15 Awesome Stan Lee Cameos in Marvel Movies We’ll Hardly Forget

• 2018-11-19
• Share

15 Awesome Stan Lee Cameos in Marvel Movies We’ll Hardly Forget

Stan Lee, the legendary co-creator of many beloved Marvel characters, was famous for more than just his contributions to the comic book world—his memorable cameos in Marvel films became a delightful Easter egg for fans. Appearing in nearly every Marvel movie, Lee brought humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia to the screen, making each of his cameos a cherished moment. Here are 15 awesome Stan Lee cameos in Marvel movies that we’ll hardly forget.

1. The Avengers (2012) – “Superheroes in New York?”

In the climactic battle of The Avengers, the superhero team saves New York City from an alien invasion. At the end of the film, Stan Lee appears in a brief news segment, dismissing the idea of superheroes, saying, “Superheroes in New York? Give me a break!” His lighthearted comment perfectly contrasts the intensity of the battle that had just occurred.

2. Spider-Man (2002) – Saving a Child

Stan Lee’s first Spider-Man cameo came in the 2002 film, where he briefly appears during the Green Goblin’s attack on the World Unity Festival. As chaos erupts, Lee pulls a young girl out of harm’s way, showing the heroism he often instilled in his characters.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – Talking to the Watchers

One of Stan Lee’s most meta cameos, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, he’s seen sitting with a group of Watchers (a race of beings who observe the universe), recounting his many experiences. This cameo fueled fan theories that Lee was portraying the same character in all his cameos across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

4. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) – Mistaken Identity

In Captain America: The First Avenger, Lee plays a general at an awards ceremony. When Captain America doesn’t show up, Lee’s character, thinking another man is Cap, quips, “I thought he’d be taller.” It’s a brief but funny moment that showcases Lee’s comedic timing.

5. Thor (2011) – Trying to Move Mjolnir

In Thor, Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) crashes to Earth and becomes the subject of fascination. A group of townsfolk tries to pull it from the ground using trucks. Stan Lee’s character is one of the men attempting to move it, and after his truck bed is torn off, he gleefully asks, “Did it work?”

6. Iron Man (2008) – Mistaken for Hugh Hefner

Tony Stark mistakes Stan Lee for the Playboy founder Hugh Hefner during a red-carpet event in Iron Man. Wearing a robe and surrounded by beautiful women, Lee embraces the confusion with his usual charm, setting the tone for many of his cheeky cameos in the MCU.

7. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) – Librarian in a Battle

In one of the most entertaining cameos, Stan Lee plays a librarian in The Amazing Spider-Man. While Spider-Man and the Lizard are fighting in the background, Lee is obliviously listening to music through his headphones. The action-packed fight contrasts perfectly with Lee’s calm, unaware demeanor.

8. Doctor Strange (2016) – Laughing at Aldous Huxley

In Doctor Strange, during a mind-bending chase through the city streets, Stan Lee is shown sitting on a bus, reading Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception and laughing heartily. His amusement in this scene provides comic relief amidst the movie’s visually stunning but intense action.

9. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – A Drunk War Veteran

During the Avengers’ celebratory party, Lee plays a World War II veteran who insists on trying Thor’s potent Asgardian drink. After taking a swig, Lee’s character is carried off, slurring “Excelsior,” his famous catchphrase, as he’s escorted out, making it one of his more humorous appearances.

10. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – The Grumpy Neighbor

In Spider-Man: Homecoming, after Peter Parker causes a neighborhood disturbance while trying to stop a car thief, Stan Lee appears as a grumpy neighbor yelling out his window, “Hey, don’t make me come down there!” His short outburst adds to the movie’s humor and neighborhood charm.

11. Black Panther (2018) – Casino Cameo

In Black Panther, Lee appears as a man in a casino, keeping an eye on T’Challa’s gambling chips. After T’Challa wins a game, Lee swoops in to “watch over” the winnings, subtly hinting that he’s not one to let an opportunity pass him by.

12. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – The Shrinking Car

As Hank Pym and Hope van Dyne shrink a car during a chase scene, Lee’s character watches his vehicle vanish and remarks, “Well, the ’60s were fun, but now I’m paying for it.” This nod to Lee’s era and his humor made it a memorable, lighthearted moment.

13. Captain Marvel (2019) – Reading a Script

Set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel shows Stan Lee on a bus, reading the script for Mallrats, a film in which he had a cameo in 1995. This meta reference to his own career was particularly touching as it was one of his last cameos before his passing.

14. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – The Barber

In Thor: Ragnarok, Lee appears as a bizarre barber tasked with cutting Thor’s long hair. Equipped with strange mechanical scissors, Lee’s shaky hands make Thor uneasy, leading to a comical yet impactful transformation of the God of Thunder.

15. Avengers: Endgame (2019) – The Final Cameo

Stan Lee’s last cameo was in Avengers: Endgame, where he’s digitally de-aged to look like his younger self in a 1970s flashback. Driving by the military base, Lee shouts, “Make love, not war!” It was a fitting farewell to the man who helped bring the Marvel Universe to life, leaving fans with one final cameo that celebrated his spirit and enduring influence.

Final Thoughts

Stan Lee’s cameos became a beloved tradition in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and his presence always added a touch of fun and nostalgia. These 15 unforgettable cameos remind us of his boundless creativity, humor, and the indelible mark he left on pop culture. Though he’s no longer with us, Stan Lee’s legacy lives on through his cameos, his characters, and the Marvel stories that continue to inspire generations. Excelsior!