The Marvel Film World gives us lots of great heroes, bad guys, & folks in the middle—but some are unique. They crack norms, switch up old tropes, & change how we look at heroes on-screen. From big culture hits to deep feels, these are the folks who move things. They are key. No matter if you’ve been a fan for life or just got into the MCU, these top figures show us why these tales count.
10. Sprite
We start with Sprite, an Eternal, with a very sad & deep tale. Think of being a kid for all time—never able to grow up, get real love, or be taken as an adult. Sprite’s tale dives into that pain. Her quiet fight with who she is & deep wants adds layers to the wild world of heroes, showing us that feelings can weigh as much as real, heavy things.
9. Kingo
Kingo mixes huge action with loud Bollywood spark. Played by Kumail Nanjiani, Kingo shows off space might & pride in his roots. He brings smiles, yes, but he stands tall for his Desi roots—a rare sight in a Marvel film. His choice to sit out the last fight shows a lot about his own beliefs & trust; he’s both flashy & true.
8. Ajak
Salma Hayek’s Ajak adds warmth, wise ways, & leads power on screen in a true way. More than just a guide, she’s a source of trust & heart among the Eternals. As one of the first Latina leaders, Ajak breaks norms while reshaping what hero leadership can mean—less loud orders, more heart sense. It’s a new & good change in tone.
7. Thena
Angelina Jolie’s Thena is smooth, her grace with power. But under that strong shell is a real, sad tale. Her fight with Mahd Wy’ry—an Eternal’s form of lost mind & wobbly feelings—brings focus to the often overlooked talk on mind health, in high-stakes, high-power tales. Her walk through soft spots & might gives Thena a deep weight that stays.
6. Makkari
Makkari is fast, but her mark lasts. Played by Lauren Ridloff, she’s the first Deaf hero in the MCU, & she nails it. Fast, yes, but also deep, mighty, & cool to watch move. Makkari makes the idea of who can be a hero broader, & it’s about time.
5. Phastos
Phastos doesn’t just show his heart; he builds it into all he makes. As the first out gay hero in the MCU, Phastos breaks ground softly but strongly. His love for his man & son isn’t a side note; it’s key. Nice to see a hero who saves the world & also makes a home & family. He shows real might, often looks like warmth.
4. Black Panther (T’Challa)
T’Challa is more than a king—he’s an icon. When “Black Panther” came out, it was more than a film; it was a big event. A show of African roots, pride, & new ways, all in a rich & moving Marvel movie. Chadwick Boseman’s part gave dignity & boldness to the role, making T’Challa a hero on & off the screen. His mark still rings in the MCU.
3. Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers)
Carol Danvers shot up like a rocket—real & in a big way. As the first woman to lead her own MCU film, she had lots to handle, & she did it with might. Her start gave new life & helped balance a world often run by men. Fly through space or help save the day in “Endgame,” Captain Marvel shows that breaking norms is part of her job.
2. Captain America (Steve Rogers)
Steve Rogers is the true heart of the MCU. Long before he took on big fights or wild space trips, he was the guy who would jump to save others, a thought. That brave act? It’s him all over. From a small start to big battles, his walk is about doing what’s right—even when it’s tough. He’s not just a hero; he’s the goal.
1. Iron Man (Tony Stark)
And at one, the man who began it all: Tony Stark. His shift from rich arms seller to brave hero set it all up for the MCU. He was hard, smart, & at the end, put it all on the line to help save the world. Tony’s walk is about making good, growing, & leaving a mark. Even after he passed, his vibe is in all bits of the Marvel space. For lots of fans, Tony Stark isn’t just a figure—he’s the heart of the MCU.