Key Takeaways
- Part 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe concluded with the Guardians of the Galaxy Vacation Particular, marking the tip of an action-packed chapter.
- The fourth part launched a plethora of latest movies and Disney+ sequence, making it a groundbreaking part for Marvel storytelling.
- Captain America: The First Avenger is the advisable start line for these seeking to watch the Marvel movies in chronological order, because it takes place earlier than Iron Man and introduces vital components to the MCU.
Part 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe formally got here to a detailed with the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. It launched late final yr and marked the tip of an exhilarating and action-packed chapter within the MCU’s cinematic historical past.
The fourth part noticed the discharge of a exceptional variety of new motion pictures and Disney+ MCU sequence, practically as many as the primary three phases mixed. Disney+ grew to become a brand new platform for Marvel storytelling, introducing reveals like WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Hawkeye, and Moon Knight to followers worldwide. As well as, new blockbuster motion pictures like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiered throughout this part. To not point out, followers had been additionally handled to Disney+ Particular Displays like Werewolf by Evening and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special that ended the part.
Marvel formally kicked off Part 5 with the discharge of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. In case you’re a fan of the MCU, you are doubtless excited to see the place this subsequent chapter will go. However, when you’re feeling misplaced or unsure about the place to begin or what to observe first within the MCU, don’t be concerned. We received you coated. Whether or not you are seeking to catch up earlier than the discharge of The Marvels and season 2 of Loki, or simply must refresh your reminiscence, we have compiled a go-to watch information that is certain to fulfill all of your Marvel cravings.
We have organized the whole lot in chronological order beneath, so you may simply comply with together with the timeline of occasions as they unfold within the Marvel universe. And for individuals who need to spice issues up a bit, we have included some various viewing orders on the finish of this information. Nevertheless, this information is simply for individuals who need to watch the Marvel motion pictures so as along with the reveals; it isn’t for the hardcore comedian ebook followers who might have their very own most well-liked viewing orders.
Each Marvel film and TV reveals so as: How one can watch the MCU chronologically
To grasp and comply with the occasions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, watching the Marvel motion pictures and reveals within the order they had been launched will not minimize it. That is why we have created a unique Marvel film order, organized by when the occasions really happen. Though Iron Man is taken into account the official begin of the MCU, it isn’t essentially the primary Marvel movie you must watch. As an alternative, we advocate beginning with Captain America: The First Avenger, which was launched in 2011 and is the fifth movie from Marvel Studios. The story begins in 1942, many years earlier than Iron Man even comes onto the scene.
For this chronological watch information, we’re that includes the Marvel characteristic motion pictures and all the brand new Disney+ reveals. Nevertheless, we do must warn you there might be spoilers alongside the way in which. In case you’re seeking to keep away from any plot twists or surprises, head to the underside of this information for a full checklist of each Marvel film and TV present. We have additionally compiled just a few different lists so that you can discover, relying on what you are in search of.
1 Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Steve Rogers transforms from a frail soldier into the super-strong Captain America to fight the Nazi group HYDRA.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 1942-1943
- Director
- Joe Johnston
- Writers
- Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
- Starring
- Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 124 minutes
Whereas Captain America might have been the fifth movie to come back out of Marvel Studios, it is the primary on our checklist for a purpose. The occasions of this movie really happen earlier than these of Iron Man, The Hulk, and Thor – all of which had been launched earlier than Cap.
In Captain America: The First Avenger, we’re launched to Chris Evans’ portrayal of Steve Rogers, a scrawny and sickly man who volunteers for a top-secret experiment to create a super-soldier. The movie takes place throughout World Struggle II and follows Steve as he turns into the long-lasting Captain America and fights in opposition to the nefarious organisation referred to as Hydra, led by the evil Crimson Cranium.
Past introducing some of the beloved superheroes within the MCU, this movie additionally introduces the Tesseract, which we later uncover is the primary Infinity Stone. These highly effective gems are scattered all through the universe and have the power to manage actuality. The Tesseract turns into a central plot level all through the MCU, together with in upcoming Avengers movies. Joe Johnston directed Captain America: The First Avenger. He additionally wrote the screenplay together with Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus.
