The Ultimate Marvel Movies and Shows Watch Order: Your Guide to the MCU
Hey there, Marvel fans! Are you ready to dive into the sprawling, interconnected world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? With over 20 movies and a growing number of TV shows, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out the best Marvel movies and shows watch order. Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this ultimate guide, we'll break down the perfect viewing order for both movies and shows, ensuring you don't miss a single reference or Easter egg. So grab your popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and marvel movies and shows watch order.
Phase One: The Foundation
The MCU began with Iron Man in 2008, so it's only fitting that we start our watch order there. These early movies laid the groundwork for the shared universe and introduced us to some of our favorite heroes.
1. Iron Man (2008)
Kick off your MCU journey with Tony Stark's iconic debut. This film not only introduced us to the brilliant, snarky billionaire but also set the tone for the entire universe. Plus, it's got one of the best post-credit scenes in the MCU!
2. The Incredible Hulk (2009)
While The Incredible Hulk isn't as well-regarded as some other MCU movies, it's still an essential part of the story. It introduces us to the Hulk and sets the stage for his future appearances.
3. Iron Man 2 (2010)
Tony Stark is back, and this time he's dealing with the consequences of his actions in the first film. Iron Man 2 also introduces us to Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow, who becomes a crucial player in the MCU.
4. Thor (2011)
Prepare to get hammered! Thor introduces us to the God of Thunder and his world of Asgard. This film also sets the stage for the Avengers Initiative, which brings us to our next movie.
5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Meet Steve Rogers, the scrawny kid who becomes Captain America. This film is set during World War II and introduces us to the Red Skull and the Tesseract, an Infinity Stone that will become important later on.
6. The Avengers (2012)
Earth's mightiest heroes assemble! The Avengers brings together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye to face off against the villainous Loki. This movie is a perfect culmination of Phase One and a must-watch in your Marvel movies and shows watch order.
Phase Two: The Universe Expands
Phase Two sees the MCU branching out with new heroes and storylines, all while building towards the epic showdown against Thanos.
7. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Tony Stark faces his biggest challenge yet in Iron Man 3, dealing with post-traumatic stress and a new foe in the Mandarin. This film also introduces us to the concept of the "ten rings," which will become important later on.
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor returns in Thor: The Dark World, this time teaming up with his trickster brother Loki to take on the Dark Elf Malekith. This film also introduces us to the Reality Stone, another Infinity Stone.
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Steve Rogers finds himself up against a new threat in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, as he teams up with Black Widow to take on the mysterious Winter Soldier and the sinister HYDRA. This film is a political thriller that also sets the stage for future MCU events.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Get ready to dance with the stars! Guardians of the Galaxy introduces us to a whole new side of the MCU, with a ragtag group of heroes who must come together to stop a powerful villain. This film also introduces us to the Power Stone, another Infinity Stone.
11. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
The Guardians are back, and this time they're dealing with family drama in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. This film also introduces us to the Sovereign, a powerful alien race that will become important later on.
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Tony Stark's attempt to create a new AI defense system goes awry in Avengers: Age of Ultron, leading to the creation of the villainous Ultron. This film also introduces us to the Vision and Wanda Maximoff, a.k.a. Scarlet Witch.
13. Ant-Man (2015)
Meet Scott Lang, the hero who can shrink down to the size of an ant. Ant-Man is a heist film that also introduces us to the Quantum Realm, a mysterious dimension that will become important later on.
14. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
The Avengers are divided in Captain America: Civil War, as Steve Rogers and Tony Stark find themselves on opposite sides of a political divide. This film also introduces us to the Black Panther and the new Spider-Man.
Phase Three: The Infinity Saga
Phase Three brings us the epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga, as the Avengers face off against the mad titan Thanos and his quest for the Infinity Stones.
