10 Darkest Moments In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

It's somewhat unfair a comparison when Loki is called the "best" MCU villain when stacked up against the rest, because, by a country mile, he's had far more screen time than any single one of them.

But even without all those extra movies, the traumatic journey Tom Hiddleston's character goes on in Thor's first outing would instantly put him up there with the very best the franchise has to offer.

Arguably Loki's defining moment - and the revelation that would fuel his anger throughout The Avengers - came when he confronted his father, Odin, with questions about the true nature of his past.

Odin goes on to reveal that Loki is not actually his biological son, and that the dark-haired trickster is, in fact, son of the Frost-Giant's leader, Laufey.

Not content with absolutely shattering Loki's spirit, Odin continues - he only took Loki in because he believed that, one day, the child would be able to bring peace between the Asgardians and the Frost-Giants.

The pain on Loki's face in this scene is almost unbearable - imagine finding out your entire life is a lie, and that you're essentially a pawn in an elaborate plan, a plan concocted by the man you thought was your father?

Loki receives two devastating truths in the span of thirty seconds. This is, by far, the darkest moment in his story, and in a way, it helps you understand why he embarks on a murderous, destructive rampage during The Avengers; his justifiable anger has blinded him.