10 Best Avengers: Endgame Scenes, Ranked

Avengers: Endgame is not just another entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s a culmination of over a decade of storytelling, bringing together threads from twenty-two films. Packed with action, emotion and poignant character moments, it serves as a love letter to fans who have followed the journey from the beginning. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, and produced under the visionary guidance of Kevin Feige, the film marks the end of the Infinity Saga, delivering on its monumental stakes and raking over 2.7 billion dollars worth of tickets worldwide.

Among its many strengths, Avengers: Endgame stands out for delivering some of the most iconic and memorable scenes in cinematic history—moments that bring the loudest cheers in every cinema all over the world. The movie is a once-in-a-generation event, and its success will be difficult to replicate. Even with a runtime that goes to three hours, obsessive and casual Marvel fans do not want to miss one second of this film. This list revisits the best scenes from the star-studded superhero film, ranging from the quieter character moments to the bombastic action involving most of the superheroes Marvel has introduced up until this film. These moments showcase the miracle made by the filmmakers to bring them to life, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of cinema.

10 Ant-Man Returns from the Quantum Realm

“What the hell happened here?” -Ant-Man (Paul Rudd)

A chance encounter with a rat activates the quantum portal, bringing Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) back after five years stuck in the Quantum Realm when Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) disappear in the Snap. Confused and unaware of what has transpired, he realizes the world and his family have moved on without him. Scott’s discovery of how time works differently in the Quantum Realm sparks the idea of time travel, setting the Avengers on a path to restore what was lost.

Scott Lang’s return from the Quantum Realm is a turning point for the remaining Avengers. His return provides the spark of hope the Avengers desperately need, highlighting how even the smallest of chances can lead to something extraordinary. This improbable chance solidifies Doctor Strange’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) words that of all the possibilities, there is this one small chance that leads to victory. Scott’s confusion and heartbreak also acts as the audience’s sense of loss after the events of Avengers: Infinity War, making his journey deeply relatable.

9 Attack on Thanos

“I went for the head.” -Thor (Chris Hemsworth)

Early in Avengers: Endgame, the surviving Avengers track Thanos (Josh Brolin) to a distant, desolate planet, hoping to reverse the Snap. To their surprise, Thanos has used the Stones to destroy the Stones. Weakened and resigned, Thanos tells them his work is done and that the Stones’ destruction ensures his work is inevitable. In an unexpected and shocking move, Thor beheads Thanos with Stormbreaker, but the moment is anything but triumphant.

This confrontation with Thanos is expected to be climactic, but it turns out somber and deeply unsatisfying for the characters, particularly for Thor, who feels guilty for not killing Thanos when he has the chance.

After the massive defeat in Avengers: Infinity War, the audience want to see their heroes win. Instead, this scene plunged our heroes into further despair. This confrontation with Thanos is expected to be climactic, but it turns out somber and deeply unsatisfying for the characters, particularly for Thor, who feels guilty for not killing Thanos when he has the chance. Thor opts for a consolation prize when he finally kills the villain, even though it changes nothing. It hammers the theme of the film, which is coping with loss while searching for hope in the face of impossible odds.

8 Captain America vs Captain America

“I can do this all day.” -Captain America (Chris Evans)

One of the film’s most entertaining sequences unfolds when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) confronts a younger version of himself during the time heist. Mistaking the future Steve for Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in disguise, 2012 Steve engages him in a tense and equal fight. The younger, still-optimistic Steve cannot help but say their iconic “I can do this all day” line, to which the battle-weary Steve tiredly responds, “Yeah, I know.” The fight ends with future Steve outwitting his past self using Loki’s scepter to subdue him. Steve then leaves the scene after checking his own ass that Ant-Man dubs “America’s Ass”.

Watching Captain America fight himself is surreal, giving a high-stake mission a sense of playfulness while staying true to the character’s enduring qualities.

This scene is memorable for its clever callback and fan service. Watching Captain America fight himself is surreal, giving a high-stake mission a sense of playfulness while staying true to the character’s enduring qualities. Add that with the meticulous CG trickery that goes into the scene. It’s also a testament to Steve’s growth, as his quip about doing it “all day” shows how self-aware he has become. The sequence highlights what Marvel does best, giving the fans what they want even though they might not expect it in the first place.

7 Tony Stark Meets Howard Stark

“Thank you for everything you’ve done…for this country.” -Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.)

During the time heist, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Steve Rogers travel to the 1970s to retrieve the Tesseract and more Pym Particles at Camp Lehigh. While there, Tony has an unexpected encounter with his father, Howard Stark (John Slattery). Under the guise of “Howard Potts”, Tony converses with his father about parenthood, ambition, and family, gaining insight into the man he’s always idolized but never fully understood. He even finds out that he is originally about to be named Almanzo. Their meeting ends with a meaningful hug for Tony and an awkward one for Howard.

This scene humanizes Howard, who audiences mostly see through Tony’s eyes, as a source of both inspiration and conflict.

This scene is a touching exploration of Tony’s character arc, providing him with a moment of closure with his father, while also leaving no stone unturned before his ultimate sacrifice later in the film. This scene humanizes Howard, who audiences mostly see through Tony’s eyes, as a source of both inspiration and conflict. The tender dialogue and Robert Downey Jr.’s nuanced performance elevate this scene, making it a quiet yet profoundly impactful highlight of the movie.

6 Hulk Wields the Gauntlet

“It’s like I was made for this.” -Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)

When the Avengers finally gather all six Infinity Stones, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) steps up to wield the makeshift nano gauntlet. As the only one strong enough to survive its immense power, Hulk volunteers despite the risk. Just putting it on takes a toll on him, but Hulk manages to snap his fingers, with the hope of bringing everyone back. The scene is both triumphant and tense, with the team anxiously awaiting confirmation that the snap worked.

