Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
This month, with The Marvels flying into theaters worldwide, we've added the latest MCU movie to various sections of this article. We've also updated our 'where to watch' section as a couple of new Spider-Man movies are available to stream on different streaming platforms. Finally, we've given our 'chronology' and 'release date' order sections with brand new information released by Marvel in its Official Timeline book.
Welcome to TechRadar's Marvel movies in order article. In this in-depth guide, we'll explain the best ways to stream every entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including its various TV shows.
After the release of Marvel's Official MCU Timeline book, there's plenty to update you on, too. Below, we've made big changes to the two main methods of watching the Marvel films and TV shows in order – i.e. chronologically and by their release dates. We've also revealed which method we think is best for first-time viewers.
That's not all, either. You'll learn where you can watch every MCU movie and TV series (spoiler: the vast majority are on Disney Plus), list the release dates for each Marvel Phase 5 and Marvel Phase 6 movie and TV series, give you the lowdown on the most highly-rated MCU flicks and shows, and so much more. So, what are you waiting for? Slip on your favorite superhero spandex costume and dive in!
What's the best order to watch the Marvel movies for the first time?
Those of you wanting to watch the Marvel movies in order for the first time should stick with release date order.
Streaming some of the best superhero films and best Disney Plus shows in chronological order is great if you're a long time fan, especially as it gives you a new perspective on how events play out and ensures that repeat viewings don't become stale.
However, if you opt for the chronological method, things become messy from an MCU timeline perspective. As you'll be viewing them linearly, events depicted in one film can precede what happens in another. For example, 2010's Captain America: The First Avenger is largely set during World War II, but ends in the present day with Steve Rogers waking up in modern day New York and bumping into Nick Fury. However, we're supposed to meet Nick Fury for the first time in 2008's Iron Man. If you watch the movies chronologically, you'll meet Fury in Cap's maiden film first before seeing him in Iron Man, which can be slightly confusing for newcomers.
Watching the Marvel movies in order of chronology, then, might not be a good starting point for first-timers. If that's you, stick with streaming them in release date order.
How to watch the Marvel movies in chronological order
Best for: MCU fans who want to try something new.
Here's how to watch the Marvel movies in order of chronology, aka the year they're set. We've listed every film and TV show in the order they take place on the Marvel timeline, with a quick rundown on why we've listed them this way.
Due to events depicted in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, the MCU timeline has become more complex. Thankfully, the Marvel movies timeline has become much easier to follow, with Marvel Studios releasing an Official Timeline book that, with the exception of projects released in 2023, breaks down when most films and TV series takes place. For the five MCU productions that debuted this year, we've added them where we think they take place.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Cap's first adventure was the fifth Marvel movie released in theaters. However, it's set in the 1940s, so stream this one first when watching the films chronologically.
Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers didn't burst onto the scene until MCU Phase 3, but her origins story is set in 1995.
The film that kickstarted the MCU is technically the third Marvel movie in order of chronology. Tony Stark's heel turn from weapons expert to superhero takes places between February and May 2008.
Following swiftly on its predecessor's heels, Stark's second solo flick occurs between May and June 2010.
The Stark MCU appearances keep coming – this time, he cameos at the end of the Hulk's first (and only) solo Marvel movie, which also takes place in mid-2010.
The god of thunder stormed his way into the MCU alongside the events of The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2, aka mid-2010.
With the MCU's original major players established, we finally got the superhero movie of our dreams when the Avengers officially formed in May 2012.
One of the most maligned MCU films ever, Thor's second cinematic adventure is set in late 2013.
Iron Man's third and final solo movie takes place around Christmas 2013.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Set in early 2014, Cap's second solo flick was the first Marvel film to explore genres outside of the superhero field.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1
Star-Lord's lovable ragtag crew were first introduced to a wider audience in spectacularly humorous and music-laced fashion in late 2014.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2
The Guardians' second movie takes place not long after its first.
