How to Watch All of the MCU Films in Order

Avengers unite! Unless you’ve been living under a rock since 2008, you’ve heard of the ever-growing Marvel Cinematic Universe. Most people refer to it as the MCU. But what if someone hasn’t seen a single AvengersWant to make a movie?

Where should a new fan begin? How should a new fan watch the MCU films? This list guides viewers through the chronological order of the overall story’s timeline rather than release date order. Some movies take places either Before Or After Other films can be confusing.

Let’s start with the first film in Marvel Studio’s timeline up through the end of the Infinity Saga. That’s the first major multi-movie storyline for the MCU, making it a great place to begin!

Scroll down to find our guide on how we watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, arranged chronologically.

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Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

It all began during World War II. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is a man who is tiny in size but has a grand heart and wants to follow best friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) to the frontlines. His life completely changes when he’s selected as the subject for an important experiment: being given a serum that transforms him into a super soldier: Captain America!

He is now a tall, powerful, muscular man with incredible abilities. He is fighting a Nazi-supported group led by the evil Red Skull.Hugo Weaving).

Captain Marvel (2019)

This story was set in 1995. Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers is the main character.Brie Larson), is a warrior on another planet who fights to defend the Kree from the Skrulls. She has recurring flashbacks to her past life as an Air Force pilot. Soon, she finds her way to Earth with a young Nick Fury.Samuel L. Jackson) and Phil Coulson (Clark GreggThe truth is exposed. She realizes who and what she truly is — and who she should be defending.

Iron Man (2008)

Tony Stark was introduced in the first Marvel Studios movie.Robert Downey Jr.), the billionaire head of Stark Industries — which manufactures weapons. Tony starts as an egotistical executive. But terrorists capture him and demand that he create them a weapon. It’s here his eyes are opened to the horror his company causes. He escapes and returns home to use his technology to become Iron Man. His new mission: Stop destroying and save the world.

But others within Stark Industries aren’t keen on his change of heart, which interferes with their profits. Using Tony’s own technology against him, an unlikely enemy decides to strike back.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

We meet Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke(Russian, who has his own vendetta against Tony). He creates his own weapon and becomes Whiplash, the villain. This Russian antagonist joins forces and is joined by Justin Hammer (Sam RockwellStark Industries competitor, to take on the iron hero.

The sequel also introduces Natasha Romanoff/Black WidowScarlett Johansson), who spies on Tony when she goes undercover as his new assistant.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

This is Bruce Banner’s origin story (Edward Norton, who is recast Mark RuffaloIn subsequent movies, he is exposed the gamma radiation which grants him the ability to transform into the raging Hulk.

His main foe is General Thunderbolt Ross, the late William Hurt, who wants Banner to be captured. Betty Ross is his love interest.Liv Tyler), is the general’s daughter. Emil Blonsky is a nefarious soldier who envies Bruce’s skills and experiments on himself to get the ability to transform into a monster. The battle begins when he transforms into Abomination.

Thor (2011)

Thor (based on Norse mythology)Chris Hemsworth) is a warrior prince and heir to the throne of Asgard. King Odin, his father (Anthony Hopkins), recognizes Thor’s lack of humility and lack of wisdom. Odin banishes his son from Earth and sends him to Jane.Natalie Portman) and Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) as he discovers important life lessons. Loki, his trickster-brother, is also a great teacher.Tom Hiddleston), has his own eyes on the throne — and he will do anything to get power.

How to Watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies in Order: Infinity Saga Guide
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Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)

Loki is still a threat, despite his alliance with a larger, more powerful force in the universe. The Tesseract, also known as space stone, is now equipped with the extraordinary power of an energy cube called the Tesseract. the first Infinity Stone introduced) and a magical scepter (which includes the mind stone, another Infinity Stone), a single hero can’t stop him alone.

Nick Fury is the first MCU film to feature a true superstar team-up. He creates a crime fighting dream team. Hawkeye, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America form an uneasy alliance in order to save New York (and the rest of the world).

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

The Dark Elves were a race of ancient gods who fought the gods and goddesses of Asgard. Asgard was victorious and buried their enemy’s weapon, the Aether (which, despite its liquid form, is the reality stone, a.k.a. The second Infinity Stone was introduced. Jane Foster, who has discovered it, becomes its host. Thor rushes Jane Foster to Asgard to stop Malekith (Doctor Who’s Christopher Eccleston), a Dark Elf, from taking her and using the weapon to destroy the world.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

The events of The Avengers Tony has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Tony is now obsessed with his iron suits. The Mandarin, a mysterious enemy, arrives. Soon, Tony’s back is against the wall as he tries to figure out to save those closest to him, including Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Rhodey (Don Cheadle) — while fighting his own demons.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Steve Rogers is still trying adjust to the 21st century. He operates as Captain America at S.H.I.E.L.D’s request. But he soon discovers a terrible truth that will change everything.

