Marvel movies in release order
The recommended starting point for a first MCU marathon.
Why start here?
Character introductions, crossovers and credit scenes build on earlier releases. Phase 1 introduces the first team. Phases 2 and 3 expand it through Endgame, followed by Peter’s story in Far From Home. Later phases combine new heroes, sequels and TV connections.
For a shorter route, choose a saga guide rather than removing films at random. You can also plan your available time.
01 · 2008 · 126 minIron Man
This is the starting point in release order. It introduces Tony Stark and the combination of adventures and connections between films that defines the MCU.
02 · 2008 · 112 minThe Incredible Hulk
This is the 2008 film starring Edward Norton. Although the actor changes in later appearances, the story belongs to the same MCU.
03 · 2010 · 124 minIron Man 2
It directly continues Tony Stark's development and introduces characters who become important in The Avengers.
04 · 2011 · 115 minThor
It introduces Thor, Loki and Asgard, expanding the universe beyond Iron Man's science and suits of armour.
05 · 2011 · 124 minCaptain America: The First Avenger
This is the fifth film in release order, although much of its story takes place before the earlier films. Here we follow the order in which they reached cinemas.
06 · 2012 · 143 minThe Avengers
It concludes the first group of films. Watching the previous five helps you recognise the main characters and understand their relationships.
07 · 2013 · 130 minIron Man 3
It follows The Avengers and explores the emotional consequences for Tony. This is the third instalment in his solo saga.
08 · 2013 · 112 minThor: The Dark World
It continues the relationships introduced in Thor and develops cosmic elements that reappear in the wider story.
09 · 2014 · 136 minCaptain America: The Winter Soldier
It combines superheroes with espionage and has major consequences for the MCU's organisations and alliances.
10 · 2014 · 121 minGuardians of the Galaxy
It opens up the MCU's space adventures with a new group. You do not need to know the comics to follow its main characters.
11 · 2015 · 141 minAvengers: Age of Ultron
This is the team's second gathering. It develops relationships and conflicts that continue in Civil War and later films.
12 · 2015 · 117 minAnt-Man
It introduces Scott Lang, Hope van Dyne and Hank Pym. Its scale and tone offer a change of pace after Age of Ultron.
13 · 2016 · 147 minCaptain America: Civil War
Although it belongs to the Captain America saga, it develops the Avengers as a whole and introduces new lead characters.
14 · 2016 · 115 minDoctor Strange
It introduces magic and other dimensions to the MCU. This is the first Doctor Strange film, released in 2016.
15 · 2017 · 136 minGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
This is the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy. We retain its release position, although its story takes place close to the first film.
16 · 2017 · 133 minSpider-Man: Homecoming
It follows this Peter Parker's introduction in Civil War. It is Tom Holland's first solo film within the MCU.
17 · 2017 · 130 minThor: Ragnarok
This is Thor's third solo film. Its adventure connects with his situation in Infinity War.
18 · 2018 · 134 minBlack Panther
It develops the character introduced in Civil War and lets you get to know Wakanda before the Avengers' next major gathering.
19 · 2018 · 149 minAvengers: Infinity War
It is best enjoyed after the earlier films. This is the first part of the major conclusion that continues in Endgame.
20 · 2018 · 118 minAnt-Man and the Wasp
Release order places it after Infinity War. Its closing scenes are intended for viewers who already know that film.
21 · 2019 · 124 minCaptain Marvel
Although it takes place before many instalments, it was released just before Endgame. Following that order preserves the context of its closing connections.
22 · 2019 · 181 minAvengers: Endgame
It is best watched after Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Captain Marvel. This page avoids revealing the outcome of the story.
23 · 2019 · 129 minSpider-Man: Far From Home
Its story begins with the consequences of Endgame. Avoid watching it early if you have not yet reached the Avengers' conclusion.
24 · 2021 · 134 minBlack Widow
The main action takes place after Civil War, but the film appears here in release order. Its closing connections justify keeping that position.
25 · 2021 · 132 minShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
It introduces a new lead and the people around him, expanding the MCU beyond the era of the original Avengers.
26 · 2021 · 156 minEternals
It brings a new cosmic perspective, moves between different eras and introduces a cast of leads distinct from the Avengers.
27 · 2021 · 148 minSpider-Man: No Way Home
This is the sequel to Far From Home. Knowing other Spider-Man films can enrich some encounters, but this list follows the MCU's journey.
28 · 2022 · 126 minDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
It continues Strange's journey. WandaVision provides additional context for Wanda, although this guide focuses on films.
29 · 2022 · 119 minThor: Love and Thunder
It follows Thor's journey after Endgame. This is the fourth instalment in his solo saga.
30 · 2022 · 161 minBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever
It continues the world of Black Panther and focuses on Wakanda's characters. It is best to know the first film.
31 · 2023 · 125 minAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
This is the third Ant-Man film. It expands the Quantum Realm introduced in the previous films and makes it the main setting.
32 · 2023 · 150 minGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
It concludes the main Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Knowing the first two films and the group's Avengers appearances is recommended.
33 · 2023 · 105 minThe Marvels
It continues Captain Marvel's story. Ms. Marvel and WandaVision provide additional context for Kamala and Monica.
34 · 2024 · 128 minDeadpool & Wolverine
It has a more adult tone than much of this list. Knowing the earlier Deadpool and Wolverine films helps you enjoy its references.
35 · 2025 · 118 minCaptain America: Brave New World
This is the first film led by Sam Wilson under the Captain America name. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier provides context for his journey.
36 · 2025 · 127 minThunderbolts*
It brings back characters from several films and series. Black Widow offers particularly useful context for part of the group.
37 · 2025 · 116 minThe Fantastic Four: First Steps
It introduces the Fantastic Four to the MCU. Their world has its own identity and does not continue the team's previous film adaptations.
38 · 2026 · 145 minSpider-Man: Brand New Day
It occupies the final position in this release list. Check its availability before looking for it on a streaming platform: this guide's availability check lists it in cinemas.