2 Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel (2019)
Carol Danvers turns into one of many universe’s strongest heroes when Earth is caught in the midst of a galactic battle between two alien races.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 1995
- Director
- Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
- Writers
- Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, and Geneva Robertson-Dworet
- Starring
- Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 123
The second movie on our checklist made its debut in 2019. Captain Marvel, set in 1995, follows the story of the eponymous hero Carol Danvers, portrayed by Brie Larson, as she crash-lands on Earth and embarks on a mission to trace down the shape-shifting Skrull aliens.
Along with the gripping motion scenes which can be a staple of the MCU, the movie is an actual deal with for anybody who grew up within the 90s. From scenes set in Blockbuster shops to nods to the times of dial-up web, Captain Marvel is filled with nostalgic moments which can be certain to thrill audiences of all ages. It is directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck who additionally wrote the screenplay.
The movie additionally sheds gentle on some key backstory components of the MCU, together with the origin of Nick Fury’s well-known eye-patch and the formation of the Avengers Initiative. And naturally, the introduction of Carol Danvers as some of the highly effective heroes within the universe units the stage for some main showdowns in future movies.Brie Larson will reprise her position as Danvers within the Marvels which is because of hit theatres on 10 November.
3 Iron Man
Iron Man (2008)
Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist, builds a powered exoskeleton and turns into the technologically superior superhero Iron Man.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2009
- Director
- Jon Favreau
- Writers
- Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Artwork Marcum, and Matt Holloway
- Starring
- Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges
- Format
- Film
- Run Time
- 126
- Ranking
- PG-13
In accordance with the official Marvel timeline, Iron Man is ready in 2010 and is the movie that kicked off all the MCU. The story revolves round Tony Stark, performed brilliantly by Robert Downey Jr., a genius inventor, philanthropist, and playboy.
After being captured by a terrorist organisation, Stark is held captive and pressured to construct the most recent weapons system for his captors. As an alternative, he makes use of his ingenuity to design a strong swimsuit of armor that enables him to flee. This turns into the primary iteration of the Iron Man swimsuit, which he continues to develop and refine all through the movie and subsequent sequels.
Iron Man not solely units the stage for the MCU, but additionally introduces us to considered one of its most iconic and beloved characters. From Tony’s fast wit to his unimaginable tech creations, the movie offers us a glimpse into the larger-than-life world of superheroes. Jon Favreau directed the movie and performed Tony’s bodyguard Completely happy Hogan.
4 Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Tony Stark faces strain from the federal government and new enemies whereas coping with the repercussions of his identification as Iron Man.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2010
- Director
- Jon Favreau
- Writers
- Justin Theroux
- Starring
- Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 124 minutes
Iron Man 2 picks up proper the place the primary movie left off, with Tony Stark struggling to take care of the aftermath of his Iron Man identification being revealed to the world. The federal government calls for that he hand over the expertise behind the swimsuit, however Stark refuses to conform. This results in a tense standoff that’s made much more difficult by the arrival of a brand new villain, a weapons producer who will cease at nothing to get his palms on the coveted expertise.
The movie additionally introduces us to 2 different key members of the Avengers group: the Black Widow, performed by Scarlett Johansson, and Struggle Machine, performed by Don Cheadle. In fact, Jon Favreau additionally returned as Completely happy Hogan alongside his directing duties.
Be aware: Whereas The Unbelievable Hulk technically takes place across the identical time as Iron Man 2 and Thor, Marvel recommends watching Iron Man 2 first for consistency functions. We have adopted their official steerage to create this chronological watch information.
5 The Unbelievable Hulk
the Unbelievable Hulk (2008)
Bruce Banner, on the run from the navy, seeks a treatment for his transformation into the raging Hulk.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2010
- Director
- Louis Leterrier
- Writers
- Zak Penn
- Starring
- Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 112 minutes
The Unbelievable Hulk sees Bruce Banner, performed by Edward Norton, on the run from Basic Thunderbolt Ross and the US Army, as he desperately tries to evade seize and discover a treatment for his situation. Regardless of his greatest efforts, Ross is set to seize Banner and use his distinctive skills for navy functions. In a bid to create a controllable model of the Hulk, Ross makes use of one other soldier as a take a look at topic, however issues rapidly spiral uncontrolled. This results in an epic battle between the 2 Hulks, with the destiny of the world hanging within the steadiness.
