Top 10 Most Epic Training Montages in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The training montage is a key element in heroic journeys, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe has effectively used this technique in its films. These brief scenes show a character undergoing a period of exercise, learning, or growth, and are often the most memorable sequences in genres like sports, martial arts, and superhero movies. The MCU has produced some outstanding training montages that can be considered among the best in cinema history.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe, known for its heroic origin stories, has had numerous opportunities to create compelling training montages. Whether it's a hero learning to control their new powers, inventing advanced technology, or simply getting in shape for battle, MCU characters have engaged in this tradition. With fast-paced editing, great soundtrack choices, and the physical performances of Marvel Studio's actors, these montages are beloved by fans.

Carol Trains With Yon-Rogg In Hand-To Hand Combat

Captain Marvel (2019)

Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) Points At Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) in Captain Marvel - Captain Marvel (2019) - Carol Trains With Yon-Rogg In Hand-To Hand Combat

In a more of a fight scene rather than a typical training montage, Carl Danvers sparred with Yon-Rogg back when she was a member of the Kree empire's Starforce and had not yet remembered her past on Earth. Initially, Yon-Rogg acted as Vers' mentor, helping her learn how to control her incredible powers. However, as the story progresses, his true villainous nature is gradually revealed. Their training session serves as a foreshadowing of the conflicts to come, featuring a flashy hand-to-hand battle. Despite its intensity, the scene is relatively short and lacks the elaborate style seen in other Marvel training sequences.

Thor Gets Back In Shape

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Thor Guardians training montage - Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) - Thor Gets Back In Shape

After the events of Avengers: Endgame, Thor had to shed the extra weight he gained post-Blip. In Thor: Love and Thunder, we witness his journey from "Dad bod to God bod" with the help of Korg's amusing commentary. His workout routine includes impressive feats like rope work with giant chains, pulling a spaceship, and squatting a massive boulder. However, the scene is somewhat hindered by the awkward humor surrounding Thor's recent portrayals, especially relating to his body.

She-Hulk Trains With Bruce Banner

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)

She-Hulk training scene pic - She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) - She-Hulk Trains With Bruce Banner

In her first appearance in the MCU, Jennifer Walters had to adjust to being She-Hulk and sought guidance from her cousin, Bruce Banner. It was a unique experience to see the original Hulk mentoring someone with similar powers, and the chemistry between Mark Ruffalo and Tatiana Maslany added to the excitement. However, the sequence could have been even better if Hulk's unexpected jealousy of Jen's quick learning wasn't included. There was no need to undermine Bruce to highlight Jen's abilities.

Shang-Chi Is Raised From Birth To Be A Weapon

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Young Shang-Chi Training in Shang-Chi Trailer - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) - Shang-Chi Is Raised From Birth To Be A Weapon

Shang-Chi stands out among Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes because he was trained from a young age to be a skilled fighter. Even though he doesn't have any special powers, his martial arts skills are so advanced that they almost seem superhuman. In the movie, we see flashbacks of Shang-Chi's tough upbringing under his father's harsh guidance, shaping him into a deadly warrior. While these scenes are emotionally powerful, they could have had a greater impact if they were presented as a single, continuous sequence rather than being scattered throughout the film.

Doctor Strange Learns The Mystic Arts In Kamar-Taj

Doctor Strange (2016)

Doctor Strange training in Doctor Strange - Doctor Strange (2016) - Doctor Strange Learns The Mystic Arts In Kamar-Taj

In Doctor Strange, Stephen Strange starts learning about the mystical arts from the Ancient One. He goes through different realms of Marvel's universe, which was a memorable experience. It was impressive to see how quickly he progressed from struggling to perform basic spells to outshining his classmates. This moment highlights his natural talent for magic, achieving a lot in a short period, although it seemed like he could have faced more challenges along the way.

Sam Wilson Trains With Captain America’s Shield

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier holding Captain America's shield - The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) - Sam Wilson Trains With Captain America’s Shield

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is not just a spy-thriller adventure and a buddy cop series, but also a story of Sam Wilson's journey to become Captain America. His struggle to wield the shield symbolizes his reluctance to embrace the role, eventually mastering it only after accepting his new identity. This powerful moment could have been even better without the average background music in the scene.

The Widow Agents Train In The Red Room

Black Widow (2021)

Black Widow Red Room agents training - Black Widow (2021) - The Widow Agents Train In The Red Room

Training montages in movies are typically meant to pump up the audience and show the hero getting stronger. However, Black Widow takes a darker approach to this trope. Watching the Widow agents train in perfect sync in The Red Room is especially tragic when you learn more about the program throughout the movie. If only we could see Natasha herself training in a flashback, this scene could have been even more emotionally powerful.

Scott Learns To Use The Ant-Man Suit

Ant-Man (2015)

Paul Rudd as Ant-Man immediately after returning from the Quantum Realm in Ant-Man (2015) - Scott Learns To Use The Ant-Man Suit

As more people watched Scott training in the Ant-Man suit, they were amazed at how well he could use Hank Pym's shrinking technology. The first movie showed how disorienting it can be when Ant-Man changes size, giving a unique perspective. Scott and Hope's training montage not only highlighted Scott's special ability to use Pym's invention, but also added a lovely touch to his relationship with Hope. This dual purpose sets it apart from other training sequences.

Captain America Survives U.S. Army Boot Camp

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - Captain America Survives U.S. Army Boot Camp

Even though Steve Rogers dreams of becoming a soldier, he faces a harsh reality during the training scene in Camp Lehigh in Captain America: The First Avenger. Despite enduring verbal abuse, intense workouts, and getting covered in mud, Rogers perseveres. His mental strength and strong character help him push past his physical limitations. Dr. Erskine's belief that Rogers is the ideal candidate for the super-soldier serum is confirmed when Rogers selflessly jumps on what he believes is a live grenade to protect his fellow trainees.

Tony Stark Builds The Mk I In A Cave With A Box Of Scraps

Iron Man (2008)

Tony Stark hammers in a cave in Iron Man - Iron Man (2008) - Tony Stark Builds The Mk I In A Cave With A Box Of Scraps

Iron Man has truly changed the game in the superhero genre. It remains one of Marvel's top films, with a standout training montage that is unbeatable. Witnessing Tony Stark transform from a carefree billionaire to a skilled combat engineer in a short span of time is truly remarkable. The moment when he unveils the Mark I suit to take down his enemies is incredibly satisfying. The combination of Tony's hammer hitting steel to the beat of a powerful rock soundtrack creates a unique and unforgettable scene. This original training montage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe stands out as one of the best.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most iconic training montages in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It effectively highlights the importance of these sequences in showcasing the character's growth, both physically and mentally. The author presents a diverse range of montages, each with its unique style and purpose.

However, one aspect that could have been explored further is the impact of these training montages on the overall narrative and character development. By examining how these sequences contribute to the hero's journey and their transformation, the article could have provided a deeper understanding of the significance of training in the MCU. Additionally, discussing the visual and editing techniques employed in these montages would have enriched the analysis and given readers a better appreciation of their cinematic impact.