Top Moments from MCU Phase 2: Iconic Frames from Each Film

The Single Best Frame In Every MCU Movie (Phase 2) Thanos in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy Featured Image

By Kevin Erdmann Published 54 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

Phase 2 expanded everything in the MCU in terms of scale, ambition, and even more incredible visuals. Across these six films released between 2013-2015, each movie contains several absolutely defining moments for the greater cinematic universe that are still talked about today.

Keeping that in mind, here are our favorite shots from each Marvel movie released during the MCU's second phase of films.

Iron Man 3 (2013): "Merry Christmas, Buddy"

Iron Man suits joining the fight in Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3’s most defining frame is featured in the movie's third act, when Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark summons his entire Iron Legion during the final battle, with dozens of suits lining up to take on Aldrich Killian and his Extremis soldiers.

Tony's arc in Iron Man 3 is all about separating the man from the armor. Having seen Tony without a suit of armor for most of the movie, it's pretty amazing to see the entire Iron Legion all at once.

This is especially true considering the fact that Stark ultimately destroys all of his suits by the movie's end, beginning the path toward making his life as Iron Man healthier and less of a paranoid obsession motivated by his trauma.

Thor: The Dark World (2013): Loki's (Second) Death

Thor cradling a dying Loki in Thor The Dark World

The best frame in 2013's Thor: The Dark World has to be Loki’s “death” on Svartalfheim. Thor is shown holding his brother in his arms as Loki offers what seems like a final apology. The moment is framed in the dark shadows of the Dark Elves' homeworld, highlighting the tragedy (emotional manipulation) that only Loki could deliver.

This shot works because it perfectly encapsulates the complexity that is the MCU's Loki (even before the events of Avengers: Endgame and his own spin-off show).

Likewise, the moment has since been referenced twice in future MCU projects, the first in Thor: Ragnarok with the stage show where Matt Damon played an Asgardian actor playing Loki, as well as in 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine with Wade replacing Loki in Thor's arms, a potential tease for the MCU's future Avengers films.

Captain America (2014): "Does Anyone Want To Get Out?"

Captain America ready for his elevator fight in Captain America The Winter Soldier

One of The Winter Soldier’s most definitive shots happens right before the iconic elevator fight when Steve Rogers says, “Before we get started, does anyone want to get out?”

The camera centers on Rogers as the doors close, tightly framing Cap in a box of metal and tension as he's surrounded by Hydra agents embedded within SHIELD. The frame and resulting fight is one of the MCU's best moments, and it's no wonder that it was recreated in Avengers: Endgame during the Time Heist.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): "What A Bunch of A-Holes..."

Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Chris Pratt as Star Lord, Rocket, Dave Bautista as Drax, and Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy

Gamora, Peter Quill, Rocket, Drax and Groot lined up in Guardians of the Galaxy

The most iconic frame in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy is the prison line-up as the team stands together for the first time in front of the Nova Corps. The camera's wideshot of the entire ragtag group is absolutely perfect while one of the Nova Corps officers mutters, “What a bunch of A-holes,” cementing their chaotic, irreverent, and altogether excellent introduction.

This frame matters so much for the MCU at large, as it not only defines not only these cosmic heroes, but also the identity of the entire Guardians franchise as a whole, a peak first impression.

The Guardians aren’t polished heroes like the Avengers of Earth. They're far messier, more hilarious, and more unpredictable in all kinds of ways. That shot is effectively a mission statement, making it one of the movie's most important and one of its best.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015): Hulk vs Veronica

Hulkbuster Iron Man and the Hulk punching each other in Avengers Age of Ultron

There are many standout frames in 2015's Age of Ultron. The slow-mo shot of the entire team jumping to take on a Hydra base, Ultron facing the Avengers for the first time in a damaged Iron Legionnaire, or the Avengers assembled in Sokovia taking on endless waves of Ultron's drones.

However, our favorite peak frame has to be the key moment during Hulk's fight with Iron Man's Hulkbuster in Johannesburg when they punch each other simultaneously. It's easily one of the most impressive visuals in MCU history, and an unforgettable fight as Iron Man does everything he can to contain an uncontrolled Bruce Banner.

Ant-Man (2015): Fighting Yellowjacket In Cassie's Room

Ant-Man running in Ant-Man

The best frame in 2015's Ant-Man has to be during the bedroom showdown where Scott Lang and Darren Cross' Yellowjacket clash atop Cassie’s toys.

The camera shifts between micro and normal perspectives, showing a dramatic battle that looks huge to them but is hilariously small to everyone else.

While Ant-Man's Thomas the Tank Engine gag is definitely one of the movie's best, there's also just a truly great shot where Ant-Man exits the shag carpet backed by an army of ants, a truly definitive moment for the diminutive hero if there ever was one at the very end of the MCU's second phase.

Movies
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Iron Man 3

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