Should You Stay For The Post-Credits? A Look At Marvel And Sinner

Felix Dubois

6 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe: A Masterclass in Post-Credit Teasers

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has practically perfected the art of the post-credits scene. These extra snippets aren't just added for fun; they're integral to the MCU's overarching narrative strategy.

The History of Marvel's Post-Credits:

Marvel's post-credit scene strategy didn't emerge fully formed. It evolved over time, becoming a key element of audience engagement and anticipation.

• Early examples (Iron Man): The first post-credit scene in Iron Man (2008), introducing Nick Fury and hinting at the Avengers Initiative, was a groundbreaking moment. It instantly hooked audiences and set a precedent for future installments.
• The rise in frequency: Subsequent MCU films increased the frequency of post-credit scenes, often including both mid-credits and end-credits sequences. This tactic maximized audience engagement, ensuring viewers stayed until the very end.
• Mid-credits vs. end-credits scenes: Marvel cleverly utilized both mid-credits and end-credits scenes to deliver different types of information. Mid-credits scenes often offered smaller, humorous moments or character introductions, while end-credits scenes frequently featured crucial plot reveals or teases for upcoming movies.
• The importance of building anticipation for future installments: The consistent use of post-credit scenes in the MCU fostered a unique level of anticipation for each new release. Viewers knew to expect something extra, creating a buzz and excitement around each film's release.

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Types of Marvel Post-Credit Scenes:

Marvel's post-credit scenes are diverse, serving various narrative functions.

• Humorous gags: Some post-credits scenes offer lighthearted moments, providing comedic relief and a fun conclusion to the viewing experience.
• Character introductions: Others introduce new characters or expand on existing ones, setting the stage for future appearances in the MCU.
• Plot teases: Many post-credit scenes offer tantalizing hints about future plots, generating excitement and speculation among fans.
• Setup for future movies: Crucially, post-credit scenes often directly set up plot points or introduce villains for upcoming films, seamlessly connecting the MCU's various installments.
• Connections between films: These scenes often draw connections between different films in the MCU, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the cinematic universe and creating a sense of continuity.

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Stranger Things: A Different Approach to Post-Credits

Unlike the MCU's consistent use of post-credits scenes, Stranger Things employs a more sporadic approach.

The Absence (and Presence) of Post-Credits in Stranger Things:

Stranger Things generally avoids lengthy post-credit sequences. This stems from the show's narrative structure, which focuses on self-contained seasons with strong, impactful cliffhangers.

• Reasons for less frequent use: The show's narrative focus is on the season's central conflict, and post-credit scenes would potentially distract from this.
• Alternative methods of setting up future seasons (e.g., cliffhangers): Stranger Things effectively uses cliffhangers at the end of each season to leave viewers wanting more, building anticipation for the next season without needing extra scenes.
• The impact of the show's tone: The show's tone and style lend themselves to self-contained narratives, making extended post-credit sequences less necessary. Any rare exceptions usually serve to directly extend the emotional impact of the finale.

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Comparing Narrative Strategies:

The narrative strategies of Marvel and Stranger Things highlight fundamental differences in their storytelling approaches.

• Marvel's reliance on extended universes versus Stranger Things' self-contained seasons: The MCU thrives on interconnectedness, using post-credits to weave together its vast narrative tapestry. Stranger Things, in contrast, focuses on delivering complete stories within each season.
• The use of post-credits to extend the narrative experience versus relying on cliffhangers: Marvel uses post-credit scenes to extend the immediate experience and generate excitement for the future. Stranger Things relies on strong cliffhangers within the main narrative to achieve the same effect.

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The Value of Post-Credits Scenes: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

The question of whether to wait for post-credits scenes is a matter of personal preference.

Weighing the Pros and Cons:

Watching post-credits scenes has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Pros:
  • Additional content: You get extra scenes and more from your viewing experience.
  • Plot revelations: Post-credit scenes can offer crucial plot points or set up future storylines.
  • Humorous moments: Some offer lighthearted relief.
  • Increased anticipation: They generate excitement for future installments.
• Cons:
  • Time commitment: You need to wait for credits to roll.
  • Potential spoilers: Some post-credit scenes might spoil future developments.
  • Anticlimactic scenes: Occasionally, the post-credit scenes might feel unnecessary or underwhelming.

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Deciding Based on the Show/Movie:

Whether or not to stay depends on several factors.

• Factors to consider:
  • The reputation of the show/movie for including post-credit content: Is it known for having them?
  • The anticipation for a sequel: Is there a high level of anticipation for what will follow?
  • The overall quality of the film or episode: Was the main content engaging enough to warrant extra time?

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Conclusion:

The decision of whether or not to stay for post-credits scenes is a personal one. Marvel consistently uses them to enrich the viewing experience and tease future installments, while Stranger Things often opts for different narrative techniques. By understanding the distinct approaches of these two popular franchises, you can better assess whether the potential rewards of a post-credits scene outweigh the time investment. Ultimately, weighing the pros and cons, considering the show or movie in question, and managing expectations will help you decide whether to stay glued to your seat for those crucial extra moments – and whether or not to avoid any potential spoilers. Consider your viewing preferences and the reputation of the show, and make an informed decision about your post-credits viewing strategy! Do you prefer a post-credits scene or a strong cliffhanger? Let us know in the comments!