https://nerdist.com/article/10-best-animals-in-the-mcu-ranked-rocket-goose-lylla-teefs-floor/

The MCU is full of superheroes and supervillains. It also features monsters, living planets, robots, Celestials, and gods of every sort. But the Marvel Cinematic Universe would still be pretty empty without its many, many critters, both Earth and alien alike. With so many to choose from, though, which ones are the best? Whether they’re lovable pets or highly advanced beings, these are the top 10 animals in the MCU.

Honorable Mention

These lovable—and in some cases not-so-lovable—creatures just missed the cut:

Howard the Duck (Guardians franchise), Blurp (Guardians Vol 3.), Alexei the Pig (Black Widow), Abilisks (Guardians franchise), Irina the Cockatoo (Iron-Man 2), Fenris the Wolf (Thor: Ragnarok), every Gus the Goldfish (Moon Knight), Murph the Cat (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Orloni Rodents (Guardians franchise), Sparky the Dog (WandaVision), Rocky the Owl (Hawkeye), Señor Scratchy (WandaVision), and Valkyrie Flying Steeds (Ragnarok).

They all tied for 11th. Any MCU animal we didn’t rank that you think should have been included tied for 12th.

(Note: This list only applies to the MCU proper. Sorry, animals from the Netflix and ABC shows. We still love you.)

10. Goose (Captain Marvel)

When it comes to the MCU’s alien animals, appearances can be deceiving. No one better exemplifies that than Goose the (not really a) cat. This adorable and dangerous Flerken helped save Carol Danvers, Nick Fury, and the Skrulls in Captain Marvel, but Goose would have earned a spot on this list for just being so damn cute. Unfortunately we can’t rank this intergalactic kitty any higher after what she did to a trusting Nick Fury.

9. Alligator Loki (Loki)

Alligator Loki answered one of mankind’s oldest and most important questions: can you turn any animal, no matter how fearsome and terrifying, into a beloved one if you put a tiny little crown of horns on their head and feed them wine? Yes. You can. That is also reason enough to earn a spot on this competitive list.

8. Ant-thony (Ant-Man)

We were tempted to simply include all of the ants from the Ant-Man franchise because they’re all great. But one loyal insect’s heroics clearly elevated him above the rest. Scott Lang’s flying carpenter ant/spy/steed/friend Ant-thony holds a special place in the MCU. We will always remember you and your sacrifice, #247.

7. Tawaret the Hippo Goddess (Moon Knight)

A gigantic, delightful, helpful, friendly, compassionate Egyptian hippo goddess with style and pizzaz? And she’s only number seven!? That’s not an indictment on Moon Knight‘s most wonderful denizen of the Duat. It’s the biggest compliment we can give to everyone ranked above her.

6. Lylla, Teefs, and Floor (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)

For this entry we wanted to hire Sarah McLachlan to record a Lylla, Teefs, and Floor specific rendition of her classic “I Will Remember You.” Unfortunately we were told to “stop emailing her about this.”

But that won’t stop us from honoring Rocket’s original friends, the greatest cybernetically-enhanced otter, walrus, and rabbit to ever live on any world.

5. Cosmo the Dog (Guardians of the Galaxy Franchise)

Cosmo is a very, very, very good dog and anyone who says otherwise is a monster. Looking at you, Kraglin! Even if you didn’t mean it that wasn’t very nice.

4. Indigarrian Goats (Thor: Love and Thunder)

If we had to personally fly around space with Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder we would definitely not include them on our top 10 animals list. That’s just too much screaming for any mortal to deal with. But the amount of time we spent with those hilarious goats in Thor: Love and Thunder was perfect, so they rightfully take a spot near the top of our rankings.

3. Morris the Dijiang (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

What this rotund, friendly magical animal from Ta Lao dimension lacks in eyes it more than makes up for in wings and lovability. And also extra sensory perception. Trevor Slattery’s unlikely (not hallucinated) pet also helped save the day in Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings, which elevates him into the top five easily. It has nothing to do with Morris being sensitive and us not wanting to upset him, we swear.

2. Lucky the Pizza Dog (Hawkeye)

A golden retriever with one eye who loves pizza and is a remarkable judge of moral character is in the running for greatest dog ever, not just in the MCU. Obviously only a truly remarkable animal could have kept Hawkeye’s Lucky from garnering the number one spot.

1. Rocket Raccoon (Guardians of the Galaxy Franchise)

Rocket Raccoon might be the best freaking character in the entire MCU. Ain’t nobody like him ‘cept him. And that includes being number one in our hearts.

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