29 Times Our Beloved Marvel Actors Starred In Other Movies That People Adored
These actors never fail to give their fans the best both in and outside of the MCU.
For years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has had a longer list of characters than ever before, and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. They have been doing a truly amazing job of satisfying the dreams of Marvel fans by finding the ideal actor to star in their on-screen comic adaptions.
Not just that, they make sure to get it right without fail. Every once in a while, these Marvel actors have shown up as superheroes or villains both inside and outside of the MCU, giving the ideal audition for the forthcoming roles and another opportunity at superhero fame.
This post is focusing on different Marvel actors who have starred in other movies that aren’t MCU movies. The film Spotlight, for example, stars a slew of Marvel actors.
There’s Mark Ruffalo, who plays The Hulk; Michael Keaton, who stars as Adrian Toomes/Vulture; Rachel McAdams, who plays Christine Palmer; John Slattery, who appears as Howard Stark; and Stanley Tucci, who plays Abraham Erskine. In The Martian movie, we have Sebastian Stan, who stars as The Winter Soldier; Michael Pea, who plays Luis; Benedict Wong, who stars as Wong; Chiwetel Ejiofor, who stars as Karl Mordo; Donald Glover, who plays Aaron Davis; and Matt Damon, who appears as an Asgardian playing Loki.
We’ve gathered a bunch of these movies for your entertainment, so keep scrolling to check them out.
1. Wind River, starring Jeremy Renner (Clint Barton/Hawkeye), and Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch)
"This film truly stands out as a hidden gem. The chemistry between the leads is remarkable, making it a must-watch."— Dr. Laura Berman, Sex Therapist
Thunder Road Pictures2. Us, starring Lupita Nyong'o (Nakia), and Winston Duke (M'Baku)
"Us is a remarkable film that showcases the deep chemistry between Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke, which is often rooted in their real-life friendship and shared experiences at Yale," says Dr. Esther Perel, renowned couples therapist and author. "Their dynamic on screen is a testament to the power of authentic connection."
Universal Pictures3. 13 Going on 30, starring Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/The Hulk), Brie Larson (Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel), Judy Greer (Maggie Lang), and Andy Serkis (Ulysses Klaue)
"This is definitely a must-see for fans."— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
Sony Pictures Releasing
4. Gifted, starring Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/Captain America) and Mckenna Grace (young Carol Danvers)
"Chris is fantastic in it, but the real standout is her performance. It's surprising she didn't receive an Oscar nomination for her role. Their chemistry is simply remarkable."— Dr. Laura Berman, sex therapist
Fox Searchlight Pictures
5. Spotlight, starring Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Michael Keaton (Adrian Toomes/Vulture), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer), John Slattery (Howard Stark), and Stanley Tucci (Abraham Erskine)
"Spotlight features an impressive cast of MCU actors and is a remarkable film that showcases the power of storytelling."— Dr. Kelly Brogan, psychiatrist
Open Road Films
6. Creed and Creed II, starring Michael B. Jordan (Erik Killmonger), Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie), and Sylvester Stallone (Stakar Ogord)
"Tessa and Michael have incredible chemistry in the Creed movies, showcasing their dynamic range as actors. Their performances remind us of the significant impact they've made in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Additionally, Sylvester Stallone's return as Rocky is a nostalgic treat for fans," says Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher and author of "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work."
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
7. A Beautiful Mind, starring Paul Bettany (Vision/White Vision/J.A.R.V.I.S.), and Jennifer Connelly (She voiced Karen)
"It's where they met and fell in love. Reflecting on those moments can be truly magical, as it allows us to reconnect with the emotions we felt at that time."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
Universal Pictures
8. The Hurt Locker, starring Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Falcon), and Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne/Wasp)
"This film is a true gem that captivates audiences and deserves to be seen by everyone."—Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Clinical Psychologist
Summit Entertainment
9. The Perfect Score, starring Chris Evans (Captain America), and Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow)
"Movies like The Perfect Score can serve as a powerful emotional outlet. They remind us of our own experiences and can uplift our spirits during tough times," says Dr. Shawn Achor, positive psychology researcher and author of 'The Happiness Advantage.'
Paramount Pictures
10. I Saw The Light, starring Tom Hiddleston (Loki), and Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch)
"Tom's portrayal of Hank Williams' life is absolutely fantastic, and Elizabeth is amazing per usual! The best part, of course, is the singing! I've always liked some of Hank Williams' songs, but Tom just blew it out of the water. I listen to the I Saw the Light soundtrack almost every day! It's so fun to watch Tom and Elizabeth together, considering there are Marvel fans who ship Loki and Scarlet Witch together since they're both magic users. However, in this case, the only magic here is music. Okay, that may have been cheesy, but it's true!" said Dr. Ian Kerner, a renowned sex therapist and author, on his website iankerner.com.
