Tom Power, entertainment reporter
With Marvel Studios rejigging its release schedule once more, we've updated some of this guide's sections to reflect those changes. We've also tweaked other aspects of this article, too, including the IMDb score section.
Welcome to our guide on how to watch the Marvel movies in order.
Below, you'll find all of the most valuable information on streaming every Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film and Disney Plus shows. That includes the two most well-known ways to watch them in – chronologically and in release date order – and which method is best for first-time viewers.
We also run the rule over where you can stream every Marvel movie and TV series to date (spoiler: most are on Disney Plus), key details on every Marvel Phase 5 and Marvel Phase 6 project, a wider explanation of the increasingly complex MCU timeline, and more. In short: you won't need to go anywhere else for answers to the biggest MCU questions.
Here, then, is how to watch the Marvel movies in order.
(opens in new tab)What's the best order to watch the Marvel movies for the first time?
First-time viewers should stick to watching the Marvel movies in release date order.
Streaming some of the best superhero films and best Disney Plus shows in chronological order is great if you're an MCU veteran. Watching them this way gives you a new perspective on how events play out and ensure those annual movie marathons don't become stale.
However, streaming them chronologically becomes messy from an MCU timeline perspective. Based on the year they're set, events depicted in one film – 2010's Captain America: The First Avenger, for example – precede what happens in, say, 2008's Iron Man. But we're supposed to see present days events in Iron Man play out before some parts of Cap's first solo movie, such as Cap waking up in modern day New York and meeting Nick Fury for the first time.
Watching the MCU films chronologically, then, can make things confusing for newcomers. So, if you're a first-time viewer, release date order is your friend.
How to watch the Marvel movies in chronological order
Best for: MCU veterans who want to try something new.
Here's how to watch the Marvel movies in order of chronoolgy, 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 catalogued them this way.
Thanks to Avengers: Endgame, the MCU timeline has become more complicated. However, the Marvel movies timeline is about to become much easier to follow, with an official timeline book coming in September. For now, we've done our best with the information we have.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Cap's first adventure was the fifth Marvel movie released in theaters. However, because it's set between 1942 and 1945, it's the first one you need to watch from a chronological order standpoint.
Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers didn't burst onto the scene until Phase 3, but her story begins in 1995, aka near the start of the MCU timeline.
The film that kickstarted the MCU is technically the third film in order of chronology. Tony Stark's heel turn from weapons expert to superhero takes places in 2008.
Following swiftly on its predecessor's heels, this movie is set in 2010.
And 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 occurs in 2010.
The god of thunder stormed his way into the MCU in 2011.
With all of the MCU's original major players established in the MCU, we finally got the superhero movie of our dreams with the Avengers' official formation occurring in 2012.
One of the most maligned MCU films ever, Thor's second cinematic adventure is set in 2013.
Iron Man's third and final solo movie takes place around six months after The Avengers.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The first movie set in 2014, Cap's second solo flick – one billed as a political/spy thriller – 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 2014.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2
The Guardians' second movie is set around six months after their first.
I Am Groot
The first Marvel Disney Plus show to appear in this list, I Am Groot's cute five-part miniseries takes place in and around Guardians Volume 2.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
The superhero ensemble reunited for another tentpole offering in 2015 – this time, taking down the menacing AI/superbot known as Ultron.
Earth's mightiest miniature hero made his MCU debut in 2015, too.
Cap's third solo film was a mini-Avengers movie in all but name. It's set in 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 to appear on this list, Black Widow was released in 2021 but is actually set in 2016 – just a few months after Civil War.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
After making his debut in Civil War, Spidey received his first MCU solo movie in 2016.
Marvel's first Best Picture Oscar nominee takes place in 2016, according to Marvel's official MCU timeline on Disney Plus. Here, it precedes Doctor Strange, which is set in the same year.
The fourth and final film set in 2016 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 film later.
Thor: Ragnarok
The last movie to launch in theaters before that Thanos moment, Thor: Ragnarok takes place in 2017.
Avengers: Infinity War
The Marvel movie that changed it all. We witnessed our heroes lose for a first and catastrophic time in the third Avengers movie, which occurs in 2018.
Events in Ant-Man's second film run concurrent to Infinity War, i.e. in 2018.
Avengers: Endgame
This is where things get messy from a Marvel movies in chronological order perspective. Endgame begins in 2018 but ends in 2023 – thus beginning an era where we don't know where every film and show is really set. From now on, we're doing our best with the information we have about the Marvel timeline.
One of two Marvel TV shows to span the entire Marvel multiverse, Loki is best watched after Avengers: Endgame.
Like Loki, What If...? is a multiversal affair. It isn't set in a particular year, so it's also best streamed after Endgame.
Set three weeks after Endgame in our Marvel movies in order guide.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Another 2023-based TV series, but one set six months after Endgame's, erm, end.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Takes place eight months after Endgame and sees Peter Parker dealing with Tony Stark's death (amid other issues) in mid-2024.
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 mid-2024.
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 the MCU's present. And, according to Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore, it takes place around the same time as Far From Home, i.e. mid-2024.
Thanks to the Halloween and Christmas/Holiday season decorations seen throughout this movie, we know it's set in late 2024.
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 2024, preceding what happens in Hawkeye.
Just like No Way Home, Hawkeye's first solo adventure occurs around the Holiday season, placing it in late 2024.
This show doesn't have a specified chronological date. However, it appears to take place in 2025, with Marvel's official timeline placing it after Hawkeye.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
You'd think this takes place 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, Nate Moore confirmed it plays out alongside Thor: Love and Thunder, so it must be set in 2025.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
The third Ant-Man movie runs concurrent to events in Wakanda Forever, which places it in 2025. We know this 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).
