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 earned a reputation for its incredible superhero action and pivotal moments of levity. Bringing Marvel Comics stories and characters to life on the big screen has produced many iconic moments from the franchise.
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Of these notable moments, only a few are able to maintain their quality over the years. The MCU movies and TV shows have featured many unforgettable scenes, whether for their epic scale, narrative importance, or impressive 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 never really get old.
10 Thor Let Surtur Destroy Asgard
Thor: Ragnarök (2017)
As Thor is one of the longest-serving Avengers in the MCU, his history in the MCU has seen him undergo a lot of character development. One scene that especially defined Thor’s MCU story came at the end of Thor: Ragnarökwhen 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 it’s also one that simply never gets old.
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The emotional weight of the moment alone is shocking, but the way the scene plays out makes it perfect. Watching Thor recover from a low point and fight with all his might against Hela only to come up short is heartbreaking, but his decision to allow Surtur to claim Asgard was devastating and triumphant. Watching Thor make an impossible decision and a huge sacrifice to be a true hero is a moment that remains great no matter how many times it’s seen.
9 Doctor Strange surpasses Dormammu
Doctor Strange (2016)
The introduction of Doctor Strange into the MCU opened up a whole new world of possibilities involving the mystical arts and associated characters from the comics. His debut mainly saw him fighting Kaecilius, although the stakes were raised when Dormammu arrived. Desperately out of reach, Doctor Strange employed an unexpected and subtly hilarious tactic to defeat the much more powerful entity.
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Using the Time Stone to trap Dormammu in a time loop was a stroke of brilliance, and although the being repeatedly killed Strange, the sorcerer simply waited until he got bored of doing so. The brilliant ploy to thwart the immeasurably powerful Dormammu was comical and decidedly in keeping with Benedict Cumberbatch’s somewhat abrasive portrayal of Strange. The ingenuity of the moment combined with its presentation means it’s still as fun as it was when it was released.
8 The Battle of the Airport
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
One of the most significant moments for the Avengers in the MCU’s Infinity Saga has arrived. Captain America: Civil Warin which the team was divided in two by the controversial Sokovia Accords. After establishing their differing opinions on the Accords, Cap and Iron Man found themselves at odds, each backed by their own team of heroes. The culmination was an epic showdown at the airport, which saw several new heroes join the Avengers for the first time.
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The Battle of the Airport Civil war It remains an impeccable MCU moment and simply never gets old. Watching former friends and allies turn on each other is disturbing, but the action is so well crafted that it’s hard not to appreciate the spectacle of the moment. There are very few things you don’t like Civil warThe airport battle, as it shows several MCU heroes in a moment as epic as it is devastating.
7 Spider-Man rises
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Although Spider-Man’s MCU story 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 managed a hero under the mentorship of Tony Stark, complete with a high-tech Stark suit. Without his suit and its functionality, Spider-Man finds himself trapped under the rubble by the Vulture.
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The moment when Spider-Man decides to get up and walk away from danger is hugely inspiring. Seeing the teen hero recognize his own power instead of relying on his idol was just a glimpse of his true potential, and it came in an emotional and perfectly written scene. It’s a moment that speaks to the inner strength of the MCU’s Spider-Man, and it never really 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 collect the Infinity Stones, giving him the advantage over Thanos. Pressing the advantage, he snaps his fingers and defeats the Mad Titan at the cost of his own life in one of the most iconic heroic sacrifices of all time.
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Replying to Thanos “I am inevitable” with “and I am iron man” gave the moment even more power. Tony Stark’s final act, of pure selflessness to protect others, is especially triumphant considering the overall momentum of his character’s arc, and remains powerful years later. end of the gameThe liberation. It’s a moment that never seems to get old, no matter how many times it’s seen again.
5 Iron Man tests the Mk. II
Man of Steel (2008)
There are many incredible moments in Iron Man’s MCU history, but the first time he takes flight remains one of the best. After refining his initial plans into a more advanced model, Tony Stark sets out to test the Mark II. What was initially going to be a brief test impulsively turns into a full flight, in a moment completely characteristic of Stark’s recklessness in the early days of the MCU.
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The scene doesn’t get old because it’s still one of the funniest and most immersive moments in the MCU. The framing of Iron Man’s first flight puts the audience in his position, offering them the excitement of Stark’s new invention. It’s a moment that sums up everything about Stark in 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 a huge role in the events of the Infinity Saga. Leader of the Avengers and role model for his fellow heroes, Steve’s worthiness to wield Mjolnir was hinted at in Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, Avengers: Endgame sees Cap wielding Mjolnir in a moment that was a pleasant surprise and an epic cinematic development.
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The shot of Steve Rogers holding Mjolnir has become synonymous with the Battle of Earth, because it turned out 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 it 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, and much of the film established the need for the titular team. The film’s climactic battle saw the Avengers finally become a true team, with a single shot capturing all six founding members in one of the franchise’s most memorable and beloved moments.
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From the Hulk’s timely transformation and one-punch knockout of a Chitauri Leviathan to the perfectly posed team takeover, it’s a moment that’s etched in cinematic history. Everything about the Avengers meeting for the first time is seamless, especially considering the events surrounding their introductions to each other. The moment is still 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 comprehensive franchises in film history, rights issues have led to some disappointments for fans. Spider-Man’s late arrival to the franchise 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 Home‘s Multiverse narrative that all three versions of the character were able to appear together.
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After months of denying their involvement in the film, the appearance of Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire was truly incredible. Seeing all three Spider-Men suit up to fight alongside each other was one of the most exciting cinematic experiences of all time for fans of the character, and worth decades of storytelling in a single epic moment. No matter how often it’s revisited, the moment remains as surprising as it was upon its release.
1 Fight scene in Captain America’s elevator
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, thanks in large part to its notable action sequences. Halfway through the film, Cap finds himself in an elevator full of Hydra sleeper agents. In a low, calm voice, he asks if anyone wants to leave before the fight scene abruptly begins.
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The claustrophobic and brutal scene that follows is the biggest action sequence in the MCU. The brutally violent and well-shot exhibit shows Captain America at his best, fending off multiple henchmen against all odds in what may well be his finest cinematic moment. It can be watched over and over again, as none of the scene has aged – it’s still the best fight scene in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Upcoming MCU movies
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Captain America: Brave New World
Release date February 14, 2025
- Good heavens*
Release date May 2, 2025
- The fantastic four: first steps
Release date July 25, 2025
- Avengers: Judgment Day (2026)
Release date May 1, 2026
- Spider-Man Homecoming 4
Release date July 24, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars
Release date May 7, 2027
Captain America: Brave New World
Good heavens*
The fantastic four: first steps
Avengers: Judgment Day (2026)
Spider-Man Homecoming 4
Avengers: Secret Wars