The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has faced some criticism for its third-act issues, but opinions on this topic vary. One possible reason for this perception is that some of the most exciting action scenes in the MCU are often packed into the beginning of their films. This can be both a blessing and a curse for moviegoers. However, for those watching these movies at home, they can enjoy the adrenaline-pumping scenes whenever and wherever they happen.
While the MCU certainly loves its epic battles, full-scale brawls and intense conflicts can also be a part of the rising excitement or even the introduction. The franchise is overflowing with jaw-dropping action, so it’s no surprise that some of the most thrilling moments occur earlier in the story than expected. This could be seen as a challenge of having an excess of action. Keeping this in mind, let’s appreciate the films that unleash their mind-blowing action scenes unexpectedly.”
1. The Bus Brawl In ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’
The life of the main character in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings seems pretty ordinary at first. However, everything changes when a group of thugs from the Ten Rings organization attacks him on a bus in San Francisco. Their goal? To forcefully take away his family pendant. What follows is an epic fight where Shang-Chi displays his incredible martial arts skills to everyone present, including his best friend Katy, and even captures the attention of the world through social media.
This particular scene feels like a thrilling combination of Jackie Chan’s acrobatics and the high-stakes action in the movie Speed. Shang-Chi effortlessly flips around the chaotic bus, evading both his attackers and innocent passengers. Throughout the chaos, he takes off and puts on his jacket without missing a beat. By the end, the bus is split in half, with Shang-Chi on one side and his opponents on the other. Miraculously, the bus comes to a stop shortly after.
This is just the beginning of the intense fights that unfold in the film. From a showdown between Wong and Abomination in a cage to an epic battle on a scaffolding, there are plenty of thrilling moments. However, none of them can quite match the sheer energy and excitement of the bus brawl that kicks off the action.
2. The Prison Break In ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
The Guardians of the Galaxy, in their first adventure, showcase their individual strengths as they escape from the Kyln. Right from the start, Groot’s well-intentioned but premature act of tearing off the prison’s emergency lockdown device sets off a wild chain of events. It becomes a chaotic race to execute the escape plan, with even Rocket not fully comprehending the details.
Star-Lord, in his clumsy way, attempts to lead the group, while Gamora demonstrates ruthless efficiency. Drax, on the other hand, revels in causing mayhem, and Rocket finds humor in the chaos. Each Guardian is at their best as they break free from the Kyln, taking the audience on an exhilarating journey towards freedom.
Although later action sequences, like the storming of Xandar, deliver powerful emotional moments, they don’t quite match the sheer excitement of the prison break.
3. The Gladiator Fight In ‘Thor: Ragnarok’
Thor: Ragnarok is an absolute blast of an adventure that takes us on a wild ride through the Nine Realms. This film really embraces the unique and eccentric world of Asgard, but it’s the action-packed moments on Sakaar that truly steal the show. I mean, seriously, can anything else compare to the epic showdown between Thor and Hulk in an otherworldly gladiatorial arena?
This scene is like something straight out of a comic book, but it’s brought to life with such intensity and detail. Watching these two powerhouses pummel each other, sending shockwaves through the air and then crashing back down, is just mind-blowing. And the way it answers the lingering question of what happened to Hulk after Avengers: Age of Ultron is just perfect. If you were lucky enough to experience it without any spoilers, the sight of Hulk bursting through those arena doors must have been absolutely incredible.
The only downside is the somewhat abrupt ending, but that’s easily overshadowed by the non-stop action that follows. Even though the subsequent sequences may not reach the same level of sheer excitement, they still pack a punch and keep you thoroughly entertained.
4. The Hulkbuster Showdown In ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’
The Avengers have always been a close-knit group, but unfortunately, we haven’t seen much hero-on-hero action from them due to their unity. However, Avengers: Age of Ultron finally satisfies this desire by having the Scarlet Witch use her powers to control the Hulk and make him attack his own teammates. This leads to Tony Stark putting on the Hulkbuster armor to find out who is the strongest among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
The Hulk and the Hulkbuster engage in a destructive battle throughout downtown Johannesburg, causing buildings to crumble and the ground to shatter beneath them. The fight includes some amazing visual gags, like Stark summoning a new fist in the middle of the chaos. Surprisingly, the brawl ends with the Hulk being knocked unconscious, although Wanda Maximoff’s magic may have played a role in this outcome.
This clash in Johannesburg not only leaves a lasting impact, but it also turns public opinion against the Avengers. While other action sequences in Age of Ultron, such as the semi chase or the final robot battle, are entertaining and visually stunning, they don’t quite leave the same impression. It’s the conflict between teammates that truly resonates with moviegoers.
5. The Busan Throwdown In ‘Black Panther’
Black Panther is packed with visually stunning clashes between characters, whether they’re intense fights in the plains of Wakanda or more personal confrontations on top of a waterfall. However, nothing comes close to the explosive mix of adrenaline and hostility as the showdown with Ulysses Klaue and his gang in a Busan casino, which quickly spills out into the surrounding streets.
Once Okoye is identified and the music starts playing, we are treated to a continuous shot of Wakandan badassery until Klaue cowardly tries to escape, revealing his powerful sonic arm in the process. T’Challa pursues Klaue onto the street, where he jumps onto a vibranium car controlled remotely by Shuri back in Wakanda, and the action kicks off. Okoye and Nakia quickly join the chase, preventing T’Challa from killing Klaue after the inevitable crash.
