Top 10 Best Characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an American shared universe centered on a series of Marvel superhero films. The MCU is one of the highest-grossing and critically acclaimed media franchises of all time. It has inspired other studios to attempt similar shared universes, though none have reached the same level of success.

Since its beginning in 2008 with Iron Man, the MCU has introduced a wide range of characters, from genius inventors and super-soldiers to cosmic beings and mischievous antiheroes. Some have been around since the early days, while others joined later and quickly became fan favorites. Each character brings something unique, whether it's a compelling backstory, unmatched charisma, or an unforgettable on-screen presence.

1. Iron Man

   

   Iron Man is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. Iron Man first appeared in Tales of Suspense #39 in 1963.... read more

   One of my favorite characters. Definitely not in my top 5, but still such a great and well-written character.

   Great character development.

   Iron Man...

   "I love you 3000."

   "No amount of money ever bought a second of time."

   "Are you seriously telling me your plan to save the universe is based on Back to the Future?"

   "Everybody wants a happy ending. But it doesn't always roll that way."

   "It's not about how much we lost. It's about how much we have left. We're the Avengers. We gotta finish this. You trust me?"

   "I am Iron Man."

   So many good quotes! I'm mad at the directors of Avengers: Endgame for making Tony die. But I have a theory. When he snapped, he got stuck in the Soul Stone world, causing him to die in real life. Remember, after Thanos snapped, he was in that orange-looking world with young Gamora? I think Iron Man and Black Widow are trapped in there. Maybe also Gamora because she also fell off the cliff in Vormir.

2. Captain America

   

   Captain Steven Grant Rogers, better known as Steve Rogers or Captain America, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a World War II veteran and is famously known as the First Avenger. The character was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and was portrayed... read more

   There is someone here stating that Captain America is a hypocrite, so I'll respond to that:

   1. He lied because he wanted to die in service to his country against the Nazis. It's not like he only wanted to join the army for his career or something similar.

   2. Indeed, despite not knowing it was Bucky, he should have told him.

   3. The wishes of 117 governments. In my opinion, he was right. After finding out that S.H.I.E.L.D. was corrupted by Hydra, it's totally understandable that he didn't want to accept orders from governments because they can always have ulterior motives. Governments can easily manipulate information in their favor, and it's always better to trust individuals than institutions.

   4. He was being attacked, and his best friend was going to be killed. All he wanted was to protect Bucky. He had the chance to seriously harm Tony or even kill him but refused and dropped the shield.

   Yes, in Civil War, he is a bit annoying and heartless sometimes, but he had just lost the love of his life, his best friend was being hunted for something he didn't do, and he knew that new Super Soldiers could be returning soon. He had to do something.

3. Thor

   

   Thor Odinson is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character, based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name, is the Asgardian god of thunder and possesses the enchanted hammer Mjolnir, which grants him the ability of flight and weather manipulation... read more

   YESSSSSS! We all love Thor.

   The "Get help!" scene in Thor: Ragnarok and his snake story from the same movie are HYSTERICAL! And his entrance in Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War is SO COOL. How he's like, "Bring me THANOS!" and jumps into the air with his lightning trail, lightning eyes, and lightning axe, a.k.a. Stormbreaker.

   He's such a cool character, and it's a hilarious addition that he got fat in Avengers: Endgame. THOR IS SO COOL.

   He was amazing in Infinity War. That entrance in Wakanda with Rocket and Groot was one of the greatest moments of the film.

4. Spider-Man

   

   Spider-Man is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, set within its shared universe. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko and first appeared in the anthology comic book Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) during the... read more

   Spider-Man is awesome. I love how he was like, "It's like Footloose," and Star-Lord says, "Exactly like Footloose! Is it still the greatest movie on Earth?" Then Spider-Man says, "Technically, it never was-" and Tony interrupts them.

   I just love how when Tony came to get him for Captain America: Civil War, Tony says, "So what do you call yourself? Spiderling? The crime-fighting spider? Spider-Boy?" Then Peter answers with a stutter and he's like, "Sp-Spider-Man..." and Tony says, "Not in this onesie you're not." Peter says, "Not a onesie." But it actually is a onesie, Peter.

