The Marvel Cinematic Universe is getting bigger and bigger, and with the introduction of all of these new characters, it is getting harder to keep track of them all. We know that the MCU has given us some of the most empowering women characters portrayed in film. From fan-favorites like Black Widow and the Scarlet Witch to newer heroes like Captain Marvel and She-Hulk, powerful women are not a rarity in the MCU. From leading heroes to impactful supporting characters, having strong leading ladies on the screen will always be a win.

With all of that being said, there is something incredibly admirable about mother figures. We can all sit back as an audience and marvel at the strength portrayed by our favorite heroes. However, the strength of some of them pale in comparison to the mothers of the MCU. From laying down the line and guiding their children to their willingness to sacrifice everything for the ones they love, the MCU has some of the best mother-figures throughout their films. Here is our ranking of the best moms and mother figures in the entire MCU.

6 Pepper Potts (Avengers: Endgame)

     Marvel Studios

We don’t really see much of Pepper Potts as a mother. In fact, Avengers: Endgame was the only glimpse into her home and family life with Tony after The Blip. However, with just seeing how absolutely incredible Morgan was, we can come to the justifiable conclusion that Pepper, being 50% of the child’s main influence, is a wonderful mother. Indeed, all of our hearts pretty much shattered when both Pepper and Morgan were on-screen after Tony’s death. Maybe one day in the future of the MCU, we get to see more of Pepper and Morgan, but for now, this is what we have.

5 Ying Li (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

In what is referred to as the new band of heroes in the MCU, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings made waves as a new fan favorite. Ying Li is the mother of Shang-Chi and Xu Xialing. Whenever new characters are introduced to a universe as large as the MCU, it is admirable when a side character has such a presence in the story. Her role in shaping the abilities and morality of her children is instilled in them so deeply that even though she is not there to guide them face to face, her influence remains.

4 Ramonda (Black Panther)

Ramonda, the mother of T’Challa/Black Panther and Shuri, is one of the strongest mothers depicted in the MCU. At this year’s D23 Expo, Marvel revealed a new teaser for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever that really showcased Ramonda’s strength as a leader, a mother, and a representative for Wakanda to the world. In the first Black Panther film in 2018, we caught a glimpse of Ramonda and the care and attention she pays to not just the well-being of her children, but to her country. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever comes out on November 11, so, hopefully, we see more of her in the upcoming film.

3 Wanda Maximoff (WandaVision & Doctor Strange 2)

Wanda Maximoff has emerged now as the Scarlet Witch. Wanda, in our universe, is not a mother. However, apparently, she is one in every other universe, so it is time for us to give her credit. Wanda emerged as a villain/anti-hero in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Her actions surrounding multiversal travel were fueled by the desperation and longing for the family she never got to have, but had a taste of during the events of WandaVision. Although unconventional and partially immoral in her methods, there is no doubt that Wanda loves her children and will do anything, including slaughtering hundreds of people, to get to them. She is terrifying, but we have to admit, her actions as a mother are pretty admirable.

2 Frigga (Thor)

Thor’s story in the MCU has been a long one, and it is safe to say that his and Loki’s mother, Frigga, has had an enormous impact on his journey. During her life, she carried herself with enormous grace as the Queen of Asgard and the wife of Odin. She functioned like the most poised peacekeeper between the chaos surrounding her family. Her tragic death while protecting Jane was a great loss for everyone who knew of her. Even when we see Thor at his lowest post-snap, his return to Asgard in Endgame was marked by the fitting reunion with his mother. She pushes him to not just believe in himself, but believe in what he is fighting for.

1 Aunt May (Spider-Man Trilogy)

Aunt May is the only person on this list that is not an actual mother, but here she is claiming her throne as the best mother-figure in the MCU. We see all of our favorite MCU heroes go through extensive character development and growth. However, there is not anyone quite like Peter Parker that relies so heavily on the guidance of a mother figure. Aunt May raises and shapes Peter to become the selfless, friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man, and we have had the pleasure of seeing her impact on him since his MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War. She was the voice of reason, his motivation, his heart, and the only family member he had left. If you need any more proof that Aunt May should be at the top of the list, the gut-wrenching events that occur in Spider-Man: No Way Home should do the trick.