If you’re a Marvel fan, then you know that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a vast world of superheroes and villains. With over 20 movies in the franchise, it can be challenging to keep track of the order in which they were released. In this article, we’ll break down the chronological order of the Marvel movies.
Chronological Order of Marvel Movies
1. Captain America: The First Avenger (1942-1944)
The first movie in the MCU chronology is Captain America: The First Avenger. It’s set during World War II and tells the story of Steve Rogers, who becomes Captain America after taking a super-soldier serum.
Key Characters:
- Captain America
- Bucky Barnes
- Red Skull
2. Captain Marvel (1995)
Captain Marvel takes place in 1995 and introduces us to Carol Danvers, who becomes one of the most powerful superheroes in the MCU.
Key Characters:
- Captain Marvel
- Nick Fury
- Talos
3. Iron Man (2010)
Iron Man was the first movie released in the MCU and is set in 2010. It tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist who creates a suit that gives him superhuman abilities.
Key Characters:
- Tony Stark/Iron Man
- Pepper Potts
- Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger
4. Iron Man 2 (2011)
Iron Man 2 picks up where the first movie left off and introduces new characters to the MCU.
Key Characters:
- Tony Stark/Iron Man
- Black Widow
- Whiplash
5. The Incredible Hulk (2011)
The Incredible Hulk is set after the events of The First Avenger and follows Bruce Banner as he tries to find a cure for his condition.
Key Characters:
- Bruce Banner/Hulk
- Betty Ross
- The Abomination
6. Thor (2011)
Thor is set in the realm of Asgard and follows the story of Thor, who is banished from his home and sent to Earth.
Key Characters:
- Thor
- Jane Foster
- Loki
7. The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers brings together some of the most popular superheroes in the MCU to fight against Loki, who has plans to conquer Earth.
Key Characters:
- Captain America
- Iron Man
- Hawkeye
- Black Widow
- Loki
8. Iron Man 3 (2012)
Iron Man 3 takes place after the events of The Avengers and focuses on Tony Stark’s struggles with anxiety and PTSD.
Key Characters:
- Pepper Potts
- The Mandarin
9. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor: The Dark World takes place after the events of The Avengers and follows Thor as he tries to stop an ancient enemy from destroying the universe.
Key Characters:
- Thor
- Jane Foster
- Loki
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier takes place two years after the events of The Avengers and finds Steve Rogers trying to uncover a conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D.
Key Characters:
- Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier
- Nick Fury
11. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy is set in space and follows a group of outlaws as they try to save the galaxy from a powerful villain.
Key Characters:
- Gamora
- Drax the Destroyer
12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 picks up where the first movie left off and explores Peter Quill’s past.
Key Characters: