Your Ultimate Guide To Marvel Release Order: Watching The MCU

Looking to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? Perhaps you're a long-time fan ready for a rewatch, or a newcomer eager to dive into one of the most expansive and beloved cinematic sagas of all time. Either way, understanding the correct **marvel release order** is crucial for an optimal viewing experience. This isn't just about watching a bunch of superhero movies; it's about embarking on an epic journey that spans decades, connects intricate storylines, and introduces a pantheon of iconic characters.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) centers on a series of American superhero films produced by Marvel Studios based on characters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics. Since their inception, these films have captivated audiences worldwide, weaving a complex tapestry of heroes, villains, and cosmic events. With so many films and now TV series, figuring out the best way to watch can be daunting. But don't worry, because we're bringing a list of the marvel movies in order to you, designed to make your rewatch or first-time viewing as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

**Spoilers ahead for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.** While we aim to guide you through the viewing order, some plot points or character appearances might be implicitly revealed by their placement in the timeline. Proceed with caution if you're completely new to the saga!

Table of Contents

The Marvel Cinematic Universe Unpacked

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a sprawling media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. These films are based on characters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics. The journey began quietly, but confidently, in 2008 with a single film. The films have been in production since 2007, and in that time Marvel Studios has produced and released 36 films, with at least 9 more in various stages of development. This monumental undertaking has redefined blockbuster cinema, proving that a meticulously planned, interconnected narrative across multiple films and now television series can achieve unprecedented success and fan engagement.

What sets the MCU apart is its commitment to continuity. Every film and series, for the most part, builds upon what came before, leading to grand crossover events like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. This interconnectedness is why understanding the **marvel release order** or a chronological viewing order is so important. It's not just about watching individual stories; it's about experiencing one colossal narrative unfold. This commitment to a shared universe allows for character development that spans years, plot threads that mature over multiple films, and a sense of a living, breathing world where heroes and villains constantly evolve.

Two Main Ways to Watch: The Marvel Release Order

There are a couple of main ways to approach an MCU rewatch though if you want to have some sense of order. The most common and arguably the intended way to experience the MCU is by following the **marvel release order**. This is how the films were originally presented to audiences, and thus, how the narrative reveals, character introductions, and post-credits scenes were designed to be experienced. Watching in release order means you encounter twists and new characters exactly as Marvel Studios intended, preserving the element of surprise and the natural progression of the overarching story.

You can either watch everything in the order they were released, or... you can opt for a chronological watch order. The chronological approach arranges the films and series based on the in-universe timeline of events. This means that films like Captain America: The First Avenger, which takes place during World War II, would come much earlier in a chronological viewing, even though it was released later in the MCU's production schedule. While marvel “multiverse” movies do not line up with mcu movies in terms of timelines and chronological release date orders, we’ve prepared the release date order for all MCU content, ensuring you get the full, interconnected story. Both methods have their merits, but for a first-time viewer, the release order is generally recommended to avoid potential spoilers and appreciate the narrative pacing as it was originally designed.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies by Release Date

Here are all the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies in order of when they were released, broken up into “phases” that Marvel Studios uses to denote smaller story arcs within the larger saga. This is the ultimate guide to watching the movies in order, by release date. This list includes all films and Disney+ series, offering the most comprehensive **marvel release order** for your viewing pleasure.

Phase 1: Assembling the Avengers (2008-2012)

Phase 1 laid the groundwork for the entire MCU, introducing its core heroes and culminating in their first grand team-up. It all began with a groundbreaking film that proved superhero movies could be more than just action flicks.

  • Iron Man (May 2, 2008): The film that started it all. After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit. This film single-handedly launched the MCU, proving that a lesser-known character could carry a blockbuster.
  • The Incredible Hulk (June 13, 2008): A standalone adventure for Bruce Banner.
  • Iron Man 2 (May 7, 2010): Tony Stark faces new threats and personal demons.
  • Thor (May 6, 2011): Introducing the God of Thunder from Asgard.
  • Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22, 2011): The origin story of Steve Rogers, a scrawny kid who becomes a super-soldier. This film, while released late in Phase 1, is chronologically the earliest event in the MCU.
  • The Avengers (May 4, 2012): The epic culmination of Phase 1, bringing Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye together for the first time.

Phase 2: The World Expands (2013-2015)

Phase 2 delved deeper into the consequences of the events of The Avengers, expanding the universe both geographically and cosmically, while introducing new characters and concepts. The **marvel release order** here continues to build on established lore.

