The Most Epic Demises of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Unforeseen Betrayal

Thanos, the notorious scourge of the MCU, has met his end in numerous timelines and alternate realities. His demise in the first episode of What If...? season 2, 'What If... Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?', was a major revelation. Ronan the Accuser's successful betrayal and murder of Thanos made for an incredibly unexpected turn of events. However, the manner in which Thanos met his end was far from satisfying, as the episode offered very little information about the betrayal. The off-screen demise of Thanos in this alternate reality was indeed underwhelming, failing to deliver the epic conclusion befitting the Mad Titan's caliber.

Ronan the Accuser standing over Thanos' helmet in What If...? Season 2 episode 1

Keywords: Ronan the Accuser, What If...? season 2, Nebula, Nova Corps, alternate reality

The Darkhold's Dark Deed

In an alternate timeline leading up to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the Illuminati used the Darkhold to bring about the demise of Thanos. Though the events occurred off-screen, the significance of the Darkhold's magic in ending the Mad Titan's life was a pivotal moment. The brief glimpse of Thanos' lifeless body on Titan in a flashback added to the intrigue, making it a particularly underwhelming yet significant demise.

The Illuminati standing over Doctor Strange and Thanos' corpse in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Keywords: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Illuminati, Darkhold, Earth-838, alternate timeline

The Deceptive Strike

In a surprising turn of events, Gamora seizes the opportunity to enact her revenge on her adoptive father in Avengers: Infinity War. The unexpected demise of Thanos at the hands of Gamora was a moment of shock and sorrow, only to be revealed as a well-executed fake-out. Thanos' use of the Reality Stone to manipulate the situation turned the dramatic death into a cunning ruse, making it one of the most unexpected demises in the MCU.

Zoe Saldana as Gamora fighting Josh Brolin as Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War

Keywords: Avengers: Infinity War, Gamora, Reality Stone, unexpected demise

The Poetic Victory

The epic finale of What If...? season 2 brought about the demise of Universe Killers, including Thanos, through an unexpected twist. Killmonger's use of the Infinity Gauntlet to snap Thanos out of existence was a poetic moment that harkened back to the events of Avengers: Endgame. The satisfying nature of using the Infinity Stones once again to defeat Thanos made this demise a powerful and resonant conclusion to the Mad Titan's reign.

Thanos being snapped out of existence in What If? season 2 episode 9

Keywords: What If...? season 2, Universe Killers, Killmonger, Infinity Gauntlet, poetic demise

The Zombie Titan

The 'Zombies!?' episode of What If...? showcased a fascinating demise of Thanos, who succumbed to the zombie virus alongside the MCU's heroes. The revelation of a zombified Thanos in possession of the Infinity Stones added a thrilling and clever twist to the episode, enriching the narrative with a surprising turn of events. The implications of a zombified Thanos with the Infinity Gauntlet made this demise all the more enticing and captivating.

Zombie Thanos in What If? season 1 episode 5

Keywords: What If...? season 1, Zombies!, zombified Thanos, Infinity Stones, surprising twist

The Multiversal Slicer

In an alternate reality presented in What If...? season 1, Thanos met his end in a shockingly colorful and unexpected manner. Ultron's casual and abrupt slicing of Thanos, who was located with the aid of the Infinity Stones, marked a pivotal moment in the series. The unexpected demise delivered a mix of hilarity and terror, solidifying Ultron as a formidable threat to the Multiverse with the shockingly lackadaisical end of the Mad Titan.

Thanos being sliced in half by Ultron in What If...? season 1

Keywords: What If...? season 1, Ultron, Infinity Stones, unexpected demise, colorful death

The Triumphant Sacrifice

Undoubtedly, Thanos' most iconic demise in the MCU came during the climactic events of Avengers: Endgame. Iron Man's wielding of the Infinity Stones to defeat Thanos and sacrificing himself in the process marked a major hero moment. The triumphant victory over the powerful villain through a selfless sacrifice made this demise the most satisfying and resonant conclusion to Thanos' reign in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man snapping the Infinity Gauntlet in Avengers: Endgame

Keywords: Avengers: Endgame, Iron Man, Infinity Stones, triumphant demise, selfless sacrifice