Top 10 Best Loki MCU Moments

“Thor” (2011)

Even if you weren’t well-versed in the comics or Norse mythology, Loki’s villainous turn in the first “Thor” movie didn’t surprise many. What did catch some outsiders off guard is how tragic Loki’s backstory is. Going through an identity crisis, Loki confronts his “father” and the truth. Following the Battle of Jotunheim, Odin discovered King Laufey’s infant son. Changing the little Frost Giant’s appearance, Odin raised the child as his own. Loki was - of course - that baby. The reveal encompasses the epic scale and Shakespearan tragedy we’d expect from director Kenneth Branagh, as Loki realizes that he’s been denied his birthright, heritage, and the truth. Odin’s sudden descent into slumber doesn’t soften the below as Loki takes what he feels is rightfully his.

“Avengers: Endgame” (2019)

On paper, bringing Loki back through time travel following his fate in “Infinity War” might sound kind of cheap. It’s all about execution, though, and the MCU pulled off Loki’s comeback flawlessly. During the Time Heist, everything is going according to plan until 2012 Hulk shows 2023 Tony the door. An escape route is served to the captive Loki on a silver platter as the Tesseract is sent sliding to his feet. While confused, Loki doesn’t think twice about picking the cube up and disappearing into the unknown. This was a gripping hook for the “Loki” series, which finds him in the Gobi Desert before being taken to the TVA. Loki may be a god, but there’s no greater power in this universe than bureaucracy.

“The Avengers” (2012)

With some iridium, his scepter, and an oversized helmet that only he could pull off, Loki has everything required to make the people of Earth kneel. In a film full of heroic moments, one of the most underrated finds an elderly German man refusing to submit to Loki as the rest of the crowd trembles. Given the man’s age and heritage, it’s safe to say that he’s encountered even worse monsters. Loki nearly makes an example out of him before he’s given a taste of Cap’s shield. Natasha provides Rogers with backup, but it isn’t until Iron Man blasts onto the scene that Loki finally surrenders. Being the God of Mischief, though, his capture is all a part of his grand scheme.

“Thor: The Dark World” (2013)

“Dark World” isn’t among the better MCU movies or even the better “Thor” movies. It is one of Loki’s best showcases, however. Aside from getting the funniest one-liners, Loki undergoes the most engaging emotional journey. Nowhere is this more apparent than when Frigga dies. Although Loki essentially disowned his adoptive family, he always maintained a soft spot for his maternal figure. Even after everything he did, Frigga cared for Loki unconditionally. Her death pushes Loki to the edge, especially since his reckless actions contributed to this loss. When a desperate Thor turns to Loki for help, there’s still bad blood between the brothers. They may not trust each other, but their truce is fueled by their mutual love for Frigga and rage.

“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)

“Ragnarok” sees Loki officially make the leap from villain to antihero with the Sakaaran Rebellion marking one of his most significant turning points. The climax throws everything at us, including a giant wolf and the Hulk. We guess Loki is the kitchen sink in this case, as he crashes the battle with the gladiators for a last-minute rescue. Loki knows how to make an entrance, and he doesn’t disappoint here. Emerging from the shadows aboard a ship while proclaiming himself as Asgard’s savior, Loki’s arrival couldn’t be more on-brand. At the same time, Loki’s newfound heroic side shines through as he joins in the glorious final battle. Accepting his place as an Asgardian and Thor’s brother, Loki’s redemption arc comes to a satisfying climax.

“Loki” (2021-)

Many suspected that the first season of “Loki” would pave the way for the multiverse. The season also took us to plenty of unexpected places, especially when it came to Loki’s relationship with female variant Sylvie. As similar as these two can be, we see how different they are when He Who Remains gives them a choice that could forever alter the Sacred Timeline. Sylvie puts her revenge above all else while Loki expresses what he wants most of all. What ensues is the show’s most romantic moment thus far… followed by one of the most heartbreaking. Sending Loki away, Sylvie does what he came to do. Whatever happens next, nothing will ever be the same for Loki, Sylvie, or the rest of the multiverse.

“The Avengers” (2012)

Big god in a shiny helmet. Take that off, what are you? Well, a puny god, that’s what. Loki’s ego is taken down a peg when Hawkeye’s exploding arrow sends him spiraling into a fight against the Hulk. We suppose calling it a “fight” might be generous, as Loki only gets in a few pretentious words before the Hulk starts smashing him around like a ragdoll. It’s anti-climatic in the best way, but the joke doesn’t end there. After seemingly finding a safe haven, Loki is horrified to learn that Hulk is also on Sakaar. Of all the Avengers, Hulk clearly left Loki with the most scars. Instead of a rematch, though, Hulk gives Thor a taste of how it feels, much to Loki’s amusement.

“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)

After seemingly sacrificing himself while fending off Algrim, Loki slivers into his father’s place as the ruler of Asgard. Even if you saw this twist coming, seeing Loki on the throne surely had you grinning with him. Upon returning home, Thor can immediately sense that something is off. Asgard doesn’t look nearly as disastrous under Loki’s control as one would suspect. However, it’s draped in Loki’s massive ego, from the towering statue in his honor to a play that takes some hilarious creative liberties. In a testament to what a phenomenal actor Anthony Hopkins is, he couldn’t be more convincing as Loki playing Odin. Loki may have Asgard fooled, but Thor sees right through his brother’s disguise, forcing him to come clean.

“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)

“Infinity War” opens with a few memorable callbacks, but our favorite is Loki telling Thanos that his team has a Hulk. To the shock of Loki and everyone else, the fight between Hulk and Thanos is relatively short. Since Hulk wiped the floor with Loki, the God of Mischief doesn’t stand a chance against the Mad Titan. Regardless, Loki is ready to die trying to save his brother rather than betray him again. It shows how far Loki has come, although his selfless deed doesn’t end in triumph. Loki’s demise is among the MCU’s most brutal moments, setting a tone for the emotional rollercoaster that is “Infinity War.” The only thing sadder than watching Loki die? Watching Loki from an alternate timeline watch Loki die.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Coulson’s Death, “The Avengers” (2012)
This Is Where Rooting for Loki Gets Tricky

Loki as Cap, “Thor: The Dark World” (2013)
Ha, Ha, Okay, All Is Forgiven, Loki

Falling for 30 Minutes, “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)
Now That’s a Half-Hour We Want to See

Get Help, “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)
A Brotherly Bond Shines Through

Loki’s Love Life, “Loki” (2021-)
Sylvie and the City

“Loki” (2021-)

Sylvie is far from the only variant that Loki crosses paths with throughout his eponymous series. In one of the many moments that had the internet buzzing, Loki arrives in the void where he meets Classic Loki, Kid Loki, Boastful Loki, and Alligator Loki, the latter of whom probably would’ve dominated this list had it gotten more screen time. The Loki party doesn’t end there, as he’s soon confronted by a presidential counterpart and his army. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that all Lokis have traitorous tendencies. We weren’t prepared to see Alligator Loki bite off President Loki’s hand, however. Between Hulk and Alligator Loki, he really needs to stop underestimating green creatures. The ensuing fight is all the Loki we could ask for.