The Single Best Frame In Every MCU Movie (Phase 3)

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Many fans consider Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to be its strongest era. Released between 2016 and 2019, the eleven films in this phase delivered some of the most memorable and visually stunning moments in the entire MCU.

Of course, every Marvel movie has many memorable moments. But we’ve chosen what we think is the most impactful single shot from each film in Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – that’s from Captain America: Civil War to Spider-Man: Far From Home – and explain why it still resonates so strongly.

Captain America: Civil War (2016) – Spider-Man Steals Cap’s Shield

Few Marvel introductions are as thrilling as Spider-Man’s first appearance in the MCU. The moment he lands with Captain America’s shield is instantly memorable – a perfect, joyful scene that signaled the arrival of the Webslinger to the larger world of Marvel heroes, beginning what would become one of the MCU’s most compelling character arcs.

Doctor Strange (2016) – The Mirror Dimension Folds Reality

That iconic shot of Doctor Strange remaining calm as the city fell apart around him truly changed what we thought was possible with Marvel movie special effects.

The whole scene is incredibly surreal and a fantastic way to introduce the magical elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It features the entire city of New York bending and twisting around the new sorcerer as he tries to prevent Kaecilius from releasing the dangerous Dormammu from the Dark Dimension.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – Baby Groot Dances to “Mr. Blue Sky”

Though Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has many impressive scenes, the opening sequence is a standout. It’s hilariously perfect – Baby Groot dancing to “Mr. Blue Sky” while a battle rages behind him, capped off by a great freeze-frame of Groot and the movie’s title.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – Vulture Learns Peter Parker’s Secret

Honestly, that shot of the Vulture – Michael Keaton, looking absolutely menacing – with that green traffic light hitting his face the moment he figures out Peter is Spider-Man? It still gives me goosebumps. It’s easily one of the most intense scenes in the whole movie, and the fact that he’s driving Peter and his daughter to homecoming just makes it even better. It’s brilliantly done.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – Thor vs. Hulk in the Arena

The scene of Thor and Hulk battling in the Grandmaster’s arena on Sakaar is incredibly awesome. It’s one of the MCU’s most visually striking moments, perfectly capturing the feel of a dynamic comic book page.

It’s great to see Hulk looking like his comic book counterpart from World War Hulk, and Thor’s gladiator outfit is a highlight of what many fans consider the best Thor movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Black Panther (2018) – T’Challa’s Vibranium Kinetic Shockwave

When T’Challa, as Black Panther, dramatically arrives and unleashes a massive burst of vibranium energy, it’s a truly spectacular moment. This powerful display in the 2018 Marvel film not only shows everyone he’s still alive but also declares his intention to take back his throne from Erik Killmonger. The force of the energy blast throws his enemies back and immediately grabs Killmonger’s attention.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – “Bring Me Thanos!”

The arrival of Thor, Rocket, and Groot during the Battle of Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War remains a thrilling moment. Set to Alan Silvestri’s powerful Avengers Theme, their entrance dramatically shifts the battle in the heroes’ favor. Thor appears with a fresh look and a new, formidable weapon called Stormbreaker, designed to defeat Thanos.

Even though everyone knows Thanos is about to win, it’s hard not to get pumped when Thor shows up! His dramatic entrance – charging straight into Thanos’s army and demanding a fight – is incredibly exciting.

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – Giant-Man Towers Over the Ferry

While Giant-Man first appeared briefly in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) really showcased his size-changing abilities. The movie focuses on Scott Lang growing to enormous proportions as he chases Sonny Burch, played by Walton Goggins, who has stolen Hank Pym’s laboratory.

This scene is both a triumphant, heroic moment and one of the movie’s most hilarious. The hero is comically mistaken for a whale by people on a ferry, and then promptly faints after finally retrieving the lab.

Captain Marvel (2019) – Carol Fully Unleashes Her Powers

The climax of the 2019 Captain Marvel movie shows Carol Danvers unleashing her full power, glowing with energy and determined to defeat the Kree Starforce. This moment, where she finally breaks free from the limitations imposed by the Kree Empire and embraces the power of the Space Stone, is considered one of her most iconic scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Avengers: Endgame (2019) – “Avengers…Assemble”

The moment when all the portals opened behind Captain America at the end of Avengers: Endgame is arguably the most iconic scene in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the most powerful moment in the movie, leading directly into Steve Rogers finally delivering the line fans had waited years to hear: “Avengers…Assemble.”

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2025-12-16 05:21