Every Character in Avengers: Infinity War, Ranked

Warning! MAJOR SPOILERS for Avengers: Infinity War ahead

The Marvel Cinematic Universe just had its biggest event yet, as almost every character from the MCU came together in Avengers: Infinity War to try and stop Thanos. There were some notable heroes absent, but for the most part every major MCU hero was along for the ride. With so many characters packed together though, its easy for some to get lost in the shuffle. There are quite a few supporting characters from other movies included who only get a few minutes of screen time. On the flip side, a handful of characters come out of Infinity War as the true stars.

All in all, there are26 heroes that make up Avengers: Infinity War. The group consists of the original Avengers (minus Hawkeye), the newer Avengers, the "Secret" Avengers, the MCU's newest franchise leads, and even the Guardians of the Galaxy stop by. Every single one of them finds a spot in the film's lengthy runtime, and it's time to figure out where they rank when compared to their co-stars.

26. Wong

Wong was never expected to have a major role in Infinity War, but even then he exits earlier than most would've expected. He is almost immediately brought into battle with Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian, and shows his worth. He's even responsible for helping Strange perform a spell that causes Maw's own plan to backfire. After that, though, Wong simply decides to stay in New York at the Sanctum Sanctorum. His rationale makes some sense (Doctor Strange has left and it needs protection), but the universe is also at stake and he's well aware of that. Since he and Strange largely focus on protecting their reality, the threat of all six Infinity Stones being hunted down should've been something he'd look to stop.

25. Hulk

Bruce Banner next to the Hulkbuster Gauntlet in Avengers Infinity War

Hulk comes in smashing with Infinity War, but then quickly goes away. Following an epic brawl with Thanos, Hulk comes to realize just who exactly he challenged. The Mad Titan picks him apart with ease, throwing Hulk around as if he's barely a problem. From that point on, Hulk is scared to rejoin the fight. He only gets one standout moment in the movie, and definitely could have been a game-changer in Wakanda. His decision to hide really hurts the characters around him, even if it gives Mark Ruffalo more to do as Bruce Banner - who has a much better presence than his angry counterpart.

24. Loki

Loki holding the Tesseract in Avengers Inifnity War

Tom Hiddleston's apparent last hurrah as Loki goes by quickly. He barely qualifies as a hero to begin with, but he's certainly come a long way since Thor. Loki finally doesn't betray Thor and actually saves his life by giving up the Tesseract a.k.a. Space Stone. Keeping Asgard's new king alive is a big deal considering the part he plays in the story, so he gets a few good points that way. But, he tries to weasel his way back in favor with the Mad Titan and attempt to kill him only to be brutally murdered. Not the greatest final plan from the god of mischief.

23. Nebula

Karen Gillan as Nebula in Avengers Infinity War

Nebula isn't even part of the story until half-way through, and then is treated more as a plot device than an actual character. Thanos explains she's been trapped on his ship for a while after she attempted to kill him after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Instead of getting real advancements for the character, she's relegated to being used to show how Thanos knows that Gamora found the location of the Soul Stone. Her robotic memory had recorded a conversation and was accessed by Thanos. She's then tortured to manipulate Gamora into agreeing to show their father where the stone is located. She does try and help stop Thanos, but she's not particularly helpful.

22. Heimdall

Idris Elba's time in the MCU finally came to an end in Infinity War. He's almost dead the second the movie introduces him, but he does have just enough time to make an impact. In his final act, Heimdall uses dark magic to transport Hulk to Earth. Its a heroic act knowing he's going to die by making such a decision, and it allows for all of Earth's heroes to know that Thanos is coming. He may have been better off sending Thor based on how Hulk was used, but he did at least do something beneficial.

21. M'Baku

M'Baku isn't brought in until the very end of the movie, but he makes his presence felt. The Wakanda war chant he does alone is a great part of the final battle. It brings a certain energy to the fight and hypes up those in the movie and those watching it equally well. He also shows his skills in combat once again and takes out quite a few Outriders on the battle field. But, since he isn't as integral to the film's plot, he's on the lower end of this list.

