The Marvel Cinematic Universe has always been known for its rather family-friendly theme for most of its Movies. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes like Captain America and Spider-Man are often bound to their morality, and refrain themselves from causing their opponents fatal damage or any significant casualties.
However, this isn’t always the case anymore, as Marvel titles keep getting darker and darker as it goes on. After Phase 4, more and more anti-heroes and mature-themed entries are introduced in the MCU, with the TV series Echo being the latest example.
For today, let’s take a look at some of Marvel’s most violent superheroes who have made their cinematic debut, who don’t shy away from any drastic method to beat up their enemies, or sometimes even resort to ending their lives.
#1. Wade Wilson/Deadpool
Source: MarvelOften regarded as the most brutal anti-hero in Marvel Comics, Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool is also depicted as such on the big screen. It’s hard to keep count of how many people the Merc with a Mouth has killed in his two first movies, and the number will only go up in the upcoming 2024 threequel.
Working as a mercenary assassin even way before donning his Deadpool title, Wade Wilson is already a force to be reckoned with, who doesn’t shy away from killing with his sheer brutality and ruthlessness. The Merc with a Mouth will have even more chance to unleash his unhinges in the upcoming Deadpool 3 movie, which is R-rated for a reason.
#2. Maya Lopez/Echo
Source: MarvelMaking her MCU debut in the latest titular TV series, Maya Lopez immediately catches the eyes of the audience with her impressive martial arts prowess and mimic ability. Raised by the notorious crime lord Kingpin himself, Echo has a brutal fighting style that always aims for the opponent’s vitals, and she doesn’t shy away from using guns and other objects to kill, either.
The most violent moment of Maya Lopez in the MCU is probably when she shot Kingpin in the head after learning that he was responsible for her father’s death. The villain didn’t die, though, but it further showcases how brutal the heroine can be when needed.
#3. Matt Murdock/Daredevil
Source: NetflixMuch like Spider-Man, Daredevil has a strict no-killing code, but it doesn’t stop him from beating his opponents to a pulp. The street-level hero has always been known for his impressive martial arts abilities and his iconic pair of batons, which he uses to break the enemies’ kneecaps, severed their joints, and knocked them unconscious. A perfect example of “I won’t kill you, but your hospital bill will” in the MCU.
#4. Marc Spector/Moon Knight
Source: MarvelMoon Knight is also an extremely ruthless anti-hero in the MCU, who also feels comfortable with killing his opponents if needed. This is due to his third persona, Jaker Lockley, who straight-up murders as he sees fit. One of the best examples is when Jake took over and killed Arthur Harrow right away, alongside multiple other cronies throughout the franchise. Therefore, we wouldn’t be surprised if Moon Knight Season 2 is R-rated.
#5. Frank Castle/The Punisher
Source: NetflixBesides Deadpool, Frank Castle is also widely regarded as one of the most brutal and ferocious anti-heroes in Marvel Comics. Frank doesn’t shy away from anything, from killing to even torturing his adversaries to get what he wants, hence the word “Punisher”. The anti-hero also resorts to dirty tricks when needed to fight against much stronger opponents.
In the live-action department, Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is rumored to join the MCU very soon, reportedly making his appearance in Daredevil: Born Again in 2024.
#6. Bruce Banner/The Hulk
Source: MarvelEasily one of the most savage initial Avengers, The Hulk’s violent nature is the polar opposite of his other ego, the gentle and timid Bruce Banner. With his superhuman power, Hulk can easily rip a powerful alien to shreds, and give Loki, who’s literally a god, a severe beating. Civilians and property casualties are often caught up in Hulk’s rampages as well.
While the MCU has toned down Hulk’s brutality a bit in movies, it’s clear that the superhero is still a walking nightmare to every one of his opponents.
#7. Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier
Source: MarvelNot much needed to be said about Bucky, who was literally a worldwide killing machine in his former alias, The Winter Soldier. Under Hydra’s influence, The Winter Soldier raised terror across the world, and mercilessly assassinated the most important figures from every country, including Tony Stark’s parents.
Much like Rogers, Bucky Barnes is extremely proficient in hand-to-hand combat, and is also incredibly skilled with guns and other types of weapons as well. He doesn’t hesitate to use some dirty tricks in skirmishes, either, as long as they help him accomplish the mission.
#8. Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch
Source: MarvelWhile Wanda is much more tamed until her own series in 2021, she has always been the loose cannon of the team, who can burst at any time. After the ending of WandaVision, Wanda Maximoff uses the Darkhold and fully embraces her evil persona The Scarlet Witch.
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wanda straight-up murders almost the entire Illuminati on Earth-838 in the most brutal fashion possible. She spaghettifies Reed Richards, cuts Captain Carter in halves, crushes Captain Marvel under a statue, and snaps Professor X’s neck in his mind.
#9. Clint Barton/Hawkeye
Source: MarvelWell, Clint wasn’t that violent during his time working for SHIELDS, but as his family was snapped away during Avengers: Infinity War, the team’s archer fell to his dark side, and started killing several criminal figures around the world and eradicated different gang factions, believing they should have been snapped away instead.
It’s a dark time that Clint doesn’t talk about anymore, but the memories keep haunting him back in his 2021 Hawkeye series.
#10. Logan/Wolverine
Source: 20th Century FoxLogan’s story has always been a tad bit darker even when compared to his fellow X-Men. Due to several tragedies throughout his expansive life, Logan has always been driven by guilt and brutality, leading him to often kill without hesitation. His Adamantium claws also help provide some spectacular and gruesome action sequences.
Besides, Wolverine’s super-regenerative ability also helps him recover from the most severe wounds, resulting in some gory scenes in his movies. Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as the mutant in the upcoming Deadpool 3, which means we can expect some equally brutal sequences to come up in the threequel.
Do you think these are the most violent superheroes in Marvel movies so far? Who would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments.