Previously, we thought She-Hulk took place around Shang-Chi. However, the official MCU timeline positions it after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and before Ms Marvel, meaning it occurs in 2025.
Ms Marvel producer Sana Amanat suggests it's set "one or two years" after Endgame, which puts it anywhere between 2024 and 2025. To make things easier, let's say 2025.
Thor's fourth solo movie is set in 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. Director Michael Giacchino says no discussions were held about its timeline placement, so it could play out in the past or present. Our opinion? It's set in modern day, which puts it in 2025.
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Given this special takes place prior to Guardians Volume 3, we think it occurs in 2025, making it the last entry in our Marvel movies in chronological order list. Well, until Guardians of the Galaxy 3 arrives in theaters.
How to watch the Marvel movies in release date order
Best for: first-time viewers.
Want to watch the Marvel movies in order of their release dates? Try this list instead. You'll start with 2008's Iron Man and end with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which debuted in February 2023.
It's an easier blueprint to follow than streaming every MCU production chronologically, so Marvel newcomers should stick to this release date order guide.
- 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 (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)
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.
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 over 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 are coming out soon?
Here's every forthcoming Marvel movie and TV show coming in 2023 and beyond. With Marvel set to rejig its release schedule again – the Coming Soon section of the Disney Plus Originals website (opens in new tab) suggests this year's MCU TV shows aren't ready to be released – you can expect this section to receive regular updates for the foreseeable.
- Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (May 5, 2023)
- The Marvels (November 10, 2023)
- Loki season 2 (TV show, 2023)
- Secret Invasion (TV show, 2023)
- Echo (TV show, 2023)
- Ironheart (TV show, 2023)
- X-Men 97 (animated TV show, 2023)
- What If...? season 2 (TV show, 023)
- Captain America: New World Order (May 3, 2024)
- Thunderbolts (July 26, 2024)
- Blade (September 6, 2024)
- Deadpool 3 (November 8, 2024)
- Agatha: Coven of Chaos (TV show, expected 2024)
- Daredevil: Born Again (TV show, expected 2024)
- Marvel Zombies (animated TV show, expected 2024)
- Spider-Man: Freshman Year (animated TV show, expected 2024)
- Fantastic Four (February 14, 2025)
- Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (May 2, 2025)
- Avengers: Secret Wars (May 1, 2026)
- Armor Wars (TBA)
- Spider-Man 4 (TBA)
How many Marvel movies are there?
31 MCU movies have been released so far. By the end of 2026, there could be 42 movies (at least) 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 4,097 minutes – that's over 68.3 hours or 2.84 total days. Add in the TV shows and specials, and it'll take a whopping 6,307 minutes (105 hours or 4.38 days) to watch them all.
Where to watch the Marvel movies
You can stream the Marvel movies in order, as well as the TV shows, on Disney Plus (read our Disney Plus review while you're here). You can watch them in chronological order or release date order, too.
However, The Incredible Hulk and most Spider-Man movies aren't available on Disney Plus. That's because Universal and Sony hold their distribution rights.
The Incredible Hulk is on HBO Max in territories where this streamer is available. Additionally, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man: Far From Home are the only non-MCU Spidey flicks on Disney Plus UK. The Tobey Maguire films, The Amazing Spider-Man 1, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse have all been removed from Netflix and Disney Plus in the US and UK.
Marvel movies in order: all MCU films and TV shows ranked
For us, the Avengers movies are the best MCU films, but the whole thing is subjective. You can check our best Marvel movies piece for our full thoughts on the matter.
For those wanting a broader view, we've also ranked the Marvel movies and shows based on their IMDb (opens in new tab) user scores. Now that the Netflix Marvel shows are canon, we've added them to the list. However, we haven't included Sony's Spider-Man spin-off films. Until Marvel and Sony confirm they're officially part in the MCU (outside of what we saw in Spider-Man: No Way Home, anyway), we've left them out.
- Daredevil (2015 - 2018) – 8.6
- The Punisher (2017 - 2019) – 8.5
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) – 8.4
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – 8.4
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – 8.2
- Loki (2021) – 8.2
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014) – 8.0
- The Avengers (2012) – 8.0
- WandaVision (2021) – 7.9
- Iron Man (2008) – 7.9
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – 7.9
- Jessica Jones (2015 - 2019) – 7.9
- Agent Carter (2015 - 2016) – 7.9
- Captain America: Civil War (2016) – 7.8
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – 7.8
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – 7.6
- Hawkeye (2021) – 7.5
- Doctor Strange (2016) – 7.5
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) – 7.4
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – 7.4
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) – 7.4
- Black Panther (2018) – 7.3
- Ant-Man (2015) – 7.3
- Moon Knight (2022) – 7.3
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – 7.3
- Luke Cage (2016 - 2018) – 7.3
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) – 7.2
- Werewolf by Night (2022) – 7.2
- The Defenders (2017) – 7.2
- Iron Man 3 (2013) – 7.1
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – 7.0
- Thor (2011) – 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
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) – 6.8
- Captain Marvel (2019) – 6.8
- Thor: The Dark World (2013) – 6.8
- Black Widow (2021) – 6.7
- I Am Groot (2022) – 6.7
- The Incredible Hulk (2008) – 6.6
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) – 6.4
- Iron Fist (2017 - 2018) – 6.4
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) – 6.3
- Eternals (2021) – 6.3
- Ms Marvel (2022) – 6.2
- She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) – 5.2
For more Marvel movies in order content, find out how to watch the Spider-Man movies in order. Alternatively, read up on how to stream the X-Men movies in order or check out our Marvel villains ranked list.
