Top 10 Movie Moments When the Hero Regains Their Power

“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” (2011)
This comic book adaptation was questionable at best, but it did have a few fun moments. A particularly electrifying moment occurs when Johnny Blaze’s lost powers are not only restored, but also supercharged. Johnny succeeds in having the spirit Zarathos exorcized, leaving him human again. Yet, that doesn’t stop him from trying to protect Danny from Roarke, who wants the boy’s body. Just as this ritual transfer begins, a powerless Johnny intervenes, and finds himself subdued. However, in a twist, Danny reignites the flaming-skull hero’s powers. Not only does the rider come back in full action, but he can also go Ghost mode even during the day.

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (2019)
In this Monsterverse threequel, Godzilla emerges as humanity’s only hope of surviving the other deadly Titans awakened by rogue Monarch operatives. During the clash between Godzilla and his nemesis, the alien Ghidorah, the U.S military hits both with the Oxygen Destroyer, which seems to kill Godzilla, while Ghidorah survives. However, the near-death Godzilla takes refuge in an underwater city, and Dr. Serizawa sacrifices himself to deliver a nuclear blast. Reenergized, Godzilla resurfaces from the depths, radiant and powerful once more - and ready to face off with Ghidorah.

“Serenity” (2005)
Picking up from Joss Whedon’s canceled sci-fi series, “Serenity” has our beloved crew on the run from the Alliance and the cannibalistic Reavers. After a dire crash landing, the crew make a last stand. Things look bleak, but everything changes the instant River’s brother Simon is shot. River decides it’s her turn to take care of things, unleashing a whirlwind of fury that demolishes a room full of Reavers. When the blast door opens to River standing tall, it’s a moment of glorious victory.

“Iron Man 3” (2013)
Tony Stark is iconic for many reasons, and his Iron Man suit is definitely one of them. But in this action-packed third installment, he proves that his armor isn’t what makes him a hero. After his near-death experience in “The Avengers”, he finds himself battling sky-high anxiety. A narrow escape from an attack by the mysterious terrorist Mandarin also leaves him without functional armor. Forced to do without it, Tony comes to remember that his greatest weapon is really his mind. He improvises weapons, and manages to infiltrate the villain’s lair. It’s awesome to see him going back to basics, using whatever’s at hand, just like he did when he first made the Iron Man armor.

“Wonder Woman 1984” (2020)
Our Amazon warrior is compassionate, gutsy and a real powerhouse. But there are times when her heart gets in the way of her winning. We see this play out in the sequel to the 2017 hit when her reunion with Steve costs her her god-like power. To reach her full capacity and save the world once again, she kisses Steve goodbye in a tear-jerking scene. Then, we witness the superheroine make an epic comeback right before our eyes. Sure, this standalone sequel has its ups and downs, but the sight of Wonder Woman taking flight is one that leaves us breathless.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” (2011)
Harry’s long-awaited triumph over the archenemy who plagued him from birth was truly magical. When he faces off against Voldemort for the last time, it’s not just any wand fight; it’s one of the series’ most intense battles. Voldemort kills Harry, only for the Boy Who Lived to return to life and continue the fight. The duel sees both hero and villain losing their wands. When they recover them, they become deadlocked in battle … at least at first. In this final showdown, Harry’s Expelliarmus charm deflects Voldemort’s Killing Curse, and the Elder Wand flies back into his hand.

“Spider-Man 2” (2004)
Losing superpowers isn’t just a blow for superheroes but also for those rooting for them. That’s why it’s such joy when their powers bounce back just in time. In Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” sequel, Peter Parker struggles with self-doubt, feeling stressed out and longing for a normal life. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t in his position? This results in the loss of his superpowers. His powers take a while to resurface. But when Mary Jane is in danger, they come back in full force, leading to a fierce battle with Doc Ock on top of a New York City subway train.

“Captain Marvel” (2019)
Marvel’s first female-led movie follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s mightiest heroes amid an intergalactic war. After losing her memory and being brainwashed into believing she’s one of the Kree, Danvers struggles to remember her life on Earth. The Kree have installed an inhibitor to control her powers. But once she unlocks her true identity, she removes the device, giving her full access to her Tesseract-based powers. The Supreme Intelligence is dismayed as she breaks free. The Kree don’t know what hit them!

“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)
When you’re up against the God of Thunder, trying to pin him down can be a big mistake - even if you’re the Goddess of Death. Hela may be Thor’s toughest foe, but she learns this the hard way. In the climactic showdown, she does manage to take Thor’s right eye. But a vision of his father Odin makes him realize his true strength - with or without his hammer, he’s still the god of Thunder. He summons a lightning bolt down on Hela, and throws himself into the fight against her Berserkers. Bruce also had a dramatic comeback in this movie, regaining his powers just in time to battle Fenris.

“The Matrix” (1999)
You can’t be the One if you’re dead … or can you? In a dramatic rescue, Neo saves Morpheus from Agents in the matrix, but then he’s shot dead by Agent Smith. Well, “dead” for a while. He gets better. After Trinity admits her love, he revives, and now he’s able to actually see the matrix. His newfound powers means that he no longer has to dodge bullets - he can just stop them in mid-air. Now it’s Agent Smith who doesn’t stand a chance, with Neo taking him on with ease. It’s a scene made to inspire awe and still gives a chill when we re-watch it.

Which is your favorite instance of a superhero regaining their power after losing it for a while? Let us know in the comment section.