I Am Groot seasons 1 and 2
The first Marvel Disney Plus show to appear in this list, I Am Groot's family-friendly two-season series is set around Guardians Volume 2.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
The superhero ensemble reunited for another tentpole offering in May 2015 – this time, taking down the menacing AI/super-bot known as Ultron.
Earth's mightiest miniature hero made his MCU debut in July 2015.
The third Captain America film was a mini-Avengers movie in all but name. It's set between May and June 2016, and sees the group disband over the divisive Sokovia Accords, though it also introduced us to two of the most beloved MCU heroes in Spider-Man and Black Panther.
The first Marvel Phase 4 flick, Black Widow was released in 2021 but is actually set just after Civil War's events.
Marvel's first Best Picture Oscar nominee takes place alongside Civil War and Black Widow in mid-2016.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
After confusing fans for years with its "eight years later" timecard, Spidey's first MCU solo movie is actually set in September 2016.
This film, which is spread across February 2016 and early 2017, introduced audiences to the Sorcerer Supreme. Or, rather, the former Sorcerer Supreme – Strange being replaced by Wong due to Infinity War's events. But more on that later.
Thor: Ragnarok
The last movie to launch in theaters before that Thanos moment, Thor: Ragnarok takes place in late 2017.
Avengers: Infinity War
The Marvel movie that changed it all. We witnessed our heroes lose for a first, catastrophic time in the third Avengers movie, which occurs in early 2018.
Events in Ant-Man's second film run concurrent to Infinity War.
Avengers: Endgame
This is where things get messy from a Marvel movies in chronological order perspective. Endgame begins in 2018 but ends in October 2023.
One of two Marvel TV shows to span the entire Marvel multiverse, Loki is best watched after Avengers: Endgame.
Set in the immediate aftermath of its predecessor. Events in the Loki season 2 finale also appear to set up story threads in some later movies, including Ant-Man 3 and The Marvels.
Like Loki, What If...? is a multiversal affair. It isn't set in a particular year, so it's also best streamed after Endgame.
Per Marvel's Official Timeline book, this takes place in November 2023.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi's MCU debut contains flashbacks to his childhood, so it could be listed earlier. However, the bulk of the film is set in early 2024.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Sam Wilson and Buck Barnes' team up series is set in mid-2024.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Occurs eight months after Endgame and sees Peter Parker dealing with Tony Stark's death (amid other issues) in June and July 2024.
Previously, we thought She-Hulk took place much later in the timeline. However, the official MCU Timeline book confirms it begins in mid-2024 and runs through to early 2025, hence its placement here.
This one could technically be the first entry in our Marvel movies in chronological order list as it begins 7,000 years before 2010's Captain America. Like Shang-Chi, though, it's mostly set in late 2024.
Thanks to the Halloween and Christmas/Holiday season decorations seen throughout this movie, we know it's set in late 2024, most notably around November.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Strange's multiverse-spanning sequel takes place after Spider-Man: No Way Home. Marvel's official timeline places it in November 2024, preceding what happens in Hawkeye.
Just like No Way Home, Hawkeye's first solo adventure occurs around Christmas 2024.
Marvel's Official Timeline book confirms this show occurs in May 2024.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
You'd think this one is set in 2024, given its main events take place a year after T'Challa dies. T'Challa appeared in 2023's Endgame, so that would make sense. However, it's set in May 2025.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
The third Ant-Man movie apparently runs concurrent to events in Wakanda Forever, which places it in May 2025. We believe this is the case because Scott Lang's autobiography, which he's promoting at the start of Quantumania, is also shown briefly in Black Panther 2 (it's seen on a TV screen in the background of one scene).
The official Marvel timeline book places Kamala Khan's series in October 2025.
Thor's fourth solo movie is set in October 2025. We know this as he tells former flame Jane Foster that it's been over eight years since they split up. Meanwhile, he tells Loki in 2017's Ragnarok that the pair mutually broke up. Add eight years to 2017 and you get 2025. Simple.
The first MCU Special Presentation is the most difficult production to pin down in this Marvel movies in order of chronology list. Our opinion? It's set in modern day, which puts it in late 2025.
