The Marvel Cinematic Universe never lacked for spectacle, but with Eternals brought that level of cosmic scope to a whole new level. These prehistoric immigrants, born of the Celestials and dispatched to Earth to shield humanity from the monstrous Deviants, all possess distinct powers ranging from the incredible to the mystifyingly specific. But come on—not all powers are created equal. Some of the Eternals are true game-changers, while others have more supporting roles in the cosmic order. Here’s a breakdown of the Eternals, listed from weakest to strongest.
10. Ajak (Salma Hayek)
Ajak is the team’s spiritual leader and the only one who can communicate with Arishem, the Judge, a Celestial who is in charge of civilizations. Her primary power is healing, which is essential for keeping the team alive, but during battle, she is more of a healer and go-between than an asset on the front lines. Her wisdom and leadership are her greatest strengths, but in sheer power terms, she isn’t number one on the list.
9. Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani)
Kingo adds pizzazz and charm, whether fighting or performing on the Bollywood stage. His energy release via finger blasts is flashy and entertaining, but less so compared to aggressive hitters on the squad. He’s a long-range combatant with plenty of charm to go around, but his power set is comparatively simple.
8. Gilgamesh (Don Lee)
The physically strongest Eternal, Gilgamesh, is the team’s tank—tough, strong, and designed for close battle. His gold gauntlets and raw power turn him into a formidable fighter who can take anything out there, but his set of skills is extremely specialized. Nevertheless, his loyalty and compassion bring emotional depth to having him on the team.
7. Druig (Barry Keoghan)
Druig’s mind-controlling power makes him one of the most morally nuanced Eternals. In the proper setting, it’s a wondrously formidable ability. It doesn’t work against Deviants, and it’s useless in straight-up combat. His powers thrive in social or tactical situations, but their effectiveness varies greatly based on the adversary.
6. Thena (Angelina Jolie)
As the group’s warrior, Thena can summon any weapon she desires and strike with deadly accuracy. Her martial skills are peerless, and she adds a mythic element to every fight. Her abilities are dedicated exclusively to combat, and her inner demons sometimes keep her from performing at her best.
5. Ikaris (Richard Madden)
With flight and laser vision, Ikaris ticks all the boxes for classic superheroes. He’s powerful, speedy, and perhaps the team’s greatest all-around fighter. Still, his abilities are limited in variety, and the fact that he’s dependent on raw power renders him less versatile than a few of his fellow teammates.
4. Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry)
Phastos is the genius of the group, with the ability to come up with fantastic technology out of thin air. His creations tend to tip the balance in favor of the Eternals in a tough spot. Though he’s no hand-to-hand combatant, his brains and energy, and matter manipulation abilities make him irreplaceable in strategy.
3. Makkari (Lauren Ridloff)
Speedster powers never become stale, and Makkari provides tremendous momentum to the team. Her lightning-quick reflexes and attacks enable her to outmaneuver nearly any foe. She’s not just a brawler in combat but an explorer and scholar as well, providing her with more utility than simply combat.
2. Sprite (Lia McHugh)
Sprite’s ability to create illusions is limited only by her imagination. She can deceive the senses, disorient foes, and produce realistic deceptions. Although her illusions cannot hurt in the physical sense, their strategic value is significant. Her agelessness adds a touch of pathos to her history, but her powers are among the team’s most flexible and mind-controlling.
1. Sersi (Gemma Chan)
Sersi’s ability to transmute matter gives her near-limitless potential. She can reshape non-living materials into virtually anything she imagines—and by the end of the film, she even evolves to affect living matter. This reality-bending power, combined with her deep compassion, makes her the true heart and most powerful member of the Eternals.
The Cosmic Balance
Every Eternal has something different to offer—be it brute power, strategic brilliance, or philosophical insight. Collectively, they are a group that not only represents strength but also the richness of what it is to be human. Or near enough. And with the Celestials looming in the background, their tale in the Marvel Universe has only just begun.