He is a very trusting man and he joins Black Widow to expose the truth about the country he loves. Above all, he wants to save Bucky, who he learns didn’t die in World War II but was instead taken by Hydra and forced to become the Winter Soldier, a legendary assassin.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is a space traveler who takes possession of a powerful orb. The problem? Ronan (Lee Pace), a terrifying villain, is after it because it isn’t just super charged — it’s the third Infinity Stone (the power stone). Quill is on the run and finds himself in partnership with four unique individuals: Rocket Racoon, voiced by Bradley Cooper), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista) and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel). They soon discover what the orb is capable of and work to keep it out of Ronan’s hands.

How to Watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies in Order: Infinity Saga Guide
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Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 (2017)

To protect special assets, the Sovereign hires the Guardians. Rocket has his own plans, and everything is in chaos. Soon their employers turn into their hunters and the Guardians run amok. Quill discovers shocking truths about his origins, and he meets Ego, his father.Kurt Russell).

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

The Avengers find Loki’s scepter (which has the mind stone in its core) being used for Hydra experiments, including triggering Wanda Maximoff’s (Elizabeth Olsen) powers as the Scarlet Witch. After the bring the scepter back to safety, Tony wants to create a peacekeeping program that will ultimately replace The Avengers and works with Bruce Banner to use Loki’s weapon in that process. Things take a frightening turn when Ultron, the new consciousness, appears.James Spader), comes online and decides to attack, and he gets backup from the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)

Ant-Man (2015)

Scott Lang (Paul RuddAn electrical engineer, he was caught stealing from the wealthy and giving to the poor via cybercrimes. He is released from prison by Hank Pym, a genius inventor.Michael Douglas). Scott is able to shrink to an incredible size, control ants, and use his suit to great strength. Hank has a rival who is looking to use the technology in darker ways.

Captain America Civil War (2016)

The devastation caused by the various battles of Avengers, including the final showdown against Ultron, has prompted world leaders to call for government control over superheroes. Many of the Avengers’ heroes must choose sides, as opinions differ. Those who agree with the Sokovia Accords are part of Team Iron Man. Team Cap is for those who desire autonomy. Fun fact: This is the movie that explains how Team Cap works. Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man joins the MCU!)

Black Widow (2021)

After the events of Civil WarNatasha Romanoff is forced into a dangerous situation which brings her past and present together. She must stop a villain who wants her to be destroyed. The Black Widow sets out on her most personal mission. She teams up with her surrogate spy clan, which includes sister Yelena Belova.Florence Pugh).

Spider-Man Homecoming (2017)

Peter Parker is waiting for Tony Stark’s next assignment. As he embarks on a mission to stop Vulture (a criminal) he soon realizes that there is a much bigger threat right under his nose.Michael Keaton). As the web-slinger takes on the winged menace, the two sides of Parker’s life collide in a shocking twist.

Spider-Man is Far From Home continues Parker’s story as he tries to live a normal life post-blip … but we’re getting ahead of ourselves here.

How to Watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies in Order: Infinity Saga Guide
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Black Panther (2018)

After his father was shot and killed, Civil War, T’Challa (the late Chadwick Boseman) returns home to his native African country, Wakanda, and takes his place as the new king. But a stranger (Michael B. Jordan) with ties to his family and a heart for retribution challenges T’Challa for the right to rule. They will battle it out for the fate and destiny of the nation.

Doctor Strange (2016)

Stephen Strange, brilliant brain surgeon (Benedict CumberbatchAfter a terrible car accident, he loses his hands. He cannot find any relief through modern medicine and seeks out a more mysterious, magical community. He discovers the art of sorcery, and soon finds himself fighting dark forces using the time stone (another Infinity Stone). He also falls in love with Dr. Christine Palmer.Rachel McAdams).

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Thor is captured and forced into a gladiator fight on another planet. Avengers: Age of Ultron They must work together to defeat Hela (Cate Blanchett), a long-lost and villainous sibling of Thor’s who means to rule Asgard. The end will show that things will never be the exact same. Despite some dramatic scenes, this film added a lot of humor to the film. Thor series, changing the character’s journey thanks to director Taika Waititi.

Ant-Man & the Wasp (2018)

Scott Lang is once again Ant-Man, this time partnering up with Hope Van Dyne.Evangeline Lilly), who in her own similar suit becomes the Wasp. The past holds secrets that lead to a new enemy. And we learn more about Hank Pym’s wife (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her unsettling fate.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

The villainous Thanos (the Avengers), is still keeping them apart.Josh BrolinAll the Infinity Stones are pursued by ) He will be able literally to change the universe with a single finger if they are joined in his gauntlet once they have been together.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Five years have passed since the Avengers’ shocking defeat. They, along with the rest of the world, are trying to adjust to the new reality after Thanos’ victory. Soon, our heroes band together with a new hope of restoring what was lost — through time travel.

What happens after the Infinity Saga ends?

Following the Infinity Saga, there were many movies that were made. These adventures included films like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Eternals Thor: Love and Thunder You can also watch a variety of TV shows on Disney+ Wandavision, The Falcon and Winter Soldier, Moon Knight. It’s movies like  Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of MadnessThe Sony collaboration Spider-Man has no way homeTV series as well Loki This really sowed the seeds for the epic tale about parallel universes.