Though Norton performed the position of Banner on this movie, he was changed by Mark Ruffalo in 2012’s The Avengers and has remained the face of the massive inexperienced man ever since. Norton additionally acquired a screenwriting credit score for this movie. It was directed by Louis Leterrier.
6 Thor
Thor (2011)
The Norse god Thor is exiled to Earth, stripped of his powers, and should show himself worthy to return.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2010
- Director
- Kenneth Branagh
- Writers
- Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, and Don Payne
- Starring
- Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 115 minutes
After being banished to Earth from Asgard by his father Odin, the mighty God of Thunder, Thor (performed by Chris Hemsworth), should earn again his powers and regain management of his hammer, Mjolnir. That is no simple process, and he should show his worthiness to wield the weapon as soon as once more.
Fortunately, Thor finds an ally in Jane Foster, an Earth scientist performed by Natalie Portman, who helps him navigate the complexities of life on our planet whereas additionally aiding him in his quest to set issues proper in Asgard. In the meantime, his treacherous brother Loki is as much as no good, and Thor should act quick to stop him from assuming whole management of their homeland.
7 The Avengers
The Avengers (2012)
Earth’s mightiest heroes unite to cease the mischievous Loki and his alien military from enslaving humanity.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2012
- Director
- Joss Whedon
- Writers
- Joss Whedon
- Starring
- Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 143 minutes
The Avengers is the end result of the so-called “Part One” of the MCU. With all the principle heroes launched, the true problem was discovering one thing daunting sufficient to pressure them to work collectively. The movie brings collectively characters akin to Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, who should put apart their variations and unite to cease the nefarious plans of Loki and his military of aliens. The epic battle scenes and witty dialogue make The Avengers a must-see for followers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
8 Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 (2013)
After his world is torn aside by a formidable terrorist, Tony Stark embarks on a journey of rebuilding and retribution.
- Director
- Shane Black
- Writers
- Drew Pearce and Shane Black
- Starring
- Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 130 minutes
The third and closing standalone Iron Man movie happens six months after the super battle in New York Metropolis. Tony Stark is grappling with the aftermath of the battle, which nearly claimed his life. His expertise prompts him to create a fleet of Iron Man fits, which he can make use of at a second’s discover. Nevertheless, when a formidable terrorist referred to as the Mandarin emerges, Tony should confront his most vital problem but, testing the mettle of each the person and the swimsuit.
9 Thor: The Darkish World
Thor: The Darkish World (2013)
Thor battles an historic race led by vengeful Malekith to save lots of the 9 Realms.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2013
- Director
- Alan Taylor
- Writers
- Christopher Yost, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely
- Starring
- Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 112 minutes
Within the second Thor movie, our hero Thor (Chris Hemsworth) returns to Asgard following the invasion of New York Metropolis led by his mischievous brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Sadly for Thor, he would not have a lot time to catch his breath earlier than an historic enemy, the Darkish Elves, resurfaces. As soon as believed to be extinct, the Darkish Elves have returned to assert the Aether, a strong weapon that’s later found to be one of many six Infinity Stones, able to granting immense energy to its possessor. As Thor fights to guard the 9 Realms from the Darkish Elves’ malevolent plan, he should additionally grapple along with his difficult relationship with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who finds herself entangled within the battle.
10 Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Steve Rogers uncovers a conspiracy inside S.H.I.E.L.D. and faces a mysterious murderer, the Winter Soldier.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2014
- Director
- Anthony and Joe Russo
- Writers
- Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
- Starring
- Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 136 minutes
Captain America has been working for S.H.I.E.L.D, a particular authorities company, because the occasions of The Avengers, however he finds himself questioning the organisation’s motives as he uncovers extra about its plans. To make issues worse, his closest buddy returns from the useless as an adversary, the Winter Soldier, portrayed by Sebastian Stan. The movie additionally introduces The Falcon, performed by Anthony Mackie, who joins Captain America in his quest for justice in opposition to the shadowy forces that threaten to tear the world aside.
