The MCU has so many of the most epic close range fights between their heroes and villains that it is difficult to choose which have been the best. Despite their advanced technological suits and god-like powers, many of the characters, like Iron Man and Thanos, choose to engage in fisticuffs to deal with their enemies, rather than relying solely on their weapons and abilities.
Even now as the MCU's Phase 4 continues with films like Shang-Chi, new fights keep being added to a long list of impressive battles. However, there are some physical confrontations that already stand out from the rest.
Natasha Romanoff vs. Yelena Belova (Black Widow)
Sibling rivalry takes on a new meaning when it comes to these two trained assassin sisters, as their first instinct when reuniting after several years was to attack each other. The two greet one another with guns, and engage in a well-choreographed fight that really highlighted Endgame, Yelena could take up the Black Widow mantle for her sister.
Hulk vs. Abomination (The Incredible Hulk)
The often forgotten 2008 Abomination was recently reintroduced in Shang-Chi.
Iron Man vs. Ironmonger (Iron Man)
It's no surprise that the film that started it all, Iron Man, would have one of the most memorable close-range fights. After angering his father's old business partner Obadiah Stane, aka Ironmonger, Tony is forced into a seemingly unmatched tech suit battle as he must fight without his arc reactor to power his suit. Aside from being an intense fight with excellent special effects, the fight proved to be important -- if not essential -- as it marked the start of the MCU. It also set the bar on what fans should expect regarding the quality of future MCU battles.
T'Challa vs Killmonger (Black Panther)
Though the two cousins have an epic showdown at the end of the film, it's their bout at the waterfall to determine Wakanda's future ruler that stands out the most. The two arm themselves with shields and blades and fight until the more aggressive Killmonger stabs and tosses T'Challa off the waterfall.
This fight may not be flashy or full of special effects, but what makes it stand out is actually its simplicity. It's a fight that's heavily grounded in reality, which makes it feel more natural -- particularly when comparing it to the very obvious CGI of their second bout.
Hulkbuster vs. Hulk (Avengers: Age of Ultron)
One of the first hero vs. hero fights that takes place in the MCU, the battle between Iron Man and the Hulk proves to be an intense and destructive one. After Wanda invades the Hulk's mind, he runs amok in the city. In order to face him, Tony dons a heavy armor known as the Hulkbuster, which allows him to be on par with Hulk. The action sequence alone is enough to make this one of the most exciting fights in the MCU. Plus, it allowed Iron Man to show off a new armor.
Shang-Chi vs. Wenwu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)
With the reveal that Shang-Chi's father is the real Mandarin (not Trevor Slattery from Iron Man 3), the MCU gains an impressive and well-choreographed fight between father and son. Despite Wenwu's heart being in the right place, his methods were not, as he was willing to kill others and possibly even his own son to achieve his goal. Their battle proves to be one of the best in the MCU as the use of real martial arts techniques make the scene feel more real. Plus the effects and use of weapons make it a beautiful spectacle to behold.
Captain America & Bucky vs. Iron Man (Captain America: Civil War)
Yet another fight among heroes, this two on one battle finds a vengeful Iron Man trying to kill the Winter Soldier after realizing that the brainwashed Bucky murdered his parents. It's an epic showdown that has Bucky and Cap coordinating attacks and Tony throwing everything in his arsenal at his once-allies.
This fight is memorable to fans not only for the action, but the emotional aspect. It's a dramatic fight that has Captain choosing to fight alongside one friend but against the other. Plus, there's the uncertainty of whether or not Tony would be willing to kill his friend.
Thor vs. Gladiator Hulk (Thor: Ragnarok)
Unlike the previous entry, the long-awaited rematch between arguably the two strongest of the Avengers turned out to be a comedic one. Finding himself in the gladiator pit, Thor ends up being matched up against the Hulk. It's both an action-packed fight, and also a hilarious one as Hulk thrashes Thor around like a rag doll a la Loki in The Avengers, and Thor gains his thunder and lightning powers. The fight is among the best and a fan favorite, simply because of its perfect comedic timing and entertainment value.
Falcon & Bucky vs. US Agent (Falcon and the Winter Soldier)
Yet another two-on-one fight, this match follows an unstable Walker after murdering a Flag Smashers member for killing his friend Lemar (Battlestar), then dueling against Sam and Bucky as they try to convince him to give up the shield. Walker refuses and decides to take on the two. It's a brutal fight as Walker tears off Sam's falcon wings, and Sam and Bucky nearly break Walker's arm. It's an important fight as it sets the tone for the rest of the series and vacates the spot for Sam to eventually wield the shield.
Captain America vs. Thanos (Avengers: Endgame)
If there was a solo fight against Thanos that had people roaring in the theaters, it was this one. When Mjolnir rose from the ground, many assumed it was Thor calling it, but were surprised that it was really Steve Rogers. The fight itself is intense as Captain brings the hammer down hard against Thanos and even manages to use lightning strikes. This match is adored by fans as the idea of Steve one day wielding Mjolnir was hinted at in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Things came full circle however, once he was at last able to wield it.
