Not every fight in superhero filmsends in a perfect way, some good examples beingAvengers: Infinity WarandThe Dark Knight, where things end on a decidedly somber or bittersweet note. But, thankfully for both the heroes and the audiences, there are battles in which a fight ends with a satisfying and gratifying victory, leaving viewers with a smile and a true sense of catharsis.
Whether it concludes with the hero becoming a better person, getting the favor of one they love, or even being rewarded for what they did, a superhero fight that ends with a gratifying feeling is always a memorable one. They warm the hearts of audiences, have them cheering, and may even get them teary-eyed. Sometimes, a hero does get a pleasing, cool or even fun ending.These are the most gratifying victories in superhero movies, and this list will rank them based on how great a victory it is within the context of the film and how memorable they are overall.
10The Trinity Duke it Out
‘The Avengers’ (2012)
The first time the Marvel Trinity met each other, fans guessed they were about to watch a spectacular showdown, and who doesn’t love to see heroes duke it out with each other at times? This fight is lighthearted and quite fun, leaving audiences smiling throughout it. It’s also quite low-stakes, which makes it more enjoyable.
The fight ends with an incredibly cool moment, showing Thor smashing down on Steve’s unbreakable shield, concluding in a giant explosion that leaves the MCU Trinity standing in the awesome wake of their battle.The unstoppable force meeting the unmovable object trope is always exciting to watch, andthis highly rewatchable MCU sceneis no exception.
The Avengers
9Batman Defeats the Riddler Group and Leads Gotham
‘The Batman’ (2022)
When audiences meetRobert Pattinson’s Batman at the beginning ofThe Batman, the first thing he says is, “I’m vengeance,” setting up his coming arc of needing to let go of his negative emotions and becoming a true hero. So, when Riddler’s (Paul Dano) followers plan to launch an attack that would send Gotham City into chaos that could destroy it, he’s profoundly affected when one of the followers tells him, “I’m vengeance.”
When Batman finally defeats the goons,he realizes he’s found a new purpose,not as Gotham’s shadow but as its protector and symbol. He leads the giant group of civilians out of the flooded building with a flare, acting as their beacon of hope. Fans finally get to see him become the hero they know and love from the source material, and it’s astoundingly gratifying.
The Batman
8The Warehouse Smackdown
‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)
One of the best fights in the entire DC Extended Universe is one in whichBatman (Ben Affleck) gets to truly show off just how skilled of a fighterhe is. Some argue that this scene is out of character with how brutal he is, but regardless of what one believes, seeing Bats smack the ever-living crap out of the mercenaries holding the innocent and defenseless Martha Kent (Diane Lane) is satisfying.
With how nice and caring Martha is and has been to Superman (Henry Cavill), seeing her so hurt and terrified in the earlier scenes is heartbreaking, and makes the audience as mad as Clark. So, when Batman puts his ego aside anddelivers the beating of a lifetime to these mento save Martha, it’s one of the best moments in the franchise.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
7Defeating Steppenwolf
‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ (2021)
While 2017’sJustice Leaguewas released to terrible reviews and feedback from fans, the original director,Zack Snyder, eventually got his chance to tell the story he really wanted to tell withZack Snyder’s Justice League. This second release of the film was received far better and even began a movement that, to this day, has people begging for DC to continue Snyder’s universe.
Whether it be the chilling return of Superman in his iconic black and silver suit or Flash (Ezra Miller) turning back time to give the League a second chance to save the world,the fight was already satisfying as heck in execution. Its ending, though, wraps everything up perfectly, finishing off with a shot of the full team standing together in all their glory. The awesome Darkseid (Ray Porter) teaser only makes it better.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
6The Avengers Assemble
The final battle ofThe Avengersisone of the most impactful moments in the MCU. It brought the Avengers together and proved Earth is not entirely helpless against the universe’s larger threats. At the time, the task ofstopping a literal alien invasionfrom destroying New York City seemed almost impossible. So, when the Avengers finally came together and saved the world for the first time, it was very memorable.