20. Shuri

Shuri doesn't get a memorable action beat to introduce herself like most of the other characters do, but instead uses her greatest asset: her brain. When Captain America's squad arrives in Wakanda, Shuri's tasked with removing the Mind Stone from Vision's head without killing him. She immediately comes up with a solution and shows she's smarter than both Banner and Stark at the same time. We don't get to actually see if she would be successful in saving Vision's life thanks to Corvus Glaive stopping by. She's quickly brushed aside and left out of the final battle, which lessens her impact on the film.

19. Groot

Adolescent-sized Groot is just annoyed to be here. After his lovable turns in Guardians of the Galaxy and then his tiny rage coming through in the sequel, Groot only has time to play his video games. As always though, Groot is involved in some of the film's best jokes, whether that being a callback to his language or his introduction to Steve Rogers. He does actually contribute in one key aspect as he helps finish forging Stormbreaker, saving Thor's life in the process. Groot even gets involved in the fight in Wakanda and tries to stop Thanos, but is no match.

18. Falcon

Falcon is typically a key member in his appearances, but takes a backseat to most of Infinity War. He's arguably the least important member to Cap's team. Mackie makes the most of his screen time, as he offers up a few one-liners, but the size of the role pales in comparison to what he's had before. When he does get a chance to be part of the action, Falcon reminds viewers of his militaristic background. Even in those situations though, he plays second fiddle to War Machine who we'll get to shortly.

17. Drax

Drax the Destroyer is more so a comedian than he is fighter at this stage. That unfortunately means that Drax doesn't get to do much in terms of fighting anymore, and especially when it comes to Infinity War. He's had a decent amount of build-up that Thanos is the guy he's ultimately after, but plays a small role in Star-Lord's plan to take him down. Even when he gets a chance to go after Thanos, he goes against the team's plans and messes it up. It doesn't actually matter since Thanos was altering reality, but it's the dumb decision is real. The good news is that Drax is as funny as ever, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

16. Okoye

There's a bit more of a comedic take on Okoye in Infinity War compared to Black Panther. As part of the Wakanda portion of the movie, she too is a later addition to the film. Once she gets involved though, Danai Gurira delivers again. She's part of the fight with Proxima Midnight alongside Black Widow and Scarlet Witch that is sure to sell audiences on that all-female team-up movie idea that's been kicked around. She spends most of time in combat with Black Widow and asks the same question about Scarlet Witch's role in the finale as everyone was thinking. Other than that, there's not a lot for her to do.

15. Bucky

Bucky joining the fight in Avengers: Infinity War

The former Winter Soldier is another later addition to Infinity War's story, but he gets some better moments than others. After years of not being himself, Bucky is embracing his new White Wolf mantle, and he now loves Wakanda even if he's not necessarily eager to get back in the fight. The reunion with Cap sells their longtime friendship, but it's a potentially budding relationship with Rocket that really stands out. One of the best moments of the Wakanda fight is Bucky picking up Rocket and spinning him around as both lay heavy gunfire into the surrounding Outriders. He may be 100 years old, but he's still capable of holding his own in battle.

14. Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow in Wakanda Avengers Infinity War

As usual, Black Widow is best in combat. Even though she's an original Avenger, she's part of a group that doesn't get much in terms of story arcs. When she is involved in a fight though, it's an instant reminder of what made her standout in the first place. New hair and suit aside, this is the same Widow we've seen before. She's part of that great sequence in Wakanda against Proxima Midnight, and ends it with a good comedic moment. They barely address the Bruce/Natasha romance though, which is a reunion that could've been better explored.

13. War Machine

For the first time since Iron Man 3, Don Cheadle actually gets something fun to do with War Machine. He may have signed the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, but he immediately shows where his head is at - disobeying direct orders from General Ross and helps Cap's team. From that point on, Rhodey gets back to a happier personality as he jokes around with Bruce in Wakanda, but then also takes control of the battle in Wakanda. He is on the frontlines against the Outriders and shells out a great deal of firepower in the process. Since he survives the film, hopefully this carries over into Avengers 4.

