Best Friendships In The MCU

Summary

• Peter and Rocket’s chaotic friendship in Guardians of the Galaxy is a highlight of the MCU.
• The bond between Steve and Bucky stands strong despite numerous challenges in the Marvel universe.
• Natasha and Clint’s unshakable loyalty and trust make them unbeatable as a team in the MCU.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has dominated box offices for over fifteen years, releasing constant large-scale films into their continuously expanding franchise. Since Robert Downy Jr. put on the Mark One armor, Marvel has skyrocketed to success. With over forty films under the franchise’s belt, the MCU is filled with interesting characters, some new and most veteran from some of the most outstanding comic books ever made.

The only thing more interesting than the characters are the relationships they have with each other. It is a breath of fresh air to see heroes and villains alike interact with each other outside of battle and being superheroes. Loki is constantly bickering with his brother, Tony and Bruce are always getting into trouble, and Nick Fury is always at odds with everyone else. The relationships in the MCU are what make the MCU what it is. Here are some of the best friendships in the MCU, ranked.

8

Peter And Rocket

A Man And A Raccoon In Space

• Peter and Rocket’s First Appearance: Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

The Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the most beloved films in the MCU for its fantastic cast and vibrant soundtrack. The characters that steal the show are undoubtedly Rocket and Quil, who together make a perfect mesh of chaos and comedic banter.

Peter and Rocket did not start off on the best of terms, but as time passed, both of them walk to the beat of each other’s drums, matching each other’s vibes perfectly. Peter can always count on Rocket to get him and the team out or into any mess, and vice versa.

7

Nebula And James

Two Highly Different Individuals Share Common Ground

• Nebula’s First Appearance: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
• James Rhoed’s First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

An unexpected friendship that blossomed during Avengers: Endgame is the duo of James Rhoed and Nebula. Tasked with the mission of recovering the power stone from the past, James and Nebula had a short chance to bond over their past trauma. Upon returning to Earth, Nebula not only seemed to be comfortable among the world’s mightiest heroes but also seemed to be on a first-name basis with James, which insinuated a bond. This shocking turn of events had fans interested in the dynamic between the two characters and still calling for more of them on screen together.

6

Thor And Korg

Strangers Who Shared A Battlefield Become Roommates

• Thor’s First Appearance: Thor (2011)
• Korg’s First Appearance: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

In Thor: Ragnarok, the god of Thunder finds himself on the battlefield against one of his closest allies, The Hulk. Having few allies, Thor was ecstatic to find common ground with one of the other captives in the arena, Korg. The relationship lasted as Thor and Korg became very close, even moving into New Asgard together. Korg’s bright and sunny disposition aided Thor while he grieved and recovered from his failure after the Snap wiped out half of the universe. The two remained extremely close, with Korg even taking a lightning bolt from Zeus for his best buddy in Thor: Love and Thunder.

5

Tony And Harley

Rusty And The Big In The Flesh

• Tony Stark’s First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)
• Harley’s First Appearance: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Tony Stark doesn’t have a long list of people he trusts. Past James Rhodes and Pepper Pots, Tony limits his world to Jarvis, a friend he created for himself. However, in Iron Man 3, he was forced to come into the care of a thirteen-year-old boy named Harley. With a damage suit and an army of super-enhanced soldiers out for his head, Harley was Tony’s saving grace. Going as far as even to help Tony repair his suit, Harley saved Tony’s life and then got him back on his feet. Tony and Harley’s friendship lasted behind the scenes but was very strong when, during his private funeral, he was allowed to attend.

4

Peter And Ned

Best Friends Who Fight Crime

• Peter Parker’s First Appearance (Tom Holland) – Captain America: Civil War (2016)
• Ned’s First Appearance – Spiderman: Homecoming (2017)

Peter Parker is the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and spends his days, nights, and weekends saving the people of New York City. But even Spider-Man needs a friend whom he can trust with his secrets and with whom he can confide in. Ned and Peter have been friends for years, even before Peter received superpowers. Once Peter started acting as Spider-Man full-time, Ned always had his back no matter what the problem may be. Peter holds his friendship with Ned as one of the most important things in his life, which makes it all the more tragic when Peter erases his existence from the world in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

3

Steve And Bucky

Best Friend for Sixty Years

• Steve and Bucky’s first appearance – Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Before the muscles and the shields, James and Steve were best friends and had been for years prior. Their friendship has stood the test of time, Hydra agents, brainwashing, and even aliens, and still stands as strong as the day they met.

Steve and Bucky share a bond that goes deeper than words and actions, but a level of trust that can never be questioned. Both Bucky and Steve always have each other’s backs, no matter what or who stands in their way, as proven in Captain America: Civil War, when they both turn on Tony Stark after it is revealed that Bucky is responsible for his parents’ deaths.

2

Steve And Sam

Brothers In Arms On The Frontlines

• Sam’s First Appearance – Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

When Sam Wilson debuted in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, it was clear that Sam and Steve’s chemistry was undeniable. Being the host of a veterans’ support group, Sam was able to listen to Steve’s most vulnerable thoughts and paid the man an enormous debt by not judging.

Steve and Sam’s level of trust sank deeper when he helped Captain America save the world, which earned him a spot on the Avengers. But perhaps the greatest show of respect between the two is Steve passing on the shield and mantle of Captain America to Sam.

1

Natasha And Clint

An Unshakable Bond Of Trust And Loyalty

• Natasha’s First Appearance: Iron Man 2 (2010)
• Clint’s First Appearance: Thor (2011)

The friendship between Natasha and Clint is the perfect example of through thick and thin, no matter what. From their very first appearance together on screen in the first Avengers film, Clint and Natasha show immense care and concern for one another. The level of trust and love they had for each other’s vices and virtues was any other comparison to shame. Only true best friends can fight each other for the right to give their lives for the other. Black Widow and Hawkeye were an unbeatable combo, and the ones who knew them and the fans who loved them are sad to see them go in the MCU.