41 Greatest Moments In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

19. Guardians of the Galaxy – “We are Groot.”

A lot of people talk about how Vin Diesel only had to learn one line of dialogue to play Groot. That’s almost true, but he did have one spoken bit that was a slight variation on his usual shtick, and it was a great example of how one word can make a big difference.

It comes after the most Pyrrhic of victories, as Rocket Raccoon has just rammed Ronan with the Milano. That’s good. Unfortunately, that means the villain’s flagship, the Dark Aster, is now falling from the sky, and the Milano is in no shape to save the team.

Groot has an idea, though, growing into a cocoon of sorts, wrapping all of the Guardians in branches and leaves as the ship plummets. Rocket Raccoon realizes that Groot is sacrificing himself for the good of everyone else and pleads with him not to do it.

As he wipes a tear from Rocket’s face with one of his branches, Groot explains to his friend that, “We are Groot.” It’s a powerful moment that only lasts a second before the Dark Aster slams into the ground, but it’s one of the more memorable and touching bits in any Marvel film to date.

And hey, without this, we never get dancing baby Groot. I don’t want to live in a world without him.

(Write-up by Nick Tylwalk, Bam Smack Pow editor)

Next: No. 18: An iconic Hulk move brought to life