The Marvel Cinematic Universe changed the blockbuster landscape forever, with the interconnected superhero universe quickly becoming the most successful movie franchise of all time. Many elements of the films have become commonplace, chief among them the inclusion of a post-credits scene. Some continue the plot or answer character questions, while others tease future movies. A few even ignore expectations and play the moment for laughs. Sometimes, films have even come with multiple post-credits scenes that play with different tones, building off one another to great effect.
While other MCU films have had strong post-credits scenes (like the fun cameos of Guardians of the Galaxy or the emotional final note for Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame), these are the 10 best examples this franchise trend. You can check out all of these films (as well as the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) on Disney+!
10. Iron Man 2 (201)
Building on the style that Iron Man had established and The Incredible Hulk had run with, Iron Man 2’s post-credits scene was the first true proof of how far the MCU would be willing to expand the universe. In what would help cement Phil Coulson as a an early constant of the franchise, the Iron Man 2 post-credits scene cuts away to a fallen hammer in the New Mexico desert.
Following two Earthbound takes on big characters like Iron Man and The Hulk, the tease for Thor at the end of Iron Man 2 was a brief but fun little hint toward the tonal juggling act that the franchise was about to embark on to great success
9. Iron Man (2008)
The first MCU film was also the first one to establish the habit of including post-credits teases for future movies, with Iron Man’s relatively straightforward concept opening up an entire world of possibilities. In the post-credits scene, Tony Stark returns home to find Nick Fury waiting for him to discuss the “Avengers Initiative.”
This not only firmly established that the cinematic Marvel Universe expanded far beyond the reaches of Tony Stark’s orbit but also set up The Avengers as the primary pillar of the quickly expanding universe. As a statement of intent and hint toward the future, Nick Fury’s unexpected debut in Iron Man’s post-credits scene is basic but undeniably important.
8. Iron Man 3 (2013)
One of the few completely comedic post-credits scenes in the MCU, the punchline of Iron Man 3’s post-credits scene makes it one of the more memorable in the franchise. Throughout the film, Tony Stark can be heard narrating some of his internal arc, which is treated like a standard cinematic storytelling device. However, the post-credits scene reveals that it’s actually been Tony recounting the events of the film to his friend, Bruce Banner, who is revealed to have nodded off early in the story.
It’s a solid joke about the interconnected nature of the universe, showing how the characters would realistically try to fill one another in about their separate adventures. It’s also perfectly attuned to the comedic style of the film surrounding it.
7. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
After the chaos of Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans might have been expecting a massive lore explanation in the film’s post-credits scene. While the majority of the scene is played for laughs, it laysa seed for a potential crossover with big implications.
After being transported to the primary MCU universe because of the multiversal shenanigans occurring in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Eddie Brock and his symbiote shift briefly from the Venom films to the MCU. However, instead of getting involved in the plot, they hang out, have some drinks, and learn the history of this radically different universe. It’s a good gag that plays into the purposefully goofy Venom films, all while leaving a piece of the symbiote behind that could come into play in the future.
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
There are two post-credits scenes in Spider-Man: Homecoming, both of which play off the more playful character-driven tone of the rest of the film. The first one sees Vulture keeping Spider-Man’s identity a secret from other criminals, which also lays the groundwork for potential villain team-ups or conflicts. That little moment does a good job of setting up future storylines while retaining a character focus and connection to Adrian Toomes’ arc in the film.
The second tease is the far more memorable one, however, featuring an extension of Captain America’s lessons about disappointment. It’s one of the funnier beats with Chris Evans’ heroic leader in the MCU and sends audiences off with the same self-aware sense of humor that Spider-Man has been indulging throughout the entire film.
5. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
While Chris Evans typically played Steve Rogers with a certain seriousness and sweetness, he brought a far fouler sense of humor to his cameo as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine. Reprising a variant of the superhero role he played in Fantastic Four, Evans delivers the profanity-laced rant that Deadpool credited to him earlier in the film, which led directly to his brutal death at the hands of Cassandra Nova.
It’s a fun meta beat that also allows someone besides Deadpool be the comedian, all while giving comedy veteran Chris Evans a chance to be immature and goofy in a way The Avengers films never gave him the chance to be as Captain America. Deadpool & Wolverine has one of the funniest post-credits scenes in the MCU, through sheer force of Chris Evans’ cursing out the villain alone.
4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
A great fusion of the comedic and plot-centric post-credits teases, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings ends the post-credits scene with a fun beat for the titular hero, his best friend Katy, and MCU fan favorite, Wong. The Doctor Strange supporting character appears before Shang-Chi and Katy to bring them into the world of The Avengers, sharing a call with Captain Marvel and Hulk to discuss the potential origins and power of the Ten Rings.
It’s an exciting tease for Shang-Chi’s importance in the future of the MCU—before turning into a fun characterization moment for him, showing the grounded kung-fu master taking Wong out with Katy for a night of drinking and karaoke. While the other post-credits scene about Shang-Chi’s sister assuming control of their father’s assassins is more dramatic and story-centric, the strength of the other post-credits scene lets Shang-Chi go out on a fun note.
3. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
The most emotionally effective of the post-credits scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens up a new chapter for the future after a heartbreaking movie about loss and grief. Following her battle with Namor, Shuri spends time with Nakia and meets her nephew, Toussaint.
After spending so much time with Shuri as she wrestled with the pain of losing her brother and then her mother, this flash of hope and happiness was the best way to give the film a bittersweet farewell. One of the most emotionally focused of the MCU in terms of themes, it’s fitting that the sequel to Black Panther concluded with an emotional reminder that life carries on and that our loved ones who have passed aren’t completely gone.
2. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
One of the most important post-credits scenes plot-wise in the franchise, Spider-Man: Far From Home’s monumental post-credits scene changed the character’s trajectory in a big way. After returning to New York City with MJ after defeating Mysterio, the MCU debut of J. Jonah Jameson (played by J.K. Simmons after his scene-stealing performance of the same character in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films) heralded not only the public reveal of Peter Parker’s secret identity but also the accusation that he had killed Mysterio.
The moment led directly to the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home. Unlike many other post-credits scenes in the MCU, Spider-Man: Far From Home’s final moments are a must-see for the future of the franchise and a great little ending note for Phase 3.
1. The Avengers (2012)
The film that cemented the MCU as one of the biggest hits in Hollywood history, The Avengers has two post-credits scenes, which speaks to the tonal versatility of the franchise. Both of these moments are all-time great post-credits scenes, but they are also strong enough to warrant mentioning. The more dramatic of the two firmly establishes Thanos as a new threat for the universe, setting the stage for the next decade of films that crescendoed with the one-two punch of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
The other moment is a far more grounded and silly beat, showing The Avengers taking a breather to have a meal following the events of the film. It’s a low-key and hilarious moment that nails the comedic undercurrent that is crucial to the MCU’s charms and success. It’s the best of both worlds, and the best post-credits scenes in the entire franchise.
Where To Watch MCU Movies Online
To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
