The Surprising Inspirations Behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Unveiling the Unexpected Sources of Inspiration

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has evolved into a rich tapestry of cinematic styles, drawing inspiration from a wide array of classic movies that span various genres. From science fiction narratives to horror stories and romping action-adventure plots, the MCU has found inspiration in some very surprising places.

Ben Kingsley as the fake Mandarin in Iron Man 3

While some movie inspirations for the MCU are quite obvious, there are also some unexpected and lesser-known sources that have significantly influenced the development of beloved Marvel movies.

Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One in Doctor Strange

Revealing the Influences

Let's delve into the surprising sources of inspiration that have shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unveiling the intriguing connections between iconic movies and the beloved MCU timeline.

Guardians of the Galaxy Star-Lord wearing his Helmet and zipping up jacket

One of the most surprising inspirations is the influence of the classic war movie Apocalypse Now on Iron Man 3. The depiction of Ben Kingsley's Mandarin was directly inspired by Colonel Kurtz, with high-contrast lighting and shadowed visuals reminiscent of Marlon Brando's portrayal in Apocalypse Now.

Steve returns with Bucky and the 107th in Captain America The First Avenger

Another unexpected influence comes from Disney's Fantasia, which inspired the psychedelic visuals in Doctor Strange. The movie's Mirror Dimension, which blends kaleidoscopic visuals with the occult and the supernatural, set Doctor Strange apart in the MCU with its unique artistic direction.

Red Skull looking down in Captain America The First Avenger

Guardians of the Galaxy found its guidance from Phillip Kaufman's 1983 historical drama The Right Stuff, which helped infuse the movie with a retro-futuristic tone and grounded feel. The movie sought to recall classic space movies and their US origins, contributing to its unique and oddly familiar cosmic setting.

Bucky and Steve in Captain America The First Avenger

Unconventional Inspirations and Their Impact

The surprising inspirations continue with the classic Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, directly shaping Captain America: The First Avenger. The hero's actions were modeled after Indiana Jones, and the influence can be seen in the depiction of Red Skull and the Nazis, mirroring the famed antagonists from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes Looking At Each Other In Captain America The First Avenger

Spider-Man: Homecoming took inspiration from classic 1980s teen dramas, notably The Breakfast Club, to reflect Peter Parker's adolescent identity issues and expand the typical teenage story to include superhero issues.

Chris Evans as Steve Rogers on Red Skulls Plane In Captain America The First Avenger

The infusion of startling new tone and visuals in the MCU's Thor movies, particularly in Thor: Ragnarok, was influenced by Alejandro Jodorowsky's classic surrealist movie The Holy Mountain, which directly impacted the movie's design and color palette, creating an alien world unlike others depicted in the MCU.

Ned, MJ and Peter leaning against the lockers in Spider-Man: Homecoming