Top Iconic Frames from MCU Phase One Movies

The Single Best Frame In Every MCU Movie (Phase One) Avengers Facing Loki in 2012 The Avengers

By Kevin Erdmann Published 48 minutes ago Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero. With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention. Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Across its first six films in "Phase One", the MCU created some of the most iconic superhero moments ever seen on screen. These first six films very much laid the foundation for everything that has followed since, showcasing the true potential of a fully realized and interconnected cinematic universe.

Despite there being so many legendary scenes and moments in every one of the first MCU movies, we believe there are certain shots that stand above the rest. Keeping that in mind, here's our picks for the best frame in every Phase One MCU movie.

Iron Man (2008): “My Turn” — Tony Walks From the Tank Explosion

Tony Stark walks away from a tank explosion in 2008's Iron Man

One of the greatest shots in 2008's Iron Man comes right at the end of Tony Stark's first major action scene in Gulmira. After being hit by artillery from a nearby tank, Iron Man fires a mini-missile back before turning away and walking off as the tank blows up behind him. Naturally, the camera frames Stark perfectly against the explosion.

This is the exact moment Tony truly became Iron Man. The power and pure style of the iconic Mark III armor is very much displayed in this single frame, effectively cementing Iron Man as a modern superhero icon who helped launch the entire MCU.

The Incredible Hulk (2008): Hulk’s Car Boxing Gloves vs. Abomination

The Incredible Hulk 2008 scene pic

A major standout frame in 2008's The Incredible Hulk is when The Hulk crushes and rips a police car in half before using the two pieces as makeshift boxing gloves.

This happens during the final fight with Emil Blonsky's Abomination, capturing Hulk’s raw power and fury with an epic moment ripped straight from the comics, representing the very best of the Jade Giant's initial MCU portrayal as a pure rage monster. While 2008's The Incredible Hulk is often overlooked, this frame represents one of its most memorable moments by far.

Iron Man 2 (2010): War Machine & Iron Man's First Team-Up

War Machine and Iron Man First Team Up In Iron Man 2

The defining frame of 2010's Iron Man 2 occurs right before Iron Man and War Machine's first live-action team-up.

Surrounded by Hammer Drones created by Ivan Vanko's Whplash, the two heroes stand side by side as their faceplates drop. It’s clean, symmetrical, and instantly iconic as one of Phase One's peak moments as the two armored heroes and best friends unite for the first time in the MCU.

Thor (2011): Thor’s Coronation Captures the Majesty of Asgard

The most striking frame in 2011's Thor occurs during the coronation ceremony in the movie's first act, where Thor stands before All-Father Odin’s throne wearing his full Asgardian regalia. With guards lining across the golden hall and countless citizens gathered in awe, this particular shot perfectly captures the grandeur of Asgard in a single sweeping image.

This frame does massive world-building work for the early MCU, establishing Thor as a prince expected to rule as a new king, while showcasing the stunning design of the realm itself. It remains the definitive look at Thor’s royal heritage, especially before his imminent downfall and journey of humility once he's later deemed unworthy to wield Mjolnir.

Captain America (2011): Cap Leads The Howling Commandos

Captain America with the Howling Commandos in Captain America The First Avenger

The best frame in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger is when Steve Rogers marches into battle in slow motion, flanked by the Howling Commandos during World War II. Firing a pistol with one hand while his shield deflects incoming Hydra fire with the other, it's the first true cinematic realization of the MCU's live-action Captain America with his official uniform.

Without a doubt, this frame feels like a war-comic Marvel cover brought to life, highlighting Rogers' leadership, bravery, and new status as a symbol of hope for the Allies. It’s easily the most heroic frame of his WWII adventures, solidifying Captain America as the MCU’s moral center (even after he's frozen in ice and wakes up in the modern era).

The Avengers (2012): Earth’s Mightiest Heroes' First Assembly

MCU's original Avengers in 2012

One of the most signature frames of 2012's The Avengers and arguably the entire Infinity Saga has to be Earth's Mightiest Heroes' first full circle shot during the Battle of New York (a close second comes at the end of the battle where they're all confronting a defeated Loki).

As the camera rotates, each hero prepares for the major battle to come, united for the first time in live-action, marking a major moment in cinematic history. It’s the moment the MCU fulfilled its greatest promise of an interconnected universe, bringing together some of the most unique and different heroes together for the very first time.

This single frame instantly became legendary, and it's no wonder it was revisited in 2019's Avengers: Endgame during the Time Heist at the Infinity Saga's end. It was the culmination of four years of storytelling, proving that a shared cinematic universe could work on an unprecedented scale. Even today, this shot remains one of the most celebrated images in superhero film history.

All of Marvel Studios' MCU movies are streaming on Disney +.

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