The Marvel Cinematic Universe is well-known for its ability to take audience’s heartstrings and play them like a banjo. With a single line, the viewing experience can switch from “hey cool superheroes” to “okay now my day is ruined because after years of brainwashing, Bucky still recognized Steve.”
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Yeah, that obviously made the list.
That’s probably why Reddit user u/carrachuchas got hundreds of responses when they asked the fans of r/marvelstudios, “What is the most heartbreaking quote for you in the MCU?” Here are 20 of the nominees they chose for Marvel Quote Most Likely To Make The Audience Need A Hug And Maybe Some Hot Chocolate.
Warning: There are so many spoilers ahead for the entirety of the MCU. Proceed with caution (and a box of tissues).
1. When Thor sees his mother Frigga in Avengers: Endgame and she immediately recognizes that he’s from the future (and also not doing particularly well).
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2. When Killmonger makes a poignant final request to T’Challa in Black Panther.
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3. When Yondu told Peter how he felt about him right before he sacrificed himself to save his honorary son’s life in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
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4. When Isaiah told Sam his heartbreaking story, then said this to him in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
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5. When Pepper offered this small bit of peace to Tony in his dying moments during Endgame.
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6. When Black Widow comforts Hawkeye before she sacrifices herself in Endgame.
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7. When this mid-fight exchange between Iron Man and Captain America became absolutely tragic in Captain America: Civil War.
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8. When Peggy, who had been having a lucid conversation with Steve, suddenly forgets that he’s alive in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
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9. When Vision offers his unique take on love and loss to a grieving Wanda in WandaVision.
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10. When Rocket offers a tragic glimpse into his origin story during Guardians of the Galaxy.
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11. When Peter begs Tony not to let the inevitable happen to him at the end of Avengers: Infinity War, and all Tony can do is watch.
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12. And when Tony tells Steve that Spider-Man didn’t make it after he’s rescued in Endgame.
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13. When Nebula yelled this at Gamora right after nearly fighting to the death with her in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
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14. When Yelena has this reaction to Nat calling their undercover life together as a family “not real” in Black Widow.
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15. When Captain America realizes that he’s not going to have to fight Thanos alone in Endgame.
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16. When Groot explains his sacrifice to Rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy.
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17. When Happy makes a sweet promise to Tony’s daughter at his funeral in Endgame.
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18. When Aunt May said something that made Peter realize that all was not well in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
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19. When Bucky realizes that he recognizes Steve Rogers, right before his memory is wiped again in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
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20. And finally: When Steve says something to Bucky that reminds his friend of his true identity at the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
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