Thor: Love And Thunder marks the 9th time Chris Hemsworth portrays everyone’s favorite God Of Thunder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And, it’s included in my Thor Ranking.
Hemsworth’s performances have changed some over the years, from petulant, entitled rich kid, to comedian in a fat suit. Let’s take a look at all of Thor’s Appearances in the MCU, ranked from worst to best! And, this includes Thor: Love And Thunder.
#9 – Doctor Strange (2016)
In at Number 9 is Thor’s brief appearance during the credits of Doctor Strange.
Doctor Strange 1 and Thor: Ragnorak were shooting at the same time, so the writers put this brief scene together for the end credits of Doctor Strange… Where Thor meets Doctor Strange for the first time…
‘Family drama sort of thing. But, we’re looking for my Father… So if you found Odin, you’d all return to Asgard? Promptly. Great.’
Doctor Strange and Thor talk about Odin
Thor Ranking – #9 – Doctor Strange (2016)
As we now know, Chris Hemsworth has quite the comedy chops in addition to the 8-pack-Abs… So, this was a fun bon mot at the end of 2016’s Doctor Strange solo movie.
It’s not a long scene, but it does show much of the fun-to-come from Thor: Ragnorak and Chris Hemsworth in particular!
‘I think people are starting to learn this about Chris, and they’ll soon know this about Benedict Cumberbatch. They are both hilarious! **laughing** Especially for guys known as dramatic actors.’
Chris Hemsworth’s sense of humor comes out
This bon mot might not be much, but it is still a good way to kick off Thor’s MCU appearnce ranking.
#8 – Thor: Love And Thunder (2022)
In at Number 8 is Thor: Love And Thunder, the second Thor movie Directed by Taika Waititi, and the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, the role she left behind after 2013’s Thor: The Dark World.
‘Jane??!! **collapsing** What’s it been? Like 3-4 years? 8 years, 7 months and 6 days… Give or take.’
Thor and Jane Foster, aka, The Mighty Thor, get reacquainted
Thor Ranking – #8 – Thor: Love And Thunder (2022)
After the events of Avengers: Endgame, Thor abdicates the throne of Asgard, and leaves with the Guardians Of The Galaxy to find himself.
Even after Thanos, threats still haunt the people of Asgard. And, this time it’s Christian Bale’s ‘Gorr The God Butcher’ threatening Thor and his people.
Thor does his best to rally the troops, with Taika Waititi’s signature Comedic style.
‘Times like this, we need to unite and come together. I’m sorry Miek, it’s really hard to give a rousing speech with all of the eheheh. Oh god, we’re going to die.’
Thor gives a rousing speech
Thor’s search for his purpose takes a back seat to Jane’s return and the fight versus Gorr.
There’s not much of a personal connection or conflict between Thor and Gorr. Gorr’s mission to kill all gods with his powerful weapon, ‘The Necrosword’, and Thor’s possession of ‘Stormbreaker’ brings the two powerful warriors to a head.
Both Gorr’s power and purpose seem forced and generic ‘bad guy’ lines we’ve all heard a million times before. Combine that with Thor himself being at a crossroads and not being sure of who he is; and you have a somewhat confused story, told by confused characters
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‘Thor. This is my vow. All gods will die. **sizzling**’
Gorr The God Butcher
The confused and garbled nature of Thor’s purpose and motivations in Thor: Love And Thunder have this movie second from the bottom on my list.
#7 – Thor: The Dark World (2013)
In at Number 7 is Thor: The Dark World, Thor’s third appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the sequel to the 2011 Thor solo film.
Thor beat the Frost Giants in the firstThor movie, he defeated Loki in The Avengers. But, he doesn’t take much pleasure in life, even when it presents itself right in front of him in the form of Lady Sif.
‘Take a drink with me. It does not go unnoticed that you disappear each night. The future King Of Asgard must focus on more than one. **Thor smirks**’
Lady Sif
Thor Ranking – #7 – Thor: The Dark World (2013)
While I love Thor: The Dark World, I understand some of the criticism over the years. Of the films with Thor, The Dark World is the LEAST Thor-centric of the stories being told.
Loki takes center stage most of the film, including yet another huge death scene. Loki goes to jail, Loki mourns his Mother’s death, and —
‘You must be truly desperate to come to me for help. Hope no longer exists. Betray me, and I will kill you.’
Loki
Jane Foster has a whole separate storyline on Earth and is infected by the Aether/Reality Stone. Jane even tries dating a normal man.
All of the action and storylines surround Thor, but very few directly involve him. Even the villain Malekith, doesn’t have much of a connection to Thor, and has some of the worst, most generic dialogue of any Marvel villain.
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‘Death would’ve come to you soon enough. Not by your hand. Your world and your family will be extinguished!’
Malekith
As far as Thor performances go, Thor: The Dark World features the least emotional range or inner conflict for Chris Hemsworth to play around with out of any Thor appearance in the MCU.