11 Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
A bunch of intergalactic misfits come collectively to cease a fanatical warrior from taking management of the universe.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2014
- Director
- James Gunn
- Writers
- James Gunn and Nicole Perlman
- Starring
- Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 121 minutes
Starring Chris Pratt as Peter Quill, Guardians of the Galaxy follows the adventures of a rogue scavenger who stumbles throughout an Infinity Stone hidden within the ruins of an alien world. Confronted with the daunting process of defending the universe from the stone’s harmful powers, he assembles a group of misfits, together with a speaking raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Groot the speaking tree, and others. United of their quest to cease Ronan the Accuser from utilizing the Infinity Stone, the unlikely heroes should overcome their variations and work collectively to save lots of the galaxy from sure doom.
Guardians of the Galaxy was written and directed by James Gunn, who’s now accountable for the DCEU.
12 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
The Guardians unravel the thriller of Peter Quill’s parentage whereas going through outdated foes.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2015
- Director
- James Gunn
- Writers
- James Gunn
- Starring
- Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 136 minutes
Persevering with from the unique, this sequel takes place just a few months later. Peter Quill finds himself more and more enamoured with Gamora, portrayed by Zoe Saldana. Nevertheless, his consideration is diverted when he meets Ego, a deity-like entity portrayed by Kurt Russell, who forces him to confront his enigmatic previous. Inserting the Guardian of the Galaxy movies inside the MCU timeline presents a problem as they’re seemingly self-contained and predominantly set within the huge expanse of outer area. Regardless of this problem, the movie efficiently weaves collectively the threads of the overarching MCU storyline. James Gunn additionally returned to put in writing and direct this sequel.
13 Avengers: Age of Ultron
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The Avengers work to defeat the sentient robotic Ultron, who seeks humanity’s extinction.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2015
- Director
- Joss Whedon
- Writers
- Joss Whedon
- Starring
- Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 141 minutes
On this movie, the Avengers assemble as soon as once more to face the repercussions of a misstep made by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner – the creation of a man-made intelligence named Ultron, with the voiceover supplied by James Spader. The stakes are excessive, as even a single surviving Ultron unit can pose a grave risk to the Avengers. Alongside the unique Avengers, the movie additionally introduces recent faces to the group – The Scarlet Witch (portrayed by Elizabeth Olson), Quicksilver (performed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and Imaginative and prescient (performed by Paul Bettany), including new dimensions and dynamics to the already stellar solid.
14 Ant-Man
Ant-Man (2015)
Thief Scott Lang is recruited to put on a shrinking swimsuit and pull off a heist that can save the world.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2015
- Director
- Peyton Reed
- Writers
- Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, and Paul Rudd
- Starring
- Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 117 minutes
Ant-Man options Paul Rudd as a talented thief, who’s enlisted by Michael Douglas’ Hank Pym to put on the Ant-Man swimsuit and forestall the expertise from being misused as a weapon. Nevertheless, Pym’s former protégé, portrayed by Corey Stoll, creates an analogous swimsuit named the Yellowjacket, resulting in a confrontation between Ant-Man and the Yellowjacket. In a high-stakes battle that takes place on a microscopic scale, Ant-Man should use his powers to beat the Yellowjacket and save the day. Ant-Man is directed by Peyton Reed who’s additionally directed the opposite two Ant-Man movies within the MCU.
15 Captain America: Civil Struggle
Captain America: Civil Struggle (2016)
Fractured allegiances type among the many Avengers over authorities oversight, resulting in an epic battle.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2016
- Director
- Anthony and Joe Russo
- Writers
- Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
- Starring
- Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 147 minutes
Regardless of its title, Captain America: Civil Struggle showcases practically each Avenger within the franchise, together with the addition of two new heroes – Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. Nevertheless, tensions rise because the Avengers are torn aside into opposing factions over Captain America’s determination to defend his buddy Bucky Barnes, who’s believed to be liable for the UN bombing. This rift results in an epic conflict between the 2 sides, as every member fights for what they consider is true.
