18 Greatest Moments In Every MCU Movie (So Far) - Ranked

13. Cap Goes It Alone - Captain America: The First Avenger

The Film

It might not get quite the same levels of appreciation as the Captain America sequels (both of which are top three MCU movies, so that's nothing to really complain about) but The First Avenger is still a truly great film. Its historical setting is well observed, the wider cast of characters are good and Chris Evans' wholesome Cap is the absolute pinnacle of what Marvel's heroic drive should be.

Somewhat atypically, it has a great villain, the story is very strong throughout and there are emotional beats that really land (particularly when Cap "sacrifices" himself).

The Moment

Steve's heroic arc in his first movie (in fact in all of his MCU appearances) has been of the plucky underdog (even when he's been pumped with super soldier serum) standing up for the right thing no matter what the cost to him. And he starts that early in The First Avenger when he learns that childhood friend Bucky has been captured by HYDRA.

Despite taking flack for his stage persona, Steve decides to go it alone and infiltrates HYDRA's base to free the heroes himself. It's the first true Captain America moment after a slow build and it really delivers.