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15 Best On-Screen Dyads In The Marvel Movies

The MCU has had an enormous impact on the Entertainment industry, leaving rival companies rushing to create a continuity that is aware of itself. People watch Marvel movies not just for the thrilling action, but also for the romantic scenes or even for political issues. The MCU has never rushed the character development of its protagonists, despite the fact that there have been innumerable films.
Up until Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, MCU films featured increasingly large ensembles. Depending on the movie or subplot, these ensembles are typically divided into smaller groups, allowing now-iconic duos, pairs, friends, and family to indicate their chemistry and unique dynamics. Below are the 15 best on-screen duets in the Marvel movies.

1. Thor And Loki

Source: Marvel Studio

The MCU's most popular brothers are Thor and Loki. Loki, Thor's adopted brother, is initially rejected, bitter, and even envious of his cookie-cutter brother, whom he believes is unworthy of the Asgardian crown. The core of this dynamic is similar to its counterpart in Norse mythology: Thor, the meathead, and Loki, the "God of Mischief," who lives up to his moniker. What distinguishes the MCU's portrayal of these two is that they care about one another (and Thor is more smarter), at least in their own way.

2. Rocket Raccoon And Groot

Source: Marvel Studio

Rocket and Groot are introduced in the MCU as buddy-cop bounty hunters who are as inseparable as Riggs and Murtaugh or Han and Chewie. You could even call the genetically modified Raccoon and Vin Diesel tree brothers in the first film. Rocket's understanding of all the intricacies within the sentence "I am Groot" strengthens their friendship. Groot leaves his "offspring," Baby Groot, after sacrificing himself to save the Guardians (who eventually grows into a teenager). Rocket becomes an irritated (but loving) father figure in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and afterward.

3. Natasha Romanoff And Clint Barton

Source: Marvel Studio

Their bond is established by their shared "Budapest" heritage, as well as the fact that they are the only two Avengers who are considered "regular" people. They're also willing to die for one another, as they demonstrate when they battle to sacrifice themselves on Vormir.

4. Peter Parker And Tony Stark

Source: Marvel Studio

The former's advice demonstrates how far he's progressed since the first Iron Man, and he assists Spider-Man in becoming a full-fledged Avenger (with some pretty cool Stark tech). Peter is undoubtedly the reason Tony does what he does in Avengers: Endgame, establishing Peter as the MCU's spiritual replacement in Spider-Man: Far From Home.

5. Steve Rogers And Bucky Barnes

Source: Marvel Studio

"Bucky Barnes and Steven Rogers had been best friends from childhood and were inseparable on both the schoolyard and the battlefield."

6. Stephen Strange And Wong

Source: Marvel Studio

Doctor Stephen Strange meets the librarian Wong while learning the Mystic Arts on Kamar-Taj. Wong takes his role as guardian of old books very seriously, even assisting Stephen in his struggle against the wicked Kaecilius and Dormammu. Wong comes out as very serious at first, unwilling to laugh at any of Stephen's jokes or recognize Beyoncé. Wong has warmed up to Stephen by the time he becomes the defender of the New York Sanctum. In Avengers: Infinity War, for example, the two engage in a fun, if not "philosophical," discussion regarding Wong's inability to pay for lunch:

7. T’Challa And Shuri

Source: Marvel Studio

T'Challa's regal manner is offset by Shuri's humor, which is similar to Thor and Loki's relationship. Watching Shuri taunt her older brother is incredibly charming, and it contributes to Black Panther's notions of clan and culture. It's unfortunate that we won't be seeing these two on screen together again. With Hope's power, smarts, and maturity bouncing off Scott's cute man-child persona, this couple is perfectly in the rom-com wheelhouse - awkward tension, longing looks, and engaging banter.

8. Scott Lang And Hope van Dyne

Source: Marvel Studio

With Hope's power, smarts, and maturity bouncing off Scott's cute man-child persona, this couple is perfectly in the rom-com wheelhouse - awkward tension, longing looks, and engaging banter.

9. Thor And Hulk

Source: Marvel Studio

They bond over the fact that they are "just a pair of hot-headed fools." Thor like water, while Hulk prefers fire. Thor's friendship with the Hulk is not only entertaining to see, but it also serves to properly establish the Hulk as a character, rather than just Bruce's superpower.

10. Steve Rogers And Natasha Romanoff

Source: Marvel Studio

Their ideological contrasts are what makes this friendship so interesting (and beneficial); while Steve's righteous attitude contributes to a black-and-white worldview, Natasha functions in shades of grey. This first puts them at odds. Their differences, on the other hand, form a balance that allows them to defeat Hydra. Furthermore, Natasha's efforts to get Steve a date result in undeniable chemistry.

11. Korg And Miek

Source: Marvel Studio

Thor encounters the pair for the first time as fellow prisoners on Sakaar, with the gentle and quirky Krogan leading the way. It's uncertain whether Korg can understand Miek (who doesn't talk), but they're getting close. "Miek's dead," Korg laments at the end of Thor: Ragnarok. I trod on him on the bridge by accident, and I've been dragging him about all day because I've felt so bad..." Of course, Miek unexpectedly comes back to life: "Oh, Miek, you're alive!" Guys, he's still alive. "What was your query, bruv?"

12. Hawkeye And Kate Bishop

Source: Marvel Studio

Whether they're chasing cars full of tracksuits with trick arrows or recovering from their many arguments in Kate's aunt's flat, their grouchy veteran/optimistic newcomer relationship is consistently funny. They help each other grow as heroes, and Bishop easily passes the mantle to Barton for whenever the MCU requires an arrow-based expert in the future.

13. Tony Stark And Pepper Potts

Source: Marvel Studio

Ms. Potts is Tony's assistant when we first meet her; she manages his calendar, gets herself birthday presents, and recalls the playboy's social security number (she's virtually his mother). Tony is more or less a loner before Stark Industries stops creating weapons and becomes an Avenger.

14. Drax And Mantis

Source: Marvel Studio

The two have a big brother/little sister relationship, complete with "I despise your face" insults. Drax and Mantis not only bring out the best in each other, but they also bring out the best in other characters in moments they share. They're like the MCU's Timon and Pumbaa, kicking names and stealing a**.

15. Tony Stark And Steve Rogers

Source: Marvel Studio

Because their troubled friendship lies at the center of every big team-up movie, you could argue that either of them is the genuine leader of the Avengers. Steve's bravery and Tony's intelligence combine to save the universe from Thanos while also completing their character arcs; Cap "gets a life," while Tony makes the ultimate sacrificial play.
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