If you are new to the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and wondering how to watch the MCU movies in order, you’re in for a treat! With 38 MCU movies and 30 TV series already released, and the sixth phase officially in motion, it can be confusing to figure out which title to watch first. But we’ve got you covered. Here are all the MCU movies in chronological order.
1. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
While this action-packed, vintage blockbuster is not the first movie release of Phase One, it is where all the magic begins. Based on the First World War, the story is about the origins of Captain America as part of the U.S. Army.
2. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
Marvel’s First Family finally enters the MCU in a retro-futuristic universe inspired by the 1960s. Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Sue Storm, and Ben Grimm must balance their family bond with a dangerous cosmic threat that puts their entire world at risk.
Timeline note: This movie takes place on Earth-828, a separate universe from the MCU’s main Earth-616 timeline.
3. Captain Marvel (2019)
Following the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s signature hero formula, Captain Marvel introduces the possibility of new galaxies and the Avengers.
4. Iron Man (2008) & Iron Man 2 (2010)
Robert Downey Jr.’s charm is known to the world, but he took it to a whole new level in Iron Man and its sequel. Iron Man challenges the world of superheroes through the combination of super-charged artificial intelligence and human IQ.
5. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Hulk’s story takes place shortly after Iron Man. The movie offers essential insight into the life of Bruce Banner and what makes him “Hulk” out.
6. Thor (2011)
Son of Odin and the god of thunder, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, finds himself on Earth. This dazzling drama, full of wit, further connects different realms within the MCU.
7. The Avengers (2012)
The team-up everyone was waiting for, The Avengers, brings together all the MCU heroes to save the world from unprecedented alien forces. Also known as Avengers Assemble, the film is the sixth and last film of the first phase.
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor continues his battle to save the Earth and the nine realms from enemies historically significant to him.
9. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Continuing the story of industrialist turned superhero, Iron Man 3 builds on the aftermath of the destruction caused by The Avengers.
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Full of suspense and action, the story of Steve Rogers continues. Joining forces with Natasha Romanoff, also known as the Black Widow, a superhero, and a new superhero, the Falcon, Captain America sets off on an adventure against a very unexpected enemy.
11. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) & Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Ever wondered what the other realms within the MCU look like? Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequel, Vol. 2, uncover a sci-fi adventure against different alien races.
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Tony Stark’s decision to restart a peacekeeping intelligence program led to dire consequences. The Avengers: Age of Ultron brings together the crew once again and introduces two new characters with superpowers, Wanda Maximoff and her brother, Pietro.
13. Ant-Man (2015)
Paul Rudd joins the Marvel Universe crew as one of the founding members of the Avengers, and unravels a secret of his own.
14. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Political influences divide the members of the Avengers team. A disagreement between Captain America and Iron Man only leads to further collateral damage as the others must pick a side. Captain America: Civil War is the first movie to be released as part of Phase 3.
15. Black Widow (2021)
The dark parts of Black Widow’s past are brought to light, finally helping audiences understand Natasha’s dynamic character development. Although released in Phase 4, the timelines are chronologically much earlier.
16. Black Panther (2018)
After the events of the Civil War, T’Challa returns to the home of the Black Panther. Chadwick Boseman elevates the world of superheroes with one of the most absorbing characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
17. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Rebooting the original Spider-Man franchise, Peter Parker makes a comeback to the big screen. With Tom Holland in the lead, the much younger, friendly neighborhood hero finds his way to the Avengers.
18. Doctor Strange (2016)
Mysterious powers and unseen forces are the epitome of MCU films. Doctor Strange, however, combines tragedy with fantasy for the introduction of another hero.
19. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Thor: Ragnarok continues the adventures of the cosmic superhero and his mischievous brother, Loki. However, other members of the Avengers are soon to come to their help as the situation escalates out of hand.
20. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Paul Rudd returns to the big screen as Ant-Man, but this time with his partner, the Wasp. The dynamic duo set off on a mission against a new enemy.
21. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
The MCU heroes once again come together to fight against their greatest threat yet. But this time, with new allies and superheroes for a showdown like never before.
22. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The finale to the MCU’s epic saga, Endgame, is an emotional rollercoaster bound to keep you hooked till the end.
23. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Simu Liu portrays Shaun/Shang-Chi, who takes on the organization Ten Rings with his impressive weaponry and kung fu skills.
24. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
The last movie of Phase Four, and on our list, Spider-Man: Far from Home, begins a new era of the MCU. Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man for a teen romance paired with spine-chilling action shots.
25. Eternals (2021)
Several Hollywood A-listers like Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, and Kumail Nanjiani join the MCU as immortal beings who shape history and civilizations on planet Earth.
26. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Image Copyright: Sony/Marvel
Witness the reunification of all three of your favorite Spidermen in this epic entry of the franchise that impressed fans and critics alike.
27. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
This Sam Raimi-directed entry fully embraces the concept of the multiverse and takes viewers on an epic journey to different universes to stop the Scarlet Witch from killing millions.
28. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Following the tragic death of actor Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed Black Panther/T’Challa in the MCU franchise, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever showcases Shuri, T’Challa’s younger tech-savvy sister, taking on the role of Black Panther and defending Wakanda against Namor, the leader of the underwater kingdom Talocan.
29. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Watch Natalie Portman in a new action-packed persona take on Gorr, a ruthless killer seeking the extinction of all deities, with the help of Thor, Valkyrie, and Korg.
30. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Kathryn Newton takes on the role of Cassie Lang, daughter of Scott and Hope, who accidentally gets herself, Scott, Hope, Hank, and Janet sucked into the Quantum Realm, where they encounter new civilizations and threats.
31. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
The conclusion to the trilogy revolves around the past of Rocket. The Guardians rush to infiltrate Orgocorp, a cybergenetic research facility that experimented on Rocket and gave him his powers, to figure out a cure.
32. The Marvels (2023)
This Nia DaCosta-directed entry features Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Monica Rambeau, reluctantly working together to save the universe from the revenge of Dar-Benn. Despite an impressive budget, the film failed to make a mark due to various reasons and remains the weakest entry in the MCU movie franchise. Still, it’s watchable if you are a Brie Larson or Iman Vellani fan.
33. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Ryan Reynolds brings Deadpool into the MCU alongside the ever-popular X-Men character Wolverine. Pulled into a multiversal crisis by the Time Variance Authority, the weird duo must come to terms to save Wade Wilson’s world from annihilation.
Timeline note: This movie primarily follows Earth-10005 and the TVA, separate from the MCU’s main Earth-616 timeline.
34. Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
Anthony Mackie fully embraces the shield as Sam Wilson finds himself caught in an international conspiracy involving newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford). With global tensions rising, the new Captain America must uncover the mastermind behind the chaos before it spirals out of control.
35. Thunderbolts* (2025)
Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Ghost, John Walker, Red Guardian, and other unlikely antiheroes are forced into a risky mission after being trapped by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. What begins as a struggle for survival soon pushes the dysfunctional group toward becoming something much more than what they expected.
36. Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)
With New York City no longer remembering Peter Parker, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man devotes himself completely to life as a masked hero. But growing pressure and a surprising physical change force Peter into a dangerous new chapter where being Spider-Man comes with an even greater cost.
You can choose to watch the movies in order of release, too, as the storylines all end up connecting. As part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, several TV shows, TV movies, and TV specials have also been released. It’s recommended to watch them as well to understand and connect with the characters better.