  • Iron Man 3 (May 3, 2013): Tony Stark deals with PTSD and a new villain.
  • Thor: The Dark World (November 8, 2013): Thor returns to Asgard to face an ancient evil.
  • Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 4, 2014): A spy thriller that significantly reshaped the MCU.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1, 2014): A cosmic adventure with a new team of unlikely heroes.
  • Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 1, 2015): The Avengers face an artificial intelligence threat.
  • Ant-Man (July 17, 2015): Introducing Scott Lang and the Pym Particles.

Phase 3: Infinity Saga Culmination (2016-2019)

Phase 3 was the grand crescendo, bringing together all the threads from the previous phases into an epic showdown with Thanos, the Mad Titan. This phase represents the pinnacle of the Infinity Saga, delivering on years of build-up. Following the **marvel release order** here is paramount for the emotional impact.

  • Captain America: Civil War (May 6, 2016): Heroes clash over government oversight, introducing Spider-Man and Black Panther.
  • Doctor Strange (November 4, 2016): The origin of the Sorcerer Supreme.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (May 5, 2017): The Guardians explore Peter Quill's parentage.
  • Spider-Man: Homecoming (July 7, 2017): Peter Parker balances high school with superheroics.
  • Thor: Ragnarok (November 3, 2017): A vibrant, comedic, and action-packed adventure for Thor.
  • Black Panther (February 16, 2018): The groundbreaking story of T'Challa, King of Wakanda.
  • Avengers: Infinity War (April 27, 2018): The beginning of the end, as Thanos collects the Infinity Stones.
  • Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 6, 2018): A lighter adventure set before Infinity War's devastating ending.
  • Captain Marvel (March 8, 2019): Carol Danvers' origin story, set in the 1990s.
  • Avengers: Endgame (April 26, 2019): The epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga, tying together 11 years of storytelling.
  • Spider-Man: Far From Home (July 2, 2019): The first film of the post-Endgame era, dealing with the aftermath.

The Multiverse Saga: Phases 4, 5, and Beyond

With the Infinity Saga concluded, Marvel Studios embarked on "The Multiverse Saga," introducing new heroes, expanding the concept of the multiverse, and integrating Disney+ series directly into the main continuity. This marks a significant evolution in the **marvel release order**, as TV shows now hold just as much importance as the films.

Phase 4: A New Era of Heroes (2021-2022)

Phase 4 kicked off with a blend of theatrical releases and groundbreaking Disney+ series, showcasing new storytelling formats and introducing a fresh roster of characters.

  • WandaVision (January 15 – March 5, 2021): Disney+ series exploring grief and reality.
  • The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (March 19 – April 23, 2021): Disney+ series following Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes.
  • Loki (June 9 – July 14, 2021): Disney+ series delving into time travel and variants.
  • Black Widow (July 9, 2021): Natasha Romanoff's solo adventure, set after Civil War.
  • What If…? (August 11, 2021 – October 6, 2021): Animated Disney+ series exploring alternate realities.
  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3, 2021): Introducing a new martial arts hero.
  • Eternals (November 5, 2021): A new team of ancient, immortal beings.
  • Hawkeye (November 24 – December 22, 2021): Disney+ series introducing Kate Bishop.
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021): A multiverse-shattering event for Peter Parker.
  • Moon Knight (March 30 – May 4, 2022): Disney+ series exploring a complex new hero.
  • Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (May 6, 2022): Diving deep into the multiverse.
  • Ms. Marvel (June 8 – July 13, 2022): Disney+ series introducing Kamala Khan.
  • Thor: Love and Thunder (July 8, 2022): Thor's latest cosmic adventure.
  • She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (August 18 – October 13, 2022): Disney+ series featuring Jennifer Walters.
  • Werewolf by Night (October 7, 2022): A special presentation for Disney+.
  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (November 11, 2022): Honoring Chadwick Boseman and continuing the legacy of Wakanda.
  • The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (November 25, 2022): A festive Disney+ special.

Phase 5: The Next Generation (2023-Present)

Phase 5 continues the expansion of the Multiverse Saga, further developing new characters and setting the stage for future crossover events. The evolving **marvel release order** showcases Marvel's ambitious long-term plans.

  • Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (February 17, 2023): Kicking off Phase 5, featuring Kang the Conqueror.
  • Secret Invasion (June 21 – July 26, 2023): Disney+ series focusing on Nick Fury.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5, 2023): The final adventure for this iteration of the Guardians.
  • Loki (Season 2) (October 5 – November 9, 2023): Continuing Loki's multiversal journey.
  • The Marvels (November 10, 2023): Captain Marvel teams up with Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau.
  • Echo (January 9, 2024): Disney+ series spinning off from Hawkeye.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies in Chronological Order

For those who prefer to experience the story as it unfolds in-universe, here’s a simplified chronological **marvel release order**. This order can be particularly satisfying for a rewatch, as it connects events that might have been released years apart.

