Top 10 Animated Avengers
For this list, we'll be looking at some of the most memorable and remarkable Avengers from across the various animated series.
Written by Michael Wynands
#10: Ant-Man
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“The Avengers: United They Stand” (1999-2000) In the 1990s, at least on the Marvel side of things, Spider-Man and the X-Men reigned supreme in terms of popular children’s cartoons over on Fox. Though often overlooked and largely forgotten, the Avengers got their own, similarly-styled animated series at the end of the decade. Realistically, based on the line-up, it should’ve been called West Coast Avengers, but we digress. One of the real standouts in the series was Ant-Man, who, in this lineup, had been upgraded to team leader. Life was rarely simple Hank Pym, but his realistic struggles with the pressure of leading made him a memorable and dynamic character.
#9: Hawkeye
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“Avengers Assemble” (2013-) Can’t get enough of Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye on the big screen, and disappointed by his lack of screen time in the MCU? This long-running animated Avengers series has got you covered. The characters in “Avengers Assembled” are often rather similar (at least in appearances) to their MCU counterparts, helping to scratch the itch for more. In the show, we learn that Clint went from criminal to bona fide superhero, but he maintains a notable rebellious, edgy streak to him - which adds a certain complexity to his character. When push comes to shove though, he’s quick on his feet, reliable and extremely capable, both as a team player and a solo agent.
#8: Black Widow
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“Avengers Assemble” (2013-) Just like in the MCU, Hawkeye has a long-time partner in the form of this formidable femme fatale. Black Widow has got a big personality and seemingly bottomless confidence; despite a lack of special abilities she is more than willing to take on even the most formidable of foes - or you know, taunt the Hulk. Often the only female member of the team, she is quick to put them in their place, or correct them when their egos get in the way. She’s also just a total buttkicking badass. Like in the MCU, she’s got a lot of secrets, but at the end of the day, she’s committed to the cause and has earned the trust of her teammates.
#7: Hulk
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“The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13) Before being replaced by “Avengers Assemble”, “Earth's Mightiest Heroes” was the big ticket animated Avengers series, and there were many dedicated fans who were sad to see it go. The tone of the series was a perfect balance between complex stories and kid-oriented animation style and jokes. Translation: it was fun for the whole family. And there are few characters who better embody this balance than Bruce Banner/the Hulk. As the elusive Banner, he’s a sarcastic, troubled character with a lot of depth. As his green alter-ego, Hulk, he’s the funny, stubborn menace-turned-heroic smashing machine that we love to watch work. What more could you ask for?
#6: Ms. Marvel
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“The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13) Though we love the core Avengers just as much as everyone else, we really appreciate the fact that this animated series was willing to give a lesser known but awesome character the attention they deserve - and that’s just what it did for Ms. Marvel. After being exposed to cosmic energy, this fighter pilot and friend of Janet Van Dyne developed an awe-inspiring set of powers including superhuman strength, stamina, durability, energy projection and flight. Though her tenure with the Avengers was limited, she proved a formidable addition to the team and reliable ally. Her role in this show is also a great primer for Captain Marvel’s role in the MCU.
#5: Spider-Man
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“Ultimate Spider-Man” (2012-17) Ultimate Spider-Man had one heck of a run, and it saw the young web-head go through quite the evolution as a character. After two seasons working alongside S.H.I.E.L.D. and team of heroes including Iron Fist, Power Man, Nova, and White Tiger, he finally got a shot at the big leagues in the subtitled season three, “Web Warriors”. Though his stint with the team was brief, it was Spidey who ultimately chose to leave and continue his work with S.H.I.E.L.D., and as such, we thought he was deserving of a spot on this list. After all, the Avengers couldn’t have defeated Loki, Doc Ock and company without him!
#4: Black Panther
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“The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13) Before he was tearing apart records on the big screen with his solo MCU debut, Black Panther left his mark on the Avengers and the public consciousness as a member of this animated team. As is often the case in the comics, the dynamic between Black Panther and the Avengers wasn’t always smooth, given that T’Challa was often torn between the team and his diplomatic responsibilities to Wakanda, but he was a loyal and reliable ally, even after leaving the team, and after the whole Skrull drama came to an end, he would eventually rejoin. A man who takes duty, honor and responsibility very seriously, Black Panther both inspires and commands respect.
#3: Thor
“The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13) It’s not really an Avengers team without this hammer-wielding Asgardian god of thunder, now is it? There’s just something oh so appealing about the version of Thor depicted in Earth’s Mightiest Avengers. With his ridiculously bulky frame and self-serious godly attitude, he’s often funny without meaning to be, and yet, when he works up a storm and starts monologuing at a villain, he’s also capable of genuinely giving you chills. A veritable powerhouse, he’s second only perhaps to Hulk in terms of the strength he brings to the team, Thor as seen in Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is not an Avenger you want to mess with.
#2: Captain America
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“The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13) This iconic American hero might be a man out of time, but his brand of bravery and superheroics never goes out of style, making him an essential and welcome addition to any iteration of the Avengers. More so than any other character, with the possible exception of Black Panther as an equal, he is unflinchingly dedicated to justice, truth, and honor. Whether he’s dealing with his villains or his fellow heroes, he remains level-headed and cool, which is what makes him such an inspiration to his teammates. Of course, the fact that he can take a beating without ever giving up, and give as good as he gets also makes him a total badass. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions Falcon “Avengers Assemble” (2013-) Vision “The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13) Wasp “The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13)
#1: Iron Man
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“The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13) This Avenger requires no introduction. Though the character has proven to be a big presence in every iteration of the superhero team in which he has appeared, rarely has he taken up more of the screen than in “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”. As the leader of the team, Tony is bold and confident, but his ego has a habit of getting in the way. Though his own self-assuredness can make him narrow-minded at times, the Avengers simply wouldn’t have ever assembled without him. Even with a natural leader like Captain America around, his problem solving skills make him the right man for the job. Also… he’s just really entertaining.
