The post-credits scene has become a staple of the industry, even showing up in IP like Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. And although it isn't a novel concept, post-credits entertainment was certainly popularized by the MCU's enormous, continued success since 2008. It invites the audience to actually appreciate the many people who contributed to the film while awarding their diligent patience.
That this surplus alternates between great humor and crucial plotting is devious, yet fun nonetheless. It can address nothing at all, or set up subsequent films by establishing nifty loose ends. So, here are the best add-ons Marvel offered, ranked by value and humor alike.
Spider-Man: Homecoming - Patience
Somehow, Spider-Man was successfully incorporated into the established MCU very late in the game. Tom Holland is a terrific actor and suited well for both Peter and Spider-Man. The latter of which has always been famous for quipping and his playful interactions with his peers are genuinely important. So, the brief appearance of Captain America himself was cleverly crafted.
He shows up as a dated high school message, after becoming a fugitive. And that idea is echoed in the credits with some fun meta-humor regarding the audience. A message about the nature of patience is absolutely hilarious and fitting to the movie. It had already featured self-aware humor, with the Ferris Bueller scene.
Guardians Of The Galaxy - Dancing Groot
Groot is one of the most charming characters of the MCU, with loads of personality in the smallest of moments. Despite barely exceeding the vocabulary of a Pokémon, his actions and VFX are surprisingly defining. So, his sacrifice at the end of the film is definitely crushing, and perhaps even unbearable for a younger demographic.
As such, the movie ends with a cute sapling variant of Groot, reassuring that all is well. And the post-credits scene of the Baby Groot dancing is just an adorable little gag. It’s in line with the celebration of dancing and music throughout the movie. And Drax’s contrast with Baby Groot is a perfect fit for the playful moment.
Thor: Ragnarok - Goldblum-isms
Jeff Goldblum is an absolute treasure, even when he so often plays himself. His resting personality is just amusing and charming, already. So a personality that big should be reason enough to include here. But the scene enables Goldblum’s most infectious habits, even with such limited time on screen.
The punchline is certainly terrific and indicative of the preceding writing. Taika Waititi’s screenplay featured absolutely brilliant comedy, throughout. It subverted expectations and even elevated its more juvenile humor with sly wit. It may not be the most valuable regarding plot, but the sharp humor from two talented men still outshines much of the humor in Marvel’s flagship movies.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 - Teenage Groot
Before Baby Yoda of The Mandalorian, there was Groot. An absolute sensation, his visualization was always engineered to be lovable and tickling. In his adult form, his brute strength contrasted with his personality. As a baby, well, that degree of adorable speaks for itself. But here, the many tropes of a teenager are expertly sold.
It should have been a tiresome thing to behold, but with Pratt and remarkable VFX wizardry, it’s comedic gold. It feels both unexpected and totally sensible, as an inevitable evolution of the character. Having established massive investment in Groot already, this was a fun little sketch that promises a great deal.
The Avengers - Thanos Introduction
The Avengers was an extraordinary juggling act, which realized the hopes of comic fans everywhere. All this, even without exercising Marvel’s most popular characters. Iron Man and Thor were hardly household names until the MCU proved their potential.
This movie was an unabashed spectacle, with some inevitable flaws. But the pacing, humor, and action combined for an unprecedented cinematic experiment. So, it would be difficult to imagine what such a successful, rare beast could be followed up with. And one brief image of Thanos, utterly inside baseball, sets up the overarching endgame that few could have imagined.
Iron Man 3 - Hulk The Therapist
Given that Iron Man 3 so heavily focuses on Tony Stark's psychological aftermath of an alien invasion, this scene is really on point. Taking Stark's genuine need for psychiatric help, and transforming it into a loving joke, is absolutely brilliant. It certainly helps that Mark Ruffalo wields some unexpectedly terrific comedic chops. That Stark would trust Banner as a friend, while possibly being ignorant to the kind of doctor Banner even is, feels true to the character.
It's also rather cathartic for the audience, who have just been treated to an entire film about Stark's issues. Banner's disinterest might actually validate some viewers' own impatience, or offer levity after the interesting drama. Either way, Iron Man always copes with emotional stress through humor, so his movie should too.
Infinity War - Code Red
This was a film about Thanos, exploring his origins and motivations, which are disturbingly understandable, if misguided. And ultimately, his awful plan succeeds by the end credits, leaving numerous beloved characters as dust.
It was a poignant ending, as only the Russo brothers could direct. But the lasting ramifications, aside from the many protagonists at hand, are equally intriguing. The scope of the chaos is truly realized by the street’s point of view, where Nick Fury and Maria Hill witness instant destruction. The further implications of Thanos’ snap are visually exciting, and the scene even ends with the promise of Captain Marvel.
Doctor Strange - Mordo’s Hunt
This plot-based scene is far more intriguing than the other after the credits roll. Mordo was an interesting turn of events in the film, and his motivations aren’t necessarily unreasonable. But he misses the trees for the forest, unfairly returning an innocent man to a disabled state.
It is a tragic, memorable scene on its own, but also sets up the villain for future installments in a dramatic way. The performances are quiet and convincing, hardly resorting to theatrical tendencies that could have ruined the emotional impact. This suits the preceding film, which likewise explored the spiritual with authenticity and unexpected intimacy.
Black Panther - Building Bridges
This was a monumental film in many ways and elaborated well on a character that was already an instant hit. The mythology of Wakanda and its storied culture are thoroughly engaging, and the villain is ubiquitously considered one of Marvel’s best. But the ethical and moral concerns of the story actually shadow the superhero plot.
It is one of the few MCU films with something grander to say, beyond just the intimate, let alone playful escapism. Although that’s certainly present, and well-executed too. But this post-credits scene wraps up the entire story, an invaluable sequence with a rousing, authentic speech. And the moving words could never be more timely.
Iron Man - Nick Fury’s Initiative
Just for the momentous concept itself, now an industry juggernaut, the establishment of a shared universe can't be eclipsed. Samuel L. Jackson is a perfect fit for the role, and in the smallest of moments, always brings an immense personality. His charisma is crucial to breathing life into the surprise, with such limited time to do so. But this lingering promise, ultimately delivered upon, determined all of the rules and expectations for every subsequent post-credits scene.
Marvel proves here, that it's always in the business of fan service. The Avengers is an exciting prospect, following a very entertaining movie that offers a reliable foundation for such a promise. This made everything that ensued, feel legitimately feasible.