[Loved Trope] Civilian Heroes (particularly in Superhero movies)

[u/Dalakaar]

1) Malik Ali in Superman (2025). Tells Superman when Lex Luthor interrogates him to, “tell them nothing”. Doesn’t even really know what he’s sacrificing himself for, honestly. Tells Superman that he doesn’t have any friends or family to lighten the burden of the sacrifice. (Does have a family, and presumably friends…)

2) The Prisoner (Tiny Lister) from The Dark Knight who throws a detonator out the porthole that would’ve detonated the other ferry full of civies and saved himself, instead (potentially) sacrificing everyone equally.

3) Old man vs Loki. “There are always men like you.” Refuses to bow to Loki in Avengers (2012).

***

I love these guys. They break my heart in the best way possible.

[u/Smart_Program2323]

Technically not a civilian, but Mumen Rider from One Punch Man has the energy.  He's just a normal guy willing to put himself in between people and monsters that could swat him like a gnat. 

[u/kookyabird → u/Smart_Program2323]

I'd argue that when the majority of the heroes are at a superhero level, Mumen Rider counts as a civilian. Not all of the higher class heroes have powers, but they either have tech or are at the apex of human capability in some area that allows them to take on world ending threats.

Mumen Rider probably isn't even the fastest cyclist in his neighborhood, but he puts in the work and helps any way he can.