For decades now, thesuperherosubgenre has implemented elements of action movies, fantasy, and science fiction to create special products enjoyed by millions around the world. And after all the offerings from the likes of the DC Extended Universe or even in theX-Menfranchise, theMarvel Cinematic Universehas consistently proved to be the most popular series that superhero movies have to offer.
They perhaps stand out partly due to the mostly perfect implementation of comedy. Nearly every character featured herein can make you laugh in seamless fashion, and they each bring their own stamp of originality. With plenty to pick from, these are the twenty funniest characters in the MCU, ranked.
Voiced byVin Diesel, the fan-favorite characterGrootwas first introduced inGuardians of the Galaxy(2014). Director James Gunn in a lot of waysreinvigorated the franchisewith his unique brand of humor, and the character at hand provided more than enough laughs in that film alone to warrant a spot on the list.
Funniest Moments
With just three words, Groot makes audiences laugh time and time again, having shown up six times in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the aforementioned installment. Every time, his repeated one-liner (if you want to call it that) facilitates hilarious moments that still hold up today. No matter his size, this talking tree will always hit audiences right in the funny bone.
19Bruce Banner
InThe Incredible Hulk(2008) — the second-ever MCU movie following the masterfulIron Man(2008) — Bruce Banner is portrayed by Edward Norton. Most fans loved the portrayal, while Norton’s behind-the-scenes antics led to a replacement:Mark Ruffalo. The latter actor has shown up in the MCU six times in total, with Ruffalo’s portrayal of Banner being his most famous character in his critically acclaimed career.
Even when Hulk is smashing, his humor shines as a prominent character trait. Frankly, his rage-induced superpower provides comedic relief from the first phase of Marvel movies in titles likeThe Avengers(2012) and through to the third phase withAvengers: Endgame(2019). But of course, Banner himself has wit about him, with Ruffalo’s career-defining performancesproviding charisma to a characteralready so endearing.
18James “Rhodey” Rhodes
Although James “Rhodey” Rhodes was once played by Terrance Howard in the original Iron Man film, that talented American actor was quickly replaced by one of his famous contemporaries:Don Cheadle. And while Howard provided valiant efforts as Tony Stark’s right-hand man, who’s also known as “War Machine” once he dons his suit, there’s no denying that Cheadle had more tangible comedic chops as Rhodey.
A long-time comedic actor, Don Cheadle has been making audiences laugh since the mid-90s. And while Rhodey is never quite the funniest guy in the room, Cheadle’s comedic prowess is on full display. With six appearances under his belt, this is the most popular character of his career. That’s thanks to the jokes from the MCU screenwriters. But in many ways, Cheadle made Rhodey his own.
17Michelle “MJ” Jones
Perhaps the funniest love interest from any superhero movie ever, Michelle “MJ” Jones is of course a character who frequently shows up alongside Peter Parker, who’s also known as Spider-Man. The character at hand is portrayed byZendaya, with that world-famous American actress playing MJ to an absolute tee since her first appearance inSpider-Man: Homecoming(2017).
A masterof deadpan humor, Zendaya redefines MJ in a way refreshing for comic book fans everywhere. If there were any skeptics of her being cast, those naysayers were silenced following her first scene inHomecoming. And after the hilarious moments she’s had in bothSpider-Man: Far From Home(2019) andSpider-Man: No Way Home(2021), she’s become an undeniable fan-favorite.
Portrayed byAwkwafinainShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings(2021), the character Katy is far more prominent in her respective plot than many characters on the list. Alongside Simu Liu as Shang Chi, the character at hand provides unforgettable moments of comedy that are perfectly juxtaposed by engaging action and beautiful visuals.
After debuting inNeighbors 2: Sorority Uprising(2016), the actress who plays Katy began appearing in numerous high-quality comedies, carefully honing her craft. This is easily among Awkwafina’s most uproarious performances, as she steals the comedic show inShang Chiand is fondly remembered by fans as one of the universe’s most refreshing personalities. Therefore, Katy makes the list with relative ease.
With perhaps the greatest development arc in the MCU as a whole, Loki isa well-written characterthrough and through, not just with regard to the zingers he lets loose throughout every plot in which he’s featured. Played byTom Hiddleston, this is the brother of Thor, known around the world as a dastardly trickster God whose mind games rival the quickness of his wit.
From the dynamic rapport he shares with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor to his individual moments of hilarity — his mocking of Captain America, for instance — Loki’s without a doubt among the funniest characters the MCU can offer. He even got a spinoff show of the same name after his untimely death in Endgame, and with good reason. Hiddleston nails the role far too well for it to be left anywhere near the wayside.
14Happy Hogan
Played byJon Favreau, the characterHappy Hoganfirst shows up inIron Man, helping mark the beginning of the MCU. Favreau also directed the overall product, and returned as both director and actor for the immediate sequel:Iron Man 2(2010). Since, Favreau has played Happy on six other occasions, most prominently in theSpider-Manseries of movies asthe love interestof Aunt May.
His relationship with May Parker alone makes for hilarious moments all throughout theSpider-Manseries, with the prior character he was typically found alongside being Tony Stark in theIron-Manfilms. Happy shares a hilarious dynamic with both of the aforementioned superheroes, and his individual lines of dialogue hold up well today. He’s undoubtedly among the funniest.
13Darcy Lewis
Played byKat Dennings, the characterDarcy Lewiscan first be seen inThor(2011), directed by Kenneth Branagh. That particular entry in the MCU holds up as one of the funniest movies the franchise has to offer, with Darcy standing out as a force of comedic genius. Dennings appeared in the immediate sequel,Thor: The Dark World(2013), then again reprised the role a decade later inThor: Love and Thunder(2022).
Amid moments of intense action or scenes of sappy romance, Darcy hits audiences with unexpected one-liners that hold up wonderfully even a decade down the line. Dennings had been honing her comedic chops for years when she first showed up as Darcy, evident in the first twoThormovies with several hilarious moments. And even if she’s justa supporting figure, she’s without a doubt among the MCU’s funniest characters.
12Ned Leeds
The best friend of Peter Parker and the “Guy in the Chair” for Spider-Man, the endlessly funnyNed Leedsis portrayed byJacob Batalon. Though not a name likely to ring any bells, he’s an actor to look out for if not for his performances as Ned alone. Three Spider-Man movies, three appearances by Batalon, and three straight-up hilarious experiences every time he’s on the screen.
With a star-struck persona and juvenile mind, Ned makes audiences shed tears of laughter nearly every time he opens his mouth. Whether he’s interacting with Peter, Mary Jane, or even Doctor Strange, this character always has the funniest things to say at the most opportune times. Although he left off in something of a distant place re: his friendship with Peter, the series is in good comedic hands as long as Ned is a part.
Portrayed byMichael Peña, a legendary comic actor in his own right, Luis has appeared only twice throughout the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. And even then, he ranks amongthe funniest characters. Many moments featuring Luis could have materialized in your head when you read his name on the list, as he’s among the highlights of not justAnt-Man(2015), but alsoAnt-Man and the Wasp(2018)
Toward the beginnings of the first twoAnt-Manmovies, Luis rattles off hilarious, expository monologues that will resonate no matter how many times fans revisit the franchise. And while his soliloquy from the first movie (featuring flashbacks and one-liners galore) outshines the second in terms of shock-factor and overall hilarity, both moments make Luis one of the all-time funniest characters in the MCU.
