In the eyes of most fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America had the best trilogy of films. Iron Man and Thor also had three solo movies but each had at least one installment that received something of a mixed response. Every Captain America-led film was met with high praise.
In fact, the last two are often named among the best MCU entries ever and the core characters played a huge part in that. They're mostly likable and they include not just those close to Steve Rogers on a personal level but also members of The Avengers who played a big part in the series.
Maria Hill
There are some characters who would probably rank higher if they got more screen time in the series. That's the case for Maria Hill. She first appeared in 2012's The Avengers as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent as the right-hand woman to Nick Fury before returning in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
For the most part, Maria didn't get the opportunity to do all that much. She helped out after Nick Fury's apparent death and was in the plan to fake it. She also got to save Steve, Natasha, and Sam from certain doom while also delivering an enjoyable quippy line.
Abraham Erskine
It seems like forever ago that Abraham Erskine was in the MCU. He only showed up in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger but played a pivotal role in setting everything in motion as he's the one who chooses Steve Rogers as the man to get the super soldier serum.
Others want to give it to stronger soldiers who fit the prototype. However, Erskine sees that there's more to Steve than just what's on the outside. He believes in Steve and is one of the few people who are actually nice to him before he becomes Captain America.
Sharon Carter
At her first appearance, Sharon Carter hid who she was. She seemed to simply be Steve Rogers' neighbor in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and someone flirted with. It was then revealed that she was actually a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent on a mission.
Sharon earned points for being one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who didn't side with Hydra. She stood up for Cap against Brock Rumlow and others. In the third movie, she became a slight love interest for Rogers and risked her career to give him and Sam their weapons back because it was the right thing to do.
Nick Fury
Like several others on this list so far, Nick Fury doesn't make multiple appearances in this trilogy. He's only a part of Captain America: The Winter Soldier but he's his usual awesome self in it, which is to be a heroic guy who does what's right and gets to say some really cool lines while doing so.
Fury became one of the first victims of the Hydra takeover and barely survived the incident. He faked his death and returned in the end to help save the day. Although he has to compartmentalize and be involved in some shady things for work, he does what's right in the end.
Peter Parker
There have been plenty of big screen iterations of Peter Parker over the years from Tobey Maguire to Andrew Garfield to Jake Johnson. However, many fans agree that Tom Holland is the most likable of them all. The MCU take on the character has been a delight in every movie so far.
Before getting his own solo tale or joining The Avengers, Parker debuted in 2016's Captain America: Civil War. He immediately nearly stole the show with some of the most fun scenes of the movie. He'd rank a lot higher if he was around for more of the trilogy but his small appearance still showcased his boyish charm.
Peggy Carter
Peggy Carter is often viewed as Steve Rogers' true love, though that is debatable, especially when put up against Bucky Barnes. Peggy, like Abraham Erskine, is someone who sees past Steve's physical limitations early on. The two bond with sweet conversations when they first meet in the '40s.
They were set to go on a date before Cap made the sacrifice that froze him for decades. A much older Peggy appeared in the sequels and though she had her own life after Steve, she was shown praising him in past footage. Her death in the third movie hit hard for both Steve and the viewers who adored her.
Sam Wilson
The opening scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier introduced Sam Wilson to the world. He immediately displayed playful banter with Steve Rogers as Steve ran past him a few times. Sam became quick friends with Steve and stood out for his actions.
Instead of just talking about being a good person, he actually is, using his free time to help veterans who returned from war. Wilson was also quick to jump at the chance to help Steve and Natasha before becoming an official Avenger. In the third film, he was as loyal to Steve as any true friend would be.
Natasha Romanoff
Thanks to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Natasha Romanoff became arguably the most consistent partner that Steve Rogers had. She was by his side at almost every turn from that movie on, even going against her usual nature to do so. They formed a bond that was seemingly unbreakable.
In Captain America: Civil War, even when they disagreed about the Sokovia Accords, Natasha was there for Steve as a friend after Peggy died. She chose to help him in the end and felt good about her decision. She kicks butt, always has a witty line ready and is a true ally to the protagonist.
Bucky Barnes
In many ways, the entire trilogy is centered almost as much on Bucky Barnes as it is on Steve Rogers. He is Steve's best friend who has his back when he can't fight as a young man. Steve's first major heroic act is saving Bucky during World War II, which is crucial in his development.
Bucky is beloved for how good of a friend he is to Steve. Even after he's the Winter Soldier and a villain, audiences sympathize since he can't help himself and is brainwashed. Bucky broke free of that to save his old buddy and fought hard to prove his innocence in Civil War. There's a reason the character is so popular.
Steve Rogers
More often than not, the protagonist of a series will be the most likable person. It's how the audience can get behind them. Captain America can seem a bit too righteous at times in the comics but the MCU found a great balancing act. Steve Rogers felt like the best kind of person without beating the audience over the head with it.
His heart was in the right place when he signed up to fight for his country and it's admirable that he never backs down from a challenge. Steve always fights for what's right, was the guy who questioned S.H.I.E.L.D., and was willing to become a fugitive for his beliefs and his best friend.