Before the current downfall of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the mega-franchise dominated the superhero cinematic game with the Infinity Saga. The slow introduction of the Avengers and the buildup of the threat of Thanos (Josh Brolin) across numerous MCU films culminated in the dual impact of 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War” and 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” each of which featured massive “snapshot” sequences that changed the course of the entire film. Thanos’ “Infinity War” shot and Iron Man’s (Robert Downey Jr.) “Endgame” shot are both major pop culture moments — and what better way to welcome 2026 than one of them?
If your sense of humor leans toward the darker side, you can set “Avengers: Infinity War” the exact same way by starting the movie at 9:42:52 p.m. tonight. It’ll take a while, sure, but if you want to start the year with Thanos victorious, this is the way to do it. On the other hand, if you’re feeling particularly festive and want to participate in Tony Stark’s heroic sacrifice (which ends the threat of Thanos for good), just start watching “Avengers: Endgame” at 9:29:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for the legendary Iron Man snap to occur precisely at midnight.
Both MCU Shots Are Great Ways to Usher in the Year 2026
As the year 2026 approaches, many of us are preparing to begin a new cycle around the sun with renewed hopes, dreams and wishes…or, failing that, at least with the determination to start the new year with a bang. And since we’re all movie buffs here, what better theme to kick off 2026 than one of the two biggest blockbuster moments of the last decade?
I’m not telling you which of these two snaps to put in place, of course. Tony’s grand gesture “Endgame” is one of the biggest and most bittersweet superhero movie moments, so it will surely pair well with the occasion of 2025 giving way to 2026. Then again, there’s something to be said for “Infinity War” and the Thanos shot too. Time it right, and one of the first things you’ll hear in 2026 will be Spider-Man’s (Tom Holland) line “Mr. Stark, I don’t feel so good,” which is the cultural equivalent of a cold plunge. Sure, it stings at the time, but thanks to the fact that Holland’s Spider-Man has appeared in several MCU films since, you’ll know you won’t feel as bad afterwards.
