The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for its action-packed scenes; among these, the final battles are particularly noteworthy. These pivotal moments are often the most memorable and impactful in the films, and as the franchise has grown, the battles have become increasingly epic and visually stunning. The final showdowns not only showcase incredible choreography and special effects but also have emotional resonance and can shape the direction of future films.
While the MCU has experimented with different types of final fights, the majority are still action-packed, extensive, and visually striking. Here are the top final battles in the MCU that stand out above the rest.
10 Guardians vs. Ronan - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1 (2014)
In the film, Peter Quill, also referred to as Star-lord (Chris Pratt), creates a team of space heroes known as the Guardians of the Galaxy to help him fight Ronan and save the galaxy from his power. In the film's final battle, all the Guardians gather to fight Ronan. The ensuing battle stands out among MCU final showdowns for its intense and unforgettable nature. Star Lord's dance fight was distinctive and unique enough without feeling out of place in a movie like Guardians. Some scenes in the battle were very emotional; for example, the film's ending when Groot (Vin Diesel) sacrifices himself to save the galaxy. The scene was tragic and had a bittersweet ending. The fight also had a lasting implication and affected other MCU movies.
9 Shuri vs. Namor - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ended with a final fight that no one saw it coming. The final battle between Shuri (Letitia Wright) and Namor (Tenoch Huerta) as they went to war over the land and sea was an interesting final battle and the MCU's most brutal fight in every aspect, which left the audience at the edge of their seats. The battle was initiated by Shuri, who ultimately declared war in her desperation to avenge her mother's death.
Shuri's character grew from an experienced, happy, and enthusiastic scientist to a princess looking for bloody vengeance; this made the fight something that marvel fans didn't expect. During the battle, the lines were blurred between avenging and revenge, which made for a battle scene that was brutal and very emotional. The highlight moment of the final battle was the very ending, which spoke to Shuri's real character.
8 The Three Spider-Men Final Battle - Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
In the final battle of Spider-Man: No Way Home, all three versions of Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland) come together to face their greatest foes. Unlike typical MCU battles, Parker's intention is not to kill or harm most of his enemies in this showdown. Instead, the audience is treated to a thrilling, action-packed, emotional, and thought-provoking battle. Seeing the three Parkers work together to redeem and change the villains back to regular people is a powerful moment.
Arguably the best fight scene in all Spider-Man movies, the highlight of the battle is the darker side of Peter (Tom Holland), who initially wants to kill Green Goblin out of revenge but realizes that killing is not the solution. The final battle is a fitting and bittersweet conclusion to the trilogy.
7 Iron Man vs. Captain America and Bucky - Captain America: Civil War (2016)
One of the most heart-wrenching and emotional fights in the entire MCU is undoubtedly the final battle in Captain America: Civil War. The fight split up the original Avengers, and while Iron Man (Robert Downey) and Captain America (Chris Evans) were not the best of allies, seeing them battle it out changed the dynamics at MCU. In the scene, Iron Man learns that Bucky (Sebastian Stan), under Hydra's control, was responsible for his parent's death. In a fit of anger, he attacked Bucky and Captain America in a desperate attempt to get some revenge.
Captain America and Bucky won the battle but at the cost of an ally that had fought alongside them on more than one occasion. The fight was a quieter final battle, but it had lasting consequences which shook up MCU for many years. The scene had an emotional soundtrack that indicated tragedy, and with its iconic imagery and great performances, it made a tragic conclusion to the film.
6 Captain America Vs. Bucky - Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
After getting emotionally involved in Captain America and Bucky's friendship in The First Avenger, the battle between the two heroes at the end of Captain America: The Winter Solider was a weighty and intense epic ending. During the final fight, the Winter Soldier ambushes Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Captain America (Chris Evans), and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) on a highway to kill Jasper Sitwell (Maximiliano Hernández), who was giving info to the Avengers. He succeeds in his mission, and while attempting to escape, Captain America engages him in one-on-one combat. The fight was technically impressive but very emotional. Captain did not want to fight his best friend, but he was trying to come to terms with the fact that the Winter Soldier wasn't the same Bucky he grew up with, and we could see Captain's inner struggle throughout the fight.
