The Marvel Cinematic Universe is not just epic conflicts, cosmic interest, and the fate of the multiverse. It’s also a comedy treasure trove, featuring characters who can toss off a wisecrack as easily as a skullcracker. Marvel has gotten good at putting action and humor together in the years since it began, giving us heroes (and some villains) capable of punching a punchline as well as a punch. Let’s have a look at the ten funniest MCU characters, the ones that make us laugh between the bombs.
10. Groot
Who would have thought a three-word vocabulary talking tree could be so much humor? Vin Diesel’s Groot did it first in Guardians of the Galaxy. Whether he’s dancing, sacrificing himself, or just repeating “I am Groot” at the perfect moment, this bush-brained superhero proves that sometimes less is more. Whether he’s grown-up, baby, or spouty-teenage-attitude, Groot’s humorous moments are always rooted in charm.
9. Bruce Banner
Bruce Banner, especially in Mark Ruffalo’s adept hands, is the perfect blend of hapless scientist and reluctant wit. Sure, he can turn into a gigantic green rage monster, but even when he’s smashing things, there’s a sharp wit underneath. From his straight-faced quips in The Avengers to his awkward attempts to fit in during Thor: Ragnarok, Banner’s humor is as integral a part of his character as his gamma-irradiated body.
8. James “Rhodey” Rhodes
Don Cheadle’s Rhodey, aka War Machine, is the straight man who knows exactly when to let loose with a zinger. He’s Tony Stark’s best friend, and their banter is the stuff of legend—Rhodey’s dry wit perfectly offsets Tony’s showmanship. Whether he’s eye-rolling at superhero hijinks or doling out deadpan one-liners, Rhodey teaches us that sometimes the smartest thing in the room is the one who is not easily fazed.
7. Michelle “MJ” Jones
Zendaya’s MJ reimagines the superhero love interest in razor-sharp deadpan fashion. She’s been serving up sarcasm and side-eye since her appearance in Spider-Man: Homecoming, making whatever scene she’s in a comedic treasure. Her humor is dry but deadly—just ask Peter Parker, who’s often left speechless by her witty one-liners.
6. Katy
Awkwafina’s Katy in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the friend everyone wants to have—brilliantly quick-witted, fiercely loyal, and perpetually prepared to go off with a joke (or an impromptu karaoke party). Her timing is impeccable, offering a welcome counterpoint to the movie’s martial arts display. Katy’s responses to the chaos around her are as hilarious as her one-liners.
5. Loki
Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is the god of mischief because his humor is as sharp as his schemes, and he’s as glad to mock a hero as he is to stab him in the back. Loki’s sense of humor is as broad as it is comedic, from quick-witted repartee to absurd slapstick—his spoof of Captain America and his interaction with Thor are instant classics. Even when he’s doing the bad guy thing, you catch yourself laughing with (or at) him.
4. Happy Hogan
Jon Favreau’s creation, Happy Hogan, has been present from the beginning, and he never disappoints in delivering a laugh—whether he’s mumbledoing about Aunt May or caught up in superhero antics. His loyalty to Tony Stark and the rest of the crew is matched only by his ability to find himself in ridiculous predicaments. Happy’s regular guy perspective gives his comedy a sense of comfort and love.
3. Darcy Lewis
Kat Dennings’ Darcy Lewis is the one-liner queen. Having first appeared in Thor, Darcy injects a shot of irreverence into the realm of gods and science. Her observation of the ridiculous that surrounds her is always spot-on, and she never fails to lighten the mood—whether she’s christening Mjolnir “Mew Mew” or simply being the voice of reason (and sass).
2. Ned Leeds
Jacob Batalon’s Ned is the regular “guy in the chair” and sidekick to Peter Parker. His dorky enthusiasm for all things superhero is infectious, and his overreactions to Peter’s double life are hilarious. From geeking out about Legos to accidentally letting the cat out of the bag, Ned’s enthusiasm and klutzy nature have won over fans.
1. Luis
Michael Peña’s Luis might be restricted to the Ant-Man universe, but he is a lasting image. His breakneck-level plotting, replete with side-splitting digressions and over-the-top hype, is MCU legend in the making. Luis’s monologues are so delightful that you hardly know you’re being provided with exposition—he’s the buddy who can turn even the most mundane story into a laugh riot.