As the only one strong enough to survive its immense power, Hulk volunteers despite the risk.

This moment is great because it highlights Hulk’s unique role within the Avengers, combining his gamma-ray infused strength with Bruce Banner’s intelligence and selflessness. After Hulk’s reluctance to fight in the Battle of Wakanda, this acts as some kind of redemption for him, showcasing his evolution from a hero engulfed by rage to a hero with a balanced mind. Moreover, losing Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johannson) to obtain the full set of stones might make Bruce want to step up and make sure her sacrifice is not in vain.

5 Passing the Shield

“How does it feel?” -Steve Rogers (Chris Evans)

After they defeat Thanos in the battle for Earth, Steve Rogers travels back in time to return the Infinity Stones they borrowed but chooses to stay in the past and live a full life with Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). In the present day, an elderly Steve emerges, handing over his iconic shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). Wilson accepts the shield and asks Steve if he wants to tell any stories about his whereabouts, to which Steve declines politely.

The passing of the shield is symbolic, representing Steve’s faith in Sam’s values and ability to carry on his legacy.

The moment is filled with quiet emotion as Steve entrusts Sam with the mantle of Captain America, signaling both an end and a new beginning. This scene is a beautiful conclusion to Steve’s arc, honoring his journey while setting the stage for the future. The passing of the shield is symbolic, representing Steve’s faith in Sam’s values and ability to carry on his legacy. Sam himself has appeared as Captain America in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and will soon embark on his first solo film, Captain America: Brave New World.

4 Natasha’s Sacrifice

“Let me go.” -Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)

During the mission to retrieve the Soul Stone, Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) arrive at Vormir, where they learn that a life must be sacrificed to claim the stone. Understandably, as old friends of each other, they will not let the other die. So both heroes fight to sacrifice themselves for the other, but Natasha ultimately wins, falling to her death to ensure the mission’s success. Clint returns alone to the present, visibly shaken from the loss.

Natasha’s sacrifice is one of the film’s most important and emotional moments, marking the end of her journey as an Avenger. The scene highlights her bond with Clint, who she saves twice in this movie, with the first one when she rescues him from being the vengeful Ronin. Earlier in the movie, Natasha confesses to Steve Rogers that she has found a family in the Avengers, and she is committed to being better because of it. Her sacrifice proves to be the ultimate testament to her commitment.

3 Iron Man Snaps the Gauntlet

“And I am Iron Man.” -Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.)

In the climactic battle against Thanos, Iron Man realizes that he holds the key to the one possibility where the Avengers triumph against the Mad Titan. He steals the Infinity Stones from Thanos’ gauntlet and puts them onto his own. He delivers his iconic final words “I am Iron Man“, and makes the ultimate sacrifice, by snapping his fingers and disintegrating Thanos and his army. However, the power of the stones proves too much for Tony, and he dies surrounded by his friends.

His sacrifice is the culmination of everything Tony has learned and fought for throughout all of his appearances in the MCU.

This scene is unforgettable because it encapsulates Tony Stark’s entire arc, from a selfish billionaire to a selfless hero. His sacrifice is the culmination of everything Tony has learned and fought for throughout all of his appearances in the MCU. The emotional weight, paired with Robert Downey Jr.’s masterful performance, makes this moment one of the most impactful and iconic in cinematic history.

2 Captain America Lifts Mjölnir

“I knew it!” -Thor (Chris Hemsworth)

Even with Iron Man, Thor and Captain America, Thanos is still very powerful. At one moment, Thor is cornered and is about to be wounded by his own Stormbreaker. Mjölnir wiggles from the ground and strikes Thanos, but it returns to Captain America. The moment is followed by a jaw-dropping, thrilling fight as Steve uses the hammer to fight Thanos, effortlessly combining it with his shield for a stunning display of power and skill. He even summons the lightning and strikes it down on the purple titan.

Wielding Mjölnir symbolizes his unwavering morality, bravery, and, cementing Steve Rogers as one of the MCU’s greatest heroes.

This scene is met with thunderous cheers from audiences watching in the cinemas. This moment is a pure payoff for fans who have followed Steve Rogers’ journey since the beginning before he is injected with the super serum. As a selfless person, even without powers, Steve has proven that he is worthy. Wielding Mjölnir symbolizes his unwavering morality, bravery, and, cementing Steve Rogers as one of the MCU’s greatest heroes. Let’s hope Mjolnir doesn’t hear when Steve swears.

1 Avengers Assemble

“Is that everyone?” -Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)

His star-spangled shield is broken and a horde of alien army faces him, but Steve Rogers still marches on. A familiar voice greets him and portals begin to appear across the battlefield, with fallen Avengers like Falcon, Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Doctor Strange and Spider-Man (Tom Holland), returning to fight alongside him. As everyone emerges, Steve calls upon Mjolnir and shouts, “Avengers, assemble”. Then, they charge fearlessly to fight Thanos’ army.

It’s the ultimate culmination of over a decade of storytelling that literally brings all the heroes together in one scene.

The iconic shot of all the heroes assembling is an unforgettable spectacle of unity and triumph. It’s the ultimate culmination of over a decade of storytelling that literally brings all the heroes together in one scene. The sheer scale of the battle, combined with the emotional payoff of seeing so many beloved characters united, creates a sense of awe and excitement, igniting extended applause and cheers in the cinemas. It’s a celebration of everything the franchise has built, delivering a moment that will be rewatched by fans for years to come.

NEXT: The 10 Most Rewatchable Thanos MCU Scenes, Ranked