If you’re a Marvel fan, you know that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is vast and complex. With so many movies and TV shows, it can be overwhelming to figure out what order to watch them in.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to the best order for watching Marvel movies and TV shows.
1. Start with Iron Man (2008)
The first movie in the MCU is where it all began. Iron Man introduces us to Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., who becomes the superhero Iron Man. This movie also sets up the foundation for the entire MCU.
2. Move on to The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Next up is The Incredible Hulk, which features Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, who transforms into the Hulk after getting exposed to gamma radiation. While this movie isn’t as crucial as some of the others on this list, it’s still worth watching.
3. Watch Iron Man 2 (2010)
Iron Man 2 picks up where the first movie left off and introduces us to new characters like Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson. It also sets up some important plot points for future movies.
4. Thor (2011) comes next
Thor takes us into a whole new realm of the MCU – literally – as we are introduced to Asgard and Thor’s family drama. This movie sets up key relationships and lays groundwork for future films.
5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) is essential
Captain America: The First Avenger takes place during World War II and introduces us to Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, who becomes Captain America after getting injected with a super-soldier serum.
6. The Avengers (2012) is where it all comes together
The Avengers brings together all of the superheroes we’ve met so far – Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye – to fight against Loki and his alien army. This is where the MCU really takes off.
7. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Iron Man 3 picks up after the events of The Avengers and deals with the aftermath of the Battle of New York. This movie also sets up future plot points for the MCU.
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor: The Dark World takes us back to Asgard and introduces us to new villains like Malekith the Accursed. While this movie isn’t as essential as some of the others on this list, it’s still worth watching.
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) is a must-watch
Captain America: The Winter Soldier sees Steve Rogers teaming up with Black Widow and Falcon to take down a new threat – a brainwashed Bucky Barnes, who was previously thought dead.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) is a fan favorite
Guardians of the Galaxy introduces us to a whole new cast of characters – Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot – who team up to save the galaxy from Ronan the Accuser.
11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Avengers: Age of Ultron sees our heroes facing off against a new threat – an artificial intelligence named Ultron who wants to destroy humanity.
12. Ant-Man (2015) concludes Phase Two
Ant-Man introduces us to Scott Lang, played by Paul Rudd, who becomes the superhero Ant-Man after stealing a suit that can shrink him down to the size of an ant.
13. Captain America: Civil War (2016) kicks off Phase Three
Captain America: Civil War sees the Avengers splitting into two factions as they debate whether or not to sign the Sokovia Accords, which would put them under government control.
14. Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Strange introduces us to Stephen Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who becomes a sorcerer after a car accident leaves his hands crippled.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 sees our favorite space misfits teaming up once again to save the galaxy – this time from Ego, Star-Lord’s father.
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming takes us back to high school with Peter Parker, played by Tom Holland, as he tries to balance being a superhero with being a teenager.
17. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Thor: Ragnarok brings back our favorite Asgardians and introduces us to new characters like Valkyrie and Hela. This movie also sets up key plot points for Avengers: Infinity War.
18. Black Panther (2018) is a cultural phenomenon
Black Panther takes us to Wakanda and introduces us to T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, who becomes king after his father’s death.
19. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) is the ultimate crossover event
Avengers: Infinity War brings together all of our favorite heroes – Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, and more – to face off against the ultimate villain – Thanos.
20. Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018) leads us into Endgame
Ant-Man and The Wasp takes place before the events of Avengers: Infinity War and sees Scott Lang teaming up with Hope Van Dyne/Wasp to rescue her mother from the quantum realm.
21. Captain Marvel (2019)
Captain Marvel takes us back to the 90s and introduces us to Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson. This movie sets up key plot points for Avengers: Endgame.
22. Avengers: Endgame (2019) is the ultimate finale
Avengers: Endgame concludes the Infinity Saga and brings together all of our favorite heroes one last time to save the universe.
TV Shows:
If you want to add some TV shows into your Marvel binge-watching marathon, we recommend watching them in this order:
- Daredevil (Seasons 1-3)
- Jessica Jones (Seasons 1-3)
- Luke Cage (Seasons 1-2)
- Iron Fist (Seasons 1-2)
- The Defenders
- The Punisher (Seasons 1-2)
These shows take place in a separate corner of the MCU known as the Netflix Marvel Universe. While they aren’t as closely connected to the movies as some of the other TV shows on this list, they still provide a lot of great content for Marvel fans.
And there you have it – our guide to the best order for watching Marvel movies and TV shows. Happy binge-watching!