Whether heroes are uniting such as in JUSTICE LEAGUE, or simply doing the best they can like Spidey in SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, comic book movie fans have had plenty of awesomeness to enjoy in 2017. But out of these fantastic films, what scenes have plucked at our heartstrings the most? Which moments have given us goose bumps, or made us laugh and whoop with glee? Here are seven fan-favorite superhero scenes of the year!
Note: This article contains major spoilers for many of this year’s movies, including JUSTICE LEAGUE.
7. "Let's Get Nuts Remix" — The Lego Batman Movie
What Happens? The Joker (Zach Galifianakis) enacts his terrifying plot for Gotham city, but thankfully Batman (Will Arnett) is on hand with a couple of tricks up his sleeve.
Why It's So Great: Batman was already the hilariously conceited standout of THE LEGO MOVIE, so fans were relieved when his solo outing matched the 2014’s beloved quick-fire sensibilities. And nowhere is this more evident than in the opening fight.
Within these three minutes, the film crams in enough Batman Easter Eggs to fill a Bat Cave on their own, as we watch the Caped Crusader take on his assembled villains in an eye-watering cavalcade of color. It’s also brimming with gags as well, with the line “Who pays taxes? NOT Batman!” being a particular favorite among fans. THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE is so beloved that many moviegoers have hailed it as the best Batman movie for years. On the strength of this scene alone, it’s not hard to see why.
Worthy of Mention: Batman’s lonely night at home with his lobster thermidor. This scene — which culminates in Alfred’s (Ralph Fiennes) stern lecture — is giggle-inducing genius.
6. "He’s A Friend From Work!" — Thor: Ragnarok
What Happens? Trapped on Sakaar, the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) is forced into gladiatorial combat. But once Thor arrives in the arena, he comes face to face with a very familiar someone...
Why It's So Great: This encounter may have been a lot more powerful if the marketing for THOR: RAGNAROK hadn’t zeroed in on it quite as much. However, Thor and Hulk’s (Mark Ruffalo) spat in the Grandmaster’s (Jeff Goldblum) arena still contains several surprises, ensuring that it’s a standout section of the film — and the year's output overall.
Director Taika Waititi draws from the comic book artwork of the legendary Jack Kirby, which means that, like the rest of the film, the arena battle is a visually arresting experience. Who doesn’t get a kick when Thor lets loose and punches Hulk all the way across the field? It’s also delightfully droll, with Loki’s reactions to the fight being a particular highlight.
Worthy of Mention: Tom Hiddleston shines in one of Ragnarok’s quieter and most impactful moments: Loki and Thor’s conversation in the elevator.
5. Coming Together — Justice League
What Happens? As Steppenwolf's (Ciaran Hinds) plan nears completion, the League finally put aside their differences to quash the alien threat for good.
Why It's So Great: It may have already proved to be as divisive as its predeceasing DC movies, but JUSTICE LEAGUE still delivers some nerdy goodness. Whether it's Superman (Henry Cavill) and Flash's (Ezra Miller) super-fast slo-mo battle or Batman's (Ben Affleck) kick-ass entrance, there's a lot to enjoy in this movie.
However, the pièce de résistance of the film is undoubtedly its climatic battle. Seeing these icons fight side by side is really something, isn't it? And that image of the united JUSTICE LEAGUE standing together on the rooftop? To quote Cyborg (Ray Fisher): Booyah!
Worthy of Mention: The DCEU is filled with thoughtful moments, but Justice League ensures that another can be added to that list. Certainly, Clark's reunion with Lois (Amy Adams) and Martha (Diane Lane) on the Kent Farm is an emotional affair.