7 Most Important MCU Post-Credit Scenes, Ranked

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become famous for its intricate web of interconnected stories that span across both films and television. Each story is a piece thread that is woven to create th ultimate larger picture of what is to come for our favorite hereos. However, one of the defining features of Marvel movies happens after the final credits roll. These short scenes are glimpses into the future of the MCU and usually set up the next major event, introduce key characters, or provide moments of reflection (or sometimes, humor). From game-changing reveals to simple, yet impactful, comedic beats, these scenes have shaped the direction of the entire franchise, rewarding fans who stick around for every last frame.

The following are seven of the most significant of these post-credit moments that have become fan-favorites and stand out among the many pieces of the MCU.

7. Captain America: The Winter Soldier  (Scene 2)

This scene is a gut punch, offering a quiet and hearbreaking moment after the high-octane action of the film. Bucky Barnes, a man who has been a weapon for decades and just learned the truth about his identity, visits the Smithsonian exhibit dedicated to Captain America’s (and his) past. The scene shows him looking at the exhibit, a flicker of recognition crossing his face as he sees images of a life he can barely remember.

This powerful moment marks the beginning of Bucky’s long road to recovery and redemption. It’s the beginning of his journey to reclaiming Bucky Barnes back from the Winter Soldier and breaking free from HYDRA’s brainwashing. This scene also directly sets up his character arc in the following films, making his future a key part of the MCU’s emotional core.

6. Doctor Strange

This quick scene bridges the cosmic and mystical sides of the MCU in a major way. Thor, now in civilian clothes, visits Doctor Strange at the Sanctum Sanctorum, seeking his help to find his father, Odin. This meeting of two of Marvel’s most influential heroes not only establishes Thor as a someone who knows about and respects Earth’s magical protectors, but also hints at the bigger threats both Thor and Strange will soon face.

The scene’s true importance lies in its role as a direct lead-in to Thor: Ragnarok. It establishes the a clear reason as to why Stephen Strange appears in that film and sets up the tone for the adventure to come. This moment solidified the MCU’s willingness to let its heroes cross over into each other’s solo films for plot-relevant reasons, furthering the shared universe.

5. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Scene 1)

This scene is the first proper introduction of two new, super-powered characters who would become central to the next major crossover and who many did not expect to appear in the MCU. Baron von Strucker, a HYDRA scientist, is in his lab conducting experiments on two test subjects in separate cells. The camera then pans over to reveal a young woman with a mysterious red energy swirling around her hands as she levitates blocks and a young man moving at super-speed.

This post-credit scene is incredibly important for laying the groundwork for Avengers: Age of Ultron by formally introducing Wanda and Pietro Maximoff to the MCU, providing a glimpse of their powers and hinting at their origin story. This scene immediately created excitement and speculation about how these new characters would fit into the Avengers’ world, particularly given their storied comic book history as mutants when the MCU did not have the rights to the X-Men at the time.

4. Captain America: Civil War 

This scene is integral for setting up the future of two key characters and giving an exciting new look at a long-anticipated brand new location: Wakanda. After the disastrous fallout of Captain America: Civil War, Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes are both fugitives from all world governments. In a lab, they speak with T’Challa, who promises that he will keep Bucky safe until they can find a way to deprogram his decades of brainwashing. The scene ends with a panoramic view of the advanced, hidden nation of Wakanda.

This single scene is a massive piece of setup. It not only establishes how Bucky will escape HYDRA’s brainwashing and get his full sense of self back, but also acts as the first official introduction to Wakanda to the MCU. The scene solidifies Wakanda as a place of refuge, as T’Challa staunchy tells Steve “let them try” when Steve expresses concern about world governments coming to apprehend Bucky.

3. Avengers: Infinity War

As the immediate aftermath Thanos’ snap, this scene is one of the most significant in terms of character buildup in the entire franchise. Nick Fury and Maria Hill are driving through a crumbling New York City as the “blip” begins to happen. Just as Fury begins to disintegrate, he rushes to his car and grabs a very familiar pager, last seen in Captain Marvel. He manages to send out a signal right before he disappers, and when the camera focuses on the screen of the pager, it reveals Captain Marvel’s icoinc symbol.

This post-credit scene served as the ultimate cliffhanger and a promise of that Carol Danvers would officially join the ranks of the Avengers. It positions Captain Marvel as the MCU’s potential savior and explains her eventual arrival on Earth in Avengers: Endgame.

2. Iron Man

The scene that started it all. This post-credit sequence is arguably the most important of all time (even if it’s not #1 on the list). Tony Stark, having just revealed himself as Iron Man, returns to his home to find Nick Fury waiting for him. Fury explains that he is putting together a team and that Tony isn’t the only superhero in the world. He mentions a project known as “The Avengers.”

This scene is the beginning of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it today. It officially established the shared universe concept, planting the seed for a multi-film franchise. It confirmed that the hero who was just introduced would eventually meet other heroes and create an interconnected story that would last for over a decade.

1. The Avengers

While not a plot-heavy scene, The Avengers shawarma scene is the most important of all for how iconic it is. The scene shows the team silently eating shawarma in a destroyed restaurant after their battle in New York, and is a direct follow-up to a quip made by Tony Stark earlier in the film. It’s a simple, quiet moment that perfectly captures the mundane absurdity of superhero life.

This single scene, looking back years later, reminds us all of where everything started and the original Avengers first assembled. It’s a testament to the franchise’s ability to balance epic, world-ending stakes with grounded, human moments of humor. It proved that these films were not just about action, but about the characters and their relationships an— element that would define the franchise for years to come.

What is your favorite MCU post credit scene? Let us know in the comments!