Tony Stark’s 7 greatest moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Saving New York

It’s a hero’s job to save people, and Tony’s willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to do that time and time again. One of the most noteworthy times Tony saves the day, though, is when he brings a missile into the opening between New York and Thanos’ realm in Avengers, knowing that the portal Loki’s opened very well may close behind him.

Cap even warns that it’s “a one-way trip,” but Tony’s willing to pay that price when it comes down to it. The guy often gets a bad rap for being the most selfish of the Avengers team, but this is one of those moments that proves otherwise — and it’s heartbreaking to watch as Tony believes he’s saying farewell to his friends and to Pepper.

Of course, this doesn’t wind up being Tony’s last hoorah (thank you, Hulk) and he makes it back to Earth with enough energy left to suggest Shawarma. We have to admire his ability to mesh serious situations with humor, even after he’s almost died.