   Most relatable character. It's great that he chooses to look out for the little guy, the people the Avengers don't normally think about. Protecting the neighborhood is something not as many MCU characters do.

   He's also one of the most tragic MCU characters. He started being a hero because of the guilt he felt when his uncle died, and now he's lost everything and everyone he knows and loves. He's got some of the best stories in the MCU.

5. Loki

   

   Loki Laufeyson is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and frequent enemy of Thor and is known as the God of Mischief. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the character is portrayed by Tom Hiddleston.

   By far the most interesting and complex character in the MCU. You feel for his need for acceptance and love. He's just a god who's trying to achieve what he never had: a place to belong. He's sometimes too blinded by his jealousy and grief to see that his brother Thor loves and cherishes him above all.

   The movies sketch his journey of realizing that it isn't always about power, but the smaller things. I think Loki has finally realized that Thor and he are a unit and their bond runs thicker than blood.

   My #2 favourite character! I've always loved Loki. His personality is 100% PERFECT! He's sarcastic and funny, and every time he showed up in any movie, I always loved the scene.

   Even Thor 1, which was the worst movie ever, had some decency because Loki was in it. I just love him so much! He was a GREAT villain in Avengers, and his backstory and show are interesting. I just love him, okay? Plus, I think he's hot. I kind of have a crush on him.

6. Scarlet Witch

   

   Wanda Maximoff, known as the Scarlet Witch, is a fictional superhero appearing in Marvel Comics. She is portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she is considered one of its most powerful characters.... read more

   Through the amazing series Wandavision, she deserves a definite top ten. It's amazing to see her character arc from a scared yet powerful Sokovian who has lost so many loved ones she'll break at any second, to a loving and kind mother in Wandavision.

   And her power... She's definitely the most powerful hero, even more than Strange and Carol, for various reasons. If you're really curious about it, you can ask me in reply comments. She's not my favorite, but she deserves higher.

   Definitely my favorite! She is the most powerful Avenger, and I love her personality. I am so glad she is getting the attention she deserves due to the amazing series WandaVision. She should at least be in the top 5.

7. Black Widow

   

   Natalia Alianovna Romanova, more commonly known as Natasha Romanoff or the Black Widow, is a fictional superhero featured in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is recognized as one of the most skilled spies and assassins in the world and is also a founding member of the Avengers.... read more

8. Ant-Man

   

   Ant-Man is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in Marvel Comics. The original character was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby and first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man is portrayed by Paul Rudd, who plays Scott Lang, the second... read more

   I really like how this character was used in Endgame. From the trailers, we had a feeling he was going to be important to the story, and he absolutely was. I like how they inserted him directly into Thanos's battle. He showed his bravery by being unafraid to penetrate right to the bowels of the operation.

   Previously, he was a minor character in the MCU. But in Endgame, his role rapidly expanded. It was such an emotional explosion for this character. You can tell that things are different for him after the things he has seen. It's obviously going to be difficult for him to pick up the pieces after this.

   He takes the best aspects of the other heroes and combines them into one: tech like Iron Man, Spider-Man's charm, and Cap's devotion to do what's right. The best hero!

9. Star-Lord

   

   Star-Lord is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character, created by Steve Englehart and Steve Gan, first appeared in Marvel Preview #4.

   Chris Pratt portrays the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with the 2014 live-action... read more

   Easily the most relatable character in the MCU, funny, charismatic, yet also very vulnerable and flawed, which is what makes him so entertaining and compelling to watch. He is exactly where he belongs, in the top 10.

   Super charismatic, relatable, and has two of the best MCU movies to date. Star-Lord is one of the best characters from Marvel, and it isn't hard to see why.

   He's so underrated and my favorite Guardian! I just love him! He's so funny and a great character!

10. Rocket Raccoon

    

    Rocket Raccoon is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Bill Mantlo and artist Keith Giffen, the character first appeared in Marvel Preview #7. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is voiced by Bradley Cooper and appears as a key member... read more

    I like how he actually has a role rather than just being the punching bag in Avengers Endgame. He handled Thor quite well, and it really shows how he developed a more normal personality rather than being violent and grumpy like in Guardians of the Galaxy.

