The Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought classic Marvel heroes to the big screen, where they have had major impacts on their world, grown and developed as people, and become fan favorites. They are well-known names synonymous with honor and heroism, and the actors who play them have experienced some of their most successful roles with the franchise.
Some characters have racked up a surprising number of appearances in the universe's current count of 23 total films. Here are the characters who have been featured in the most MCU films (not including the films where they were only featured in a post-credits scene in their count).
Happy Hogan (6)
A close friend of Tony Stark's since even before he became Iron Man, Happy has been a part of the MCU from its very first movie. Having taken on the task of looking after Peter Parker after Tony's death, he has also been present until the end of the Infinity Saga. His role as an ally to Spider-Man, an up-and-coming Marvel hero himself, reluctantly at first in Far From Home, may have even secured him a role in the future works of the MCU.
Sam Wilson/Falcon (6)
That he jumped into the game later than any of the other characters on this list makes his place here all the more impressive. Sam Wilson's entry to the MCU in Captain America: The Winter Soldier marks a turning point in the universe, which sees the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D. It also marks a turning point in Sam's life, where his efforts to defeat HYDRA alongside the Captain pull him back into a life of combat as an Avenger, similar to the life he left when he retired from the Air Force.
Having accepted Captain America's shield, he is assumed, though not confirmed, to be featured in future Avengers films, but he is also set to star in the Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which debuts later this year.
Bruce Banner/Hulk (6)
Bruce Banner has proved a complicated character throughout the course of the MCU. First appearing in Avengers: Endgame creating a "Smart Hulk" combination of his two personalities.
Regardless, he is not only a beloved character but also an important one in the Avengers' narrative, with both his colossal size and scientific mind having a huge impact on the team and their story.
James Rhodes/War Machine (7)
Having also experienced a casting change since his first appearance, Rhodey has proved himself an asset to the Avengers over his years in the MCU, which span as long as the MCU itself. In particular, he has a sort of symbiotic relationship with Tony. His participation in all three films of the Iron Man trilogy as well as the last three Avengers films secures his place on this list.
While not the most significant character in the earlier years, he gets the spotlight in Endgame as the only Avenger besides Romanoff to still be fighting the good fight five years after the Snap.
Pepper Potts (7)
At her boss-turned-husband's side since the beginning, Pepper has the highest number of films under her belt of any of the MCU women. The role she plays in most of the Avengers films is small compared to her roles in the the third film, where she begins to come into her own as a character rather than simply a love interest.
It's her part in Endgame, though, that bears the fruit of that development and portrays her, for the first time, as her superhero persona of Rescue. While she doesn't have a confirmed role in Phase 4, her inclusion in future MCU works would be the perfect opportunity to showcase her character as a hero independent from her fallen spouse.
Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (7)
Natasha shares with Pepper the distinction of being the female character featured in the most MCU films, although we've ranked Iron Man 2 kickstarted the journey of the hero without whom the Avengers would cease to exist. The decisions Natasha has made during her time in the MCU altered the fate of the world.
Although her death in Endgame drew her story to a close, her long-awaited Avengers: Infinity War, will be released on May 1, moving her up on the list.
Thor (7)
As its title character is the only one of Earth's mightiest heroes who isn't originally from Earth, Thor's movies take fans beyond this planet and contribute to making the MCU not just a world but a universe. It's because of his initial visit to the planet, after all, that Loki takes aim at Earth, the event that sparks the merger of the Avenger forces for the first time.
As a character, Thor has seen a lot of growth over the years. He was introduced as an arrogant, war-seeking god and, after a series of failures and missteps, left Endgame transformed into a comionate team player with a strong sense of responsibility.
Steve Rogers/Captain America (7)
As he was the first of the Avengers to become a hero, it's not a surprise that Steve ranks high on this list. With a solo trilogy as well as all four Avengers crossover movies under his belt, the Captain has led his team through even the most impossible missions.
His experience is a unique one, going under the ice for decades and waking up to a new world in The First Avenger, so he brings a different perspective to the 21st century. Fans who have been following his MCU story unwaveringly are sad to see his exit but glad that he got his happy ending.
Nicholas Fury (9)
While all the Avengers play an important and unparalleled role in their universe, there is probably no more important role than that which Fury has played. The unsung hero of the MCU, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. was responsible for making the idea of the Avengers Initiative a reality. He handpicked each member of the team and brought them together, creating the ultimate safeguard for the planet.
He continues to help the team even after the fall of his organization, and his quick thinking was the reason Captain Marvel came to Earth's aid in the wake of the Snap, ultimately saving the universe from Thanos. His brief appearance in Spider-Man: Far From Home opens up possibilities for his return in future Phases of the MCU.
Iron Man (9)
There's no arguing against Tony's importance to the MCU. He's the title character of the film that started the whole franchise, so it's fair to say that, without him and his success, there would be no MCU to speak of.
His decisions have driven several major plot points, like creating Ultron, g the Sokovia Accords, and agreeing to help with the time heist. Most significantly, though, is his hand in mentoring one of the future Avengers, Peter Parker. Even in his death, Tony's contribution to the universe will have an impact that lasts well after his last appearance.
