Top 20 Best MCU Easter Eggs

The Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)


James Gunn really likes to flex his knowledge of the source material. By including the Collector in his first Guardians of the Galaxy film, he got the opportunity to include a whole assortment of recognizable oddities to thrill his fellow comic book lovers. Amidst the Collectors many cases we can spot Cosmo the Space Dog, who many will recognize from his time with the Guardians in the comics. Then theres Howard the Duck, everyones favorite hard-drinking mallard. You can also spot a Dark Elf and a Chitauri. What more could fans ask for?

Ant-Man (2015)


Weve said it before and well say it again - its nice to see a characters first comic book appearance get an on-screen nod. While Thors debut got a billboard, Ant-Mans actually got some lip-service courtesy of the movies villain, Darren Cross, aka Yellowjacket. The original Ant-Man, Hank Pym, made his comic book debut in Tales to Astonish #27, which saw the discovery of the Pym particles and Hanks first experiences with shrinking. It was 8 issues later in the same title that Dr. Pym would debut as a bonafide superhero, adopting the mantle of Ant-Man. In the film, after showing footage of Hanks early adventures, Cross loudly proclaims Tales to Astonish! Its quick, but a nice nod nonetheless!

Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)


Nowadays, no one stays dead in comics. If a character is killed off, theyre sure to make a triumphant return in a matter of months or years, probably with a complicated story arc detailing the means by which they cheated death. But that wasnt always the case. In 1968, after 27 years of service at Captain Americas side, Bucky Barnes was retroactively killed off in World War II. And he stayed dead for nearly four decades. Then in 2005, writer Ed Brubaker revived Bucky and gave us the awesome character known as the Winter Soldier. Well, when Bucky came back from the dead in the MCU, Ed Brubaker did it again by playing one of the on-screen scientists!

Ms. Marvel (2022)

While this TV show mostly stands alone, it has a significant tie-in to the wider MCU. In a flashback to 1942, the Clandestines find a bangle or quantum band in an Indian temple. On the floor you can see the symbol of the Ten Rings, the criminal organization from Shang-Chi. But how the band ended up there remains a mystery. Wenwu might have collected various artifacts over the centuries, which may have led to an encounter with the Kree. The quantum bands might also be linked to the actual ten rings, as both are ancient weapons of other-worldly origins. In any case, this is an interesting little reference thats sparked many theories.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)


This one isnt exactly subtle, but hey, an iconic superhero punching one of the most hated men in history shouldnt really be subtle, now should it? During his performance for the troops, Captain America winds up and throws a simulated punch right at the Fuhrer's face. Even without the comic book context, it would be a widely appreciated moment, but what makes it all the sweeter is the fact that this right hook is taken straight from the cover of Captain America #1, first published in March of 1941. Cap has weathered his fair share of changes over the years, so it was nice to see the filmmakers pay tribute to his fascist-smashing roots.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Before Erik Selvig mapped out Marvels reality in Thor: The Dark World, this map was a major clue for what was to come. It marked Tonys Malibu mansion and New York, which could either be the site of the Stark Expo or the Hulks battle in Harlem. Theres also a tease of a frozen Steve Rogers in Greenland, and Thor landing in New Mexico. Then theres the hotspot in Africa that could be Wakanda, and the one in the Atlantic Ocean thats not too far away from Talokan, Namors underwater kingdom. Its impressive how they foreshadowed characters who wouldnt appear until years later.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)

Marvel clearly hasnt shied away from paying tribute to its TV and film predecessors. In the finale to She-Hulk, we get a show opening that is straight out of the seventies. Complete with retro visuals and dramatic narration, this is a clear reference to the iconic opening titles of the The Incredible Hulk series. Everything from the film grain to entire recreated shots make this a clever gag for fans of the original show. Tatiana Maslany even has a male body double, echoing Lou Ferrignos role as the jade giant.

All of Phase Two (2013-15)


Have you noticed that somebody loses an arm in every Phase Two movie? While viewers know that Bucky lost his arm to become the Winter Soldier, there are even more severed limbs in this phase. The villains Killian, Malekith, and Klaue all suffer this violent fate. Yellowjacket also loses his right arm to the Quantum Realm, and even Groot and Nebula experience similar losses, although with Nebula is not a whole arm. So why did this keep happening? Well its Feiges way of honoring The Empire Strikes Back and its impact on the franchise. Just like how Luke lost his hand to Vader, various characters in phase two have the same kind of injury.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

There was a time when Foxs X-Men were the biggest superhero team in cinema. While Marvel Studios could have started fresh, theyre honoring the old guard in their own way. When Wanda attacks the Illuminati, Charles Xavier delivers some advice. The line he uses is from Days of Future Past, where Xavier talks to his younger and more cynical self. This moment captures the heart that Stewart brought to the role over twenty years ago. Its only fitting that he uses this quote to show his trust in Stephen, and its reassuring that his faith in others remains constant throughout the multiverse.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Namor was long thought to be a character too difficult to adapt for the MCU, mostly due to rights issues with Universal. Fortunately, Wakanda Forever finally did the character justice. The film captures everything we love about the anti-hero his signature intensity, regality, and winged feet. They even included his comic book catchphrase in his fight with Shuri. The line Imperius Rex roughly translates from Latin to Empire King. Though it doesnt quite fit his MesoAmerican roots, its still a great nod to the comics that showcases his arrogance and power.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)

