In the beginning, Marvel Studios gave viewers a stunning spectacle with the first Iron Man movie. The young cinematic universe focused more on action and CGI rather than making the audience laugh. James Gunn literally changed the script with Guardians of the Galaxy. His success is due to the well-written and well-placed gags scattered amongst the perfect mix of story, spectacle, and heart.
After 30+ movies and counting, the Marvel Cinematic Universe adapted the formula and approach introduced by Gunn. Every main character has their time in the comedic sun. Each primary superhero traversing the Marvel Studios multiverse gave fans their funniest memorable moment.
10 Doctor Strange Bamboozles Wong
A well-groomed goatee isn't the only thing Doctor Strange has in common with Tony Stark. The Sorcerer Supreme is on another level when it comes to snark and sarcasm. His relationship with fellow wizard Wong makes for some entertaining screen time. The two Benedicts, Wong and Cumberbatch, are a hilarious duo.
When Strange and Wong first meet, Wong is the librarian for the New York Sanctum Santorum at 177A Bleecker Street. Guarding sacred knowledge against the rookie sorcerer proves to be an arduous task. Especially when Doctor Strange employs his advanced portal magic to steal forbidden books from behind Wong's back.
9 Black Widow's Tied Up Interrogation In The Avengers
Black Widow has one of the most tragic backstories out of any Avenger. Plucked from her parents at an early age, Natasha Romanoff spent her childhood learning to become an expert assassin. At the expense of her youth and future prospects of being a mother, Black Widow spends most of her screen time attempting to remove the red from her ledger.
When viewers catch up with Natasha in The Avengers, she's tied to a chair in the middle of an interrogation with high-ranking Russian officer Colonel-General Georgi Luchkov. To everyone's surprise, it's Natasha who's interrogating Luchkov. After learning of Clint Barton's capture, she easily subdues her captors and continues on her mission to recruit Bruce Banner and the Hulk.
8 Captain America Is On Your Left
Captain America: The Winter Soldier reunites Steve Rogers with his long-lost childhood mate, Bucky Barnes. Cap also forms a brotherly bond with the Falcon in the first MCU installment spearheaded by Anthony and Joe Russo. Steve and Sam Wilson are going through their morning run when their paths literally cross.
With superior speed, Captain America laps Sam on his route multiple times. The Falcon hears the same words "on your left" repeatedly as the super-soldier shows him up. The bit earned a callback when Sam was snapped back in Avengers: Endgame while Cap appeared to be down to his last chance of defeating Thanos.
7 Hawkeye's Bow & Arrow Doesn't Make Any Sense
Hawkeye is an intriguing character in the sense that he has no superpowers. Clint Barton is exceedingly adept at bow and arrow accuracy and possesses a few impressive moves in hand-to-hand combat. But Clint's survival while fighting alongside gods and superheroes often places him out of his element.
Spending most of Avengers: Age of Ultron facing Wanda and Pietro Maximoff came to a head when they joined forces with the Avengers. Wanda's first time battling an army of super bots understandably causes some butterflies. But Clint's situational awareness creates non-stop laughs and invigorates Wanda when he explains, "The city is flying and we're fighting an army of robots. And I have a bow and arrow. None of this makes sense."
6 Smart Hulk Sends Time Through Scott
Taking time off during the events of Avengers: Infinity War caused a rift between the Hulk and Bruce Banner. The Hulk's defeat at the hands of Thanos led to some un-Hulk-like self-esteem issues. By Avengers: Endgame, the two personalities made a truce. By putting the brains of Banner and the brawn of the green guy together, Smart Hulk was born.
When Tony Stark initially declined the time heist, discovering time travel was left to Smart Hulk, Scott Lang, and Steve Rogers. Before Tony showed up with the time-space GPS, the Avengers were dangerously experimenting with Hank Pym's Quantum Tunnel. Smart Hulk and Cap sent "time through Lang" making old Scott, adolescent Scott, and baby Scott to which Smart Hulk responds with, "he'll grow."
5 Ant-Man's Civil War Airport Appearance
After fans leave Scott Lang in Ant-Man, he's written off crime to be a role model and a better father to his daughter Cassie. Sam Wilson must have made him an offer he couldn't refuse because he was easily recruited for Team Cap in Captain America: Civil War. The entire fight scene at the German Airport is Paul Rudd's Ant-Man at his best.
Scott is asleep in the van when Sam wakes him up. He's starstruck by Captain America and shakes his hand for far too long. His quips and antics throughout the fight, including pretending to be Tony Stark's conscience, provide constant giggles. But it's the face made by Paul Rudd when he becomes Giant-Man and asking for orange slices after he's taken down that makes this the funniest Ant-Man gag to date.
4 Loki's 30-Minute Fall Through A Portal
One of the more memorable aspects of the first Thor is the introduction of Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Thor's adopted brother is the personification of chaos and mischief. Tom Hiddleston became so popular, that Marvel Studios made him the big bad in The Avengers.
The first two Thor films left something to be desired creatively. Marvel Studios recruited Taika Waititi to helm Thor: Ragnarok. Waititi's signature charm and humor envelop the script. Thor and Doctor Strange nearly forgetting Loki as he tumbles through the portal for 30 minutes stands out as Loki's funniest moment.
3 Thor's Arrival On Sakaar
Thor and Thor: The Dark World certainly didn't take advantage of Chris Hemsworth's comedic chops. Mostly relying on situational humor didn't work out so well with critics and audiences. Taika Waititi changed all that with the third movie in the God of Thunder's franchise.
After losing Mjolnir to his sister Hela, the Goddess of Death, Thor is thrust from the Bifrost to the planet of Sakaar. He's captured by Brunnhilde the Valkyrie, a fellow Asgardian. The entire scene of Thor's arrival and fight against Hulk gives many giggles upon multiple viewings.
2 Spider-Man's MCU Homecoming
Spider-Man has a habit of breaking the internet every time a new movie is announced. Nerds across the globe let out a collective Spidey sigh when it was announced that Spider-Man would join the MCU. Showing up for battle in Captain America: Civil War raised a lot of questions about the web slinger's role.
Spider-man is recruited by Tony Stark to web up Team Cap and stay out of the way. The constant commentary about the new suit, the Winter Soldier's metal arm, and strategizing with ideas from Star Wars provides constant entertainment. The introduction of Spider-Man into the MCU is Tom Holland as Peter Parker at his very best.
1 Iron Man Makes His Mark
Robert Downey Jr. helped make the Marvel Cinematic Universe what it is today. It's hard to imagine another actor playing the billionaire, philanthropist, and playboy. However, fans may get a chance to see some other actors playing Tony Stark and Iron Man thanks to the introduction of the multiverse.
It's nearly impossible to pick Iron Man's funniest moment in the MCU. There are hundreds of quips, insults, and situations to choose from. Tony Stark testing his Mark II Iron Man Armor is the most memorable.