The Marvel Cinematic Universe is often regarded as one of the best, if not the best, superhero franchises of all time. However, with over 30 movies now released out of chronological order, it can be difficult for newcomers to keep track. That's why we've put together the ultimate guide to show you the correct chronological order to watch the movies.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) now consists of more than 30 movies and it doesn't look like Marvel Studios will be shifting down a gear with the end of the Infinity Saga. The order of release of these movies sometimes completely contradicts the chronological sequence of the storyline, and thus can often quickly lead to confusion. That's why we're giving you a detailed overview of the chronology of the MCU and the order in which newcomers should watch the movies to get the best possible introduction to one of the most successful superhero franchises.
1. Captain America: The First Avenger
We start with “Captain America: The First Avenger”. The first part of the Captain America trilogy, released in 2011, is set during the Second World War and tells the story of the young American Steve Rogers, who underwent an experiment in which he was injected with the “Super Soldier Serum”. As a result, Steve Rogers becomes a super soldier and fights against the Nazis and Hydra under the name Captain America. That's how it all began...
2. Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel was only introduced to the MCU in 2019 and yet the superheroine's only solo film to date is set in the 1990s, in which former US pilot Carol Danvers is given superhuman powers after an accident and has to assert herself as a powerful superheroine in the intergalactic conflict between the Kree and the Skrulls.
3. Iron Man
This brings us to the very first movie released by Marvel. It tells the story of the arrogant and naive arms dealer Tony Stark who is kidnapped during a business trip, whereupon he builds a highly developed suit of armor with which he becomes a superhero as Iron Man and fights against his own weapons and their misuse.
4. Iron Man 2
Less than a year later, in “Iron Man 2” (2011), Tony Stark must defend his identity as Iron Man to the world while dealing with health problems and new enemies, including the vengeful Ivan Vanko, who develops his own weapons technology to defeat Tony.
5. The Incredible Hulk
The story of “The Incredible Hulk” is set at the same time as Iron Man 2. In the first and so far only solo adventure, Dr. Bruce Banner flees from the military, who want to exploit his ability to transform into the green, powerful monster Hulk, while he desperately searches for a cure to control his transformations.
6. Thor
2011 was a busy year for the MCU as Thor, the God of Thunder, also made his first appearance. After Thor uses the powers of the hammer against his father's orders by attacking the ice giants, he is banished to Earth by his father where he must live as a mortal until he proves himself worthy.
7. The Avengers
In the year 2012, the world is threatened by Loki, Thor's brother, who was thought to be dead. A group of superheroes unite to save the Earth. In a spectacular battle in New York, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk and the two new heroes Hawkeye and Black Widow face off against an intergalactic army led by Loki.
8. Thor: The Dark World
Having only just stopped his brother from conquering the earth, Thor finds himself in new trouble after the sinister forces of darkness, led by the elvish queen Malekith, attempt to conquer an ancient, destructive threat called the Aether, which is capable of changing the whole reality.
9. Iron Man 3
While bombs start exploding, allegedly orchestrated by the Mandarin, Tony Stark, haunted by the Battle of New York, furiously builds more Iron Man suits throughout 2012. His investigation reveals that scientist Aldrich Killian is the true mastermind behind the attacks and has kidnapped the President. Teaming up with Rhodey, Tony sets out on a rescue mission.
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
After Captain America is freed from the ice after decades, Steve Rogers initially struggles to find his way in the modern world. But he soon discovers that the S.H.I.E.L.D. command he is serving has been infiltrated by a secret threat. When he takes action against this conspiracy, he becomes the target of the mysterious and deadly Winter Soldier, who has a connection to his own past. Together with Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, Captain America uncovers the dark machinations within S.H.I.E.L.D. and fights for freedom and security.
11. Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy” is about a group of misfits, consisting of the renegade Peter Quill, the muscle-bound Gamora, the taciturn Drax, the headstrong raccoon Rocket and the loyal tree Groot. Together they must protect a stolen, powerful artifact from the tyrannical Ronan the Accuser, who wants to use it to destroy the universe. As they fight back against Ronan and his henchmen, the group evolves from initial rivals into an inseparable family. Their adventure combines humorous moments with action-packed scenes and an impressive sci-fi world.
12. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2
The second part of the funny superhero group was only released in cinemas 3 years after the first movie. However, the plot continues directly after the end of the first one and the group around Peter Quill learns that his father, Ego the Living Planet, is a powerful but menacing being who threatens to destroy the universe.
13. Avengers: Age of Ultron
In the second part of the superhero series “Avengers: Age of Ultron”, released in 2015, Tony Stark and Bruce Banner create an artificial intelligence called Ultron, which was originally intended to keep the peace. But Ultron develops a consciousness of his own and decides to destroy humanity in order to save the planet. The Avengers must work together to stop Ultron and his army of robots.
14. Ant-Man
While the Avengers fight Ultron, the story of master thief Scott Lang is told, who gets a second chance when he finds Dr. Hank Pym's Ant-Man suit during a theft. The latter must now explain to him how Scott can use the suit to stop Yellowjacket's destructive plans.
15. Captain America: Civil War
In “Captain America: Civil War”, the events from “Avengers: Age of Ultron” come to a head. After the Avengers have caused massive destruction in Sokovia in their battle against Ultron, international pressure grows to control the superheroes' activities. This leads to the introduction of the Sokovia Accords, which are intended to place the Avengers under state supervision. The team then splits into two camps: a faction led by Captain America, who opposes regulation, and a faction led by Iron Man, who supports control. When Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier and Captain America's old friend, becomes involved in a terrorist attack, the conflicts escalate further. The movie culminates in an intense battle between the two groups of Avengers.
16. Black Widow
After parting ways with the Avengers after Civil War, “Black Widow” follows the solo adventure of Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in which she is confronted with her dark past and old relationships. Together with her surrogate family from her time as a Russian spy, they try to stop the evil plan of Dreykov, the leader of the Red Room, who is turning young women into assassins.
17. Spider-Man: Homecoming
In “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, young Peter Parker returns to New York after his adventures with the Avengers, where he tries to reconcile his life as a normal high school student and as Spider-Man. Under the guidance of his mentor Tony Stark, Peter discovers a new threat in the form of the villain Vulture, who is selling a dangerous technology. As he struggles to stop Vulture and protect his city, Peter learns important lessons about responsibility and growing up.
18. Black Panther
“Black Panther” follows T'Challa, the newly crowned king of Wakanda, a progressive and isolated African state. After the death of his father, T'Challa must take his rightful place as king and as Black Panther. He is challenged by his rival Erik Killmonger, who wants to open up Wakanda and use its technology for revolutionary purposes. T'Challa must fight to defend his throne and find a balance between tradition and the modernization of his country.
19. Doctor Strange
In “Doctor Strange”, the plot follows the brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange, whose career comes to an abrupt end after a serious car accident. In search of healing and a new purpose in life, he travels to Kamar-Taj, where he is introduced to the mystical arts and the world of magic. Under the guidance of the elders, he learns powerful spells and eventually battles the dark magician Kaecilius and his plans to plunge the earth into darkness. Through his journey, Strange becomes a new protector of the Earth and the master of the mystic arts.
20. Thor: Ragnarok
After the death of Thor's father Odin, the balance in Asgard is disrupted, leading to the rise of a new threat. Thor is cast onto the distant planet Sakaar after being transported through an interdimensional portal by Hela, the Goddess of Death. On Sakaar, he is forced into gladiatorial combat and encounters both allies and enemies while striving to find a way back to Asgard and prevent the impending apocalypse.
21. Ant-Man and the Wasp
In “Ant-Man and the Wasp”, Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, and Hope van Dyne, aka the Wasp, fight together against a new threat. After Scott is released from house arrest, the two heroes must work together to rescue Janet van Dyne, Hope's missing mother and the original Wasp, from the Quantum Realm. Not only do they face the mysterious Phantom, but they must also uncover the secrets of the Quantum Realm to save the world from imminent danger.