This thrilling pursuit does more to showcase Wakanda’s technological superiority to the world than any UN press conference ever could.
6. The Monaco Grand Prix In ‘Iron Man 2’
Contrary to its title, Iron Man 2 primarily focuses on Tony Stark rather than his armored alter ego. In fact, the action involving Iron Man doesn’t kick in until well into the first act. It all starts when Stark takes the driver’s seat of his Formula One car at the Grand Prix de Monaco, with Ivan Vanko, also known as Whiplash, joining the track. From there, things escalate rapidly.
Vanko manages to slice through a few cars, leaving Stark vulnerable and defeated. Luckily, he is saved by the impressive bravery of Happy Hogan and the somewhat questionable hand-off skills of Pepper Potts. This leads to one of the most memorable suit-ups in the entire franchise, followed by a satisfying defeat of Whiplash that remains unmatched.
The remainder of the film showcases a great deal of flying, shooting, and dancing, but none of it possesses the same raw intensity and visceral impact as the events at the Circuit de Monaco. It’s worth noting that this is the only instance in which Vanko actually appears cool.
7. The Restaurant Fracas In ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’
In the world of Ant-Man, things get exciting when the action takes place on a smaller scale. Sure, it’s impressive when Scott Lang grows to enormous proportions with his Pym Particles, but the real thrill comes when Ant-Man and the Wasp face off against Sonny Burch and his gang in a disastrous restaurant meeting.
During the chaos, Hope van Dyne takes charge and shows off her impressive combat skills. She effortlessly moves around the kitchen, gracefully dodging knives and incapacitating criminals with giant salt shakers. Scott Lang joins the fray when the formidable Ghost makes her grand entrance, leading to an intense and entertaining battle.
While Luis’s epic car chase through the streets of San Francisco is definitely noteworthy, it doesn’t quite compare to the sight of two tiny heroes taking on an entire criminal organization in the hidden corners of a family establishment. What sets this film apart from others in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is that it concludes with a peaceful resolution, with both sides engaging in dialogue to resolve their differences. So, there’s no big final fight to anticipate here.
8. The Storming Of The Lemurian Star In ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’
Captain America’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is relatively action-free. He stars in a nice, little origin story that ends with him crashing a plane into ice. In the 2012 Chitauri invasion, he primarily plays an inspirational role. However, it is in Captain America: The Winter Soldier that Steve Rogers truly gets to showcase his abilities as a Super Soldier. This happens during the retaking of the Lemurian Star.
During this mission, Cap jumps out of a plane without a parachute, setting the stage for an exciting display of his peak human abilities. He moves across the deck silently, using his shield to crack jaws and delivering powerful kicks that would likely cause long-term spinal damage. It is the world’s fastest and most violent stealth mission. The climax of this mission is a one-on-one confrontation with Batroc the Leaper. Cap tackles Batroc through a closed door, leading to the film’s central mystery.
Among the various action scenes in the film, there are no bad choices. The highway fight and the Steve vs. Bucky showdown at the climax are both worthy contenders for the best sequence. However, the storming of the Lemurian Star goes beyond being just a sequence. It makes a powerful statement and has forever changed the way fans perceive the character of Captain America.
9. The Malibu Attack In ‘Iron Man 3’
In Iron Man 3, Happy Hogan gets hurt in an explosion caused by A.I.M. Tony Stark, wanting to take revenge, goes on live TV to challenge the Mandarin. He even gives out his home address and invites the Mandarin to come find him. And guess what? The invitation is accepted.
Suddenly, a bunch of helicopters show up and start bombarding Tony’s luxurious Malibu home with missiles. Tony, being the genius he is, has secretly programmed the Iron Man armor to respond to Pepper Potts instead of him. So, Pepper uses the experimental armor to rescue Maya Hansen, while Tony escapes the gunfire without his suit. But don’t worry, he calls the armor back to him just in time for a showdown with the attackers. However, this armor is not as powerful as his usual ones, so Tony has to resort to throwing missiles and even grand pianos at the bad guys.
Long story short, Tony’s mansion ends up sinking into the ocean with him trapped underneath. He barely manages to escape with his life and decides to go to Tennessee for some personal growth. The part where Tony finally confronts Aldrich Killian and unleashes the Iron Legion is pretty cool, but nothing compares to the intense shock of seeing Tony’s whole home crumble around him.
10. The Mission To Jotunheim In ‘Thor’
In Thor’s first solo adventure, his ill-fated mission to start a war with Jotunheim showcases both his worst and best qualities. On one hand, his decision to provoke a conflict that can only lead to genocide is both vain and heartless, resulting in terrible consequences. However, this reckless act does provide audiences with the film’s only satisfying action scene.
Watching Thor, Loki, Sif, and the Warriors Three decimate the Frost Giants is enjoyable, but the real excitement comes when they decide to make a hasty retreat. This thrilling escape takes advantage of the strange, inverse gravity found in certain realms and culminates in an impressive display of Mjolnir’s power as it smashes through the head of an icy beast.
Ironically, it is during Thor’s lowest moment that he truly proves himself as the protagonist of a superhero movie.
