10 Most Underrated Story Arcs in the MCU

This franchise is known for its amazing, heartfelt, and intricate storylines. With so many great plots, some inevitably get overlooked, becoming hidden gems within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

While stories like those of Black Widow’s sacrifice or Shang-Chi becoming a hero aren’t as famous as Loki or Iron Man’s journeys of change, they’re just as powerful when you watch them. These storylines show that Marvel Studios is making an effort to develop all of its characters, not just a select few.

Nebula Was Raised On Violence, But She Overcame It

When Nebula debuted in Guardians of the Galaxy, most viewers didn’t realize she’d become such an important character. In the original comics, she was always a villain, but Karen Gillan’s performance sparked a major transformation. Nebula evolved from a foe to an ally, and this shift also allowed her character to become more complex and human.

Nebula started as a cyborg created and trained to kill, but joining the Guardians of the Galaxy changed her life. She discovered the meaning of family and friendship, becoming more compassionate despite her difficult upbringing. This transformation wasn’t easy – she battled guilt and grief over losing her sister. Now, as a hero, she feels it was all worthwhile. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe features many characters who switch from villainy to heroism, Nebula’s personal journey remains a powerfully emotional one.

Ghost Embraced What S.H.I.E.L.D. Did to Her

Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, wasn’t truly a villain. Her initial conflict with Ant-Man and the Wasp stemmed from a life-or-death situation – she needed Quantum particles to survive. Afterwards, she worked as a mercenary, largely because S.H.I.E.L.D. exploited her abilities and left her to fend for herself. So, when she got the opportunity to become a hero with the Thunderbolts, she readily accepted.

Okay, so I’ve noticed a lot of people aren’t really talking about Ghost’s journey to becoming a hero, and honestly, it bugs me. The MCU is full of great redemption stories, yeah, like U.S. Agent and Bucky, but Ava deserves some love too! She’s basically said, ‘Okay, even though S.H.I.E.L.D. messed me up, I’m still gonna risk everything to save the world.’ It’s a huge deal, especially since she was seriously wronged by the very organization that’s supposed to protect people. She’s choosing to be a hero despite everything, and that’s awesome! As a New Avenger, she’s totally committed, and I think it’s time we all recognized that.

Pietro’s Story Was Cut Too Soon

When the Avengers first encountered Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, both had been manipulated by Hydra. The organization exploited the twins’ difficult childhood, filling their heads with anti-hero propaganda and essentially training them as weapons. Fortunately, once they understood what Hydra had done, they quickly sided with the Avengers. Sadly, Pietro died a hero, sacrificing himself to save Hawkeye during the battle against Ultron.

Pietro’s selfless act proved he was a true hero, completely dedicated to saving others. It took incredible courage for him to transform from a villain’s follower into someone who would give their life for a stranger. It’s a shame his inspiring journey is often overlooked, likely because it was so brief and didn’t have much time to fully resonate with audiences, despite its significance.

Shang-Chi Faced His Own Destiny

When Shang-Chi was first introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he wasn’t a hero yet. He was living an ordinary life as a valet in San Francisco with his friend, Katy Chen, far away from his father’s influence. However, his past resurfaced when the Ten Rings organization came looking for him. Shang-Chi initially tried to run from his family’s criminal history, but ultimately he accepted his heritage and embraced his fate as a warrior.

While it’s still unfolding just how powerful Shang-Chi will become, he’s definitely accepted his abilities and is ready to use them to help others. It’s a huge change for someone who previously enjoyed a simple life, and fans should appreciate the sacrifices he’s making as he steps into the role of a superhero.

Sersi Chose To Be Human

The discovery of the Eternals’ real mission on Earth caused emotional turmoil for everyone, but Sersi struggled with it the most. Having spent centuries living among humans and forming a connection to Earth, she found herself torn between fulfilling her original purpose and choosing her own path. It was a difficult decision, as she’d effectively become part of the human community.

Sersi’s story is one of the most interesting character arcs in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By choosing to go against her creators and embrace her human side – something she’s developed over a long time – she redefines what it means to be a hero. She demonstrates moral courage, rather than simply relying on her powers. This arc powerfully highlights her emotional strength, which is something we don’t often see in these films.

