Robert Downey Jr is one of Hollywood’s most successful actors and has one of the best back stories for such success. USA Inquirer states that even though Downey was exposed to drugs and alcohol at a young age and struggled with addiction, he was able to rise above it and become one of the highest paid actors to this day. day. He may be known as Sherlock Homes, or for his controversial role in Tropic Thunder, but Iron Man is undoubtedly his most notable role. Throughout the years Downey Jr. played Tony Stark, fans who watch interviews with him often mention how much he acts like Stark, even when he’s not acting. When playing such an influential role, it’s easy to see how certain mannerisms and language can be adapted.
While Tony Stark is somewhat of a sore subject for Marvel fans, with some loving his character, while some blaming him for the majority of what happens in the MCU movies, he remains one of the MCU’s main superheroes. . In defense of Tony and his personality, CBN says he was often surrounded by people who caused him to make bad choices and ruin himself. So technically, the blame isn’t entirely on Tony Stark, as Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) can never stop his boss from doing something deadly. That being said, Tony Stark is an icon, and here’s a list of his best appearances in the MCU.
9 Iron Man 2 (2010)
Paramount Pictures
Although it was the film that introduced viewers to Black Widow and Don Cheadle as Rhodey, Iron Man 2 falls at the bottom of this list. Fans weren’t necessarily enthralled by the villain, Ivan Vanko, and said it wasn’t as energetic as other Tony Stark films. This film really plays into Tony’s characterization as a playboy, as it included several party scenes, while lacking in development and action.
8 Iron Man 3 (2013)
Paramount Pictures
In his third solo film, things take a darker turn than the first two. This film sheds light on the potential PTSD that Tony suffers from during the Battle of New York in The Avengers. It’s easy to argue that Tony Stark’s character is meant to be essentially heartless and cold, reveling in his stacks of cash. But in reality, he is a complex character that has many layers. Throughout the plot, the relationship between Tony and Pepper becomes more defined, as well as the character Harvey Keener is introduced to the franchise. When Stark inevitably defeats his villain, he has all of Iron Man’s suits destroyed by JARVIS, claiming that he will strive to fight terrible guys and save the world.
7 Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Paramount Pictures
Tony’s characters got a bit of a backlash in this film, due to a comment he made at the after-party scene, before Ultron made his first physical appearance. Before attempting to lift Thor’s hammer, he makes a comment about reinstating Prima Nocta if he is able to lift it, and the “joke” fell flat with viewers. Many people, even fans, have made claims about how this comment destroyed his character and made him extremely scary. From the creation and destruction of Ultron, Vision was born, so Tony Stark, as well as Bruce Banner, have to be thanked for that in this movie.
6 The Avengers (2012)
Paramount Pictures
In the first movie with all the Marvel heroes together, Tony Stark is at his peak. The true characterization of him as snobby, rich, and uptight really shines in this film, as he interacts with the other members of the team. He comments on Nick Fury’s singular eye, snacks on different foods throughout the film, and completely destroys New York at the end. For Tony, it’s the birth of what Thanos is creating and what’s coming to Earth many years later, so it’s important to him no matter how he acted.
5 Iron Man (2008)
Paramount Pictures
This is the movie that started it all for Tony Stark. He was already a billionaire with a cult, but after being captured and held captive, he decides he must protect himself in a way only money could buy. Tony designs a weaponized suit through several acts of trial and error to save not only himself, but the world from lingering evil. He quickly falls into the role of the American hero and is betrayed by one of his closest friends, which leads to the birth of Iron Man and what he stands for.
4 Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
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While this film in the franchise primarily centers around Peter Parker stepping into his friendly role as the neighborhood’s Spider-Man, Tony Stark also appears several times throughout the film. Viewers can see the mentorship that begins to take place between the two, with Tony stepping in multiple times when Peter can’t seem to make the right decision. It’s clear that this movie sets up what’s to come after Endgame; Peter admiring and looking up to Tony Stark, wanting to be like him and help as many people as possible. It’s also a good look at how Peter feels during Spider-Man: Far From Home. Tony’s role in this movie proves that he cares more about Peter than the spider thinks, plotting his suit for every possible case, and it also completes Peter’s character.
3 Captain America: Civil War (2016)
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Whether the fans are Team Cap or Team Iron Man, cinema seats were packed for this massive blockbuster event. Suddenly pitted after years of fighting together, the Avengers are seemingly split in two as they try to decide what’s best for the world and what’s best for the team. Tony Stark has many faces in the MCU, but we see a different one in the third Captain America movie; one of grief. When it’s revealed that Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) killed Tony’s parents, all arguments seem to drop off the table and Tony’s anger is justified. When it’s also revealed that Steve Rogers knew all along, viewers are made to understand the lack of communication that followed from Civil War to Infinity War.
2 Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
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The look of devastation on Tony’s face as Doctor Strange and Wong describe to him who Thanos is and what he plans to do on Earth says it all. It was Tony’s worst nightmare, the moment he had been dreading since 2012, after the events of The Avengers. In Infinity War, Stark takes up the leadership role he gave up in Civil War and handles it with more grace this time around, stuck in space and preparing for his moment with Thanos, hoping to make work before half the population. disappears. Devastation hits Tony again, as he watches all but one of his team members disappear into dust, having an awfully sad moment with Peter Parker as he struggles to find words to soothe the young child. There are several great fight scenes featured in this installment of the Avengers franchise which showcases Iron Man’s abilities and all the new technology he put into his suit, as well as Spider-Man’s suit.
1 Avengers: Endgame (2019)
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From the start of the film, viewers can tell that Tony Stark is tired. Tired of fighting, tired of losing and tired of seeing the people he loves die. After returning to Earth and a while, Tony looks visibly older and more relaxed after it’s revealed that he and Pepper have a daughter and they settle down. When duty calls and he gets back to fighting Thanos (again), he puts everything on the line for the people he cares about most. He snaps his fingers and destroys Thanos, but also himself, saving everyone from despair while he makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Tony Stark’s Best Franchise Appearances, Ranked | Pretty Reel