Now that theFantastic Fourhave finally arrived in theMarvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel’s animated history holds some truly cinematic moments that the MCU would be wise to borrow.Fantastic Four: The Animated Series(1994-1996) may not be as widely celebrated as other ‘90s Marvel cartoons. Yet it offered a treasure trove of dynamic and compelling arcs that still resonate.
The Fantastic Four: First Stepsofficially brought Reed Richards and his team intothe MCU timeline. After introducing a fully-formed universe, Marvel Studios has the perfect chance to remix iconic scenes for live-action. From Doom’s most devious plots to cosmic-scale confrontations, these moments show just how rich the animated legacy is – and why the MCU should raid it for inspiration.
10Annihilus Comes To Earth
Annihilus is one of the most dangerous villains the Fantastic Four ever faced.Fantastic Fourseason 1, episode 12, “Behold the Negative Zone,” showedjust how terrifying he can be when unleashedon Earth. In the episode, Annihilus breaks through the dimensional barrier between the Negative Zone and Earth-616, launching a full-scale attack.
It’s a perfect conceptual event for the MCU. It’s especially pertinent as the Multiverse Saga leans more into alternate realms and cosmic threats. With Kang the Conqueror’s defeat opening space for new villains, Annihilus could emerge as a terrifying new force.
The animated storyline alsointroduced the concept of unstable portalsbetween universes. This is something Marvel has been playing with sinceLokiandDoctor Strangeand the Multiverse of Madness. Stealing this would allow Marvel to explore the Negative Zone and Annihilus, all while tying it neatly into the current multiverse threads.
9Doctor Doom Captures The Fantastic Four
Doctor Doom is the Fantastic Four’s ultimate adversary. The 1994Fantastic Fourseries showed his brilliance best in season 1, episode 8, “The Mask of Doom, Part One.” Doom manages to capture each member of the teamby exploiting their weaknesses.
Mr. Fantastic is trapped in a device that stretches with him,rendering his powers redundant. Johnny is locked in a chamber filled with water, keeping him extinguished. While Ben is trapped in a reinforced metal cell.
It’s a masterclass in villainy and aperfect opportunity for the MCU to show Doom’s geniusand menace. WithDoctor Doom expected to be a long-term player in the MCU, this scene would solidify him as more than just a tyrant – it would show him as a strategist and technician capable of neutralizing the most powerful heroes with surgical precision.
8The Fantastic Four Get Caught Up In An Atlantean War
AfterBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverintroduced Namor, it’sonly a matter of time before his classic connectionto the Fantastic Four is explored. InFantastic Fourseason 1, episode 3 “Now Comes the Sub-Mariner,” the team finds themselves in the middle of an Atlantean civil war.
The episode begins sowing the seeds of Sue Storm’s romantic connection with Namor. This could be readily explored in the MCU. Indeed, this storyline would be ideal for the MCU, not only to expand Namor’s role but also tobuild on the political intrigue and personal drama establishedinWakanda Forever.
A live-action adaptation could deepen Sue’s characterization and bring new conflict to the team’s dynamic. With Atlantis now a known part of the MCU, this storyline isan easy lift from animation to filmand would add emotional complexity and narrative depth that’s often missing from superhero ensemble stories.
7Galactus Returns For Terrax
Galactus’ first MCU appearance was undoubtedly a spectacle inFirst Steps, but his return should be even grander.Fantastic Fourseason 1, episode 8 “When Galactus Calls,” offers the blueprint. In this storyline, Terrax arrives on Earth as Galactus’s new herald,unleashing chaos that prompts the Fantastic Four to intervene.
When Galactus learns of Terrax’s disobedience, he comes to Earth personally. It’s a perfect setup for Galactus to re-enter the MCU after his initial debut inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. This alsosets up internal drama within Galactus’ own hierarchy, something rarely explored in past adaptations.
Terrax’s presence as anewFantastic Fourvillainand rogue herald could even hint at other cosmic entities. It could expand the MCU’s universewhile anchoring it around the Fantastic Four. This animated moment combines action, stakes, and cosmic storytelling at its finest – ideal for Phase 6 and beyond.
6The Thing Fights The Hulk
Fantastic Fourseason 2, episode 9 “Nightmare in Green,” offered one of the most classic Marvel match-ups: The Thing vs. the Hulk. It’s a clash of titans thatplays perfectly in both animated and live-action formats. As much as Bruce Banner has been softened in the MCU lately, this is a great chance to let Hulk rage again.
It would give him the chance to test his strength against theMCU’s new Ben Grimm. In the cartoon, the fight starts due to misunderstandings and external manipulation. Yet what makes it memorable ishow personal it gets.
