Stan "The Man" Lee, the legendary co-creator of Spider-Man, Black Panther, Thor, and countless Marvel icons, passed away on November 12, 2018. His visionary storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
In a 2015 Washington Post interview, Lee shared his timeless passion for creating heroes. He lived those words every day.
As a tribute from lifelong Marvel enthusiasts, here are 12 films featuring his unforgettable cameos—available to rent or buy online across major platforms.
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
The Marvel Cinematic Universe launched in 2008 with Iron Man. In classic Marvel style, its heroes soon assembled for epic team-ups.
Stan's end-credits cameo has him doubting the superheroes' presence in town. This blockbuster perfectly captures his universe: heroes are everywhere you look.
Bonus: It even imparts online safety lessons—check out 7 Safety Tips You Can Learn From The Avengers, exploring privacy and protection inspired by Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
This acclaimed 2014 Disney hit draws from a 1998 Marvel comic. Stan makes his animated film debut in a post-credits scene as Fred's dad, reprised in the Big Hero 6 series.
Not his first animation gig: He voiced roles in Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994-98), The Super Hero Squad Show (2009-11), Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (2013-15), and even The Simpsons.
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
Stan's largest live-action role sees him as a relationship guru for heroine Brodie (Jason Lee). He called it his favorite, foreshadowing his MCU cameos.
Director Kevin Smith also penned the acclaimed Guardian Devil Daredevil arc for Marvel in 1998.
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
Stan reunited with Kevin Smith in this 2013 animated sequel to Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001). Parodying Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury debut, he chats with the duo about the Avengers Initiative.
His Mallrats vibe shines: He's a "Class A pervert" in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), a porn star in Entourage (2010), and a strip club DJ in Deadpool (2016).
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
Far from a playboy, Stan married Joan in 1947; they shared 69 happy years until her passing in 2017 at age 95. She inspired the Fantastic Four, shaping Marvel's foundation.
Joan voiced Madame Web in Spider-Man: The Animated Series. In 2016's X-Men: Apocalypse, they cameo together, watching En Sabah Nur depart a nuclear-armed planet.
X-Men fans: Explore these top sites for mutant passion: 5 Awesome Websites for X-Men Fans.
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
The author of "With great power comes great responsibility" mastered zingers. In this sequel, he sips Asgardian mead, slurring his signature "Excelsior!"
Our spoiler-free review of Avengers: Age of Ultron had mixed takes, but Stan deemed it his top cameo—embodying his optimistic spirit.
In 2014, he told Playboy: true to form.
Where to watch: Amazon Video | iTunes
This TV movie spun from the Hulk series (1978-82) with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Stan, usually the narrator, appears as a juror. It was meant as a backdoor Daredevil pilot.
Co-creator Jack Kirby cameos as a sketch artist in season 2's "King of the Beach."
Where to watch: iTunes
Stan's screen debut: 1990's non-Marvel thriller with Eric Roberts as a comic artist hunting missing Cheryl (Janine Turner). Stan's his boss, amid Hobgoblin, Wolverine, and Bullseye merch.
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
Fox's Fantastic Four films divide fans, but Chris Evans (pre-Captain America) as Human Torch is key. Stan plays mailman Willie Lumpkin (from 1960 comics, FF #11).
No MCU Lumpkin yet...
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
Raimi's first two Spider-Man cameos were subtle; #3 delivers: "You know, I guess one person can make a difference. 'Nuff said."
Where to watch: Amazon Video | iTunes
This 2010 documentary dives into his life with interviews from Ringo Starr, Patrick Stewart, Eva Mendes, and comic legends like Roy Thomas, John Romita, Frank Miller, and Joe Simon.
Where to watch: Amazon Video | YouTube | Google Play | iTunes
IMDb's top Marvel film—and Stan cameos early. He also shot for Captain Marvel and Avengers 4 (both 2019), voiced Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018).
His image lingers in Marvel's Netflix shows—see our reviews and rankings.
Stan's influence endures in films, comics, and culture. Marvel's storied history in movies owes much to him—and its future shines brighter. Excelsior!
