Summary
- Iron Man's quotes range from witty to emotional, with some even predicting the future of the MCU.
- Tony Stark's growth from egotistical industrialist to hero is highlighted in his iconic lines.
- Iron Man's impact on the MCU goes beyond his death, with his words continuing to resonate in the Multiverse Saga.
Throughout Infinity Saga, Iron Man delivered some of the best lines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Aside from being a genius, being sarcastic and witty are some of the hallmarks of Tony Stark, which makes him very entertaining to watch. Robert Downey Jr.'s penchant for words and improvisation only adds to the character's appeal. Given this, it shouldn't be surprising there isn't any scarcity of great quotes from Iron Man during his time in the MCU.
What makes Tony's quotes great is that they have a wide variation. Many of them highlight just how truly witty he is, but there are some that are surprisingly emotional, either they are earnest and enlightening or downright heartbreaking. Most impressively, Iron Man also has several quotes that predict the future in the MCU. In fact, a couple of his lines still ring very much true years after he died in Avengers: Endgame. So while Iron Man has already been dead for quite a while now, he remains relevant in the Multiverse Saga through his words.
20 "Is It Better To Be Feared Or Respected? I Say, Is It Too Much To Ask For Both?"
Iron Man (2008)
The production of Iron Man is nothing short of legendary. Director Jon Favreau was able to craft an opening that effectively introduces the MCU's inaugural hero was impressive. Tony's whole interaction inside the Humvee with his military escort was great, but it was his introduction of the Stark Industries-newly-created Jericho Missiles that gives the public a great explanation of why he's so successful as an industrialist even though he can be egotistical.
The specific quote is also a great example of just how far Iron Man has come, by showcasing that he wasn't just in the weaponry business, but arguably understood it on a personal level, even if the line is meant to some degree in jest. While this makes Tony Stark's early characterization more complicated, it also serves to make his turn to heroism more noteworthy, by showing it wasn't something he was always inherently destined for but rather was a result of personal growth.
19 “I Shouldn’t Be Alive... Unless It Was For A Reason."
Iron Man (2008)
After Tony's captivity in Afghanistan, he returned a changed man in Iron Man. He spent his time perfecting the version of Mark I in his workshop, not having anyone distract him. When Pepper Potts finally confronts him about his dangerous activities, he delivers a surprisingly emotional confession on how he sees his second chance in life. This speech also gains more significance further down the line in the MCU, as it's clear this mentality is what leads Iron Man to eventually sacrifice himself in Avengers: Endgame.