12. Mantis

Mantis looking surprised in Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

Mantis is a recent addition to the MCU thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and plays an important role in the final plan. Thanks to her empathic abilities, which allow her to put people to sleep, she's basically the key to Star-Lord's plan to take down Thanos. After he is wrapped up by every other hero on Titan, she's dropped from the sky and immediately starts to subdue the Mad Titan. The rest of her role is largely relegated to finishing comedic beats, but that's not a bad thing. Her dynamic with Drax shines through better than the rest, whether it's from ruining Drax's œinvisibility or mixing up some common intimidating phrases.

Black Panther and the Wakanda army in Avengers Infinity War

11. Black Panther

Chadwick Boseman is the most recent star of the MCU and helped make Black Panther one of the Marvel's biggest hits, but he's not quite the leading role here many would've hoped for. Wakanda's late entry takes away from his screen time, as does the large amount of characters that quickly populate his country. When he does become the focus, he gets his moments to stand out above the rest. He's as regal as ever before and is undoubtedly the one calling the shots at the end. Him and Cap utilizing their speed to be the first to take on the Outriders is a great moment, but he could've used one or two more to really catapult him up higher.

10. Star-Lord

Star-Lord cracks the top ten thanks to his comedy alone. Pratt's comedic roots are on display throughout Infinity War as he makes a natural progression from the last time audiences saw him in Vol. 2. Even though he's been leading the team for years, he's not always in control. He's instantly jealous of everyone awing over Thor's looks and even attempts to imitate his voice to make him more manly. There are also great emotional moments between him and Gamora, such as when he chooses to kill Gamora as she asked only for Thanos to not let that happen. But, its that same emotion that causes Star-Lord to basically be the reason the heroes can't defeat Thanos. His aggression is an understandable reaction to his girlfriend being killed, but its nonetheless frustrating to see him not make the best decision for the galaxy he protects.

9. Captain America

Captain America has had a great arc leading to Infinity War, and you can sense the continuation of what surely is going to make for a satisfying finale developing. Cap doesn't take charge in his typical fashion though. The mystery surrounding his whereabouts is moved past quickly, but he shows all the heart fans have come to expect. Standing toe to toe with a five Infinity Stones wielding Thanos cannot and will not go unnoticed. He may not have his reunion with Tony, but the one with Thor is equally as satisfying. He's also the one to suggest going to Wakanda to find a solution for Vision and refuses to let the android sacrifice himself to save everyone else. Losing lives isn't something Cap's comfortable with and considering the amount they did lose, the sense is he'll have more to do next year.

8. Vision

Paul Bettany as Vision in Avengers Infinity War

Everyone thought Vision would play a major role in Infinity War thanks to the Mind Stone located in his forehead, but he is much more than just a living and moving MacGuffin. The relationship with Scarlet Witch that's been building since Avengers: Age of Ultron finally gets some payoff as Vision proposes the idea of both just living normal lives, especially now that he can take the form of a regular human. He doesn't get much to do in terms of action thanks to a very early injury, but he still manages to kill Corvus Glaive - saving Rogers in the process. His death is a crushing moment the first time and is even tougher to watch when Thanos does it a second time to preserve the Time Stone. If this is the end for Vision, he certainly went out on a high note.

Avengers Infinity War Spider-Man Stands Tall

7. Spider-Man

Tom Holland's energetic take on Spider-Man allows for him to instantly connect with anyone he encounters. He's got the pre-established relationship with Tony Stark that is only developed further. But, its the interactions with Doctor Strange and the Guardians that are the most fun. Spidey gets so many great lines and action moments that it's easy for him to steal every scene he's in. Between the Iron Spider suit, his rational for staying aboard the alien ship, and making an Aliens reference, there's just about everything included Spidey fans could've hoped for. While the disappearance of him and other heroes may not last, Holland sells the scene with everything he's got.

