Every group has a member with a secret ingredient hiding in plain sight. In rock bands, this role is typically categorized as the "invisible bass." It describes the idea of a sound that's barely audible in the original mix but would be sorely missed if it was removed. In that regard, Black Widow is the invisible bass of the MCU.
Considering how Black Widow only recently received her first solo movie – despite being a popular Avenger for years – it's safe to say Marvel didn't understand how beloved the character was. And people loved her because she paid homage to many classic film characters.
10 Leon: The Professional And Black Widow Are Emotionless When Carrying Out A Kill
Part of being an exceptionally good assassin is a detachment from their emotions. When executing a hit, having an array of messy feelings could put one's life in incalculable danger. Consequently, cold efficiency is the name of the game.
Both Black Widow and Leon can engage in horrific displays of violence without a hint of remorse or emotion. However, this isn't to say Black Widow and Leon are characters entirely devoid of emotion. Leon and Natasha showcase extreme sensitivity to those who are vulnerable and their close friends.
9 River Tam And Black Widow Were Both Forced To Be Weapons
Having a feeling of agency in one's life is essential to happiness. Human beings suffer psychological distress when robbed of the ability to choose their own destiny. In the case of River Tam and Black Widow, neither character decided to become killing machines. Both women fell into the hands of oppressive governments that attempted to strip them of every vestige of humanity and morph them into weapons. Luckily, both characters gained agency and used their abilities for good, eventually finding an adoptive family that cherishes them.
8 Bond And Black Widow Are World Travelling Masters Of Espionage
For most people, traveling the world is a lifelong dream, and some people get to globe-trot by way of their profession. Black Widow and James Bond are in the latter category. Bond might be the most famous spy in fiction and reality – exceeding his creator, Ian Flemming. And although she's a distinct character in her own right, it's impossible to ignore homages to Bond embedded in Black Widow's characterization. If she survived Avengers: Endgame, Black Widow might have exceeded Bond as the most famous cinema spy.
7 Black Widow And The Bride Are Martial Arts Masters
Who said, "fighting like a girl" was a bad thing? To compensate for the physical strength of their male and superpowered opponents, both Black Widow and Beatrix "the bride" Kiddo found a way to level the playing field: martial arts.
Using several lethal disciplines, Black Widow and the bride become tornadoes of offense that decimate anyone foolish enough to cross them. When paired with an edged weapon or gun, their proficiency becomes legendary. Aside from that, both women made their living as professional assassins.
6 Catwoman And Black Widow Are Sultry Femme Fatales
Sensuality is a deadly business. In the right hands, a beautiful face and frame can do more damage than fists and feet. Using the lecherous male gaze to their advantage, Catwoman and Black Widow use men's weakness for pleasure against them. Although both characters are competent fighters and strategists, their expert use of sensuality provides an advantage to their stealthy professions. The subversion of classic feminine tropes has propelled both characters into heights of pop culture relevance that rivals their masculine peers.
5 Both John Wick And Black Widow Want A Quiet Life Away From Their Murderous Pasts
There's beauty in simplicity. At a certain point, most people want to gravitate away from their profession to focus on their personal lives. When one has a career that's centered around taking away the lives of others, the aforementioned moment arrives sooner than most. In John Wick, the titular character wants to retire from being a professional assassin but is involuntarily pulled back in after the death of his dog. During Avengers: Age of Ultron, Black Widow expresses her desire to lead a quiet life with Bruce Banner away from superheroes.
4 Batman And Black Widow Are Humans Among Super Powered Titans
As a human amongst super-powered titans, one has to develop as many skills as possible to keep up. Despite her lack of powers and meager weaponry, Black Widow is an indispensable member of the Avengers.
With her masterful stealth, one could argue that Black Widow is the most important member of the group. In many ways, Batman functions similarly. Armed with grit and gadgets, Batman can hang with the elite within the DCEU and survive. Ultimately, Batman and Black Widow are peak human performance.
3 Black Widow And Furiosa Can Take Charge Of Any Task
During the years after Thanos' snap in Avengers: Endgame, Black Widow took charge of the Avengers. Natasha deployed the Avengers with a managerial proficiency that rivaled Steve Rogers using her tactical brilliance.
Furiosa knows a thing or two about leading a team. In Mad Max: Fury Road, she doesn't just lead her team: she usurps the movie from the titular Max himself. Furiosa and Black Widow show that if one wants something done, get a man. But if one wants something done right, get a woman.
2 John McClane And Black Widow Know How To Survive
Tough times make tough people. One of Black Widow's best attributes is her ability to fully utilize her surroundings in combat. No matter the terrain, Natasha can procure a victory by strategically using the environment and improvising weapons. In the Die Hard film series, John McClane follows a similar game plan. Often thrust into situations unprepared, McClane is usually outmatched and outgunnen. However, using his improvisational mind and "never say die" attitude, McClane mimics Natasha's ability to survive seemingly impossible odds and dire situations.
1 Han Solo And Black Widow Both Know How To Play It Cool Under Pressure
Staying calm under pressure is a prerequisite for heroes. Given the wealth of life-threatening situations movie heroes find themselves in, having a chill demeanor is paramount. Han Solo didn't invent being cool in science-fiction films, but he definitely popularized it. Hilariously unimpressed by the Star Wars world and its characters, Solo became the coolest character in the movie. Black Widow has a similar role in the MCU. Surrounded by superpowered heroes, Natasha always undersells her peers and rivals, looking supremely cool in the process.