After his return in No Way Home, it was just a matter of time before we saw Matt Murdock show up in another project. Since She-Hulk also features a superhero lawyer, it made perfect sense for him to appear. Their team-up brought thrilling fights, electric chemistry, and a recognizable piece of music. Amid some banter between Jen and Matt, the opening theme to Netflixs Daredevil plays. This was a cherished callback to one of Marvels best shows, and a reassuring sign that the elements that made it work were not being forgotten.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

When Thor gets stranded on Sakaar, hes forced to fight the Hulk in the Contest of Champions. But who held the title of Champion before Bruce? As Thor is brought to the Grandmasters palace, you can see sculptures of previous contest winners. Among them are the Hulk villains Bi-Beast and Dark-Crawler, suggesting that they may have been defeated by him in the arena. The more recognizable faces include Ares, a former Mighty Avenger, and Beta Ray Bill, an ally of Thor whos worthy of lifting his hammer. The creature known as Man-Thing also has a sculpture. Looks like he had adventures beyond escaping monster hunters in Werewolf by Night.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

This movie is packed with easter eggs related to Wolverines history, and the best one is this blink-and-you-miss-it moment. As Deadpool explores the multiverse, he runs into a Logan who is about to face the Hulk. Wolverines classic brown and tan suit is already a visual treat, but if you look closely, you can also spot the Hulks reflection in his claws. This image recreates Todd McFarlanes cover of Incredible Hulk #340. The art has become iconic to Marvel fans, and seeing it brought to life on the big screen is nothing short of thrilling.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)


More so than perhaps any other director working for Marvel, James Gunn has a deep, deep love for the source material from which hes drawing upon. While Peter Quill and company are the line-up that have seen the greatest success both in terms of comic book sales and in making it to the big screen, they are in fact the second group of oddball characters to use the label Guardians of the Galaxy. As a nod to Guardians who came before his, Gunn brought to life some of the original crew for one of his post-credit scenes. We got to see StarHawk, Charlie-27, Martinex, Mainframe, Aleta, and Krugarr. Oh, and lets not forget the original Guardians first enemy, Taserface!

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)


When Tom Holland donned the tights, he became the third big-screen Spider-Man, but the FIRST to join the MCU. He received a warm welcome from audiences and MCU devotees, but with Spider-Man: Homecoming, he also raised a few questions. Like... will Tom Holland be the only Spider-Man in this universe? Donald Glover played a small-time criminal known as the Prowler, who, in the comics, is none other than the uncle of Miles Morales - who took on the role of Spider-Man after Peters death in the Ultimate universe. Glover also happened to voice Miles on the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon, making this small moment truly fascinating.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

You know that a cinematic universe is doing well when its expansive enough that it can start making references back to its early films. In Civil War, Captain Americas third solo outing and fifth appearance in the franchise, he comments to friend-turned-enemy Tony Stark I can do this all day. Does the line sound familiar? Thats because Steve Rogers is quoting a much younger version of himself from many decades back. Before undergoing the experimental treatment that turned him into the super soldier he is today, he uttered those exact words to a jerk beating him up behind a theater. A lot changes over time, but not the fighting spirit and optimism of Steve Rogers.

The Marvels (2023)

This mid-credits scene was a mind-boggling development for the MCU. When Monica wakes up on another Earth, we quickly learn that her mother is not only alive in this universe, but that shes also an ally of the X-Men. Kelsey Grammers Beast appears as well, hinting that this could be taking place in the timeline of the original X-Men movies. As Monica starts to realize whats happened, a nostalgic piece of music likely confirms the theory. The score that plays softly in the background is unmistakably John Ottmans X-Men theme, hinting at the possibility of a future crossover.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)


There are many ways in which Marvel has paid homage to Spider-Mans co-creators. In addition to borrowing Steve Ditkos classic costume, an important moment from the comics was brought to life here. When Peter is trapped under a collapsed building, hes left defeated and crying for help. This is a live-action take on a scene from The Amazing Spider-Man #33. Although the stories are different, both feature Spider-Man finding the strength to free himself. The comic has since become famous for highlighting Peters ability to overcome self-doubt. With that context, Homecoming perfectly captures the spirit of Lee and Ditkos creation.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)


When Spider-Man came to the MCU, we thought wed never see Andrew Garfield as the character again. But not only did he make a triumphant return, he also found some closure. Fans will recall that Peter failed to save Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. His chance at redemption eventually came in the final act of No Way Home. When MJ falls from the Statue of Liberty, Peter 3 immediately springs into action and saves her. He then takes a beat to recover, reflecting on Gwens heartbreaking death. Its one of the films most emotional moments, especially for those who have followed Garfields journey as Spider-Man from the beginning.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)


There was a time when an appearance from the man himself was a guarantee in every Marvel movie. But even then we wondered how all of his characters could exist within the same universe. Thankfully we got an answer to this question. In Guardians Vol 2, Lee cameos as an informant for the Watchers, a race of beings who observe the multiverse. We catch him in the middle of telling a story about his time as a delivery driver. This is a reference to his cameo in Captain America: Civil War. If those two are the same character, its likely that all his characters are the same person. Yes, even the barber who cut Thors hair.


The MCU has too many easter eggs to count. Are there ones better than our picks? Let us know down below.