Scott Lang’s Funny Bits Have Fans Forgetting His Growth

Scott Lang has come a long way since he first joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Initially, Hank Pym selected him—a talented thief—to steal the Ant-Man suit. He later proved worthy of becoming the suit’s permanent owner. Since then, Scott has battled numerous enemies and even played a key role in defeating Thanos and saving the world.

Beyond becoming a superhero, Scott Lang really turned his life around. He became a dedicated father to Cassie, built a solid relationship with Hope van Dyne, and even started his own company, X-Con Security Consultants. It’s easy to forget all this progress, though, because his humor and charisma often overshadow how much he’s changed from being a bit of a lost cause.

Valkyrie Redeemed Herself For Her Sisters

In Thor: Ragnarok, Thor first encounters Valkyrie, who is struggling with a painful past. After witnessing the deaths of her fellow Valkyries, she had turned to alcohol to cope with the trauma and abandoned her former life as a proud warrior. She was clearly haunted by survivor’s guilt, which led her to leave Asgard and her people behind. Luckily, things began to improve for her soon after meeting Thor.

Okay, so playing through the recent Thor stuff, I was seriously blown away by Valkyrie’s arc. After teaming up with Thor and really earning her place, she actually became the King of Asgard when Thor stepped back! It’s amazing to see how she channeled all her sadness over losing her sisters into this incredible strength, and Thor totally recognized it. He saw she had what it takes to lead, and honestly, it’s one of the best character developments I’ve seen in a while – people really need to talk about it more!

Rocket’s Journey Is A Painful One

Rocket Raccoon is unique among Marvel characters in how well he masks his suffering. While always quick with a sarcastic remark, even during battles, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 finally showed us the heartbreaking truth behind his tough exterior. Rocket wasn’t born—he was created through the High Evolutionary’s twisted experiments, a testament to the villain’s arrogance. Tragically, his very first word was ‘hurt,’ and any happiness he briefly experienced was quickly taken away.

Rocket’s past, revealed through emotional flashbacks, was truly difficult to watch. But through the sadness, it was clear his story held a surprising beauty. He not only endured terrible physical pain inflicted by the High Evolutionary, but also managed to heal from the emotional trauma. Despite his tough exterior, Rocket is a deeply caring leader, a dependable friend, and a loyal teammate, and his incredible journey of recovery deserves to be recognized.

Peter Parker’s Loss of Innocence Is A Big Remark on the MCU Itself

When Tom Holland first played Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he felt like a typical teenager – excited to meet his hero, Iron Man, and eager to prove himself as a superhero. He really looked up to Tony Stark and wanted his approval. However, things change drastically. Over time, Spider-Man experiences a series of losses. By the end of No Way Home, he’s completely isolated, left with no family, no friends, and no longer a member of the Avengers, finding himself alone in an empty apartment.

This difficult experience transforms Spider-Man into the classic neighborhood hero we know from the comics. Having hit his lowest point, Peter Parker has nowhere to go but up. This rough patch also signals that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is focusing on what truly makes a hero: not powerful allies or advanced technology, but overcoming loss and accepting responsibility. While Spider-Man is beloved by fans, some miss how his growing maturity fits into the MCU’s increasingly complex and serious tone.

Black Widow’s Redemption Was Always Her Choice

Natasha Romanoff’s journey from a deadly assassin to a world-saving hero is a powerful redemption story. She played a crucial role in bringing back half of all life, but fans often overlook her sacrifice, instead focusing on Tony Stark’s final act in the battle.

Natasha Romanoff, Black Widow, deserves more recognition for her character development. It’s not just a simple story of a villain turning good; it’s about her reclaiming control of her own life. She wasn’t inherently evil; she was forced into that life by the Red Room. As soon as she had the opportunity, she dedicated herself to helping others escape similar circumstances and making amends for past actions she was compelled to take – actions that haunted her even though she wasn’t truly responsible for them.

2025-11-07 03:12