The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has come a long way since the first Iron Man movie, and so have the costumes of its superheroes. Just like in the comics, the characters in Marvel movies tend to wear different outfits in each film, keeping them interesting and giving their merchandise a fresh look.
Superheroes’ costumes change when they discover more about themselves or gain new powers or abilities. For those without superpowers, upgrading their suit or equipment can provide them with new abilities.
As the MCU enters Phase V, we take a look at the 10 best costumes from the franchise. While not everyone may agree with the list, each costume has made an impact on the MCU.
1. Mark I Iron Man Armor
Tony Stark’s first suit is iconic for getting the MCU off the ground. Constructed from spare parts in a cave, the suit’s primary function was to throw flames and shoot one missile. Despite its limited abilities, it played a crucial role in Stark’s escape from terrorists and is a significant part of MCU history.
2. Star-Lord
Before Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, was a relatively unknown character. While his comic book appearance differs from his MCU look, his popularity in the films influenced his comic book design. Star-Lord’s high-tech helmet and red leather jacket give him a classic cowboy look, making him the most stylish space pirate.
3. Hawkeye From the Disney+ Show Hawkeye
Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye has always been a team player, but his purple suit was notably absent from previous films. Fans were pleased when Marvel gave him his own Disney+ show, where he donned a modern comic book-inspired costume with purple designs.
4. Professor X in Multiverse of Madness
Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of Professor X in Doctor Strange: The Multiverse of Madness was a standout moment. The character’s classic green suit and yellow wheelchair from the 1990s animated series were brought to life in live-action, making for a memorable appearance.
5. The Scarlet Witch in WandaVision
Wanda Maximoff’s Scarlet Witch has undergone significant changes in the MCU. While she wore a red costume in Avengers: Age of Ultron, her permanent outfit didn’t appear until her own TV show, WandaVision. The show also gave her the name “Scarlet Witch” and showcased her chaos magic abilities, which allowed her to create a costume similar to her comic book appearance.
6. Hulk from Thor: Ragnarok
Taika Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok introduced a gladiator-style Hulk that resembled the World War Hulk from the comics. The metal gladiator helmet and armor made him even stronger than before, making for an impressive appearance.
7. Black Panther
Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther had a significant impact on pop culture, with his Vibranium suit and purple energy pulses becoming iconic. While he first wore the suit in Captain America: Civil War, it was his solo movie that cemented his place on this list.
8. Captain America: The First Avenger
Chris Evans’ Captain America made his debut in Captain America: The First Avenger, showcasing his World War II suit that stood for American nationalism. While he wore different suits throughout the MCU, this one remains one of the most memorable.
9. The Mark LXXXV Iron Man Armor
Tony Stark’s final suit before his death in Avengers: Endgame was his strongest yet, with nanotechnology and abilities that made it unique. It resembled his red and gold suits from the first Iron Man movie and comics and even used Thor’s Stormbreaker to defeat Thanos.
10. Man-Thing
Werewolf by Night introduced Man-Thing to the MCU, showcasing the powerful character with a real suit, animatronics, and CGI effects. Carey Jones did motion capture for the character while in the suit, making him a standout MVP of the show.
While not everyone may agree with this list, each costume has made an impact on the MCU and its fans. As Phase V continues, we can only anticipate what new costumes and designs will be introduced next.