Top 10 Most Iconic Moments In Superhero Movies

Top 10 Most Iconic Moments in Superhero Movies

These are the moments that defined superheroes. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 most iconic moments in superhero movies.



For this list, we’ll be looking at the moments and scenes that are the most iconic to superhero films and the genre as a whole. We’ll be shying away from fights, to give those a list of their own, though there will be a few action oriented entries.

I Am Iron Man

“Iron Man” (2008)

Cue the Black Sabbath! Tony Stark proves throughout his first film that he’s anything but the typical hero: he’s self-absorbed, arrogant, and doesn’t consider how his actions affect others. Despite some personal growth, Tony’s character remains intact by the film’s end, when he’s forced to give a press conference to disavow involvement in the previous events. Faced with the prospect of maintaining a secret identity, and therefore not getting credit, Tony admits to being Iron Man, in a move that had rarely, if ever, been seen in superhero cinema before; demonstrating once again that he’s anything but ordinary.

I’m Batman

“Batman Begins” (2005)

After returning home from his training with the League of Shadows and assembling his equipment from Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne finally makes his debut as Batman in spectacular fashion. Targeting the leader of the local mafia, Carmine Falcone, Batman stalks the mobster’s men through some shipping containers in a tense scene that perfectly illustrates the Dark Knight’s ability to strike fear into the hearts of criminals. He concludes the attack by pulling Falcone through his car’s sunroof and reveals himself fully for the first time before tying the mobster to an early version of his bat signal. Talk about making an impression!

Spider-Man Stops the Train

“Spider-Man 2” (2004)

After a lengthy train battle with Dr. Octopus, Spider-Man finds himself in a bind when the villain disables the breaks on the vehicle and takes off. Peter Parker does everything in his power during this harrowing sequence to stop the train and it really shows Spider-Man at his most heroic; putting his body and life on the line to save innocent people. The passengers’ gratitude and attempt to return the favor by saving him, is also quite touching. All in all, this moment shows Spider-Man at his very best. Plus, who could forget Peter Parker’s pooping pose?

The Interrogation Scene

“The Dark Knight” (2008)

This film is full of iconic and memorable moments, but we’d argue this is the scene people think of when they think of “The Dark Knight.” With the Joker finally in holding, Commissioner Gordon calls in Batman to assist with the interrogation. The Joker’s speech is utterly riveting, with the Joker waxing on their similarities, as well as expressing his opinions on the pointlessness of rules. Eventually the tension escalates as he reveals that Harvey Dent and his girlfriend Rachel are both being held hostage, leading to an explosive conclusion; revealing just how in control the Joker had been all along, which only makes him that much more menacing.

Logan Finally Dies

“Logan” (2017)

Much of Wolverine’s cinematic swan song is sad, but this is the final straw that gets us crying like no tomorrow. After a final, rampaging battle to save his cloned daughter Laura and her friends from the soldiers trying to capture them, Logan is brought face to face with mortality by his evil doppelganger. Saved from a final blow by Laura, Logan has a touching final moment with her before finally dying after centuries of life, and 17 years of movies. Though there have been many superhero deaths in film, few have felt as lasting or impactful as Logan’s death. Rest in peace, Wolverine.

The Circular Team-Up Shot

“The Avengers” (2012)

Earth’s mightiest heroes have a rough time working together at first. They spend much of their first team-up movie in conflict with one another, in no small part due to the manipulations of Thor’s brother, Loki. However, when the manipulative villain unleashes his army upon New York, the Avengers gather together at last to face their common foes, with Hulk striking an awesome proverbial gong to signal their collaboration, followed by that oh-so-epic shot that circles around them. While it may not be number one, this might be the most iconic individual shot to make our list.

Bruce Wayne’s Origin

“Batman” (1989)

Everyone knows that Bruce Wayne’s parents were killed during a mugging, which inspires him to don a mask and fight crime. While Batman’s seminal moment has been depicted many times onscreen over the years, we have to give our pick to the one from the 1989 “Batman” film. Besides being the first time it was shown in a movie, the moment is also expertly executed on this occasion, with ominous music and echoing footsteps lending an air of menace to the Waynes’ doomed final family outing. Given that he’s one of the most iconic superheroes, the moment that defined Batman has helped define superhero movies too.

Discovering the Fortress of Solitude

“Superman” (1978)

The last son of Krypton has had many iconic moments, and although it was tempting to include the death of his Earth father Jonathon Kent, his first encounter with his Kryptonian father is our pick. Shortly after Jonathon dies, Clark is driven to the arctic by a crystal from his spaceship, which constructs the Fortress of Solitude. Within it, Jor-El reveals to Kal-El his heritage and that his abilities can be used to inspire humanity to be better. He may enter the fortress as Clark Kent, but he leaves it as Superman, flying for the first time, and ready to be the beacon to light the way forward for humanity.

“Avengers, Assemble”

“Avengers: Endgame” (2019)

It was a cinematic moment a decade in the making. Following the first Avengers film, which changed team-up movies forever, this well-known phrase was teased as the last line of the sequel. Fast forward to the end of the Infinity Saga and big baddie Thanos is ready for a final attack on the Avengers compound. As Steve Rogers stares down the Mad Titan's army, he’s joined by the epic roster of Avengers who have just been brought back to life in an inspiring reunion. There’s no time for anyone to get too comfortable though, as Cap utters these iconic words to lead the troops into battle. If we’re talking long-term payoffs in superhero movies, this one goes unmatched!



Before we get to our top pick, let’s take a look at some honorable mentions.



Tony Stark Meets Nick Fury

“Iron Man” (2008)



Batman Takes the Blame

“The Dark Knight” (2008)



Magneto’s Mother is Taken From Him

“X-Men: First Class” (2011)



Ozymandias Reveals His Plan

“Watchmen” (2009)



Yondu’s Sacrifice

“Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2” (2017)

The "Great Power, Great Responsibility" Speech

“Spider-Man” (2002)

Could it be anything else? After getting into a fight at school, in which he uses his powers to defend himself from a bully, Peter Parker is taken aside by his uncle Ben after the latter gives him a ride. He tells his nephew that while the bully may have deserved what he got, just because he can beat up the bully, doesn’t mean he should. In short, “with great power, comes great responsibility.” This moment and these words come to embody Peter’s life as Spider-Man, but they’re also emblematic of superheroes in general and are profound words to live by.