There’s one narrative element that Marvel’s MCU is slowly getting better at: romance.
We break down the best and the worst.
What would theMarvel Cinematic Universebe without its share of romance?
Lesser, thats for sure.
Where does the Peter/MJ dynamic rank on our list of best MCU romances?
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14.
Stephen & Christine (Doctor Strange)
Congratulations, Thor and Jane!
You are no longer the worst romance in the MCU.
That dubious honor goes toDoctor Stranges Stephen and Christine.
Rachel McAdams deserves far, far better.
So do the fans.
It seems that Marvel and Ms. McAdams agree, asshe wont return forDoctor Strange 2.
Thor & Jane Foster (Thor)
Guys, can we all admit that the Thor/Jane romance issoboring?
This is the actress who had been inbothpreviousThorfilms as the main romantic interest and female lead.
This ambivalence is not Portmans fault.
This actress has some hard, thinly-veiled damsel-in-distress tropes to deal with in Janes character.
Just when things start get interesting, she opts out.
Its an obligatory nod to the romantic history of their comic book counterparts.
Either way, its a disappointing storytelling decision.
Natasha is the one who S.H.I.E.L.D.
This gives the relationship more room to breathe, and makes it feel more realistic.
Its a moment of complex humanity that MCU doesnt usually award its female love interests.
Scott Lang & Hope van Dyne (Ant-Man)
Scott and Hope have a relatively traditional action film romance.
Hope kind of hates Scott.
Banter, banter, banter.
She eventually sees through his tough guy persona to the heart of gold underneath.
They eventually admit that they kinda, sorta have a thing for each other.
Its totally watchable, especially because Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly are charming actors.
It helps that Hope has a lot going on character-wise.
She is a female MCU character who knows her worth (Peggy Carter would be proud).
And Scott is man enough to admit that Hope is a terrifying badass.
Even before they fall for each other, he respects her.
Theres not enough of that in movie romance.
So… thanks, Ned and Betty.
Well always have Prague.
<3
5.
The two kissandexchange I love yous during the film.
I love these kinds of high-stakes love confessions.)
The moment that really sold me on these two inInfinity War?
When Peter actually pulls the trigger to kill Gamora.
I have never respected Peter moreor shipped these two morethan when he respected Gamoras wishes.
Gamoradied inInfinity Warand stayed dead inEndgame.
Peter just wants to give MJ some Venetian jewelry and tell her that he likes her.
Objectively, whats the worst that could happen?
Of course, Peter has nothing to worry about.
Hes adorable and MJ totally likes him, of course.
She even manages to guess his secret, which sets this relationship up for some serious growth inthe nextSpider-Maninstallment.
Frankly, we cant wait to see what happens with these two next.
Its a very mature, not at all contrived reason to keep these two apart.
TChalla obviously adores Nakia (who wouldnt?)
If thats not love, then I dont know what is.
Tony Stark & Pepper Potts (Iron Man)
The MCU banter-filled romance that started them all.
People like to speculate if the MCU would be where it is today ifIron Manhad sucked/flopped.
I think a poorly-realized romance might have served that purpose.
So thanks for the MCU, Tony and Pepper.
The complete schedule of upcoming Marvel movies can be found here.