5 The Battle of New York - The Avengers (2012)
The Battle of New York brought The Avengers together to take on a threat that was too big for only one hero. It was a classic moment within the MCU and has defined superhero movies for the past decade. The CGI was flawless, and the destruction, combined with humor and raw conversation within the team, made the Battle of New York stand out. The battle was a pure spectacle and very intense from start to finish, as a lot was going on. The war was filled with many stand-out moments, such as Thor (Chris Hemsworth) calling down lighting, but the real highlight was the long continuous shot that showcases all the six Avengers lining up, ready to fight and save the world. The battle made the Avengers realize that they are much stronger together.
4 The Fight for Asgard - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Until Thor: Ragnarok, the God of Thunder, struggled to please the audience and critics with solo movies. The first two movies in the Thor franchise, Thor (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013), are lowly ranked compared to other MCU movies. However, Thor: Ragnarok was very well received. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is stuck on a strange planet in the film while his sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) takes over Asgard. In an epic final battle, Thor finally escapes and takes on Hela and her undead army to save Asgard. Thor even discovered his true power in Thor: Ragnarok, a scene that resonated well with audiences.
Despite his powerful abilities, viewers watch as Thor realizes that he cannot defeat the villainous Hela. Still, in a dramatic turn of events, he ultimately summons a giant demon to aid in destroying Asgard, stripping Hela of her powers. The special effects in the Battle of Asgard are visually stunning, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the action on screen. The battle itself is a compelling and intense story within the film.
3 Doctor Strange Vs. Dormammu - Doctor Strange (2016)
The final battle in Doctor Strange breaks away from traditional fight scenes and offers a creative alternative. In the scene, Strange travels into the dark dimension after reversing the events of the previous battle. He faces the terrifying entity Dormammu, who wishes to absorb their universe into his. Strange slyly initiates a time loop as he informs Dormammu of his intention to negotiate. Dormammu refuses the offer and brutally kills Strange. The time loop created by strange causes the events to reset repeatedly every time Strange is killed. The battle was visually outstanding and heart-wrenching, watching the endless torture that Strange was going through to save the world. The battle stands above the rest and proves that an effective ending to a superhero movie can be psychological and emotional rather than physical.
2 The Battle of Wakanda - Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
TThe grand battle between Thanos' invading army and the Avengers in Avengers: Infinity War is one of the most intense and impactful action scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. To prevent Thanos from obtaining one of the infinity stones, the Avengers and Wakanda's armies join forces in an epic battle of massive proportions. With hero's like Black Panther and Captain America leading the charge, the battle is non-stop and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The tension is high as the audience is made to believe that the heroes could die at any moment. The battle leads to one of the most heartbreaking and shocking moments in the MCU, where Thanos successfully captures the final stone and snaps half of all living things out of existence. This battle in Wakanda had lasting effects on the Marvel movies, and the "snap" is now seen as an iconic moment in popular culture.
1 The Battle for the Galaxy - Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Disney
Avengers: Endgame's final battle is regarded as the most remarkable action scene in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Set at the ruined Avengers facility in New York, this showdown between Marvel's assembled heroes and Thanos' forces represents the culmination of the three phases of the MCU. The Avengers, using time-traveling technology, attempt to bring back half of the universe to life while Thanos and his army march to the facility to secure the infinity stones and destroy the world. What follows is a 40-minute war featuring the likes of Dr. Strange's portals, every Avenger, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and their allies, all fighting to stop Thanos from destroying the universe.
The battle is filled with unforgettable moments, starting with the opening of the portals and the return of characters, emotional reunions such as Tony Stark and Spider-Man, and countless thrilling action sequences. This final showdown was highly anticipated by Marvel fans and exceeded expectations.