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
As it takes place prior to Guardians of the Galaxy 3, it's set around Christmas 2025.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3
Given it follows their Holiday Special, Guardians Vol. 3 is set a few months after the above special's festive-themed events.
Set in the MCU's present. The TV show's first episode confirms that this Nick Fury-starring series takes place in 2025.
The Marvels
Takes place not long after the end of Secret Invasion.
How to watch the Marvel movies in release date order
Best for: first-time viewers.
Want to watch the Marvel movies in release date order? Try this list instead. You'll start with 2008's Iron Man and end with The Marvels, which launched in theaters in November 2023.
It's an easier blueprint to follow than streaming every MCU production chronologically, so Marvel newcomers should stick to this method.
- Iron Man (2008)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- Thor (2011)
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- The Avengers (2012)
- Iron Man 3 (2013)
- Thor: The Dark World (2013)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Ant-Man (2015)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Black Panther (2018)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
- Captain Marvel (2019)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
- WandaVision (TV show, 2021)
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (TV show, 2021)
- Loki season 1(TV show, 2021)
- Black Widow (2021)
- What If...? (TV show, 2021)
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
- Eternals (2021)
- Hawkeye (TV show, 2021)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Moon Knight (TV show, 2022)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
- Ms Marvel (TV show, 2022)
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
- I Am Groot (TV show, 2022)
- She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (TV show, 2022)
- Werewolf by Night (TV special, 2022)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (TV special, 2022)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
- Secret Invasion (TV show, 2023)
- Loki season 2 (TV show, 2023)
- The Marvels (2023)
How to watch the Avengers movies in order
Best for: fans who only want to watch the Avengers movies.
We already covered the best way to stream the Avengers films in the sections above. If you only want to stream these specific Marvel movies in order, though, this is how to do so.
- The Avengers (2012)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
How to watch the Netflix Marvel TV shows in order
Best for: viewers who want to understand Daredevil's MCU arrival.
She-Hulk episode 8 seemingly confirmed Netflix's Daredevil TV show is canon in the MCU. That's because Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock/Daredevil is supposedly the same version of the character who appeared in Netflix's Marvel universe between 2015 and 2019. We'll see more of Cox's Daredevil in the R-rated Echo TV show, which arrives in early January 2024.
If Daredevil's Netflix series is canon, all the others must be, too. Every Netflix Marvel TV show is available to stream on Disney Plus, so you can catch up on these characters and their stories there.
- Daredevil season 1 (April 2015)
- Jessica Jones season 1 (November 2015)
- Daredevil season 2 (March 2016)
- Luke Cage season 1 (September 2016)
- Iron Fist season 1 (March 2017)
- The Defenders (August 2017)
- The Punisher season 1 (November 2017)
- Jessica Jones season 2 (March 2018)
- Luke Cage season 2 (June 2018)
- Iron Fist season 2 (September 2018)
- Daredevil season 3 (October 2018)
- The Punisher season 2 (January 2019)
- Jessica Jones season 3 (June 2019)
What Marvel movies and TV shows are coming out soon?
Here's every Marvel movie and TV show coming in 2023 and beyond. However, it's worth noting that confirmed release dates are subject to change.
The resolved writers and actors strikes mean work has started up again on in-development films and TV shows. However, apart from the fact that Loki season 2 isn't the final MCU TV show of 2023 due to a surprise What If? season 2 announcement, you'll want to make the most of Deadpool's third solo flick. Why? Because Deadpool 3 will be the only Marvel movie of 2024 due to multiple MCU films delays. You can read the revised Marvel Studios schedule below:
- What If...? season 2 (animated TV show, Holiday season 2023)
- Echo (TV show, January 10, 2024)
- Deadpool 3 (July 26, 2024)
- Agatha: Coven of Chaos (TV show, expected late 2024)
- Captain America: Brave New World (February 14, 2025)
- Fantastic Four (May 2, 2025)
- Thunderbolts (July 25, 2025)
- Blade (November 7, 2025)
- Daredevil: Born Again (TV show, expected 2025)
- Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (May 1, 2026)
- Avengers: Secret Wars (May 7, 2027)
- Armor Wars (TBC)
- Ironheart (TV show, TBC)
- Marvel Zombies (animated TV show, TBC)
- Spider-Man 4 (TBC)
- Spider-Man: Freshman Year (animated TV show, TBC)
- Wonder Man (TV show, TBC)
- X-Men 97 (animated TV show, TBC)
How many Marvel movies are there?