16 Spider-Man: Homecoming
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Younger Peter Parker, mentored by Tony Stark, tries to steadiness highschool life with being Spider-Man.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2016
- Director
- Jon Watts
- Writers
- Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Jon Watts, and others
- Starring
- Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 133 minutes
Spider-Man takes heart stage for his first solo journey, battling in opposition to Michael Keaton’s menacing Vulture, a former development employee turned black-market arms supplier, who has acquired harmful expertise left behind from the Battle of New York depicted within the first Avengers movie. In the meantime, Peter Parker additionally struggles to steadiness his superhero obligations along with his highschool life, together with courses, extracurricular actions, and a crush on his classmate. With its recent tackle the beloved character and heartfelt coming-of-age moments, this movie affords a standout addition to the MCU. John Watts directed this movie together with the opposite two solo Spider-Man movies.
17 Physician Unusual
Physician Unusual (2017)
Sensible surgeon Stephen Unusual embarks on a journey of therapeutic and is drawn into the world of the mystic arts.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2016
- Director
- Scott Derrickson
- Writers
- Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson, and C. Robert Cargill
- Starring
- Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 115 minutes
Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Stephen Unusual, a talented and boastful surgeon who loses the usage of his palms in a devastating accident. In his seek for a treatment, he embarks on a journey the world over, searching for out historic information and magic to revive his skills. Ultimately, he encounters The Historic One, portrayed by Tilda Swinton, who turns into his mentor and guides him within the methods of the paranormal arts.
18 Black Panther
Black Panther (2018)
King T’Challa returns dwelling to Wakanda however finds his sovereignty challenged by a long-time adversary.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2016
- Director
- Ryan Coogler
- Writers
- Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole
- Starring
- Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 134 minutes
T’Challa, performed by Chadwick Boseman, returns to Wakanda to ascend the throne and turn out to be king, following the occasions of Captain America: Civil Struggle. Nevertheless, he’s confronted with a dilemma – whether or not to take care of Wakanda’s custom of isolationism or share their assets and expertise with the world. Complicating issues additional is the emergence of Eric Killmonger, portrayed by Michael B Jordan, who seeks to problem T’Challa’s declare to the throne and has a private vendetta in opposition to the Wakandan royal household.
Be aware: As a result of this movie follows the occasions of Captain America: The Civil Struggle, so you possibly can watch it after that movie, however Marvel prefers you watch it right here.
19 Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Thor should cease the ruthless Hela from destroying Asgard whereas trapped on a gladiator planet.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2017
- Director
- Taiki Waititi
- Writers
- Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle, and Christopher Yost
- Starring
- Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 130 minutes
On this third standalone movie, Thor is exiled to the far reaches of area after the loss of life of his father and the destruction of his legendary hammer by the hands of his vengeful sister, Hela, portrayed by Cate Blanchett. There, he turns into a gladiator, compelled to battle in opposition to his former ally, the Hulk, who had been lacking because the occasions of Avengers: Age of Ultron. To be able to defeat Hela and save Asgard from her wrath, Thor should type an unlikely alliance with the Hulk, Loki, and Tessa Thompson’s formidable Valkyrie
20 Ant-Man and the Wasp
Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018)
Scott Lang groups up with the Wasp on a brand new mission to uncover secrets and techniques from their previous.
- 12 months within the MCU
- 2018
- Director
- Peyton Reed
- Writers
- Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers
- Starring
- Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña
- Format
- Film
- Ranking
- PG-13
- Run Time
- 118 minutes
Scott Lang is again, however he is positioned underneath home arrest after his involvement within the occasions of Captain America: Civil Struggle, resulting in a strained relationship with Hank Pym and Hope, Pym’s daughter. Nevertheless, when he receives a brand new mission from them, Scott sees a possibility to redeem himself and reunite along with his family members. The mission entails retrieving Pym’s spouse from the Quantum Realm, the place she has been trapped for many years. And as a heads up, ensure that to stay round for the post-credits scene, however reserve it till after you’ve got seen Infinity Struggle.
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