes. His abilities make him invaluable in team battles, but his lack of supernatural powers keeps his threat level comparatively low.
14
Falcon, aka Sam Wilson
Played by Anthony Mackie
Sam Wilson, the Falcon, relies on his aerial prowess and combat skills to face enemies. Equipped with mechanical wings, the Falcon excels in high-speed aerial combat and can outperform many opponents. However, his lack of superhuman abilities limits his overall threat level. Although Sam is a gifted tactician and versatile fighter, his dependence on technology leaves you vulnerable to stronger adversaries. Your contributions are invaluable to the team, especially for recognition and support, but your power pales in comparison to your super-powered colleagues. This, however, could change when Sam becomes Captain America in the MCU. Captain America: Brave New World.
13
Ant-Man aka Scott Lang
Played by Paul Rudd
Scott Lang, the second Ant-Man, has access to the powerful Pym Particle, allowing him to shrink to microscopic size or grow into the giant-sized Giant-Man. Scott's ability to shrink and infiltrate safe areas or become a giant, durable force of nature makes him a unique threat. However, Scott effectiveness depends largely on specific situations; although he is powerful in certain contexts, he is not as versatile as other team members. Despite his power fluctuations, Scott brings humor and resilience to the Avengers and has played critical roles in their victories, especially in Avengers: Endgame.
12
Black Widow aka Natasha Romanoff
Played by Scarlet Johansson
Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, is a highly trained spy and a skilled martial artist. Although she has no superpowers, her extensive training and agility in S.H.I.E.L.D. make her a dangerous threat in hand-to-hand combat and stealth missions. Natasha's threat level comes from her intelligence, fearlessness, and strategic mindallowing her to defeat enemies much stronger than her. Her abilities make Black Widow a valuable member of the Avengers, especially when quick thinking and close-range tactics are required. However, her physical limitations mean she ranks lower compared to the more superhuman Avengers.
11
War Machine aka James Rhodes
Played by Don Cheadle
James Rhodes, known as War Machine, has access to a heavily armored suit similar to Iron Man's, complete with powerful weaponry. His suit includes an impressive arsenal of weapons and defensive technology, making him a significant threat in combat. However, War Machine's suit is a little less advanced than Tony Stark'sand his skill set is more combat-focused. Rhodey excels at ground and air attacks, bringing firepower to the battlefield, but his reliance on technology and lack of innate powers keep him at a lower threat level than some of his super-powered teammates.
10
Black Panther, aka T'Challa
Played by Chadwick Boseman
T'Challa, the Black Panther, combines his enhanced agility, strength, and reflexes with his Vibranium suit and Wakandan technology, making him a force to be reckoned with. As king of Wakanda, he also brings political power and extensive resources to the Avengers. Black Panther's threat level is considerable, as he can engage in high-risk combat while making strategic contributions. Although his abilities are not cosmic in nature, T'Challa's mix of physical skill and intellect make him a formidable opponent and a crucial player in any battle scenario.
9
The Winter Soldier aka Bucky Barnes
Played by Sebastian Stan
Bucky Barnes, known as the Winter Soldier, has enhanced strength, speed and durability, as well as a Vibranium arm. His experience as an assassin gives him a ruthless edge and he is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat. Bucky's enhanced skills and tactical knowledge make him a considerable threat, although his powers are more limited compared to other Avengers. From him greatest asset is your resilience and adaptability in a fight. While he's powerful, Bucky doesn't possess the wide-ranging abilities of some of his fellow Avengers, positioning him as a mid-tier threat on this list.
8
Spider-Man, aka Peter Parker
Played by Tom Holland
Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, possesses superhuman agility, strength and reflexes, as well as a genius-level intellect. Equipped with his web-slinging abilities and high-tech suit provided by Tony Stark, Peter's potential as a threat is impressive. His youthful energy and resourcefulness make him adaptable in battle, and he has proven himself capable against powerful enemies. However, his inexperience and young age mean he occasionally struggles to control and focus. Although he is incredibly skilled and can be highly dangerous, his overall threat level is slightly limited by his lack of battle experience.
