Throughout the many releases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there have been certain moments that can only be considered entirely flawless. Since the beginning of the MCU’s movie timeline, the franchise has established itself as a provider of cinematic excellence. By bringing superhero stories to life on the big screen, the MCU has delivered many memorable characters, who in turn have featured in moments that have since become nothing short of iconic.
As the movies of the MCU have found such widespread success, it’s unsurprising that the franchise contains a handful of moments that are absolutely perfect. Many of these moments delivered exactly what fans wanted, or brought about the best possible depiction of a single narrative development in a way that is considered to be beyond critique. With that in mind, here are 10 MCU moments that are completely flawless.
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’s The Avengers, Hulk’s role within the team is called into question, particularly as the green behemoth is known primarily for his destructive capabilities. When Hulk comes face to face with Loki for the first time, the villain speaks down to the hero, only to be immediately humbled by the Avenger.
Hulk picking up and repeatedly smashing Loki into the ground is a moment that’s still considered among the MCU’s funniest, and it perfectly dispels 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 an overconfident villain in his place. As such, it remains an entirely perfect MCU moment, and a deceptively key point in Loki’s own character arc.
9 T’Challa’s Coronation
Black Panther (2018)
2018’s Black Panther is commonly considered one of the best standalone entries in the MCU. As such, it’s populated by memorable scenes, though few stand out the way that T’Challa’s coronation scene does. Following the character’s introduction in Captain America: Civil War and the set-up for him inheriting his father’s throne, Black Panther details the specifics of T’Challa ascending to kinghood after facing ritual combat against M’Baku.
There are many elements of the scene that make it one of the most perfect moments in the MCU. The depth of Wakandan society is outlined, with varied characters celebrating aspects of African culture being introduced. The combat itself is visceral and perfectly executed, helping to make the scene all the more enjoyable as a result. Considering the many qualities of the scene, the moment that T’Challa is able to claim his throne stands out as a perfect pay-off.
Director Ryan Coogler
Release Date 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 movie’s final stinger introduced Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, while also confirming the existence of other heroes within Iron Man’s continuity. The moment has become a legendary development in MCU history, but has also aged perfectly considering the way the franchise’s story has since played out.
Considering that the comics had modeled the look of Nick Fury 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 story. It remains as exciting a moment as any other post-credits teaser in the MCU, and a completely flawless 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 via the MCU’s Multiverse, with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man facing multiple 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 fill out a team of three Spider-Men. The three heroes setting out to stop the villains together became instantly iconic upon the film’s release.
As well as bringing a popular meme to life in live-action, the three Spider-Men teaming up was a perfect moment. It was a triumphant return for both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield after their respective turns in the role were cut short, offering a form of redemption for each. This also proved to be a passing of the torch for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in the MCU, marking another perfect moment in the franchise.
Director Jon Watts
Release Date December 17, 2021
6 Iron Man’s First Flight
Iron Man (2008)
Some MCU scenes have only gotten better with time, and this is the case for a number of scenes in Phase 1 of the franchise’s story. 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 his time in captivity, Tony Stark builds his Mark II Iron Man suit, and the moment that he first dons the iconic armor is a perfect suit up scene.
Seeing Iron Man take to the skies for the first time remains as thrilling years later as it did upon the film’s release. The hero learning his way around the armor’s abilities as he flies is a perfectly high-stakes moment that totally captures the carefree spirit of the character. Even years after the hero’s MCU story concluded, the first time Iron Man took flight remains entirely flawless.
5 “I’m Always Angry.”
The Avengers (2012)
The Hulk has enjoyed many excellent moments in the MCU, but none of the character’s lines stand out as much as his now iconic transformation in The Avengers. After spending the movie talking about having learned the secret to controlling his ability, Bruce Banner is asked by his teammates to “get angry” and transform to assist them in the Battle of New York. In response, Banner turns away, uttering the immortal line: “That’s my secret, Cap. I’m always angry.”
The delivery of the line is perfectly timed to line up with the Hulk’s transformation, followed by the hero taking out a Chituari Leviathan with a single punch. The writing and the execution of the scene make it utterly perfect, as it comes off every bit as epic and powerful as it deserves. It’s these qualities that make it a perfect MCU moment that remains flawless over a decade after The Avengers’ release.
4 Captain America’s Elevator Scene
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Elevator scenes are a staple of action cinema, offering a claustrophobic perspective on hand-to-hand screen combat. The MCU’s own elevator scene is widely hailed as one of the greatest examples of the trope across all genres, as it pits Captain America against several Hydra sleeper agents in an epic, against-the-odds battle. It’s a scene that has become iconic in its own right, and the opening moments remain absolutely perfect.
Realizing that he’s surrounded by Hydra henchmen, Steve Rogers calmly announces to the silent elevator: “before we get started, does anyone want to get out?” The moment expertly 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 an MCU moment that’s as flawless as they come, leading as it does into an unforgettable action sequence.
Release Date April 4, 2014
3 Iron Man’s Sacrifice
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The MCU is a franchise that’s filled with emotional and memorable moments, but none intersect the two quite so totally as Iron Man’s snap. As the Avengers begin to turn the tide of the Battle of Earth against Thanos, the Mad Titan believes himself to have 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 laying down his life to stop Thanos for good was the culmination of the entire Infinity Saga, and a bittersweet end to his own considerable character arc. Preceded as it is by a journey of self-discovery and heroism, it’s a sacrifice that means a huge amount to its audience. In its simple execution and its emotional impact, it’s an absolutely flawless MCU moment.
Release Date 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 getting overpowered by Thanos, Mjolnir comes flying in from off-screen, breaking up the action. It zips back neatly into the hands of Steve Rogers, revealing him to have proven himself worthy of wielding Thor’s hammer and possessing the power of the gods.
It’s a moment that paid off a long-held MCU fan theory about Rogers being worthy, and that spoke to the huge amount of character development he had undergone over his film story. 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 wielding Mjolnir remains as triumphant a moment as any in MCU history, and it’s simply perfect in every way.
1 The Avengers Assemble For The First Time
The Avengers (2012)
After the founding Avengers were each introduced throughout the earliest films of the franchise, they were brought together in a then-unprecedented team-up movie that promised the iconic team of Earth’s mightiest heroes would make their big-screen debut. Though the heroes spend much of their first foray into teamwork fighting amongst themselves, they do eventually form a team. The moment that they finally become a cohesive unit remains the most flawless in the MCU.
The context of the scene upon The Avengers’ release is critical. The first time the Avengers had truly been brought to life alongside one another in a cinematic spectacle absolutely nailed the shot of the six heroes fighting the Chitauri horde, marking a key moment in the franchise’s history. As such, it remains an utterly flawless moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe on every conceivable level.
Custom image by Niall Gray
English (US) ·