10. First Flight (Iron Man)
The release of Iron Man in 2008 launched a franchise and reignited Robert Downey Jr’s career. It also managed to turn who was previously a C-list hero into a household name. Iron Man became a rare financial success that managed to resonate with critics.
After Stark successfully built his arc reactor and escaped the cave, he continues to develop his new technology. He finalizes his suit’s design for the Mark 2 model and tests it out with his first flight.
Favreau builds up to the armor reveal with Ramin Djawadi’s rock score mirroring Stark’s abrasive personality. Downey plays off Paul Bettany’s J.A.R.V.I.S. showcasing both of their strong comedy chops.
Tony’s character is encapsulated in the scene as he pushes the boundaries of what the suit is capable of. This leads to it cutting out in space as he plummets back to Earth, setting up his arc of learning when to stop.
When we finally see the suit in all its glory, it really does feel like the birth of the MCU. Favreau never lets go of the moment’s impact. His slow lingering camera allows us to take in every second as we witness a momentous moment in the rise of a hero.
