9 Movie Franchises That Literally Do The Same Thing Repeatedly

An overarching theme present in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the relationship between father and child, and particularly the sins of the father. Many central characters across the franchise's 23 entries are motivated by the actions of their dads. Tony Stark's early story arcs concern him escaping his father's questionable legacy of international arms dealing and using his vast wealth for a greater purpose. Many of Thor's conflicts are a result of Odin wilfully neglecting to inform Thor about serious existential threats from the past. Peter Quill's father is an evil sentient who shagged his way around the universe in order to somehow conquer the universe. Yes, really.

Many other major characters' arcs are centred around their terrible dads, but this trope manages to permeate just about every family unit within the MCU. Scott Lang begins as a petty criminal who has failed to provide for his daughter and is then recruited by a physicist who has alienated his own daughter over the course of her life. King T'Chaka, despite being the benevolent ruler of Wakanda, was isolationist and Killmonger's argument that he abandoned his people across the globe is pretty persuasive.

And then of course we have Gamora and Nebula. Who's their father? Thanos. The Mad Titan, key villain in the Infinity Saga and all around worst dad ever.