By Zach Johnson
Fifteen years ago, Iron Man launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the introduction of everyone’s favorite genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist: Tony Stark. Played by Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr., Tony aka Iron Man is as witty as he is heroic—and that’s saying something! To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the film—which was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2022—we’ve curated our 15 favorite quotes from all of his MCU appearances, in chronological order.
Iron Man (2008)
- “Iron Man… that’s kinda catchy. It’s got a nice ring to it. I mean, it’s not technically accurate; the suit’s a gold-titanium alloy. But, it’s kind of evocative of the imagery.”
- “The truth is… I am Iron Man.”
Iron Man 2 (2010)
- “I told you, I don’t want to join your super-secret boy band.”
Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
- “Doth mother know you weareth her drapes?”
- “That man is playing Galaga! He thought we wouldn’t notice… but we did.”
- “It’s good to meet you, Dr. Banner. Your work on anti-electron collisions is unparalleled. And I’m a huge fan of how you lose control and turn into an enormous green rage monster.”
- “The Avengers. That’s what we call ourselves; we’re sort of like a team. ‘Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’-type thing.”
Iron Man 3 (2013)
- “So, if I were to wrap this up tight with a bow or whatever, I guess I’d say my armor, it was never a distraction or a hobby: it was a cocoon. And now, I’m a changed man. You can take away my house, all my tricks and toys. One thing you can’t take away? I am Iron Man.”
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- “Actually, he’s the boss. I just pay for everything and design everything and make everyone look cooler.”
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- “OK, anybody on our side hiding any shocking or fantastic abilities they’d like to disclose? I’m open to suggestions.”
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- “If you’re nothing without the suit, then you shouldn’t have it.”*
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- “I’m sorry, Earth is closed today. You better pack it up and get outta here.”
- “Dude, you’re embarrassing me in front of the wizards.”
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- “I love you 3,000.”
- “And I… am Iron Man.”
* Streaming Friday, May 12, on Disney+.
Honorable mentions:
- “Better clench up, Legolas.” (Marvel’s The Avengers)
- “Don’t do anything I would do, and definitely don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. There’s a little gray area there and that’s where you operate.” (Spider-Man: Homecoming)
- “It’s not about how much we lost, it’s about how much we have left. We’re the Avengers. We gotta finish this.” (Avengers: Endgame)