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For the sake of this list, we’re not going to include any of the out-of-universe shenanigans like Marvel’s What If? on Disney+, even if there are parts that could be considered a piece of that MCU tapestry. That could always change, but keep in mind that we’re talking comics, and it is supposed to be fun.
But we’ve seen quite a lot of one-and-done characters to this point, and they’ve helped to establish the power rankings within the MCU. Some have pushed the limits higher, like the Celestials in The Eternals or Howard the Duck in his small scenes in Guardians of the Galaxy. We’ve seen the literal bedrock of the Marvel Universe down to a low-level humanoid alcoholic duck. We won’t be ducking on the low end with this list, but we will start at the bottom and work up to the strongest to date. Scroll down to see the power unfold, ranked, and be sure to disagree in the comments.
10) Man-Thing
Ted Sallis, better known as Man-Thing, was introduced with Disney+’s Werewolf by Night special and even landed on Sakaar at some point, at least according to his bust’s presence among the Champions at the Grandmaster’s arena. He’s a recurring prisoner throughout the MCU, being locked up three times if we count Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Hydra uprising.
It lands at the base of this list because it seems that the MCU’s Man-Thing is almost indestructible. His body’s composition makes him able to slip through any hole, survive most physical attacks, and gives him superhuman strength and stamina. He also lands here due to his ability to detect emotions and his trans-reality powers that allow him to open portals. His sensitivity to emotions can cause him to secrete acid if he detects negative thoughts or emotions, making him a deadly force against evil.
9) Namor
One of the MCU’s first mutants, Namor, was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as a villain declaring war on Wakanda to protect his kingdom, Talokan. He demonstrates several powers on screen during his war on the African nation, and they place him firmly in the listing.
Namor can fly, breathe above and below the water, and has super everything. He can also use underwater telepathy, can speak several languages, and has had centuries to master physical combat. He’s strong enough to be a powerful hero or an Avengers-level villain for these reasons.
8) Xu Wenwu
The power of the Ten Rings fuels this mythical villain from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, allowing him superhuman powers and much more as long as he’s wearing them. As a result, Xu Wenwu has existed since at least the Middle Ages and grew to become a mythical figure who conquered most of Asia under the banner of the Ten Rings. The power of his rings is seemingly derived from some of the same powers within the multiverse, to the point that they rival the Infinity Stones in sheer power. Once in Shang-Chi’s possession, we also see that they can defeat the Dweller-in-Darkness with one hit.
Xu Wenwu adds to his power with his physical mastery, knowledge, and experience beyond what most can achieve in one lifetime. As a human who ascends, he earns this spot on the list. With the Ten Rings, Xu Wenwu is possibly the strongest human in the MCU.
7) Cassandra Nova
If Xu Wenwu is the strongest human, a competitor for the strongest mutant is Cassandra Nova. She’s the main villain in Deadpool & Wolverine and is an Omega-level mutant with powers similar to Charles Xavier, her twin brother. With no sense of duty to be benevolent, she has all of his powers with no incentive to hold back. She can regenerate herself with her telekinesis powers and can enter someone’s mind after initiating physical touch with them. She also has Paradox on her side, giving her access to the Time Variance Authority and more power within the Void.
On top of her powerful mutant powers, she has also acquired her gang and several tools from variants she has slaughtered in The Void. This includes a sling ring belonging to Doctor Strange that ended up in the void. This allows her to travel through different realities and take control of the Time Ripper after it is introduced in the climax.
6) Hela
The third and oldest of Odin’s siblings, and the ruler of Hel in Asgardian lore, Hela made quite the impact with her MCU debut. Crushing Mjolnir in her hands, handily beating up Thor after he returns to Asgard. This comes after she’s summoned countless dead warriors, slaughtered the Warriors Three, and unleashed the giant wolf Fenris on Asgard.
Hela was also the first to wield Mjolnir in the MCU, which she lost after being banished. Even Odin was only able to banish her after binding her with his lifeforce. Once he died in Thor: Ragnarok, her imprisonment was undone, and she returned to claim the throne. With Odin dead, there was only one force she couldn’t defeat.