After Tony Stark fell to Earth and managed to survive, Captain America’s simple “We won” is heartwarming and to the point — he was finally there to win a war. Moreover, Tony made a sacrifice play, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) managed to control the Hulk, and the day was saved. It wasthe perfect way to cap off the firstThe Avengersinstallmentin the franchise.
5Batman Beats Up the Joker Goons
‘Batman’ (1989)
Not only is it satisfying, but the scene in which Batman (Michael Keaton) takes down the big group of Joker goons also leads to the most iconic Batman line in film history, “I’m Batman.” The legendary moment has been replicated for decades, as has Michael Keaton’s delivery, and for very good reasons. It was satisfying when it originally hit theaters, sending chills down people’s spines, and it is still greatly enjoyable today because of how meaningful it is.
This victory, although small within the film’s context,defined Michael Keaton as one ofthe best versionsof Batmanin cinematic history. 1989’sBatmanalready has a plethora of good moments, but this short battle easily takes the cake when it comes to comparing the film’s scenes. It’s funny how an otherwise run-of-the-mill scene can become so impactful.
4Spider-Man v Green Goblin
‘Spider-Man’ (2002)
The final battle ofSam Raimi’s firstSpider-Manfilm is one of the most brutal, hard-hitting, and intense final battles in superhero cinema. The sound design and choreography help the battle feel treacherous and increase the feeling that Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) is actually in danger. The victory here can be taken many ways, but audience members find it gratifying to seethe Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), the man who put sweet Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) in the hospital, meet a bitter end with his own weapon.
Not to mention, with how fervent the fight is, seeing it finally come to an end is satisfying, giving a feeling of relief that Peter Parker, in fact, will not die that night. All the tension built throughout the battle is released and gives audiences a sigh of reassurance. Even though the subtextual emotion behind the end of the scene is saddening,the gratification that viewers get when his turmoil is finally over cannot be denied.
Spider-Man
3The Incredibles Bring Back Supers
‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
One of the best superhero movies of all timehappens to not even be a Marvel or DC film but by the one and only Pixar.The Incrediblesis considered a borderline perfect film, so, of course, the final battle of the movie would be as gratifying as ever. A subplot in the film is the unfortunate fact that Supers have pretty much been outlawed and forced underground.
The final battle inThe Incrediblesisthe first time that Supers have been active in public in years, marking a huge moment for the world. So, when the Parr family and their Super allies win the day, and the world is reintroduced to these mighty beings, accepting them as their saviors, it’s a moment that can only force a smile on the audience. The action is pretty slick, too, which further helps this cathartic battle feel even more impactful.
The Incredibles
2Miles Becomes Spider-Man
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
The climactic and thrilling final battleofSpider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseseesMiles Morales (Shameik Moore) finally donning his iconic Spider-Man costume and swinging into the battle. It’s also the conclusion of Peter B. Parker’s (Jake Johnson) arc, learning to take a leap of faith. Meanwhile, Miles gets to take on the man who killed Peter Parker (Chris Pine) and cement himself as New York City’s new Spider-Man.
After watching him struggle to find himself, master his powers, and live up to the mantle of Spider-Man, the audience findsimmense satisfaction in seeing Miles complete his character arcand become who he was always meant to be. Seeing Miles become the wall-crawler is the highlight ofInto the Spider-Verseand ends it on the perfect note.
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1Defeating Thanos
‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)
With how popular and beloved the Marvel Cinematic Universe became by the two-part finale to the Infinity Saga,Avengers: Endgameneeded to have one of the most gratifying finales in superhero cinema history. After losing half of the universe to Thanos (Josh Brolin) 5 years prior, the Avengers had a big jobtaking on the Mad Titan againand protecting the other half of the universe they’d just snapped back to life.
It’sone of the greatest final battles in superhero cinema, and although the world may have lost the beloved Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), his sacrifice led tothe greatest victory any superhero movie has ever depicted. Moreover, it was the perfect way to wrap up the Infinity Saga; pretty much every major character involved got a full-circle moment, and it made for an extremely satisfying ending to the long-running series.
Avengers: Endgame
NEXT:The 10 Most Iconic Marvel Locations That Are Still Missing From the MCU
