What Order Should I Watch Marvel Movies? A Comprehensive Guide

Alright, guys! So, you've decided to dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but you're not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've all been there. With over 20 movies and counting, it can be a bit overwhelming. But fear not! Today, we're going to break down what order to watch Marvel movies so you can enjoy the cinematic experience as intended. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what order marvel movies.

Understanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe Timeline

Before we dive into the viewing order, let's quickly understand the MCU timeline. The MCU follows a chronological order, meaning the events in the movies happen in a specific sequence. However, Marvel has been a bit sneaky with their release dates, often releasing movies out of order to keep us on the edge of our seats.

So, while the release order is great for following the hype and anticipation, it's not the best way to understand the story. That's where this guide comes in!

What Order Should I Watch Marvel Movies: Release Order

If you're a fan of following the hype and experiencing the movies as they were released, then the release order is for you. This order is perfect for those who want to feel the anticipation and excitement of each new movie as it hits the theaters.

Here's the release order of MCU movies:

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)
7. Iron Man 3 (2013)
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
12. Ant-Man (2015)
13. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
14. Doctor Strange (2016)
15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
17. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
18. Black Panther (2018)
19. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
20. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
21. Captain Marvel (2019)
22. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
23. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
24. Black Widow (2021)
25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
26. Eternals (2021)
27. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
28. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
29. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
31. The Marvels (2023)

What Order Should I Watch Marvel Movies: Chronological Order

Now, if you're more interested in following the story as it unfolded in the MCU timeline, then the chronological order is the way to go. This order might be a bit confusing at times, as the release dates don't match the story's timeline. But don't worry, we'll guide you through it!

Here's the chronological order of MCU movies:

1. Captain America: The First Avenger (1940s)
2. Captain Marvel (1989-1995)
3. Iron Man (2010)
4. Iron Man 2 (2011)
5. Thor (2011)
6. The Incredible Hulk (2011)
7. Avengers (2012)
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
9. Iron Man 3 (2013)
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
11. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2014)
13. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
14. Ant-Man (2015)
15. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
16. Black Widow (2016)
17. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2016)
18. Doctor Strange (2016)
19. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
20. Black Panther (2017)
21. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2017)
22. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
23. Captain Marvel (2018)
24. Avengers: Endgame (2023)
25. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2024)
26. Black Widow (2024)
27. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2024)
28. Eternals (2024)
29. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2025)
30. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2025)
31. Thor: Love and Thunder (2025)
32. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2026)
33. The Marvels (2027)

What Order Should I Watch Marvel Movies: Phase-wise Order

Marvel has divided the MCU into phases, with each phase focusing on a specific theme or story arc. If you're interested in following the phases, then the phase-wise order is for you.

Here's the phase-wise order of MCU movies:

Phase One: The Origin Stories

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)

Phase Two: The Expansion

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

Phase Three: The Infinity Saga

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 (2018)
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 Four: The Multiverse Saga

1. Black Widow (2021)
2. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
3. Eternals (2021)
4. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
6. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
7. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
8. The Marvels (2023)

The Marvel TV Shows: Where Do They Fit In?

Marvel has also expanded its universe with TV shows, and if you're planning to watch them, you might be wondering where they fit in. Here's a quick guide:

1. Agent Carter (2015-2016) - Set in the 1940s, this TV show takes place after the events of "Captain America: The First Avenger" and before the main MCU timeline.

2. Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders (2015-2018) - Known as the "Netflix Marvel Universe," these shows are set in the MCU but have a different tone and focus on street-level heroes. They take place during the same time as the movies but don't directly interact with the main MCU timeline.

3. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-2020) - This show takes place during and after the events of the movies, with some crossover events. It's best to watch it alongside the movies, starting from Phase One.

4. Runaways (2017-2019) - This show takes place in the MCU but has a different tone and focuses on a group of teenagers. It doesn't directly interact with the main MCU timeline.

5. Cloak & Dagger (2018-2019) - This show is set in the MCU but has a different tone and focuses on two teenagers with superpowers. It doesn't directly interact with the main MCU timeline.

6. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (2021) - This show takes place after the events of "Avengers: Endgame" and follows Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes in the aftermath of the blip.

7. WandaVision (2021) - This show takes place after the events of "Avengers: Endgame" and follows Wanda Maximoff and Vision in a suburban neighborhood.

8. Loki (2021-present) - This show takes place after the events of "Avengers: Endgame" and follows Loki as he navigates the Time Variance Authority.

9. What If...? (2021-present) - This animated series explores alternate realities in the MCU, with some episodes tying into the main timeline.

10. Hawkeye (2021) - This show takes place after the events of "Avengers: Endgame" and follows Clint Barton and Kate Bishop as they team up to take down a criminal organization.

11. **Moon Knight (202