The Best Iron Man Versions Of All Time

Ranker Entertainment
Updated June 23, 2023 1.9K votes 136 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Iron Man Versions Of All Time
Voting Rules
Vote up all your favorite interpretations of Iron Man!

Iron Man is one of the most iconic superheroes in the history of comics, especially after Robert Downey, Jr.'s film adaptation reinvented comic movies and made billions of dollars. 

As such, there are many different variations of the character and dozens of formats the character has been utilized in. Be it video games, films, animated series, or alternate versions of the character in comic books, Iron Man is in so many forms of pop culture, in one way or another.

We've decided to compile some of our favorites here. Do you like to play as Iron Man in Marvel VS Capcom 3, or do you like playing as him in the Ultimate Alliance games? Is the "Avengers Assemble" cartoon your favorite take on Tony, or is the Iron Man from "Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes" more your cup of tea? 

Here's the chance to see where it all lines up. What are the greatest interpretations of Iron Man ever? Vote up your favorites!
Ranked by
  • Iron Man
    1

    Iron Man

    Film (2008)
    69 votes
    Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a genius industrialist and master engineer, builds a powered exoskeleton after a life-threatening incident. The invention transforms him into the armor-clad superhero known as Iron Man. With his new technology, he grapples with his own demons while protecting the world from dangerous threats. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Tony's dedicated assistant, and James Rhodes (Terrence Howard), a military liaison, play pivotal roles in Stark's journey. Directed by Jon Favreau, this action-packed movie won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 2009.
  • The Avengers
    2

    The Avengers

    Film (2012)
    49 votes
    In The Avengers, the world faces an unprecedented threat. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) are brought together by S.H.I.E.L.D., helmed by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Alongside Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), they form an unlikely team. This action-packed superhero film, marred with tension and conflict amongst its own ranks, sees them battling Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to save humanity. Directed by Joss Whedon, it is a high-stakes blend of adventure and humor that garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.
  • Avengers: Infinity War
    3

    Avengers: Infinity War

    Film (2018)
    25 votes
    In Avengers: Infinity War, an action-packed superhero film, an array of Marvel's finest faces a formidable foe. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet - Thanos (Josh Brolin). The despot of intergalactic infamy, Thanos, is on a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones. His aim? To inflict his twisted will on reality. The survival of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain. As stakes reach sky-high, sacrifices must be made. This film is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 91st Academy Awards.
  • Captain America: Civil War
    4

    Captain America: Civil War

    Film (2016)
    26 votes
    The 2016 action-packed superhero flick Captain America: Civil War features an ideological rift erupting within the Avengers. This factional split is spearheaded by two strong-willed leaders - Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). The plot centers around the regulation of superhuman activities, a proposal that divides the Avengers into opposing camps. This Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, features an ensemble cast including Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Chadwick Boseman in his debut as Black Panther. A thrilling exploration of loyalty and morality set against high-stakes global politics, it's a standout in the superhero genre.
  • Iron Man 3
    5

    Iron Man 3

    Film (2013)
    38 votes
    Iron Man 3, an action-packed superhero film, follows the journey of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) as he grapples with his past and future. Post-Avengers, he faces a formidable foe in the form of terrorist Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), while battling his own inner demons. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) return, lending support to Stark's plight. Directed by Shane Black, this third installment won the Saturn Award for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture. It offers a thrilling blend of stark realities and high-tech fantasy, pushing Iron Man to new limits.
  • Avengers: Endgame
    6

    Avengers: Endgame

    Film (2019)
    38 votes
    In the epic conclusion to Marvel's 22-film saga, Avengers: Endgame sees our heroes, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and the rest of the surviving Avengers, grappling with the aftermath of Thanos's (Josh Brolin) devastating snap. Struggling against despair, they hatch a risky plan to reverse the damage and restore their fallen comrades. This superhero adventure, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, is an ambitious spectacle of narrative complexity and visual effects wizardry. It garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time.