#6 – Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
In at Number 6 is Avengers: Age Of Ultron, the second Avengers flick that helped set up all of Phase 3.
Age Of Ultron may have sacrificed the immediate story telling of the film for the greater good of the franchise, but fans — and Thor himself — were more than a little frustrated at the time.
‘Use your words, Buddy… I have more than enough words to describe you, Stark. **Tony laughs** You think this is funny??!! This could have been avoided if you hadn’t played with something you don’t understand.’
Tony Stark and Thor spar
Thor Ranking – #6 – Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
Thor goes missing for much of the second act, literally trying to re-live a dream caused by Wanda Maximoff. A.K.A. the one where Thor spends half the film dreaming away, shirtless, in a hot tub.
Most of Ultron’s story is centered around the developing schism between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, trying to set up Civil War. On top of introducing Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, and the creation of The Vision; much of Thor’s story takes a back seat in this team up-movie.
But, there’s always time for a shirtless Chris Hemsworth scene in an MCU movie!
‘Wake up! **ahh** Thor!’
Thor sees the Infinity Stones, foreshadowing the events of Avengers 3 and 4.
And with the help of The Vision, helps take down Ultron for good. We even get to see a little of the humor that Chris Hemsworth brought to Thor in Ragnorak.
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‘I am Thor, Son of Odin… I am running out of things to say, are you ready? **BANG**’
Thor fighting Ultron
Thor doesn’t have much of a dramatic arc in Ultron, but his ever present energy and strength still stands out in an ever expanding Avengers cast.
#5 – Thor (2011)
In at Number 5 is Thor, the first appearance of Thor Odinson in the MCU, serving as Chris Hemsworth’s first appearance in the role.
‘You’re a vain, greedy, cruel boy… You are unworthy! Cast you out! **Lightning**’
Odin describes an immature Thor
Thor Ranking – #5 – Thor (2011)
The Mighty Thor starts off his origin story film having all the physical gifts of Thor, but none of the emotional maturity. He may be 1500 years old, but he’s so hungry for blood and action, Odin decides he needs a lesson in humility.
The character arc for Thor in this first film is ripped straight from the classic hero’s journey. The film has a cosmic, epic scale; but its told in a grounded, small town New Mexico setting.
‘Whatever I have done to lead you to do this, I am truly sorry. **SMACK**’
Thor – a repentant Thor
Thor goes from selfish and power hungry to caring for people he’s barely met when The Destroyer robot attacks the town Jane Foster and Erik Selvig having been calling home while doing their research.
A de-powered Thor gives his own life to spare the lives of the townspeople, but is killed by a cheap shot from the robot. It’s only through this sacrifice that Thor proves he is worthy of the power that Mjolnir brings.
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‘Know this, Son of Coul. You and I, we fight for the same cause: the protection of this world.’
Thor bonds with Agent Coulson at the end of the first Thor film
A bit predictable now that we’ve seen 29 MCU movies and counting, but the acting and emotional journey is top notch. Sir Anthony Hopkins provides so much gravitas as Oden, even in a small role, for Chris Hemsworth to bounce off of and to set the tone for the series.
#4 – Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
In at Number 4 is Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor’s second appearance in the MCU, and the final time we see Chris Hemsworth’s eyebrows bleached blonde!
Following up on the first Thor movie, Chris Hemsworth’s character has matured emotionally, but his brother Loki has become the Big Bad for the first Avengers movie — looking to rule all of Earth in exchange for stealing The Tesseract for Thanos.
‘Our father. YOUR father… You give up The Tesseract! You give up this pointless dream! Come home!’
Thor tries to appeal to Loki’s greater good
Thor Ranking – #4 – Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
Thor is the last of the Avengers to appear in the film, finally showing up 44 minutes into the flick.
He may have proven himself to not be a hostile force after the incident in New Mexico. But, he’s far from proving he can work within the confines of a team. Especially when Loki’s Scepter, A.K.A. The Mind Stone, is messing with their minds.
‘Let’s go a few rounds. **laughs** You people are so petty, and tiny!’
Thor laughs at Steve and Tony’s posturing
Thor’s concern for his brother AND the people of Earth become clear throughout the first Avenger’s movie, showing a Norse god who has learned to think beyond his own self interests.
However, his desire to fight for the heart and mind of his adopted brother nearly sacrifices the Earth in the process.
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‘Look at this! Look around you! This is madness! You think this madness will end with your rule??!! It’s too late!’
Thor and Loki argue during the Battle Of New York
We get to see Thor fight Iron Man and Captain America, as well as Thor’s first Cinematic battle with The Hulk.
But, most of Thor’s role in The Avenger’s is as an attempted negotiator and over-powered soldier. Fun to watch, but that’s why it’s not higher on my list.
#3 – Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
In at Number 3 is Avengers: Infinity War, the third Avengers movie picking up shortly after Thor: Ragnorak.
We find Thor and the Asgardian survivors who barely made it out of Thor 3 with their lives, now being overwhelmed by Thanos and his henchmen.
