Marvel’s larger than life heroes inspire children and adults all over the world. The long spanning collection of movies in the MCU now covers a range of heroes that represents almost all personality types: the optimistic do-gooder, the rich playboy, the grieving mother, and even a tired king. If these heroes can conquer their world-threatening villains, then surely everyday heroes can tackle their everyday problems.
The wide range of characters and plots have opened up all kinds of opportunities for interesting dialogue and debates over the years. Marvel films have tackled grief, anxiety, legacy, and many more relatable themes. Marvel writers have given plenty of uplifting advice, even though some of the most memorable one-liners are witty punchlines. Here are the nine best inspirational quotes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
“I make grave mistakes all the time. Everything seems to work out.” Thor: Ragnarök
Marvel StudiosDisney
Thor: Ragnarök is known for its concentrated Taika Waititi jokes. Thor’s nonchalant statement about mistakes is certainly charming and funny, but it is also encouraging for people who suffer from guilt over past mistakes. Even the most devastating and irreversible mistakes can be fixed. Thor’s mistakes often put the fate of the galaxy in jeopardy. Hey, if things work out for him, surely they will work out for the rest of us.
“I can’t control their fear, only my own.” - Captain America: Civil War
Wanda, the powerful Scarlet Witch, runs into some trouble at the beginning of Captain America: Civil War. She is one of the few Avengers not beloved by the public. To keep her and others safe, Vision keeps her locked in the Avengers’ headquarters. She stays for a long time, until Hawkeye (or Clint) comes to bust her out. Hawkeye is no match for Vision, but he attempts to give Wanda the courage to break herself free. Vision warns Wanda that if she leaves, then people will always be afraid of her, and responds with this quote defying other’s perceptions. Everyone knows what it is like to feel disliked or ridiculed, but sometimes the most important vote of acceptance is our own.
“Nothing goes over my head! My reflexes are too fast, I would catch it!”- Guardians of the Galaxy
In the first Guardians of the Galaxy film, this line serves as a perfect introduction to Drax’s character. Rocket remarks that Drax’s kind do not understand sarcasm and most jokes go over their heads. Drax responds defensively, but only proves Rocket’s point. Even though the line is meant to be funny, it also offers a deeper meaning that sometimes defensive comments are more hurtful than helpful.
“Love is a dagger. It’s a weapon to be wielded far away or up close. You can see yourself in it. It’s beautiful until it makes you bleed.” - Loki
Disney
Leave it to Loki to give one of the most beautiful yet convoluted quotes. His analogy about love being a dagger feels like one of his illusions; it is layered full of hidden meanings, and just a little confusing. In Loki on Disney+, Loki says this to Sylvie as they travel together through the end of the world. His remark that love is both beautiful and painful is one that not only all Lokis can relate to, but also all audience members.
“I love you 3000.”- Avengers: Endgame
Even though it is a simple and childish phrase, this quote still conveys a powerful surge of emotions. Morgan Stark says this to her father before bed; her compliment becomes a bragging right for Tony shortly thereafter. The quote captures Morgan’s childlike innocence, but also the tender relationship she has with her father. The scene has everyone hoping that they can find someone to love 3,000.
“No man can win every battle, but no man should fall without a struggle.” Spider-Man: Homecoming
Marvel StudiosSony
Spider-Man bounces back from perilous battle’s both emotional and physical better than many other heroes. Spider-Man: Homecoming even makes “getting back up” a central theme to the film and a common thread between several different Spidermen. There is no better character to embody the sentiment that some things are worth fighting for even if we ultimately fail. Spider-Man’s optimism and emotional endurance make him one of the most inspirational Marvel heroes.
“It’s not about how much we have lost, it’s about how much we have left.” Avengers: Endgame
Some of Iron Man’s last words before he dies in the MCU are surprisingly optimistic and selfless for his usual pessimistic and egotistical character. Tony and Pepper survived the snap together, and lived a quaint and comfortable life before Tony took up the superhero mantle again. His willingness to look forward rather than dwell on the past allowed him to find new solutions to defeat Thanos. Even in his final moments, this forward-looking mindset helps him conquer the universe’s greatest villain.
“What is grief, if not love persevering?”- WandaVision
In one of WandaVision’s most defining moments, Wanda relives the moments after her brother’s death. In the middle of her heartbreaking loss, Vision comes to console her. He points out that he cannot feel grief because he has never felt love, and that in a roundabout way, Wanda’s grief is a strength. Even after it seems like Wanda has hit rock bottom, she continues to discover more grief and pain. Vision’s council universally applies in many stages of Wanda’s life, just as it applies to anyone else who feels stuck in a destructive loop.
“The hardest choices require the strongest wills.” Avengers: Infinity War
One of Marvel’s baddest villains also has some of the best lines. As Thanos describes the logic behind his plan for population control, Doctor Strange frowns at the thought of losing half of everyone he loves. Thanos knows that the cost for his plan is great, but believes that the cost proves its value. Thanos’ well-thought-out plan coupled with his strong will are part of what make him such a formidable enemy to the Avengers. To fight against him, the team needs to muster all of their will-power and even make the ultimate sacrifice. The battle of wills is a an epic conflict for true heroes and villains.
