Top 10 Shocking MCU Moments

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023)

Even though we knew going into the third “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie that it would finally explore the dark details surrounding Rocket’s origins, we really were not prepared for this. Various flashbacks show the High Evolutionary’s cruel and illegal experiments on Rocket and countless other helpless animals. The deranged scientist’s goals of creating perfect people through genetic modifications make him one of the MCU’s most vile villains. This whole plot is an up close and personal look into some pretty deplorable behavior. Seeing the hell that Rocket and his friends go through make this movie genuinely difficult to sit through at times.

“Captain America: Civil War” (2016)

When legislation that would monitor and control individuals with superpowers is proposed, the disagreements between Captain America and Iron Man over it lead to a civil war! While the two eventually form a temporary alliance later, it really doesn’t last long. A haunting revelation ends up further driving the wedge between them when Tony learns the truth. The Winter Soldier was the one who mercilessly killed Tony Stark’s parents. Even if you’re pro-Cap, you can’t blame Tony for being rightfully pissed off. This news took everyone by surprise and further complicated things between Iron Man, Cap, and the Winter Soldier.

“Black Panther” (2018)

Not to rip off Dom Toretto’s whole schtick, but there’s probably no bond greater than family. So when King T’Chaka of Wakanda kills Prince N’Jobu, it definitely breaks that bond. During T’Chaka’s tenure as the Black Panther, his brother was illegally transporting Vibranium, with the goal being to incite a revolution. The argument and immediate confrontation between the two brothers eventually turns deadly as T’Chaka kills his own brother. A decision like this is plenty shocking. But what’s even more surprising is the reveal that the movie’s villain Erik Killmonger is the son of Prince N’Jobu. That’s one awkward family reunion!

“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021)

Odds aren’t entirely in John Walker’s favor when he’s revealed as the next Captain America. The decision angered characters and fans alike. Trying to live up to the mantle can be daunting. So unfortunately, it’s no surprise that eventually all of that pressure finally gets to him. When his partner Lemar Hoskins dies during their battle with the insurgency group known as the Flag Smashers, Walker’s grief quickly turns to revenge. He hunts down one of the members, and in his frustration, brutally murders him. To make matters worse, he does it in front of a crowd. And to make it even more worse, he does it with the shield! Walker’s pain is understandable, but this act tarnishes what the shield means.

“Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019)

Spider-Man may beat Mysterio in “Far From Home,” but it’s the deceptive villain who undeniably has the last laugh. In a post-credits scene, a video message plays showing Mysterio reveal the identity of Spider-Man and also frame Peter as the bad guy. Peter’s shock is all of ours at the sudden bombshell. Sure, the audience knows Spider-Man’s identity all along, but that’s hardly the same case for most of the Marvel universe. The reveal leaves the movie on a crazy cliffhanger. And it also ends up directly influencing the events of the next movie “No Way Home.” That’s definitely one way to get the ball rolling!

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

Star-Lord is thrilled when he finally gets to meet his dad Ego the living planet in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Ego seems to just be the coolest dad, and for a while everything is going perfectly. But you know the saying, if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is. During a monologue, Ego explains to Peter his goals. And he then lets it slip that he was the one who placed the tumor into the brain of Peter’s mother. The sudden reveal takes Peter for a loop. But it isn’t very long until he renounces his heritage and begins fighting his now-estranged father. Honestly, what did you expect was going to happen, Ego? Sorry but we’re siding with Star-Lord!

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022)

Patrick Stewart returns as Professor X, John Krasinski is Mister Fantastic, the Illuminati is finally here! Aaaand now they’re all dead. “Multiverse of Madness” explores multiple alternate Earths as well as a Scarlet Witch who’s gone rogue. In pursuit of bringing her kids back into existence, she taps into the dangerous power of the Darkhold. When the Illuminati (composed of multiversal versions of superheroes) arrives to stop Wanda, this fight becomes a bloodbath. Wanda pretty mercilessly murders the heroes. The brutal and inventive kills make this feel at times like we’re watching an actual horror movie. And that’s probably just what its director Sam Raimi was likely going for. This is a spooky battle!

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014)

When Captain America wakes up in the modern day, he hopes that the evil organization Hydra is a thing of the past. Unfortunately that doesn’t turn out to be the case at all. A computerized Arnim Zola reveals the truth to Cap and Black Widow. Hydra has actually been infiltrating S.H.I.E.L.D. for years, just slowly biding their time and waiting to strike. You’d think discovering Bucky Barnes is now a brainwashed assassin would be the shocking twist. But we were wrong! Not only did Hydra not die out, they’re arguably more influential now than ever. That’s definitely got to sting a bit for Cap.

“Avengers: Endgame” (2019)

It had been long suspected that some major characters would be killed off during “Avengers: Endgame.” It’s the MCU’s biggest film to date and the culmination of everything it had been building towards since the very first “Iron Man” movie. So it’s only fitting that Tony Stark gets to have his swan song. While Thanos thinks he’s bested the universe’s heroes, Tony captures the Infinity Stones and wields his own Iron Man-branded Infinity Gauntlet. Time just feels like it stands completely still during this scene. And when Tony says those three legendary words, we know his sacrifice will pay off. You can’t get a better sendoff than this!

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

We Definitely Did Not See This Coming

An Existential Bombshell

This Super Soldier Wasn’t Given the Respect He Deserved at First

“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)

Throughout the history of storytelling, we’ve basically been trained to know that the villain always loses. So it’s kind of a shock when the villain actually wins in “Infinity War.” Sure, Thanos absolutely does get defeated eventually, but that definitely doesn’t happen in this movie! In fact, Thanos does exactly what he intended to do: erase half of all life from the universe. His pursuit of this goal leads to multiple shocking deaths, too, like the deaths of Gamora, Loki, and many others. We’ll never be able to forget that moment when Thanos snaps his fingers and every other person begins to fade away. Thor definitely should have gone for the head!