‘No!!! You’re going to die for that! **Shhh**’
Thor yells at Thanos
Thor Ranking – #3 – Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Thor had ALREADY lost his Mother in The Lost World years earlier; then lost his Father, Odin and secret Sister, Hella; and saw Asgard destroyed in Ragnorak.
Now, Thor loses half of his remaining people, his closest friend Heimdall, and adopted brother Loki right in front of his eye. His only real hope is to replace Mjolnir with a weapon capable of killing Thanos.
Thor’s grief, on the other hand, won’t heal just from getting a new weapon.
‘Rage and vengeance, anger, loss, regret; they’re all tremendous motivators. Thanos is just the latest in a long line of bastards, and he’ll be the latest to feel my vengeance. And what if you’re wrong? Well if I’m wrong, what more could I lose??!!’
Rocket and Thor talk about loss
Thor uses his rage and focus to face down Thanos, again. This time with his new axe, Stormbreaker, The God of Thunder takes his best shot at The Mad Titan.
‘Bring me Thanos!!! **ahhh**//I told you, you’d die for that! You should’ve gone for the head! NO! **Snap**!’
Thor confronts Thanos over The Snap
The Mighty Thor goes on one hell of a journey in Infinity War, but he surprisingly hasn’t hit bottom, yet. For that to happen, we have to hit #2 on our list.
#2 – Avengers: Endgame (2019)
In at Number 2 is Avengers: Endgame, the completion of the Infinity Saga. More importantly for this video, it’s also the completion of Thor’s dramatic arc of losing anything and everyone he’s ever loved. AND, his attempt to cope with the resulting Depression.
‘Boys!!! So good to see you! I know you think I’m wallowing in my own self pity… But, I’m fine… We’re fine! We’re all good here, mate!’
Thor deals with grief and depression by gaining lots of weight
Yes, that’s ‘Fat Thor’ or ‘Bro Thor’ as Marvel likes to call him.
Each of our Avengers takes up a different stage of grief. Thor’s Depression has manifested in an overindulgence of food and drink, and saying ‘Goodbye’ to those glorious Abs he shows off in every film.
It’s not until Thor travels back in time to see his dearly departed Mom, that The God Of Thunder starts to heal.
‘The future hasn’t been kind to you, has it? I see with more than eyes, you know that. I’m totally from the future!’
Thor’s Mom, Frigga, counsels her depressed son
It may not be the reunion he hoped for, but it’s the reunion Thor needed.
Beyond that, Thor finds out he’s still worthy, and borrows Mjolnir from the past… And, Thor gets to take a bite out of Thanos, this time WITHOUT Thanos possessing the Infinity Stones.
And, it never hurts to have a ‘Worthy’ super soldier on your side, either!
‘YES! I knew it! No, no give me that… You have the little one.’
Thor finds out he’s STILL worthy
I like how Thor isn’t just miraculously healed of his Depression, even if he has turned the corner. When Thor suits up for battle, he doesn’t just get back his Abs… He fights the way he currently is, fat suit and all.
#1 – Thor: Ragnorak (2017)
In at Number 1 is Thor: Ragnorak, the third Thor solo film And, the funniest Thor movie to date despite having the darkest material.
‘When I spun it really fast, it gave me the ability to fly. You rode a hammer? It would pull me off — Oh my God! The hammer would pull you off??!! THE GROUND! Sounds like you had a pretty special and intimate relationship with this hammer. And, that losing it was almost comparable to losing a loved one.’
Thor and Korg discuss loss
Thor loses so much in Ragnorak. Odin dies. Mjolnir blows up. Asgard’s armies are killed And, Asgard itself explodes.
One would think the tone would be much darker, but new Director Taika Waititi uses Comedy to turn the mourning and darkness into fun and light. Waititi uses Thor’s male bonding with Banner and The Hulk to cope with these losses, and the many more to come.
‘Pissed off! Lost my Father. Lost my Hammer. Stop kick stuff! We call you the ‘Stupid Avenger’!!! You’re tiny Avenger! **Ring**’
Thor talks about his feelings with The Hulk
Besides all the cool fight scenes and colorful scenery, the core of this film is our talented cast of actors playing off one another.
Thor and Banner share several scenes that feel ripped straight out of The Odd Couple, or even a Woody Allen movie.
‘I don’t want to fight your sister, that’s a family issue. She’s an evil being! I don’t care what she is! You’re just using me to get to the Hulk.’
Thor and Banner talk about relationships
So much of Ragnorak jumps off the screen, and Thor’s journey matches perfectly with the other characters’ arcs. Banner/The Hulk, Valkyrie, and even Loki all start one place and end up someplace completely different by the end…
All while facing two of the best villains in the MCU to date — Jeff Goldblum’s ‘Grandmaster’ and Cate Blanchett’s ‘Hella’.
This is why Thor: Ragnorak is my #1 Thor appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
