Every Original Avenger Ranked By Their MCU Legacy

The six members of the original superhero team from The Avengers have really left their mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but some have far stronger legacies than others. Marvel Studios’ Phase 1 followed the introductions of Earth 616’s first on-screen heroes, who came together in 2012 to form the Avengers team. Under the guidance of Nick Fury and SHIELD, the Avengers formed to save New York City from Loki’s invasion, subsequently becoming celebrity heroes who went on to battle Ultron, HYDRA, Baron Zemo, Thanos, and more.

While the Avengers have undergone many changes, including adding new members, seeing old ones retire or die, and even dissolving completely, the original team is still the most iconic. Comprising Tony Stark’s Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Steve Rogers’ Captain America (Chris Evans), Natasha Romanoff’s Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Clint Barton’s Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Bruce Banner’s Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), the original line-up is perhaps the best. Even so, some of these heroes have made a bigger mark on the MCU than others, so here they are in order of how large their legacy really is.

6) Bruce Banner’s Hulk

As one of the smartest people on Earth, and one of the physically strongest superheroes in his Hulk form, Bruce Banner has made a huge impact on the MCU. His legacy is immense, but unfortunately still the least notable. Mark Ruffalo’s Smart Hulk is still an active hero in the MCU, and is expected to make his next appearance in 2026’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Even so, he hasn’t taken anyone under his wing – Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk already had control – and hasn’t been able to expand his story in a solo movie since his debut in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk.

5) Clint Barton’s Hawkeye

Jeremy Renner finally got the chance to headline his first solo project in 2021’s Hawkeye Disney+ series, which saw him become a mentor to Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). Since Bishop is expected to become a crucial member of the rumored Young Avengers team, Clint Barton’s legacy will hopefully be continued in the MCU for years to come. Barton has been at the core of many brilliant MCU storylines, though has often been underrepresented and underdeveloped. His mentorship of Bishop means he has a stronger legacy than Bruce Banner, but there’s still a lot more that can be done with Hawkeye.

4) Thor

Ever since Thor became a member of the Avengers in 2012, tragedy after tragedy has struck his homeworld of Asgard, so his legacy might not actually be a good one. Of course, Thor saved Asgard (the people) from Malekith and the Dark Elves, Hela, and Surtur, even when the planet itself was destroyed. As an Avenger, Thor has an incredible legacy as one of the most powerful heroes who has used his gifts to help many others. He has been succeeded by the likes of Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor (Natalie Portman), Love (India Hemsworth), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and more.

3) Steve Rogers’ Captain America

The Captain America title is one that can be passed from hero to hero, and Steve Rogers was the first individual to adopt the moniker in the MCU. Chris Evans’ hero embodied selflessness, patriotism, and courage, and these traits are now being continued fantastically by Rogers’ legacy character, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who brings something fresh and eerily-relevant to the iconic hero. Just as Steve Rogers challenged the systems of SHIELD and the US government, Sam Wilson does the same, continuing Rogers’ plight and legacy perfectly, while Rogers’ Captain America will go down as one of the world’s most-legendary superheroes.

2) Natasha Romanoff’s Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson perhaps made an even bigger impact than Steve Rogers in the MCU as Natasha Romanoff’s Black Widow. Romanoff was the only female member of the original Avengers team, which already gives her an important place in history. Some of Romanoff’s surrogate family, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Alexei Shostakov’s Red Guardian (David Harbour), have now become members of the New Avengers, while Clint Barton also continues to fight in Romanoff’s honor. Romanoff brought down the Red Room, helped fight Thanos, and eventually sacrificed herself for the universe, giving her one of the strongest legacies of any MCU hero.

1) Tony Stark’s Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark was the first superhero ever featured on-screen in the MCU, kick-starting the franchise that now contains dozens of formidable heroes spanning 17 years and over 50 movies and TV shows. Over the years, Stark mentored younger heroes – specifically Peter Parker’s Spider-Man (Tom Holland) – and used his immense wealth for philanthropic purposes, helping thousands, if not millions. He saved the world several times, all while maintaining his wit and levity, which made him one of the most captivating characters. Even after his death in Avengers: Endgame, his legacy is being continued by Spider-Man, Ironheart (Dominique Thorne), War Machine (Don Cheadle), and more, giving Tony Stark the strongest legacy of any of the original Avengers.

Who is your favorite member of the MCU’s original Avengers team? Let us know in the comments!

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