Throughout the last fourteen years, theMarvel Cinematic Universehas captured the hearts of comic book fans of all generations. They have a specific way of subtly hinting at the nuances captured in the comic books. While they are predominately categorized as action movies, the writers of the franchise bring a clever tongue-in-cheek humor to every movie that’s been released.
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Using humor inMarvelmovies allows audiences to relate with characters who otherwise have a more serious presence in the films. An example is when Tony Stark teaches Nebula how to play paper football inAvengers: Endgame. This scene gave audiences a chance to see Nebula, a ruthless killing machine created by Thanos, in a more humanizing light. Hopefully we’ll see more of this inthe newMorbiusfilm coming later this year, but there are plenty more examples of perfectly timed humor throughout the Marvel franchise.
Iron Man (2008) Caught in the Act
From the very first Marvel film, the writers of the franchise gave Tony Stark that classic egotistical snarky demeanor he has in the comics.Robert Downy Jr.’s role as Iron Man will go down in Marvel history, not just for his ultimate sacrifice for the planet inAvengers: Endgame, but also his witty banter throughout the franchise.
With so many great moments, fans will never forget when Pepper first walked in on Tony trying to get his suit off for the first time, and he said, “Let’s face it, this isn’t the worst thing you’ve caught me doing.”
Iron Man 2 (2010) Tony Meets Fury
Another iconic character typically portrayed in a more serious light is Nick Fury, one ofMarvels best non-super powered characters, played bySamuel L. Jackson. Fans are always eager to see Fury show up in a Marvel film because they know some big secret is either about to be mentioned or uncovered.
One of the funniest moments in Fury’s screen time was when Tony Stark first met him inIron Man 2. Tony says to him, “I’m sorry, I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. Do I look at the patch or the eye?” Even Fury couldn’t help but smirk a little.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) The kiss
While Captain America’s first movie was steeped with Marvel Easter eggs and a rich backstory of whom the first avenger was, the writers couldn’t help but add in a quick one-liner to even out the heavy action of the film.
As Steve Rogers gives Peggy Carter a good luck kiss before he jumps out of a speeding car, he gives Colonel Philips (Tommy Lee Jones) a surprised glance, to which he responds, “I’m not kissin’ you!”
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) Prosthetic Leg
Not only does it have a great soundtrack, butGuardians of the Galaxyis full of great humor. Drax’s inability to understand subtle social cues and sarcasm. Peter Quill’s obsession with being called Star-Lord and everybody rolling their eyes at him.
One of the funniest parts ofGuardians of the Galaxyis when Rocket Raccoon tricks Peter into taking a man’s prosthetic leg, thinking it’s a part of their big plan to break out of jail. What’s even funnier is that the joke continues inGuardians of the Galaxy vol. 2, only with a man’s prosthetic eye.
Ant Man (2015) Baskin Robins
Paul Rudddid an amazing job portraying Scott Lang inAnt-Manparticularly because Lang’s character is so quick-witted, which Rudd fits perfectly.
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While there were many great moments in the movie, the funniest one that stood out the most was when Lang got the job at Baskin Robins after being let out of prison. A young man walks in and tries to order different things that are clearly not on the menu, Lang walks away after being called into the back and says, “Darby, could you just, take care of this idiot, thanks.”
Doctor Strange (2016) First time With the Cape
Steven Strange is probably one of the most serious, complex characters of theMCU. Losing the ability to use your hands when you are a top surgeon is devastating and would cause anyone to lose their sense of humor.
However,Doctor Strangeisn’t without its fair share of funny scenes, one being when Strange meets The Cloak of Levitation for the first time. The cloak is trying to direct Strange in one direction while he is trying to chase after Kaecilius. The idea that the cloak has a mind of its own and disagrees with Strange makes this scene hilarious.
Guardians vol 2 (2017) Mary Poppins
A fan-favorite character from theGuardians of the Galaxymovies has beenMichael Rookeras Yondu Udonta. He is a tough, no-nonsense captain of a group of space pirates. There are very few scenes where we see Yondu as the comedian.
However, inGuardians of the Galaxy vol. 2as Peter and Yondu descend onto the exploding planet of Ego, Peter laughs and says, “You look like Marry Poppins.” Yondu then asks, “Is he cool?” And Peter responds, “Yeah, he’s cool.” As they reach the surface Yondu shouts, “I’m Marry Poppins Y’all,” in one of the funniest scenes in the MCU franchise.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) Korg’s Introduction
While we wait for one ofthe most anticipated MCU projects, Thor: Love and Thunder, lets look back at a great supporting character fromThor: Ragnarok, Korg, voiced by the director of the movieTaika Waititi. Waititi is known for being a hilarious comedian and creating the showWhat We Do in the Shadowsalong withJemaine Clement.
Korg’s introduction inThor: Ragnarokis a hilarious scene as the awkward, rock creature says, “Over here, the pile of rocks waving at you, here. I’m actually a thing, I’m a being. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Korg, I’m kinda like the leader in here. I’m made of rocks, as you can see, don’t let that intimidate you unless you’re made of scissors, teehee.”
Black Panther (2018) We are Vegetarians
A Marvel movie that isn’t remembered for its humor wasBlack Panther. While most of the film was about a community struggling to keep its secrets safe, there were a few funny scenes that stuck out.
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One, in particular, was when Everett Ross met M’Baku for the first time. M’Baku said, “I will fee you too my children,” as Ross’ took an audible gulp. He followed it up with, “I’m kidding, we are vegetarians,” and laughed as everyone looked around confused.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) This is a Man
InAvengers: Infinity War, the Guardians of the Galaxy come upon an unconscious Thor floating in space. They bring him onto the ship and discuss what they should do with him.
After some hilarious back and forth between Drax and Peter about how Peter has put on weight, Rocket confirms, and Peter looks around hurt and bewildered. Drax finally gives the best description of Thor, “It’s like a pirate had a baby with an angel.”