  1. Captain America: The First Avenger
  2. Captain Marvel
  3. Iron Man
  4. Iron Man 2
  5. The Incredible Hulk
  6. Thor
  7. The Avengers
  8. Thor: The Dark World
  9. Iron Man 3
  10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  11. Guardians of the Galaxy
  12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
  13. Avengers: Age of Ultron
  14. Ant-Man
  15. Captain America: Civil War
  16. Black Widow
  17. Black Panther
  18. Spider-Man: Homecoming
  19. Doctor Strange
  20. Thor: Ragnarok
  21. Ant-Man and the Wasp
  22. Avengers: Infinity War
  23. Avengers: Endgame
  24. Loki (Season 1)
  25. What If...? (Season 1)
  26. WandaVision
  27. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
  28. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
  29. Spider-Man: Far From Home
  30. Eternals
  31. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
  32. Hawkeye
  33. Moon Knight
  34. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
  35. Ms. Marvel
  36. Thor: Love and Thunder
  37. Werewolf by Night
  38. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
  39. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
  40. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
  41. Secret Invasion
  42. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
  43. Loki (Season 2)
  44. The Marvels
  45. Echo

It's worth noting that exact chronological placement for some series can be debated due to overlapping timelines or vague temporal markers. However, this list provides a generally accepted **marvel release order** for chronological viewing.

Why the Marvel Release Order Matters

Following the **marvel release order** is often recommended, especially for first-time viewers, because it preserves the intended narrative flow and reveals. Marvel Studios meticulously planned the introduction of characters, concepts, and overarching threats. Post-credits scenes, for instance, are specifically designed to tease upcoming films that were released next. Watching chronologically might mean you see a character introduced in a flashback film before their actual "first appearance" in a film released earlier.

For example, while Captain Marvel is set in the 1990s, its release in 2019 means its reveals and character connections are meant to be understood with the context of films like Avengers: Infinity War already in mind. Similarly, the impact of Tony Stark's journey, starting with him creating a unique weaponized suit after being held captive in an Afghan cave, resonates differently when seen as the foundation of the entire saga, as presented in the release order. The emotional weight of Avengers: Endgame, for instance, is amplified by having followed every character's journey as it unfolded over a decade of releases. The narrative tension, the surprises, and the grand payoffs are all meticulously crafted within the original **marvel release order**.

Upcoming MCU Movies & TV Shows

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an ever-expanding entity. This list will be updated as new MCU movies and shows are released. As of early 2024, here's a look at some of the highly anticipated upcoming MCU movies & TV shows that will continue to build on the existing **marvel release order**:

  • Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26, 2024): The Merc with a Mouth officially joins the MCU.
  • Agatha All Along (Fall 2024): Disney+ series following Agatha Harkness from WandaVision.
  • Captain America: Brave New World (February 14, 2025): Sam Wilson's first solo outing as Captain America.
  • Thunderbolts* (May 2, 2025): A team of anti-heroes and reformed villains.
  • Blade (November 7, 2025): The Daywalker returns to the big screen.
  • Fantastic Four (May 2, 2025): Marvel's First Family finally makes their MCU debut.
  • Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (May 1, 2026): The next major Avengers team-up.
  • Avengers: Secret Wars (May 7, 2027): The epic conclusion to The Multiverse Saga.
  • Additional series like Daredevil: Born Again and others are also in various stages of development.

The sheer volume of content, with Marvel Studios having produced and released 36 films and numerous series, with at least 9 more in various stages of development, speaks to the enduring popularity and ambitious scope of the MCU. Keeping track of the **marvel release order** for these upcoming titles is key for staying current with the saga.

Crafting Your Ultimate Marvel Experience

Whether you choose to follow the strict **marvel release order** or opt for a chronological journey, the most important thing is to enjoy the ride. Each film and series offers a unique piece of the puzzle, contributing to a narrative tapestry unlike anything else in cinematic history. We’ve listed all the MCU movies and series, giving you the comprehensive guide you need.

Here's your ultimate guide to watching the movies in order, by release date and chronologically. So, now suit up, because you're ready to dive deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe! Which **marvel release order** will you choose for your next rewatch? Share your movie, TV & celebrity picks, and let us know your favorite way to experience the MCU in the comments below! Don't forget to share this ultimate guide with fellow Marvel fans, and check out our other articles for more insights into your favorite cinematic universes.

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