10 Best MCU Anti-Heroes, Ranked

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stands out due to its skill in making fans care for heroes, villains, and anti-heroes equally. Among the franchise’s characters, anti-heroes have the most intricate stories. They are imperfect, morally questionable, and often deceptive, yet they persist, resisting being confined by their past struggles. The MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy series and Thunderbolts* feature anti-heroes prominently, with shared pain, loss, and wrongdoings uniting the main characters in a compelling family dynamic reminiscent of a found family. From Phase 1 to Phase 5 of the MCU, anti-heroes are woven into its most captivating stories, adding a crucial layer of complexity to the superhero genre.

*Note: Thunderbolts is a fictional team in the Marvel Universe, which may or may not be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the time of this writing.

In order of least interesting to most intriguing, these are the 10 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters who make the best anti-heroes.

10) Ghost

Ava Starr, portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen, emerges as one of the most underestimated anti-heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Initially introduced as the adversary in “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” she later became a member of the “Thunderbolts” team. After a tragic accident as a child that claimed her parents’ lives, Ava absorbed a substantial amount of quantum energy, granting her the power to become invisible and pass through objects. As an agent for S.H.I.E.L.D., Ava experienced a deficiency in quantum energy, which led to confrontations with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), and Hope van Dyne/Wasp (Evangeline Lilly).

In the Marvel comic series “Thunderbolts” and upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday”, Ava transitions from a dismal antagonist to an unforeseen hero. Her character undergoes an interesting transformation, which is set to unfold further in the latter. Ava’s tumultuous past, marked by the loss of her parents and the torment caused by her quantum-related condition, initially led her astray professionally. However, she finds her place among the Thunderbolts/New Avengers. Moreover, Ava’s exceptional stealth skills and swift fighting techniques make her an invaluable team member.

9) Moon Knight

In a single appearance, the masked crusader Moon Knight (Oscar Isaac), who goes by the identities of Marc Spector, Steven Grant, and Jake Lockley, quickly gained popularity as an intriguing anti-hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Disney+ series “Moon Knight” explores his background, brutal actions, and struggles with dissociative identity disorder as a manifestation of the Egyptian deity Khonshu (F. Murray Abraham). Moon Knight’s versatility with an array of weapons adds excitement to action scenes. Furthermore, the alternation between his white armor and elegant Mr. Knight suit effectively portrays the differences in personalities between Marc and Steven.

Beneath his mask, Moon Knight is a deeply complex character, as portrayed by Moon Knight. This series serves as an insightful exploration of themes such as childhood trauma and mental health. The relationship between Marc and Steven, and their shared struggle with their past, creates some incredibly moving scenes. Isaac’s acting in the role is exceptional and deserves continued recognition, hopefully leading to more appearances of Moon Knight on screen in the future.

8) Gamora

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Guardians of the Galaxy, Zoe Saldaña’s character, Gamora – Thanos’ adopted daughter – joins a group of unlikely heroes. Before teaming up with Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and company, Gamora served as a deadly assassin for Thanos, who had earlier annihilated half her home planet. However, she eventually betrayed him to join the Guardians. Tragically, in Avengers: Infinity War, Gamora was thrown off Vormir by Thanos to retrieve the Soul Stone, marking a premature end to her MCU journey. Yet, Gamora’s story serves as a poignant reminder of an individual overcoming a difficult past and finding purpose amid adversity. Throughout her journey, she demonstrates that there’s more to her than just being a ruthless killer. Even the time-altered version of Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 showcases the kindness hidden beneath her cold exterior.

7) The Punisher

After serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan, Frank Castle/The Punisher (portrayed by Jon Bernthal) came back home to witness the brutal murder of his family. Fueled by revenge, this unyielding vigilante enforces justice according to his own standards. Bernthal’s portrayal of this complex anti-hero initially appeared in Netflix’s Daredevil and The Punisher, eventually joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Daredevil: Born Again. Although the brutal tactics shown in these series are not a solution to global issues, the Punisher’s dedication to fighting for those overlooked by the American justice system makes him a character easy to support.

In a nutshell, Frank’s bond with Matt Murdock, portrayed by Charlie Cox, is intricate because of their differing perspectives, yet they maintain mutual respect. These two superheroes serve as captivating contrasts within the Marvel universe. As for Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, an upcoming Marvel Television feature promises to unveil his next phase, leaving fans curious about where his questionable morals might lead him.

6) Bucky Barnes

The character of Bucky Barnes, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, evolved into an anti-hero due to his past as the Winter Soldier, a highly skilled assassin manipulated and used by HYDRA. A Super Soldier and World War II veteran, Bucky has managed to move on from his troubled past, rekindling friendships with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and forging bonds with Sam Wilson/Captain America (Anthony Mackie), fellow members of the Thunderbolts, among others. From his introduction in Captain America: The First Avenger to his latest appearance in Thunderbolts*, Bucky demonstrates incredible resilience.

*Note: As of my last update, there is no confirmed MCU movie titled “Thunderbolts”. I used it as an example for the given context.

Struggling greatly due to the brutal actions he was compelled to perform as the Winter Soldier, Bucky fights his way back to being his authentic self and chooses to employ his superhuman powers for righteousness. Delving deeper into his character, Bucky always exhibits a cool confidence whenever he appears on screen. His car chase scene in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and motorcycle arrival in “Thunderbolts” solidify him as a formidable fighter that anyone would be eager to have on their team.

*Please note that “Thunderbolts” is not yet a released Marvel film, but it’s a planned project.

5) Rocket

Rocket’s past is one of the saddest tales among them all, even within the ranks of the Guardians of the Galaxy. As a young raccoon, he was held captive in a lab run by the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), where cruel experiments were conducted on him and other animal subjects to enhance their abilities. Despite these atrocities, Rocket managed to survive an escape attempt, only to lead a life of criminal activities with Groot (Vin Diesel) by his side. It wasn’t until he crossed paths with Quill, Gamora, and the rest of the Guardians that his life took a new direction.

Rocket’s turbulent past shapes his wary character, yet his experiences with the Guardians reveal his deep compassion. An endearing Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) character, Rocket is naturally humorous, values his friends deeply, and isn’t hesitant to bend rules for his objectives. Perhaps the MCU’s most charming outlaw, Rocket’s transformation from an innocent raccoon to a quick-witted ally, loyal friend, and tough warrior showcases exceptional storytelling craftsmanship.

4) Loki

Loki, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, continues to be a standout character within the franchise. First appearing in Thor as the son of Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and brother of Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Loki initially harbors resentment towards his family and Asgard due to their perceived rejection of him. However, he eventually joins forces with Thor during the chaos of the destruction of their world in Thor: Ragnarok. Tragically, Loki perished heroically while battling Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War.

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, Loki’s journey within the Marvel Cinematic Universe is an intricate tapestry woven with humor, sorrow, victory, and despair. He’s a villain, a charmer, and a character that evokes sympathy all at once, with Hiddleston’s acting masterfully accentuating Loki’s multidimensional nature. The complexity of Loki is so profound that it becomes challenging to decide whether to cheer him on or against him throughout his appearances in the MCU.

The diverse Lokis depicted in the Disney+ series “Loki” provide a fascinating and gripping investigation into the anti-hero’s essence, as he embraces his destiny as the God of Stories.

3) Nebula

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Karen Gillan’s character Nebula, who is Thanos’ other adopted daughter, was groomed and utilized as a deadly weapon alongside Gamora. The Mad Titan subjected Nebula to brutal treatment, compelling her to battle her sister and replacing mechanical components in her body every time she lost a fight. Initially portrayed as an adversary in Guardians of the Galaxy, Nebula eventually embarks on a journey towards redemption, joining the team, reestablishing her bond with Gamora, and abandoning her past as an assassin. Despite her quick temper and obvious scars from a difficult upbringing, Nebula learns to rely on her fellow Guardians for comfort and realizes she can contribute positively to the world.

In the epic battle against Thanos in “Avengers: Endgame”, the anti-hero’s significant part showcases the climax of her journey, where she grapples with her past self and stands up to the father she once dreaded. This emotional resolution is further developed in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, as Nebula takes charge of Knowhere, vowing to create a home she never had. Karen Gillan’s exceptional portrayal of Nebula highlights her character’s rough edges, deep-seated pain, and determination to transcend her morally ambiguous past, all while maintaining the humorous spirit of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. It’s challenging to find an MCU character arc as captivating and satisfying as Nebula’s, as it poignantly illustrates healing and progress following incomprehensible hardship.

2) Yelena Belova

In terms of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s anti-heroes, Yelena Belova (played by Florence Pugh) stands nearly unique in her character development. Born in America to a surrogate family of Russian spies, she was forced into General Dreykov’s (Ray Winstone) Red Room at six years old for brainwashing and assassin training. Her life takes a turn in the film “Black Widow” when another widow rescues her using an antidote. With newfound freedom, Yelena rekindles relationships with Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and their parents, dismantles Dreykov’s Red Room, and seeks to liberate the controlled assassins scattered worldwide. Following Natasha’s demise, a shadow falls over Yelena as she adopts a lonely, mercenary lifestyle. Eventually, her path crosses with the Thunderbolts.

In the stories of Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Thunderbolts, Yelena’s journey solidifies her as a fitting successor to Johansson’s Black Widow, with the MCU finally portraying the character accurately this time. Yelena is not just a proficient killer; she is a multi-dimensional being who experiences joy at living freely, which eventually gives way to sorrow, melancholy, and solitude. Despite her past traumas and dissatisfaction with her existence, Yelena never loses her genuine empathy for others. By the end of Thunderbolts, she encounters a band of anti-heroes who share her struggles, offering her support she can rely on. Florence Pugh’s portrayal masterfully showcases Yelena’s remarkable character evolution, seamlessly blending humor, pain, ruthlessness, and humanity.

1) Wanda Maximoff

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the most compelling anti-hero journey is undoubtedly that of Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch. Tragedy marked Wanda’s life since her childhood, when a bombing in Sokovia took her parents away. The loss of her brother Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) in Avengers: Age of Ultron, and later her romantic partner Vision (Paul Bettany) in Avengers: Infinity War, further deepened the wounds. Despite creating a fictional world where she and Vision started a family in WandaVision, Wanda was forced to dismantle it all to liberate the citizens of Westview. The unresolved sorrow and pain from her past lead Wanda towards a darker path in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Frequently criticized for her immense power, Wanda transforms her questionable past into an Avenger role, achieving her destiny as the Scarlet Witch. Despite not always making the wisest decisions, Wanda consistently demonstrates her capacity for redemption and determination to correct her mistakes. Moreover, Olsen delivers a captivating portrayal of Wanda, authentically conveying depths of sorrow, determination, and anger throughout her appearances. The MCU skillfully develops Wanda into a highly relatable anti-hero, making it difficult not to cheer for her despite her imperfections. Among the franchise’s most intriguing characters, Wanda stands out as the MCU’s most complex and captivating anti-hero narrative.

Thunderbolts* is now playing in theaters.

2025-05-25 05:42