7
Captain America aka Steve Rogers
Played by Chris Evans
Steve Rogers, or Captain America, received enhanced physical characteristics thanks to the super soldier serum. However, his greatest strengths lie in his indomitable will, leadership, and tactical acumen. With his Vibranium shield and exceptional combat skills, Captain America is an imposing threat on the battlefield. Although he doesn't have superpowers on a cosmic scaleSteve's resilience and fighting spirit make him a key figure among the Avengers. His strategic mind and moral clarity allow him to inspire and lead, but his physical capabilities still place him below some of the team's most powerful members.
6
Scarlet Witch aka Wanda Maximoff
Played by Elizabeth Olsen
Wanda Maximoff, Scarlet Witch, possesses reality-warping powers and unparalleled telekinetic abilities, making her one of the most powerful Avengers. Wanda's ability to alter reality itself and control energy on a massive scale makes her a cosmic-level threat, capable of taking on even the most powerful adversaries. Wanda's powers are somewhat unpredictable and heavily influenced by your emotionswhich can be both a strength and a weakness. However, her raw power is unmatched and she tops the list due to her ability to reshape entire realities.
5
Hulk, aka Bruce Banner
Played by Mark Ruffalo
Bruce Banner, as the Hulk, transforms into an unstoppable force with superhuman strength, durability, and regeneration abilities. Hulk's raw power makes him a formidable threat, as he can take on armies and survive extreme attacks. However, your lack of control and limited intellect in Hulk form reduce his versatility. Hulk's greatest strength is his physical power, but his inability to strategize or exercise additional abilities prevents him from reaching the top of the rankings. While he's a powerhouse, his limitations put him below some of the more versatile Avengers.
4
Thor Odinson
Played by Chris Hemsworth
Thor, the god of thunder, possesses incredible strength, the power of flight and the ability to summon lightning with his hammer, Mjolnir (and later Stormbreaker). Thor's Asgardian physiology and combat skills make him a cosmic-level threat with immense power. However, Thor tendency to act impulsively and your overconfidence sometimes affects your effectiveness in battle. Despite Thor's godlike powers, his impulsive nature occasionally blinds him to the bigger picture, which can limit his strategic potential. However, his strength and versatility make him one of the Avengers' most powerful assets.
3
Doctor Strange aka Stephen Strange
Played by Benedict Cumberpatch
Doctor Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, wields mystical arts and has access to a vast array of spells and magical artifacts, including the Time Stone. Strange's ability to manipulate time, reality, and astral projection makes him one of the Avengers' most versatile and unpredictable threats. His deep knowledge of the mystical arts allows you to outsmart even stronger opponents by controlling the battlefield itself. Doctor Strange's powers give him almost limitless potential in combat, especially against cosmic forces. His intelligence and strategic ability put him at the top of the list.
2
Iron Man, aka Tony Stark
Played by Robert Downey Jr.
Tony Stark, known as Iron Man, is a technological genius capable of inventing advanced suits that give him superhuman abilities. With his ingenuity and access to powerful suits like the Hulkbuster armor, Tony can combat many superhuman threats. Stark's ability to quickly adapt and create new technologies gives him an advantage over almost any enemy. Although he has no inherent superpowers, Tony's intelligence and resourcefulness make him one of the deadliest members of the Avengerscapable of facing threats that surpass his physical abilities. His brilliance and adaptability place him among the MCU's top threats.
1
Captain Marvel aka Carol Danvers
Played by Brie Larson
Carol Danvers, or Captain Marvel, has superhuman strength, speed and the ability to manipulate energy, making her the most powerful Avenger. Her powers allow her to travel through space and take on entire armies with ease, as seen in Avengers: Endgame when Danvers single-handedly turned the tide against Thanos. Carol's cosmic abilities make her nearly invincible, and her vast energy control allows her to take on some of the strongest adversaries in the universe. Her resilience, combined with her unparalleled power, puts her at the top of this list as the Avengers' most formidable threat in the world. UCMinitial stages.
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- Release date
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February 14, 2025
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July 25, 2025
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July 24, 2026