The Guardians of the Galaxy are one of the most popular factions of superheroes ever created by Marvel. The comical and cosmic version of the Avengers has been filled with several members over the course of their history. While they've brought a lot of humor to the comics and films, they've also brought varying powers.
The lineup has changed a lot over the years with humans, trees, raccoons, and plenty of other aliens fighting side by side. While they may bring different things to the table, all of them have earned the right to be called the Guardians of the Galaxy.
10 Drax the Destroyer
Being the comic relief of The Guardians of the Galaxy is a tough task since they all try to fill that role, but Drax the Destroyer's literal approach steals the show in the films. In between his literal confusion leading to comedic moments, he comes from an immensely powerful race of people, making him invaluable in fights.
He has a desire to avenge his family, and while that may lead him to make some bad decisions, it still gives him the will to never give up. That's something that can't be taught.
9 The Thing
Ben Grimm had a short run as a Guardian following the dissolution of The Fantastic Four. He joined after the events of Secret Wars before leaving during the events of Civil War 2. He has more strength than Drax, and while he isn't as literal, he fills a similar comic relief void.
The Thing could be an excellent addition in future The Guardians of the Galaxy films. He could serve as a better introduction for a proper version of The Fantastic Four than what was shown in Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
8 Groot
Groot is beloved by MCU fans for that moment at the end of The Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1 where he sacrificed himself to save his friends. "We are Groot," remains a rallying cry for fans of the tree and the franchise.
But, beyond that moment, he's kinda just there. Admittedly, baby Groot can't do much because he's a baby, but teenage Groot could've been better. Still, he acted just like a teenager; he was aloof and sometimes mean, while also helping out his friends when it mattered.
7 Star-Lord
He may be the leader, at least in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he's a weaker entry in the group overall. Being human, he lacks the super strength of Drax. He's not one of the smarter humans either like Tony Stark or Stephen Strange. Peter Quill is truly not a very bright guy.
His strength is being resourceful. Being raised by the Ravagers, he's essentially a space pirate. It gives him no moral compass, but it allows him to find a way to reach his goal when others might not.
6 Kitty Pryde
While not seen in the MCU yet, Kitty Pryde has a good run with The Guardians of the Galaxy after her tenure in the X-Men. She takes over as leader for a short time in the comics. Her mutant ability helps her avoid attacks from adversaries.
Kitty Pryde could serve as a way to introduce the X-Men to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a future The Guardians of the Galaxy film. She might be a better representation of mutants than the current path with Ms. Marvel.
5 Gamora
Trained as a daughter of Thanos, Gamora is the heart and soul of The Guardians of the Galaxy lineup seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She has no special powers, but she is strong-willed, well-trained, and has an undeniable will to survive.
She is a master assassin who joins up with the crew because she never truly believed in Thanos' mission even if he raised her as his own. She may not have powers, but she can hold her own in any fight.
4 Nebula
Similar to her sister Gamora, Nebula is a daughter of Thanos who is trained as an assassin before becoming disillusioned with the Mad Titan. She eventually joins The Guardians of the Galaxy as well as The Avengers to help fight him.
Her cybernetics make her a little more promising than Gamora. After losing fights to Gamora during training, Thanos would upgrade her, even though this caused her trauma. She can hold her own in a fight, and her story is one of the most compelling of this rag-tag group.
3 Rocket Raccoon
Rocket is the best member of The Guardians of the Galaxy seen on screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so far. Like Star-Lord he's resourceful, but like Drax, he nails the role of comic relief; even if some of his pranks are more cruel than funny.
Still, he has a strong moral compass, even if it's not the same type of morals that most humans would adhere to. He's good with weapons and steals the show, mostly because he's a talking raccoon.
2 Hercules
Having the son of Zeus on one's side can be very handy in a battle. In the MCU, Hercules first appears as a villain to set up the plot of Thor 5. His father, Zeus, sends him to take down Thor. But, in the comics, he has been on both sides of the fight and served as a member of The Guardians of the Galaxy.
As the son of a Greek god, Hercules has super strength and speed, as well as quick reflexes and increased stamina. Plus, he's immortal, so he can go a long way in any battle with his fellow Guardians.
1 Adam Warlock
While it's a trope in comics to have a character die and come back to life, Adam Warlock's resurrections have the most interesting returns. With each resurrection, he develops a new power. Whenever he joins The Guardians of the Galaxy, he's always one of the most powerful in the group.
He is scheduled to appear in The Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, and it appears if the franchise is to continue within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Warlock will be a major player, if not the leader of the group.