Welcome to the gigantic world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), helmed by Marvel Studios! From Iron Man (2008) to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), the MCU stands tall as the biggest blockbuster franchise out there. It’s not just about the 31 movies; there’s a bunch of Disney Plus shows too. And it doesn’t look like they’re stopping anytime soon. With new flicks like Blade, Deadpool 3, and Fantastic Four on the horizon, the hype train isn’t pulling into the station yet. So, if you’re just getting started or gearing up for a marathon, knowing how to watch Marvel movies in release order or chronological order is key. Each film and show is a piece of a larger puzzle.

Watching Marvel Movies in Chronological Order

If you’ve already met the MCU and want a new way to navigate through the stories, watching the Marvel movies in chronological order is a cool twist. This method lets you see the universe unfold just as the characters experience it. Here’s how you can jump into the timeline:

  • Captain America: The First Avenger (1942-1943)

It starts right at the very beginning with Steve Rogers becoming Captain America during World War II. It’s here we first encounter the Tesseract, setting the stage for much of the MCU’s storyline.

  • Captain Marvel (1995)

Zip forward to the ’90s with Captain Marvel, where Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, teams up with a young Nick Fury. This one’s packed with action and a sweet dose of nostalgia (hello, Blockbuster and dial-up internet!).

  • Iron Man (2010)

Fast forward to Tony Stark building his first suit and becoming Iron Man. It is here where the modern MCU starts to take shape.

  • Iron Man 2 (2011)

Following the events of Iron Man, Tony Stark faces pressure from all sides to share his technology, while battling his health issues and a new enemy.

  • The Incredible Hulk (2011)

At the same time as Iron Man 2, Bruce Banner turns into the Hulk on the run from General Ross. While not the most loved MCU movie, it’s crucial for understanding the Hulk’s backstory.

  • Thor (2011)

The God of Thunder is banished to Earth, giving us another piece of the Avengers puzzle. And setting up his relationship with humans and his brother Loki’s mischief.

  • The Avengers (2012)

All the threads come together with the Avengers teaming up for the first time to stop Loki and his alien army in a battle that would set the tone for future team-ups.

 

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Marvel Movies in Release Order

For newcomers, watching Marvel movies in release order might be the way to go:

Starting with Phase 1

  1. Iron Man (2008)
  2. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
  3. Iron Man 2 (2010)
  4. Thor (2011)
  5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
  6. The Avengers (2012)

On to Phase 2

  1. Iron Man 3 (2013)
  2. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
  3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
  4. Guardians of the Music Galaxy (2014)
  5. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
  6. Ant-Man (2015)

Moving to Phase 3

  1. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
  2. Doctor Strange (2016)
  3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
  4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
  5. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
  6. Black Panther (2017)
  7. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
  8. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
  9. Captain Marvel (2019)
  10. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
  11. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Phase 4

  1. WandaVision (TV Show, 2021)
  2. Falcon and the Winter Soldier (TV Show, 2021)
  3. Loki S1 (TV Show, 2021)
  4. Black Widow (2021)
  5. What If…? (TV Show, 2021)
  6. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
  7. Eternals (2021)
  8. Hawkeye (TV Show, 2021)
  9. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
  10. Moon Knight (TV Show, 2022)
  11. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
  12. Ms. Marvel (TV Show, 2022)
  13. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
  14. I Am Groot (TV Show, 2022)
  15. She-Hulk (TV Show, 2022)
  16. Werewolf By Night (Special, 2022)
  17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
  18. Guardians of the Galaxy Christmas Special (Special, 2022)

Phase 5

  1. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
  2. Secret Invasion (2023)
  3. Loki S2 (2023)
  4. The Marvels (November 11, 2023)
  5. Echo (2023-2024)
  6. Ironheart (2023-2024)
  7. Agatha: Coven of Chaos (2023-2024)
  8. Daredevil: Born Again (2024)
  9. Captain America: New World Order (May 3, 2024)
  10. Thunderbolts (July 26, 2024)
  11. Blade (September 6 2024)
  12. Deadpool 3 (November 8, 2024)
  13. Upcoming MCU Releases to Look Out For
  14. Fantastic Four Marvel MCU Kevin Feige

Upcoming MCU Releases to Look Out For

The MCU isn’t slowing down, with more thrilling adventures on the horizon:

  1. Fantastic Four (February 14, 2025)
  2. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (May 2, 2025)
  3. Avengers: Secret Wars (May 1, 2026)

Furthermore, more to-be-announced titles like Shang-Chi 2, Nova, Armor Wars, Wakanda/Okoye, Wonder Man, What If…? Seasons 2 & 3, Spider-Man: Freshman Year, and Marvel Zombies.

No matter which order you choose to watch—whether it’s Marvel movies in release order for the unfolding narrative or chronological order for story continuity—the MCU offers an expansive cinematic experience that continues to captivate audiences around the world. So, get ready for more action, more heroes, and more unforgettable moments!

So Grab Some Popcorn

No matter which way you choose to watch, the MCU offers a roller-coaster ride of emotions, action, and epic storytelling. Chronological order lets you follow the characters’ timelines closely, while release order offers the thrill of discovery and suspense as new chapters unfold. Find your favorite spot on the couch, and start your Marvel movie marathon today!