22. Avengers: Infinity War
In “Avengers: Infinity War”, the Avengers and their allies unite to stop the mighty titan Thanos, who wants to subjugate the universe with the Infinity Stones. Thanos plans to wipe out half the life in the universe by collecting all six stones in order to create a supposedly better balance. The heroes must join forces to avert an impending catastrophe and preserve the balance. The movie unfolds as an epic adventure in which the heroes face their greatest challenges.
23. Avengers: Endgame
In “Avengers: Endgame”, the remaining Avengers fight against the devastating consequences of Thanos' sniper. The heroes devise a plan to travel back in time and retrieve the Infinity Stones to restore the lost lives. The movie offers an epic finale with intense battles and emotional closure for the characters.
24. Spider-Man: Far From Home
In “Spider-Man: Far From Home”, Peter Parker, alias Spider-Man, travels through Europe on a school trip and tries to come to terms with his grief. At the same time, he has to deal with the threat posed by the mysterious Mysterio, who claims to be a heroic fighter against elemental monsters.
25. Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings
In Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the plot follows the young Shang-Chi who, after a secret childhood as an assassin, flees underground and leads a normal life. However, his life is turned upside down when he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy linked to the mysterious Ten Rings organization and his own father, Wenwu. As Shang-Chi discovers his true origins and confronts his destiny, he battles his familial and external enemies.
26. Eternals
In “Eternals”, we follow a group of immortal alien beings who have lived on Earth for millennia and have secretly protected humanity. Having long held back from human conflict, the Eternals must come together to stave off an impending catastrophe: the return of the powerful, ancient enemies, the Deviants. While saving humanity, they also struggle with their own conflicts and secrets that test their mission and their relationships with each other.
27. Spider-Man: No Way Home
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker struggles with the consequences of his unmasked identity as Spider-Man and turns to Doctor Strange to restore his reputation. A failed spell opens the multiverse, allowing familiar villains from other Spider-Man worlds to invade his reality. Peter must face the threats while trying to preserve the restored memories of those around him. Ultimately, this leads to an emotional decision that fundamentally changes his life.
28. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Doctor Stephen Strange is haunted by visions of a threat spreading through the multiverse. To stop this threat, he seeks help from Wanda Maximoff, a Scarlet Witch with immense powers who is plagued by a dark, possessed state. Together they travel through various alternative realities to protect the multiverse and prevent the impending chaos. In the process, they must face both internal and external enemies and find out what sacrifices are necessary to restore balance.
29. Thor: Love and Thunder
In Thor: Love and Thunder, Thor returns to support his old friend Jane Foster, who has rediscovered herself as Mighty Thor. Together they must fight Gorr the Godslayer, who wants to wipe out the gods. Meanwhile, Thor struggles with his own journey to find his place in the universe and come to terms with his past. The film combines humor, action and emotional moments in an adventure that explores Thor's legacy and relationships.
30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, the inhabitants of Wakanda fight for their land and their identity after the death of King T'Challa. The film deals with the mourning for T'Challa and the question of who will take over the role of Black Panther. At the same time, Wakanda faces a new threat from the powerful ruler of Talokan, Namor, who incites a conflict with the world. The story revolves around the struggle to protect Wakanda, the confrontation with loss and the search for new leadership.
31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
In “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”, Scott Lang (Ant-Man) and Hope van Dyne (Wasp) become embroiled in an adventure in the quantum state as they attempt to rescue Hope's mother Janet van Dyne from the Quantum Realm. During their journey, they encounter new, mysterious threats and meet the powerful villain Kang the Conqueror, who has extraordinary powers and dangerous plans. The team must stand their ground against this new threat while trying to escape the quantum state to save their world.
32. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, the Guardians must face a new threat when their past and relationships dramatically impact their mission. The story revolves around the rescue of a member of the team held captive by a mysterious force and reveals deep secrets about Rocket Raccoon's past. As they travel across the universe and face various adversaries, they discover new alliances and battle dark forces to save their family and protect the universe.
33. The Marvels
Three extraordinary heroines come together in “The Marvels”: Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) and Monica Rambeau. After a mysterious phenomenon links their powers, they must fight together against a new threat that puts the universe in danger. As they must synchronize their powers and work together, they discover more about their own abilities and the connections they share.