6. Gamora

Gamora may be the most surprising part of Infinity War. That's not because she's been underutilized in previous movies, but because she's basically the heart of the story. She lets everyone know early on that her life is in danger and isn't afraid to demand for Star-Lord to kill her if necessary. Zoe Saldana is tasked with delivering some of the film's most emotional scenes and delivers every time. Gamora is alone with Thanos for most of the movie too, but even her being separated from her fellow heroes doesn't hurt. The key to it all is Gamora's death and how the movie fleshes out Thanos' love for his favorite daughter. Saldana's performances along with Brolin's helps deliver the scene, as does Alan Silvestri's score. It's a surprising death and one that could actually stick.

5. Rocket Raccoon

The MCU has turned a talking, trigger-happy raccoon into one of its best characters. Rocket is still largely concerned with self-preservation (something Star-Lord calls him out on), but he's much more than that too. He essentially steals the title as the leader of the Guardians from Star-Lord and heads on a mission with Thor and Groot to create Stormbreaker. Rocket tries to connect with Thor and help him work through his grief but comes short of doing so thanks to the Asgardian's past. Even as he tries to evolve as a leader, Rocket's love of guns and appendages isn't forgotten making for a great sequence in Wakanda. He's the lone regular Guardian left alive too, so this is just the beginning of Rocket's continued development.

4. Scarlet Witch

Even though Scarlet Witch has been around since Age of Ultron, this is where she really comes into her own. Her incredible hex powers are on full display as she protects Vision and then takes out the underground machines that are deployed in Wakanda. She also is responsible for viciously killing Proxima Midnight. She finally showed why she is one of the most powerful beings in the MCU in what could be her final outing. If it is, then Elizabeth Olsen delivers her best performance. Losing the accent isn't addressed but it let Olsen appear even more comfortable in the role. The Wanda/Vision romance is completely believable, and the pain is evident when she is forced to destroy the Time Stone.

3. Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr. is hardly ever outshined, so it's no surprise that he ranks high. He's at the forefront of Infinity War's story, even though he's not introduced right away. Stark is thinking about the future once again and puts the future of everyone else above his own. Leaving Pepper and his dreams of a baby behind isn't easy, but he knows it must be done. It's when he gets to interact with Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and eventually the Guardians where he's at his best. The mentor relationship works incredibly well, and he's not quite ready to believe anyone else can devise a plan that gets them out with a victory. After so many appearances, the nano-tech helps keep Iron Man's fights fresh. He and Spidey are also responsible for killing Ebony Maw and saving Strange, which could prove to be a major deal come Avengers 4.

2. Thor

Prior to Thor: Ragnarok, the god of thunder was one of the more overlooked Avengers. His comedic turn stays true here, but Thor is good for much more than just a few good laughs. Thor fits in seamlessly with his fellow cosmic adventurers, and instantly makes you want more interaction with the Guardians moving forward. He's also the lead of one of the film's several stories, so he gets a great deal of screen time. Once he gets Stormbreaker and arrives in Wakanda, Thor shifts the landscape of the battle quickly. He wipes out groups of Outriders at a time with no real problem. Thor even briefly looks to have won the ultimate battle and impaled Thanos in the chest but he should've went for the head. If he had, maybe he'd have taken the top spot.

1. Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange brought magic into the MCU, and he's a complete master now. He was always going to be important thanks to the Time Stone hanging around his neck, but he's given a lot to do. Cumberbatch effortlessly allows Strange to hold his own in scenes with Stark. Contrary to his facial hair bro, Strange believes that using the Infinity Stones is the best way to defeat Thanos. He even sees over 14 million possible outcomes and only finds one way for them to win. It is fair to assume this path is the single one that leads to the heroes being victorious. If that is, Strange choosing to sacrifice himself in order to allow the correct outcome to occur is as about a heroic act as one can make. Let's just hope it pays off and we get to see much more of this version of the Sorcerer Supreme in Phase 4 and beyond.

MORE: Explaining What Infinity War's Ending Means For the Present & Future