15. Black Widow (2021)
Before we dive into the main events of Phase Three, we need to take a detour back in time with Black Widow. This film follows Natasha Romanoff as she confronts her past and faces off against the Taskmaster. While it's not strictly necessary to watch this film before the others in Phase Three, it does provide some important context for the events that follow.
16. Doctor Strange (2016)
Prepare to expand your mind with Doctor Strange, which introduces us to the mystical side of the MCU. This film follows the brilliant but arrogant surgeon Stephen Strange as he learns the ways of magic and becomes the Sorcerer Supreme.
17. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man swings into the MCU in Spider-Man: Homecoming. This film follows Peter Parker as he deals with the fallout from the events of Civil War and faces off against the Vulture.
18. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Thor finds himself in a gladiatorial arena on the planet Sakaar in Thor: Ragnarok. This film sees the God of Thunder teaming up with the Hulk and facing off against the goddess of death, Hela.
19. Black Panther (2018)
T'Challa, the new king of Wakanda, must defend his throne and his country in Black Panther. This film is a cultural phenomenon that also introduces us to the powerful vibranium metal and the advanced technology of Wakanda.
20. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
The moment we've all been waiting for is here! Avengers: Infinity War brings together every hero in the MCU to face off against the mad titan Thanos and his quest for the Infinity Stones. This film is a culmination of everything that has come before it and features some of the most shocking and emotional moments in the MCU.
21. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
While Avengers: Infinity War is happening, Scott Lang is dealing with his own problems in the Quantum Realm in Ant-Man and the Wasp. This film also introduces us to the concept of time travel, which will become important in the next film.
22. Captain Marvel (2019)
Meet Carol Danvers, the most powerful hero in the MCU. Captain Marvel follows her journey from Earth to the stars and back again, as she faces off against the Skrulls and the Kree. This film also introduces us to the Tesseract, which will become important in the next film.
23. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga is here! Avengers: Endgame sees the remaining Avengers traveling through time to collect the Infinity Stones and reverse the snap that wiped out half of all life in the universe. This film features some of the most emotional and satisfying moments in the MCU and brings the story full circle.
The Disney+ Shows
While the MCU movies are the main event, the Disney+ shows have become an essential part of the universe. These shows take place in the same world as the movies and often feature crossover events and references.
1. WandaVision (2021)
Kicking off the Disney+ era of the MCU is WandaVision, which follows Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they live in a series of sitcom-inspired realities. This show explores the nature of reality and the power of love, all while setting the stage for future MCU events.
2. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes team up in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, as they face off against a new threat in the form of the Flag-Smashers. This show also explores the legacy of Captain America and the future of the shield.
3. Loki (2021)
The God of Mischief is back in Loki, which follows the trickster as he navigates the complexities of time travel and the Time Variance Authority. This show also introduces us to the multiverse and sets the stage for future MCU events.
4. What If...? (2021)
What If...? is an animated series that explores alternate realities in the MCU, featuring the voices of many of the actors from the movies and shows. This series is a must-watch for any MCU fan and features some truly mind-blowing moments.
5. Hawkeye (2021)
Clint Barton is back in Hawkeye, which follows the archer as he trains a new protege and faces off against the Tracksuit Mafia. This show also introduces us to the new Kate Bishop and sets the stage for the future of the MCU.
6. Moon Knight (2022)
Moon Knight follows the mysterious Marc Spector as he navigates his dissociative identity disorder and becomes the Moon Knight, a hero with powers tied to the phases of the moon. This show features some truly trippy moments and introduces us to some new aspects of the MCU.
7. She-Hulk (2022)
Jennifer Walters, the cousin of Bruce Banner, becomes the She-Hulk in She-Hulk. This show follows Jennifer as she navigates her new life as a superhero and deals with the legal implications of the superhuman world.
8. Secret Invasion (2023)
Secret Invasion is an upcoming Disney+ series that will explore the Skrull invasion of Earth, as seen in the comics. This show is set to feature many of the heroes from the MCU and promises to be a major event in the universe.