15 best MCU moments of all time (and a bonus one)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is like the biggest, baddest, most jaw-dropping rollercoaster at the theme park of movies.

Each time we sit down to watch any installment of the franchise, it's like we strap in for a ride that takes us through epic battles, sky-high emotional drops, and twists that have you holding onto your popcorn for dear life. From Tony Stark's cheeky "I am Iron Man" mic drop to Captain America wielding Mjolnir like he was born to do it, the MCU doesn't just serve up movie moments - it dishes out cinematic feasts that leave us stuffed with excitement and begging for seconds. And let's not even get started on the snap heard around the world – a moment so shocking it had us gasping for air and glaring at Thanos like he'd stolen our last slice of pizza.

But here's the thing: the MCU isn't just about the spectacle: it's about the heart. It's about Peter Parker's earnest "Come on, Spider-Man" as he pushes himself beyond his limits, and it's about Wanda and Vision's tragic love story that's more tear-jerking than chopping a bag of onions (which we all blame on the sneaky ninjas around us). These aren't just characters on a screen; they're like those friends we've all had epic adventures with – except these friends can fly, cast spells, and save the universe before dinner.

The MCU has turned movie theaters into arenas where we cheer, laugh, and cry together, proving that superheroes might wear capes (or, you know, high-tech armor), but their true power lies in bringing us all together for some of the best big-screen moments we've ever experienced.

Let's take a look at fifteen of some of the best moments the MCU has given us so far.

1. "I Am Iron Man" - Iron Man (2008): The one that started it all. Tony Stark, with swagger for days, changes the superhero game by ditching the secret identity gig.

2. "I'm Always Angry" - The Avengers (2012): Bruce Banner's secret to controlling the Hulk is revealed in the most epic way possible, leading to a punch that left us cheering and thus, my most used line was born.

3. "The Elevator Fight" - Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014): Steve Rogers takes on a crowded elevator of HYDRA agents in a claustrophobic clash that's equal parts tense and thrilling.

4. "Dance-off to Save the Galaxy" - Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): Star-Lord challenges Ronan to a dance-off in what may be the most unconventional battle tactic in the history of ever.

5. "Hulkbuster vs. Hulk" - Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015): Tony Stark in the Hulkbuster armor going toe-to-toe with a Hulk who's been mind-controlled by the lovely Scarlet Witch is the smackdown of the century.

6. "Airport Battle" - Captain America: Civil War (2016): One of my person all-time favorite scenes in the MCU. Superheroes and planes galore! Friend against friend, with Spider-Man swinging into the MCU in spectacular fashion.

7. "Come on, Spider-Man" - Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017): A trapped Peter Parker summons the strength to be the hero he's meant to be, in a moment that's pure Spider-Man.

8. "Thor Arrives in Wakanda" - Avengers: Infinity War (2018): The God of Thunder, Rocket, and Groot make a grand entrance in Wakanda, and it's electrifyingly awesome.

9. "I am Steve Rogers" - Avengers: Infinity War (2018): In the midst of cosmic chaos, Captain America's wholesome introduction to Groot is a delightful breather.

10. "The Snap" - Avengers: Infinity War (2018): Thanos achieves his dark goal, leaving heroes and audiences in stunned disbelief as our favorites turn to dust.

11. "On Your Left" - Avengers: Endgame (2019): The portals open, and the fallen heroes return for a final stand that'll have you on your feet and possibly sobbing. I don't know how many times I've personally watched this scene, but it is, hands down, the most goosebump-inducing moment in the entire MCU in my opinion. This is where the MCU peaked and, unfortunately, has not been able to get back to just yet.

12. "She's Got Help" - Avengers: Endgame (2019): Two words: GIRL POWER.

13. "I Love You 3000" - Avengers: Endgame (2019): A heart-melting exchange between Tony Stark and his daughter, which becomes all the more painful by the movie's end.

14. "Furious Display" - Avengers: Endgame (2019): This scene shows us all why Scarlet Witch is incredible, showcases her true power, and proves why she's the strongest Avenger in the MCU.

15. "God of Stories - Loki (2023): A twist-filled confrontation that flips the script on the God of Mischief's story, pushing the MCU into uncharted multiversal territory and making me cry myself to sleep the night this premiered.

Bonus scene that goes without saying

"And I... Am... Iron Man." - Avengers: Endgame (2019): He started it all with one sentence and ended it all with it, too. Tony Stark's selfless sacrifice will always be a tear-jerking scene, no matter how much time has passed since it first punched us in the gut.

From the spectacular to the emotional, these moments are why we keep coming back for more, proving that the Marvel Cinematic Universe isn't just a series of movies and shows, but tangled webs of storytelling that continue to capture our imaginations.

Here's to many more moments that will keep us talking, cheering, and maybe shedding a tear or two.