    The guy's been through literal hell almost his entire life, and the fact that he's still been able to keep going after so many unfortunate events while still being a badass at the same time astounds me.

    Because of him, they were able to get the Reality Stone and get Thor out of his panic attack. He is a little aggressive sometimes, but he cares a lot about his family. He was so good in Endgame.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Ned Leeds

    
12. ?

    Agatha Harkness

The Contenders

13. Thanos

    

    Thanos is a fictional supervillain featured in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by Jim Starlin and made his first appearance in Iron Man #55, published in February 1973. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thanos has been portrayed by Damion Poitier in The Avengers (2012... read more

    This character is evil enough, almost more so, but he killed someone, so I hate him. No spoilers.

    Good villain. Would be amazing if I wasn't so affected by how famous characters are since I usually decrease my liking for a character if it gets too popular.

    I'm sad he killed some beloved characters, but I can't hate him. He's a great villain. He wants his goal, even losing the things that he loves to get his goal.

14. Doctor Strange

    

    Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange, best known under his alias Doctor Strange, is a fictional superhero created by artist Steve Ditko and writer Stan Lee, appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Doctor Strange serves as the Sorcerer Supreme, Earth's primary protector against magical... read more

15. Nick Fury

    

    Colonel Nicholas Joseph Fury is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 in May 1963. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is portrayed by Samuel... read more

    He's literally the godfather of the Avengers. He should definitely be in the top ten.

16. Black Panther

    

    T'Challa, better known as the Black Panther, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Fantastic Four #52 (cover-dated July 1966) during the Silver Age of Comic Books.... read more

17. Hulk

    

    Robert Bruce Banner, also known as The Hulk or Bruce Banner, is a fictional superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. In live-action films, he was portrayed by Eric Bana, and in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he's... read more

    Was amazing until Ragnarok and Infinity War dumbed him down. And Endgame Hulk was crap.

    The strongest one there is.

18. Vision

    

    The Vision is a fictional superhero who appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is an android who first appeared in The Avengers #57 in 1968 and has been a longtime member of the Avengers team. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Vision is portrayed by Paul Bettany and appears in... read more

    He has a frickin' Infinity Stone on his forehead.

19. Groot

    

    Groot is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Larry Lieber, and Dick Ayers, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #13. An extraterrestrial, sentient tree-like creature, Groot was initially introduced as an invader... read more

    I love this guy. He just wants to help out his friends and have fun.

20. Bucky

    

    James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 in 1941. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bucky is portrayed by Sebastian Stan and evolves from Captain... read more

    OMG, he's my #1 favorite Marvel character ever! I've always loved Bucky since his first appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger, and even now I still love him. As the Winter Soldier, he's THE BEST, and he's so badass. I just love him! Bucky is so amazing. I love his personality, and his story and character are just amazing. Plus, I have the biggest, most major crush on him. OMG, I think he's so hot. I just love him!

    His metal arm and headstrong personality make him a tough and cool hero.

21. Hawkeye

    

    Clinton Francis "Clint" Barton, better known as Hawkeye, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a former special agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., where he worked under the supervision of Phil Coulson. Known for his use of the bow and arrow as his primary weapon... read more

    He's super underrated and amazing!

    The guy that never misses.

22. Ultron

    

    Ultron is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is widely recognized as a major adversary of the Avengers and has a complex connection with several team members, particularly his creator Hank Pym.... read more

23. Drax the Destroyer

    

    Drax the Destroyer is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in The Invincible Iron Man #55 in 1973. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is portrayed by Dave Bautista.

24. Gamora

    

    Gamora is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in Strange Tales #180. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she is portrayed by Zoe Saldaña in multiple films, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of... read more

    I love this character! She should be higher! Honestly!

25. Daredevil

    

    Daredevil is a fictional superhero featured in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with additional creative input from Jack Kirby.

    The character made his first live-action appearance in the 1989 television movie The... read more

26. War Machine

    

    War Machine is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the character was portrayed by Terrence Howard in Iron Man and by Don Cheadle in subsequent films. War Machine's alter ego is James Rhodey Rhodes, a close ally of Iron... read more

27. Falcon

    

    Falcon is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan and first appeared in Captain America #117 in 1969. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Falcon is portrayed by Anthony Mackie. He later... read more