Catharsis is defined as the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions. It's the timeframe when something is let go and burdens are lifted. Cathartic moments in film can lead to some of the most visceral and emotional reactions from viewers.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no different. There are numerous cathartic moments that bring relief to the characters. Some of them can be uplifting, some may be humorous and others may be sad for the viewer.
10 Bucky Freed From Mind Control
Bucky Barnes has one of the most emotional journeys of any character in the MCU. He is a close friend of Steve's that protects him in Brooklyn before serving in Captain America's command in World War 2. He's believed to be a casualty of war until the events of Captain America and the Winter Soldier. He is under mind control working for Hydra and responsible for the deaths of Tony's parents while being framed for the death of T'Chaka.
During the events of Infinity War and the return from the blip in Endgame, Bucky is once again siding with the heroes. But it wasn't until the fourth episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier that he is shown being freed from mind control. It was emotional and helped his character grow as the series continued.
9 I Love You My Sons
The father-and-son relationship between Odin, Thor, and Loki is tenuous at best. Odin has basically been pitting Thor and Loki against each other since they were children. That doesn't even touch on the fact that Odin kidnaped Loki from Jotunheim. But as he is approaching death in Thor: Ragnarök, Odin finally gives both Thor and Loki what they always wanted.
As he prepares to depart for Valhalla, Odin finally tells his sons he loves them. It's been a long time coming and something both of them needed. It was a rare moment of catharsis for both before their sister, Hela, arrived to set the film's events in motion and bring them together in a new way.
8 Spider-Man Saves MJ
While The Amazing Spider-Man series isn't part of the MCU, it was incorporated in Spider-Man: No Way Home. With the multiverse opened by a spell by Dr. Strange, previous iterations of Spider-Man made their way to the 616 universe. Viewers may have loved the appearances of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield for nostalgia purposes, but it also gave Garfield's version of Peter Parker a chance at redemption.
In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Garfield's Parker is unable to save Gwen Stacy. In No Way Home, when Holland's Parker is prevented from even trying, Garfield jumps into action to save MJ. It was a moment of exhilaration and catharsis. It was the redemption his version of the character needed.
7 I Am Iron Man
This one line brought some relief to Tony Stark while also issuing a new way to be a superhero for people who had only grown up on films with secret identities. When it comes time to give the press conference where he denies being Iron Man, Tony can't do it.
The admission puts Tony and his company in the cross-hairs of villains ready to stand up to him. It sets him up for his ultimate journey from a selfish businessman to an ultimate hero. His ego won't let him do it in secret and revealing it brings relief to his character.
6 Sapling Groot
Guardians of the Galaxy may have been a more lighthearted affair by Marvel standards, but the climax packs an emotional punch. Groot sacrifices himself to save the rest of the Guardians setting up the iconic "We are Groot" line. But it's what happens after Groot's sacrifices that provided catharsis for the Guardians, particularly Rocket, and the viewers.
Groot is obviously a tree, and that allows him to regenerate, but he must start as a sapling. That gives MCU fans a new look at Groot as he will be aging while the Guardians go on their next adventures. Many viewers enjoyed seeing baby Groot, teenage Groot, and young adult Groot, but those aren't possible without sapling Groot.
5 Kate Bishop Joins Hawkeye for Christmas
Hawkeye was always viewed as the weakest of the original lineup, but his TV show allowed for his story to be wrapped up nicely and for him to hand the mantle on to a deserving successor. Kate Bishop was a little girl living in New York during the events of Avengers and saw Hawkeye in action, leading her to idolize him. Most of the show was about her wanting to help him and him just wanting to get home to his family.
In the end, both get what they wanted. Hawkeye makes it home to celebrate Christmas morning with his family. Meanwhile, Kate Bishop has lost her family due to her mother's association with Kingpin, but she gets to join Hawkeye for Christmas. It's the rare happy ending that feels earned instead of forced.
4 The Cell Phone
The events of Captain America: Civil War ripped the Avengers apart. Those who signed the Sokovia Accords were allowed to walk around freely, while those who sided with Captain America were now fugitives from the law. Plus, there was the emotional betrayal that Steve knew Bucky had killed Tony's parents. Zemo was the most successful villain to date, and it seemed like the Avengers were toast.
Then the cell phone arrived. It arrived with a note from Steve that if Tony ever needed help fighting a threat, Steve would be there. That also means Natasha and Sam will also be there. Tony is spending time with Rhody during his recovery while Stan Lee serves as a FedEx delivery person for the moment. It was catharsis all around. The Avengers still had a chance. Rhody was going to walk and Stan Lee was there for both.
3 On Your Left
The plan had worked, and the heroes were back. It was what the surviving Avengers needed to do throughout the time heist in Endgame, and it came to a point where it seemed like all was lost. Captain America was watching as the Avengers were struggling in their fight against Thanos' army. Then, a familiar voice coming through his earpiece with a throwback to their first meeting brought joy and relief to Steve Rogers and the rest of the Avengers.
Few things in the Infinity Saga were as fitting as Sam Wilson being able to return the "on your left" refrain that Steve once gave him while jogging around the National Mall in Washington D.C. Everyone who had been lost was back. Dr. Strange and Wong were bringing them through portals to the fight. It was the moment Steve and the audience needed.
2 Tony Hugs Peter
Tony Stark brought Peter Parker into the Avengers. He recruited Peter when he needed help to stop Steve and Bucky in Captain America: Civil War. Tony provided Peter with his new suit in Spider-Man: Homecoming. And Tony did everything he could to protect Peter throughout Avengers: Infinity War. Tony didn't want to lose Peter, but the snap still happened and Peter turned to dust.
Five years later, after finally being able to return in Endgame, Peter finds Tony on the battlefield, and Tony wraps Peter in a fatherly embrace. It filled a void both had experienced in their lives. It helped Tony feel relief after he "lost the kid." Tony had been living with guilt for five years, and he finally felt relief.
1 Steve and Tony Exit the MCU
These two are lumped together because their fates have been intertwined in the MCU. Tony was the first hero viewers saw. Steve was the hero who always did the right thing. They had a big blow-up in Avengers where Steve points out that Tony isn't the one to make the ultimate sacrifice. It's implied Steve never gets to rest.
Their story ends with them changing places. Tony gives up his life to save everyone. Steve finally makes a selfish decision and gets to be happy with Peggy. It is cathartic for MCU fans everywhere.