17+ Best Thanos Quotes from the MCU

Thanos doesn’t just let his Machiavellian philosophies do the talking; he’s got some poetic quotes to explain his mission to those he’s conquering. It’s almost essential to a good villain to have some deep, thought-provoking one-liners, and Thanos quotes certainly meet those standards.

Here are some of the best quotes from one of the most infamous Marvel villains across all timelines.

The Best Thanos Quotes

While his character really came into focus in Infinity War and Endgame, Thanos has killer quotes that span across his time in the MCU. Here are the best of the best of all Thanos quotes.

“I thought by eliminating half of life, the other half would thrive, but you have shown me… that’s impossible. As long as there are those that remember what was, there will always be those that are unable to accept what can be. They will resist.”

Thanos isn’t admitting he was wrong in eliminating half of life. He’s explaining that the only flaw in his plan is that the remaining half will not accept his plan, as they will not let go of mourning the past. He is incapable of accepting blame or admitting his wrongs.

“In all my years of conquest, violence, slaughter, it was never personal. But I’ll tell you now, what I’m about to do to your stubborn, annoying little planet, I’m gonna enjoy it. Very, very much.”

Rarely does Thanos drop his obsession with levelheadedness. He’s consumed by logic and has become a completely unfeeling being. You almost have to in order to justify murdering a trillion people. 

But in this moment, he reveals that some part of him genuinely does enjoy destruction.

“Fun isn’t something one considers when balancing the universe. But this…does put a smile on my face.”

This is another line that reveals the sinister joy that comes from his godlike power. But if you don’t remember this one, don’t worry; it never made it into the film. This quote was reserved for the trailer alone.

“I’m thankful. Because now I know what I must do. I will shred this universe down to its last atom. And then with the stones you’ve collected for me create a new one teeming with life that knows not what it has lost but only what it has been given.”

“The hardest choices require the strongest wills.”

“They called me a madman. And what I predicted came to pass.”

Thanos says this line while explaining his motivation for eliminating life. He watched his own planet die of overpopulation. 

Feels like genocide is a bit of a leap, but at least we see where he’s coming from.

“I used the stones to destroy the stones. It nearly killed me. But the work is done. It always will be.”

“Little one, it’s a simple calculus. This universe is finite, its resources, finite… if life is left unchecked, life will cease to exist.”

This Thanos quote underscores his obsession with logic. No one deeply in touch with their feelings could stomach murder on the scale he promises. But when you run the numbers and only see life as a statistic, it’s easier to remove yourself from the pain you cause on the path to your glorious purpose.

“You were going to bed hungry, scrounging for scraps. Your planet was on the brink of collapse. I’m the one who stopped that. You know what’s happened since then? The children born have known nothing but full bellies and clear skies. It’s a paradise.”

“Reality is often disappointing.”

“Your optimism is misplaced, Asgardian.”

“I could simply snap my fingers. They would all cease to exist. I call that mercy.”

This quote reveals his god complex. With that much power, it’s virtually impossible not to let it consume you, no matter how strong your affinity to logic. He falls prey to the stones and the power it gives him. He later talks about how he destroys the stones because they were only a “temptation.” 

“I know what it’s like to lose. To feel so desperately that you’re right, yet to fail nonetheless. It’s frightening, turns the legs to jelly. But I ask you to what end? Dread it. Run from it. Destiny arrives all the same. And now it’s here. Or should I say, I am.”

Once again, he assumes his god complex. He believes that he is an inevitable destiny, a being that cannot be stopped. 

In another historical allusion, his mindset is quite similar to the concept of Manifest Destiny. American settlers used this theory in the 19th century to justify ripping the land and resources from native people, as they believed it was their god-given destiny to do so. They considered any acts of violence justified, as it was their right and destiny to take over the land.

“Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.”

Thanos says this line as he shows Gamora a blade with impeccable balance as he distracts her from the destruction of her planet. He uses his small knife to explain his philosophy to a child.

“You’re not the only one cursed with knowledge.”

“You could not live with your own failure. And where did that bring you? Back to me.”

Once again in another cultural allusion, this line reads like the father speaking to his Prodigal son, but only if the biblical parable featured an abusive father. As the parable refers to people returning to God after leading lives that led them astray, this Thanos quote once again reveals his god complex.

“You have my respect, Stark. When I’m done, half of humanity will still be alive. I hope they remember you.”

What Are Your Favorite Thanos Quotes?

On his quest to collect the infinity stones, Thanos speaks some memorable lines. What Thanos quotes did we miss? Let us know your favorites in the comments!