Your Ultimate Guide to Marvel Films: Order of Release
Hey there, Marvel fans! We know you're eager to dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but with so many films released over the years, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out the best order to watch them. Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through the Marvel films order of release, ensuring you catch every plot twist and Easter egg along the way. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and marvel films order of release.
The Early Days: Phase One
Iron Man (2008)
Kickstarting the MCU, Iron Man hit theaters in 2008, introducing us to the brilliant, eccentric, and charismatic Tony Stark. This film laid the foundation for the entire MCU, with its post-credit scene hinting at future collaborations and crossovers.
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
While not a direct sequel, The Incredible Hulk is still an essential part of Phase One. It introduces us to Bruce Banner and the Hulk, and features a post-credit scene that ties it into the broader MCU.
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Tony Stark returns in Iron Man 2, which not only expands on his story but also introduces us to Black Widow and Hawkeye, setting the stage for future Avengers assemblies.
Thor (2011)
In Thor, the God of Thunder is stripped of his powers and sent to Earth, where he must learn humility and earn his way back to Asgard. This film also introduces us to Loki, Thor's mischievous brother, who becomes a recurring antagonist throughout the MCU.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Captain America: The First Avenger takes us back in time to World War II, where Steve Rogers is transformed into the super-soldier Captain America. This film also introduces the Tesseract, a powerful Infinity Stone that plays a significant role in the MCU.
The Avengers (2012)
The culmination of Phase One, The Avengers brings together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye to face the threat of Loki and the Chitauri. This film is a must-watch, as it sets the tone for future Avengers collaborations.
Expanding the Universe: Phase Two
Iron Man 3 (2013)
In Iron Man 3, Tony Stark faces post-traumatic stress from the Battle of New York and must confront a new enemy, the Mandarin. This film also introduces us to the Extremis technology, which plays a role in future MCU films.
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor: The Dark World sees Thor and Jane Foster battling the Dark Elf Malekith, who seeks to plunge the universe into darkness. This film also introduces us to the Reality Stone, another Infinity Stone that will factor into future MCU events.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a political thriller that sees Steve Rogers and Black Widow battling HYDRA operatives within S.H.I.E.L.D. This film also introduces us to the Winter Soldier, a brainwashed Bucky Barnes, and features a post-credit scene that sets the stage for future MCU films.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy introduces us to a ragtag group of heroes from across the galaxy, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot, and Rocket Raccoon. This film also features the Power Stone, another Infinity Stone that will play a crucial role in the MCU.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
In Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Avengers face off against the titular villain, an artificial intelligence created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. This film also introduces us to the Vision and Scarlet Witch, who become key members of the Avengers.
Ant-Man (2015)
Ant-Man introduces us to Scott Lang, a thief with a heart of gold who becomes the titular hero. This film also features a post-credit scene that sets the stage for future MCU films, including the events of Captain America: Civil War.
A New Era: Phase Three
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Captain America: Civil War pits the Avengers against each other, as Steve Rogers and Tony Stark disagree on how to handle superhuman registration. This film also introduces us to Black Panther and Spider-Man, who become key players in the MCU.
Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Strange introduces us to the mystical side of the MCU, following the journey of Stephen Strange as he becomes the Sorcerer Supreme. This film also features the Time Stone, another Infinity Stone that will factor into future MCU events.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 sees the Guardians facing off against Ego, a powerful being who claims to be Peter Quill's father. This film also introduces us to the Sovereign, a race of golden-skinned beings who seek revenge against the Guardians.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming sees Peter Parker navigating high school life while also trying to prove himself as a hero. This film also features a post-credit scene that sets the stage for future MCU films, including the events of Avengers: Infinity War.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Thor: Ragnarok sees Thor battling his sister Hela and the Hulk in a gladiatorial arena on the planet Sakaar. This film also features the Tesseract, which plays a significant role in the film's climax.
Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther follows T'Challa as he returns to Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. This film also explores the history and culture of Wakanda, as well as the consequences of the country's isolationist policies.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War brings together the entire MCU to face off against Thanos, who seeks to collect all six Infinity Stones and wipe out half of all life in the universe. This film is a must-watch, as it features numerous plot twists and shocking moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Ant-Man and the Wasp follows Scott Lang as he helps Hope van Dyne and Hank Pym on a mission that has consequences for the entire MCU. This film also features a post-credit scene that ties into the events of Avengers: Endgame.
Captain Marvel (2019)
Captain Marvel introduces us to Carol Danvers, a former Air Force pilot who becomes the titular hero. This film also explores the history of the Kree-Skrull War and its connection to the MCU's past events.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The culmination of Phase Three, Avengers: Endgame sees the remaining Avengers traveling through time to collect the Infinity Stones and reverse the snap that occurred at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. This film is a must-watch, as it features numerous callbacks to previous MCU films and brings the Infinity Saga to a satisfying conclusion.
The Future: Phase Four and Beyond
With the Infinity Saga complete, the MCU is now entering a new era, focusing on new heroes and stories. Here's a brief overview of the upcoming Marvel films order of release:
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Spider-Man: Far From Home sees Peter Parker and his friends on a school trip to Europe, where they encounter the mysterious Quentin Beck, also known as Mysterio.
Black Widow (2021)
Black Widow follows Natasha Romanoff as she confronts her past and faces off against the Taskmaster. This film is set between the events of Civil War and Infinity War.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is a streaming series that follows Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as they team up to take down a new threat, the Flag-Smashers.
Loki (2021)
Loki is a streaming series that follows the God of Mischief as he travels through time and faces off against the mysterious Time Variance Authority.
WandaVision (2021)
WandaVision is a streaming series that follows Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they live in a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood, only to discover that something is not quite right.
The Eternals (2021)
The Eternals introduces us to a new group of heroes, the Eternals, who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. This film is set to explore the origins of the MCU and its connection to the cosmic side of the universe.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings follows Shang-Chi as he confronts his past and faces off against the mysterious Ten Rings organization.
What If...? (2021)
What If...? is an animated series that explores alternate realities and asks "What if?" questions about the MCU's past events.
Hawkeye (2021)
Hawkeye is a streaming series that follows Clint Barton as he trains a new archer, Kate Bishop, and faces off against a new threat, the Tracksuit Mafia.
Ms. Marvel (2022)
Ms. Marvel is a streaming series that follows Kamala Khan as she discovers her powers and becomes the titular hero.
She-Hulk (2022)
She-Hulk is a streaming series that follows Jennifer Walters as she navigates the challenges of being a lawyer and a superhuman.
Moon Knight (2022)
Moon Knight is a streaming series that follows Marc Spector as he becomes the titular hero and faces off against the mysterious cult of Khonshu.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Thor: Love and Thunder sees Thor teaming up with the Guardians of the Galaxy to face off against a new threat, the God Butcher.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the sequel to Black Panther and will explore the consequences of T'Challa's death and the future of Wakanda.
The Marvels (2022)
The Marvels is the sequel to Captain Marvel and will feature the return of Carol Danvers, as well as the introduction of Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will bring the story of the Guardians to a close, as they face off against