The Thing, frustrated with his transformation and craving respect,sees the Hulk as both rival and reflection. This storyline could revitalize Hulk’s character while establishing Ben Grimm’s strength, grit, and emotional depth. The MCU has yet to give viewers a satisfying one-on-one Hulk fight sinceThor: Ragnarok, and this would deliver exactly that.
5The Silver Surfer Is Banished To Earth
The Fantastic Four: First Stepsintroduced Silver Surfer alongside Galactus.First Steps’ending saw the surfer rebel against Galactus. However, one major feature missing is Galactusbanishing the Surfer to Earth.
InFantastic Fourseason 1, episode 6, “The Silver Surfer and the Coming of Galactus, Part Two,” the Surfer is stripped of his purpose. He’s left adrift, both physically and emotionally. This set up his solo animatedSilver Surferseries andcould likewise be used as a perfect setup for a standalone storywithin the MCU.
His fall from grace and search for identity would contrast beautifully with the grandeur of Galactus,. This also sets the stage for Shalla-Bal to forge new alliances with Earth’s heroes, including the Fantastic Four, anddeepen the philosophical tone. The animation got it right: the Surfer’s exile is not a defeat, it’s a new beginning.
4Galactus Confronts Doctor Doom
The season 1 finale ofFantastic Four, “The Silver Surfer and the Return of Galactus,” gave audiences one of the wildest storylines ever: Doctor Doom steals the Silver Surfer’s powers and becomes a god-like being. In response, Galactuspersonally arrives on Earth to deal with Doom. It’s a clash of cosmic titans that the MCU absolutely must adapt.
This is a perfect way to bring Galactus back into the narrative afterFirst Stepsand showcase Doom’s ambition and arrogance. DRJ’s Doom facing off withthe fully realized Galactuswould be pure cinematic gold. The 1994 episode showed Doom as a manipulator capable of deceiving even the Power Cosmic.
This would be the ideal follow-up to Doom’s introduction inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. This isn’t just a boss battle. It’s a spectacle thatcould shake the entire MCUand reframe the power dynamics of the franchise.
3Daredevil Aids The Fantastic Four
In one of the most unexpected but entertaining crossovers,Fantastic Fourseason 2, episode 1 “And a Blind Man Shall Lead Them,” brings Daredevil into the world of the Fantastic Four. As the team faces legal trouble and mysterious attacks, Matt Murdock comes to their defense – bothin the courtroom and on the streets. This crossover is ripe for the MCU.
Charlie Cox’s Daredevil already playing a major role in the franchise withSpider-Man: No Way HomeandDaredevil: Born Again, the MCU is primed for a crossover. It would entail a distinct tonal shift, but this could be refreshing. Grounded, street-level heroicsintersecting with cosmic adventurerswould certainly offer a unique contrast.
Plus, Reed Richards and Matt Murdock teaming up could open the door to deeper conversations about responsibility, ethics, and secrecy. The episode proved Daredevil can mesh well with the team, and the MCUshould absolutely let these worlds collide. It’s a team-up nobody expects, but it works brilliantly.
2The Fantastic Four Lose Their Powers
One of the smartest and most suspensefulplots from theFantastic Fouranimated seriescomes when the Fantastic Four temporarily lose their powers. In season 2, episode 1 “And a Blind Man Shall Lead Them,” they mysteriously lose their abilities. Reed isforced to artificially recreate their powersbefore their enemies notice.
The Fantastic Four is forced to pretend everything is normal, all while facing public scrutiny and threats from enemies who would exploit their vulnerability. This would be a brilliant twist in the MCU. Itcould subvert expectationsand show how much the team relies on more than just their abilities.
Stripped of their powers, the characters’ intelligence, courage, and teamwork are put to the test. It’s a perfect opportunity for character development, especially for Reed and Sue, as they work tomaintain stability while hiding a terrifying truth. The MCU could also use this storyline to explore identity and legacy in a way no Fantastic Four film has attempted before.
1The Inhumans Turn Ben Against The Fantastic Four
InFantastic Fourseason 2, episode 2 “Inhumans Saga, Part 1: And the Wind cries Medussa,” the Inhumans are introduced. They manipulate Ben Grimm,exploiting his deep-seated feelings of betrayal and alienationto turn him against his teammates. It’s one of the most emotionally charged moments of the series.
This would make a phenomenal MCU plotline. The Thing has always been the team’s heart, but also its most tragic figure –constantly struggling with his monstrous form and place among humans. Involving the Inhumans here not only gives Marvel another chance to integrate them properly into the MCU, but it also adds complexity to Ben’s arc.
This betrayal hits hard because it’s believable. If the MCU wants audiences to feel the true cost of Ben’s transformation, letting him question his loyalty, and even fight his own team,would be devastating and powerful. TheFantastic Fouranimated series made it work, and the MCU should follow suit.