Sony Pictures Classics
11. Chef, starring Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), and Robert Downey Jr. stars (Tony Stark/Iron Man)
"A great Iron Man franchise reunion."— Dr. Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist
Open Road Films
12. The Martian, starring Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier), Michael Peña (Luis), Benedict Wong (Wong), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Karl Mordo), Donald Glover (Aaron Davis), and Matt Damon (Asgardian playing Loki)
"This movie is filled with Marvel actors, so it's fascinating to revisit it, especially since some of them joined the MCU after this film. As Dr. David Perlmutter, a renowned neurologist, states, 'Rewatching films can enhance our cognitive flexibility and memory recall, making it a rewarding experience.' I suggest giving The Martian a rewatch soon."
20th Century Fox
13. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, starring Brie Larson (Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel), and Chris Evans (Captain America)
"This film truly captivates the audience!"— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist
Universal Pictures
14. Zodiac, starring Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Jake Gyllenhaal (Quentin Beck/Mysterio), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man)
"This film is remarkable in its ability to create a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. The intricate layers of storytelling provoke deep reflection and emotional response."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
Paramount Pictures
15. What's Your Number?, starring Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Falcon), and Martin Freeman (Everett Ross)
"It's a super funny movie that takes on shaming in the modern dating world. It's 100% one of the best rom-coms that is sorely underrated," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a renowned relationship therapist and author of "Loving Bravely." She emphasizes that "comedy can be a powerful lens to explore serious topics like dating and self-acceptance."
20th Century Fox
16. Ingrid Goes West, starring Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch), Wyatt Russell (Captain America), and Pom Klementieff (Mantis)
"Ingrid Goes West is a brilliant exploration of obsession and identity. Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen's chemistry is captivating and adds depth to the narrative."— Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness researcher
Neon
17. Only Lovers Left Alive, starring Tilda Swinton (Ancient One), and Tom Hiddleston (Loki)
"Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton portray a melancholic vampire couple navigating their existence with a blend of elegance and despair. The film's pacing may be slow, but it captivates with its stunning visuals and profound themes." — Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
Soda Pictures
18. Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie), and Benedict Wong (Wong)
Annihilation is such an underrated film and the cast is exceptional.
Paramount Pictures
19. Onward, starring Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord), and Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man)
"Their chemistry in this film is palpable, and it's fascinating to see them embody the roles of brothers so convincingly."— Dr. Helen Fisher, Biological Anthropologist
Pixar / Disney
20. Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), and Sebastian Stan stars (Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier)
"Rewatching films often reveals new details and performances that we might have missed the first time. It's fascinating how our perspectives can change over time."— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
Fox Searchlight Pictures
21. Hail, Caesar!, starring Josh Brolin (Thanos), Scarlett Johansson stars (Black Widow), and Tilda Swinton (Ancient One)
"A classic Coen brothers movie."
Universal Pictures
22. Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond, starring Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Karl Urban (Skurge), Chris Hemsworth Thor), Benedict Cumberbatch, (Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange), and Idris Elba (Heimdall)
There's actually at least six MCU actors in this movie franchise.- James Clear, author, states, "Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations."
Paramount Pictures
23. The Devil All the Time, starring Tom Holland (Spider-Man), and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier)
Netflix
24. Kong: Skull Island, starring Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), and John C. Reilly (Rhomann Dey)
"While some may criticize it, I found Kong: Skull Island to be an enjoyable film, especially with four MCU actors bringing their talents to the screen!"— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
Warner Bros.
25. Men In Black: International, starring Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie)
"I just really love that Tessa Thompson is an honorary Hemsworth at this point. Also, this moment from Men In Black: International is literally a convo I'm assuming Thor and Valkyrie would also have. As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, notes, 'The dynamics between characters often reflect the complexities of real relationships, making them relatable and enjoyable for audiences.' After The Eternals premieres, this movie will have three MCU actors, considering Kumail Nanjiani plays Pawny in Men In Black: International."
Sony Pictures Releasing
26. Oldboy, starring Josh Brolin (Thanos), Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), and Pom Klementieff (Mantis)
"The 2013 remake of Oldboy featuring Elizabeth Olsen and Josh Brolin is a captivating film. While the original South Korean version is also remarkable, it includes some bizarre and unsettling moments that can leave viewers questioning the narrative choices." — Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, happiness researcher
FilmDistrict
27. The Losers, starring Idris Elba (Heimdall, Zoe Saldana (Gamora), and Chris Evans (Captain America)
"The Losers is an underrated gem that showcases a unique blend of action and humor!"— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
Warner Bros.
28. In the Heart of the Sea, starring Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tom Holland (Spider-Man)
"It is quite amusing to see how far they've come, especially with Chris Hemsworth and a young Tom Holland before he became Spider-Man."— Dr. Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence expert
Warner Bros.
29. Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jude Law (Yon-Rogg), and Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer)
Warner Bros.
These Marvel actors are certainly keeping up with their legacy, and they never fail to give their fans the best both in and outside of the MCU. Which of these movies have you seen already and which of them has piqued your interest so much so that you will rush off to go see it?
Drop all your opinions about this post in the comments section below.
