The Avengers are the MCU's flagship team, a who's who of mighty beings that represents Marvel's crown jewel. They are Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the cornerstone of the ever-sprawling cinematic universe that's come to define the 21st-century cinematic landscape.
The team keeps increasing with every new movie, so logically, new relationships form and others get strengthened. Indeed, the Avengers have many popular ships that fans adore. Not all of these ships are romantic; in fact, some are platonic friendships through and through. Still, they all have intense support from the Marvel audience, thanks to the chemistry between the characters and the writing behind them.
Star-Lord & Gamora
At first glance, it might seem like Star-Lord and Gamora have nothing in common. He is the ultimate himbo in the MCU, a man-child with charm to spare; for her part, she's the deadliest woman in the galaxy, who closely guards her feelings. Still, the two work together, mainly because fans love a good "opposites attract" romance.
Even though Star-Lord and Gamora are best-known for the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, some of their greatest moments as a couple takes place during Avengers: Infinity War. The two prove how devoted they are to each other and how far they're willing to go to keep the other safe. Infinity War shows a new side to their relationship, confirming that their love is indeed real.
Steve & Bucky
To many fans, Steve and Bucky are the best of friends, brothers in arms who embody the sense of brotherhood soldiers formed with each other during times of war. To others, they are the MCU's most meaningful romantic relationship, two men whose love and devotion are so powerful that they are willing to die for each other.
In many ways, the entire Captain America trilogy centers around Steve and Bucky's unbreakable bond. Their connection is a cornerstone of the MCU as a whole, a testament of how important loyalty is in a world of superheroes and power-hungry villains. Bucky and Steve share one final goodbye at the end of Avengers: Endgame, leaving fans devastated at seeing their favorite ship parting ways.
Clint & Laura
Hawkeye is one of the most underrated superheroes in the MCU. Despite being a founding member of the Avengers, his contributions usually pale in comparison to those of his mighty teammates. Still, Hawkeye has proven time and again that he is an intriguing figure to the MCU, and his relationship with his wife, Laura, is arguably the most relatable of all.
Clint and Laura make things work despite the unconventionality of their circumstances. There is no partner as supportive as Laura; she understands that Clint must spend significant time away from their family, and she never once complains. On the contrary, she remains supportive and encouraging of his duties, and in Avengers: Age of Ultron, she declares how proud she is of his work. Clint and Laura are as close to a normal marriage as the MCU gets, and in an ironic twist of fate, their relative normalcy makes them extraordinary.
Steve & Tony
Arguably no MCU relationship is as chaotic as Steve and Tony's. The two de-facto leaders of the Avengers genuinely care for each other but are so inherently different that they can't help but clash. And yet, there's real love and admiration between them, and they aren't afraid to show it.
Tony and Steve's relationship evolves throughout the four Avengers movies and Captain America: Civil War. Starting as rivals, they eventually learn to work together, even if they never see eye-to-eye. In the end, they are the parental figures of the Avengers, and their relationship remains one of the franchise's most interesting parts. Some fans ship them romantically, while others see them as the ultimate of frenemies. However, the fact remains that these two share a dynamic that remains unmatched by any other MCU pair.
Groot & Rocket
When talking about BFFs in the MCU, no pairing beats Groot and Rocket. The talking raccoon and his tree partner are one of the most dynamic and refreshing partnerships in the massive franchise, providing humor and levity to even the direst circumstances.
The bulk of their relationship occurs in the Guardians movies, but Infinity War shows them on their own, away from their makeshift family. In doing so, the film shows Groot and Rocket as the well-oiled machine they are, supporting each other through thick and thin. Watching Rocket as Groot vanishes at the movie's end is one of the most heartbreaking moments in the franchise and a testament to how meaningful their friendship is.
Clint & Natasha
Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff are one of the few male-female friendships in mainstream media. There's no hint of romance in their dynamic; instead, they love each other as siblings, supporting and protecting the other against everything.
In more ways than one, Clint and Natasha might be the MCU's best ship. Their love for each other is selfless, and their need to protect the other guides their every move. The scene in which they literally fight to keep the other from dying during Endgame is one of the MCU's most heartbreaking moments and a true testament to their relationship's importance.
Tony & Pepper
The MCU's first couple remained a constant presence throughout the Infinity Saga. Tony and Pepper, played by long-time friends Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, secured their place as audience favorites thanks to their strong connection and relatable journey as a couple.
Tony and Pepper's relationship was full of ups and downs. They separate several times throughout the Infinity Saga but always find their way back to each other. Some of their sweetest moments happen in the Avengers movies, from their initial romantic bliss in The Avengers to Tony's sacrifice in Endgame. Tony and Pepper didn't get their happy ending, but their journey remains one of the highlights of the MCU.
Wanda & Vision
Wanda and Vision are arguably the most important couple in the MCU. Their relationship is front and center in Phase 4, kickstarting some of the most crucial events in the current storyline. Wanda and Vision shared plenty of sweet moments in the Avengers movies, and their tragic ending in Infinity War cemented them as star-crossed lovers.
WandaVision further explored their dynamic, adding layers to their relationship. Thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, Wanda and Vision are the MCU's most compelling couple. The tragedy of their circumstance only makes them more appealing, and fans wonder if these two will ever get the happy ending they deserve.