Ever since his introduction in Marvel Studios’ Thor (2011), Tom Hiddleston has played Loki with Shakespearean nuance and classic charisma.
The Norse God of Mischief turned Marvel Comics villain turned silver-screen baddie quickly became a standout in the arsenal of Avengers antagonists, and whether you love him or hate him, Loki has arguably some of the top quotes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let’s look at 10 of his best lines below.
10. “Come on. What did you expect?”
This quote is from Loki season 1. This line deserves recognition here because of its hilarious use in the first trailer. Loki, dressed to run for office, is surrounded by weapons while wearing his signature smirk. He asks this question to an unseen character in the last few seconds of new footage. It’s a nice little wink to the audience that also teases what’s to come without revealing too much. After all, what did you expect?
Of course, we’ve now seen the President Loki Variant in all his glory. This quote is just as fun in context, because our protagonist Loki certainly did not expect everything that happened at The End of Time.
9. “On my way down to coordinate search and rescue.”
Avengers: Endgame (2019) took us on a trip down Marvel-memory lane. At Tony Stark’s Avengers Tower, we return to the famous group-shot scene where the Avengers are “posing up a storm” around their defeated enemy. Loki is cuffed and while Earth’s mightiest heroes debrief, Loki stands around mocking them.
When Captain America touches base with his S.H.I.E.L.D. handlers, Loki alters his appearance to match Steve Rogers’ stuffy persona and repeats his line with robotic accuracy. Not only does this set up the Captain America vs. Captain America fight scene, but it pays homage to a similar scene in Thor: The Dark World where Loki transforms into both Cap and Lady Sif. Finally, it explains the muzzle that Thor slaps on him for his insolence, which was a previously unexplained wardrobe choice in The Avengers.
8. “I didn’t do it for him.”
In Thor: The Dark World (2013), Thor and Loki are working together. They’re trusting each other again, off and on the battlefield. Because of their improved relationship, Loki sacrifices himself to save the life of Thor’s partner, Jane Foster.
Dying in his brother’s arms, Loki answers Thor’s, “I’ll tell father what you did here today,” with these bittersweet words. Both are referencing a line from the first Thor film when Loki is falling off the Bifrost and shouts to Odin, “I could have done it, Father! For you!” Loki’s insistence that he died for Thor instead shows significant character development, as he’s both grown closer to his brother while also letting go of a toxic relationship with his father.
This quote is ranked a little low because the emotional impact is almost immediately undercut by the twist that — surprise, surprise — Loki’s actually still alive! Regardless, it was a great scene that deserves a spot.
7. “We are not doing ‘Get Help.’”
In a scene cut from absolute comedic genius, Thor argues that he and Loki should use their ‘Get Help’ routine to escape the hostile planet Sakaar, and Loki point-blank refuses. In the space of an elevator ding, Loki is draped over Thor’s shoulders and feigning unconsciousness as Thor drags him over to the guards. Then, in a classic big-brother move, Thor tosses Loki at their foes.
Director Taika Waititi — who returned the next year with Thor: Love And Thunder — brought a lot more humor to the Thor films with Thor: Ragnarok (2017), and this “Get Help” scene is a prime example of the tone shift. It’s a sweet peek at Loki and Thor’s relationship, as well, perhaps a glimpse into their childhood shenanigans that were, in previous Thor movies, laced with melodrama and tension.
6. “Your savior is here!”
The drama! The outfit! The helmet! Loki spends most of Thor: Ragnarok caught between mischief and goodness, selfishness and altruism. In the end, he chooses to save his people. But he has to really, really, take credit for it. Entering on a giant ship, cape flowing, and announcing himself to the skies and to the Asgardians below, fits that requirement quite nicely.
5. “Kneel.”
In The Avengers (2012) Loki attacks New York City and attempts to subjugate its people. He tells them to bow down and accept his rule. Captain America challenges this despot with words and wounds alike. However, Loki gets the upper hand at one point and sneers down at the super soldier to kneel. It doesn’t work out in the end, but it’s a moment where we actually fear Loki for a bit and feel the actual magnitude of his power.
4. “What, because I am the monster parents tell their children about at night?”
Thor (2011) relies heavily on the three main components of driving any drama: secrets, lies, and betrayal. With Kenneth Branagh directing, the character dynamics become the most important and compelling part. The best scene in the entire film is one between acting legends Tom Hiddleston and Anthony Hopkins, playing the slighted son and the ailing All-Father with as much magnitude as they would onstage.
Loki, having just left Jotunheim with the Tesseract, confronts Odin about his heritage. Odin reveals that Loki is adopted, the son of Laufey the Frost Giant, making Loki one of Asgard’s greatest enemies. The script sizzles as Loki and Odin trade harsh words. Both actors bring emotional urgency, pain, and pressure as they carry the conflict that will catalyze the remaining hours of Thor’s onscreen debut. Loki’s monologue confirming his monstrous birthright is just one example of the incredible writing and delivery during this dark moment.
3. “I know what I want, what kind of god I need to be — for you, for all of us.”
Naturally, this quote from the Loki season 2 finale deserves a high spot on this list. Over the years, we’ve really seen Loki grow up. Now his character truly shines in an act of pure altruism. After saying he no longer wants a crown or a throne, Loki makes the ultimate sacrifice by accepting both in order to save the Multiverse. Now, sheltered within the World Tree, Loki literally holds the fabric of existence in his hands. Uneasy is the head that wears the crown, but Loki looks pretty determined to keep his loved ones safe with this final act.
2. “I assure you, brother, the sun will shine on us again.”
Audiences were shocked at the bloody, brutal death of Loki in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). After trying to escape, Loki instead tries to trick Thanos and save Thor. He hands over the Tesseract, aiming daggers at his enemy but soft words at his brother. His plan fails. Loki is captured and executed, and he dies (“No resurrections this time”) next to one of the only people who ever truly loved him. It’s just as sad on every rewatch.
1. “I am Loki, of Asgard, and I am burdened with glorious purpose.”
In Thor, Loki is a pest at best. He is a threat to humanity, but Thor and the Warriors Three defeat him easily. This bratty brother gets an upgrade in The Avengers (2012) when the Mad Titan provides him with firepower, an Infinity Stone, and a Chitauri army.
Loki returns with his usual flair, in a literal flash of light with a practiced pose, and leaps straight into a battle with Hawkeye. After he wins and brainwashes some unwilling allies, he faces Nick Fury. The S.H.I.E.L.D. director tries to mitigate the conflict, but Loki isn’t impressed. He introduces himself with violent glee, cementing his role as one of the best villains and orators of the MCU.
What’s your favorite Loki quote? How do you think Loki’s Glorious Purpose will continue to shift within the MCU?
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This content was originally published here.