33 MCU movies have been released so far. By the end of 2027, there could be 42 movies (if the above group isn't delayed further) to fit in our Marvel movies in order guide.
If you want to watch all of the Marvel movies in order, you'll need to set aside 4,351 minutes – that's over 72.5 hours or 3.02 total days. Add in the TV shows and specials, and it'll take 6,831 minutes (113.85 hours or 4.74 days) to watch everything.
Where to watch the Marvel movies
You can stream most of the Marvel movies in order, as well as the TV shows, on Disney Plus (read our Disney Plus review while you're here). That includes The Incredible Hulk, which joined the streamer in June after the character's rights reverted back to Marvel.
There are caveats, though. None of the Spider-Man movies – those that exist in the MCU or otherwise – are available on Disney Plus UK. However, UK fans can catch Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Venom, and Venom: Let There Be Carnage on Netflix instead.
In the US, the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man trilogy, Andrew Garfield's The Amazing Spider-Man movies, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Venom are available on Disney Plus. Maguire's three Spidey flicks, both Amazing Spider-Man films, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and Morbius are also on Netflix.
Marvel movies in order: all MCU films and TV shows ranked
For us, the four Avengers movies are the best MCU films, but the whole thing is subjective. You can check our best Marvel movies piece for more on our rankings of each flick.
We've also listed the Marvel movies and TV shows based on their IMDb user scores. Now that the Netflix Marvel shows are canon, we've added them to the rankings below. We've done likewise with Venom, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, and Morbius, too, given their multiversal ties to Tom Holland's MCU Spider-Man trilogy.
- Daredevil (2015 - 2018) – 8.6
- The Punisher (2017 - 2019) – 8.5
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) – 8.4
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – 8.4
- Loki (2021 - 2023) – 8.2
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – 8.2
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014) – 8.0
- The Avengers (2012) – 8.0
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) – 7.9
- WandaVision (2021) – 7.9
- Iron Man (2008) – 7.9
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – 7.9
- Jessica Jones (2015 - 2019) – 7.9
- Captain America: Civil War (2016) – 7.8
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – 7.8
- Agent Carter (2015 - 2016) – 7.8
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – 7.6
- Hawkeye (2021) – 7.5
- Doctor Strange (2016) – 7.5
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – 7.4
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) – 7.4
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) – 7.4
- Moon Knight (2022) – 7.3
- Black Panther (2018) – 7.3
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – 7.3
- Ant-Man (2015) – 7.3
- Luke Cage (2016 - 2018) – 7.3
- The Defenders (2017) – 7.2
- Iron Man 3 (2013) – 7.1
- Werewolf by Night (2022) – 7.1
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) – 7.1
- Thor (2011) – 7.0
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – 7.0
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) – 6.9
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) – 6.9
- Iron Man 2 (2010) – 6.9
- The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) – 6.9
- Captain Marvel (2019) – 6.8
- Thor: The Dark World (2013) – 6.8
- Black Widow (2021) – 6.7
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) – 6.7
- I Am Groot (2022 - 2023) – 6.7
- Venom (2018) – 6.6
- The Incredible Hulk (2008) – 6.6
- Iron Fist (2017 - 2018) – 6.4
- Ms Marvel (2022) – 6.3
- Eternals (2021) – 6.3
- The Marvels (2023) – 6.2
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) – 6.2
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) – 6.1
- Secret Invasion (2023) – 6.0
- Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) – 5.9
- She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) – 5.3
- Morbius (2022) – 5.2
For more Marvel movies in order content, find out how to watch the Spider-Man movies in order, read up on how to stream the X-Men movies in order, and check out our Marvel villains ranked list.