10 Best Side Characters In The MCU

10. Valkyrie (Thor Ragnarok)

The third film in the Thor franchise offered up a desperately needed kick in the ass to the franchise whose first sequel had gotten way too bogged down in bad comic relief and over-convoluted, non-compelling backstories. Ragnarok, on the other hand, trimmed the franchise down in every way possible and really offered a compelling and interesting story for our hero to embark on.

Along the way, Thor clashes with and eventually is able to befriend this lovable lush of a character. Valkyrie is an expert warrior, who once fought for the sacred Asgardian guards. After a battle with Hela went seriously wrong, she exiled herself and wound up a scrap-trader/bounty hunter on Sakaar with a bit of a drinking problem.

She not only helps Thor and Banner escape Sakaar and evil Jeff Goldblum, she also is a vital component in defeating Hela during the climax. She also beats the crap out of Loki at one point, and every character gets bonus points for whaling on his greasy mug.

She is funny, she is strong, and most of all, she is a compelling character who could easily anchor her own branch of the franchise.