How to start watching Marvel for the first time
Start with Iron Man and follow release order. You do not need to know the comics to enjoy the journey.
A simple beginning
Try the first phase: it introduces several lead characters and builds towards their first gathering. You can mark what you watch and continue another day from “Your journey”.
You do not need to decide now whether to watch the entire MCU. Open a film page to find its spoiler-free synopsis, earlier viewing recommendations and options for watching it.
Start with Iron Man →Your first six films
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.
What next?
Continue with the complete release-order guide or choose a saga. Credits scenes may connect with future instalments: each film page says when they appear without describing their content.
Do I need to watch the series too?
You can start with the films. Some later instalments benefit from a series providing context: we point this out on their pages so you can decide.