The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a massive franchise, spanning twenty-three movies and counting. If you’re looking to watch the movies in order, you have a few options. The first is to watch them in release order, starting with “Iron Man” and ending with the most recent release. However, this approach does have some drawbacks. First, not all of the movies are equally good, so you may end up getting bored partway through. Second, the story lines can be confusing if you don’t already know the characters.
A second option is to watch the movies in chronological order. This approach has the advantage of allowing you to follow the story lines more easily, but it can be confusing because of the time jumps between movies.
The third option is to watch the movies in Marvel’s “Phase One” and “Phase Two” order. This approach provides a balanced mix of story line and character development, and it also allows you to see how the different movies connect to each other. Whichever approach you choose, there’s no doubt that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a fascinating world to explore.
In this article we will show you the order of all Marvel Movies and a short description for each movie.
How to watch the Marvel movies in order?
Marvel fans rejoice – there is finally an official Marvel movie marathon guide! This comprehensive list details how to watch the Marvel movies in order, from Iron Man (2008) all the way to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2 (2022). Whether you’re a Marvel novice or a seasoned superhero fan, this guide will ensure that you don’t miss a single Easter egg or Marvel references. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a marathon of epic proportions!
Here All the Marvel movies in order
All the Marvel movies are created by the Marvel Studios and are released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The first Marvel movie was Iron Man, which was released in 2008. This was followed by The Incredible Hulk in 2008, Iron Man 2 in 2010, Thor in 2011, Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011, The Avengers in 2012, Iron Man 3 in 2013, Thor: The Dark World in 2013, Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, Avengers: Age of Ultron in 2015, Ant-Man in 2015, Captain America: Civil War in 2016, Doctor Strange in 2016, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017, Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017, Thor: Ragnarok in 2017, Black Panther in 2018, Avengers: Infinity War in 2018, and Ant-Man and the Wasp in 2018. The next Marvel movie to be released is Captain Marvel on March 8th, 2019. All of these movies are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
1. Iron Man (2008)
All Marvel movies have something that sets them apart from other superhero movies, and Iron Man is no different. For one, the suit that Robert Downey Jr. dons as Tony Stark is much more advanced than anything else seen on the big screen at the time. This is made evident in the final battle scene where Stark goes up against a group of terrorists, Suit up in full force. Secondly, the movie does a good job of showing how Stark’s…
2. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
All Marvel movies are enjoyable, but The Incredible Hulk is a particular standout. Bruce Banner, a scientist who turns into a giant green monster when he gets angry, is an immensely likable protagonist, and the film does an excellent job of showing the emotional damage that he has suffered as a result of his transformation.
The action scenes are well-choreographed and exciting, and the CGI is used to great effect. In addition, the film’s exploration of the relationship between Banner and his estranged father is thought-provoking and adds an extra layer of depth to the story. The Incredible Hulk is a must-see for fans of superhero movies.
3. Iron Man 2 (2010)
All Marvel movies are set in the same universe. This is evident in Iron Man 2 when Tony Stark briefly visits Asgard, which is the home of Thor. In the movie, Loki is trying to start a war between Asgard and Earth and Thor comes to stop him. However, there are other Marvel movies that are not set in the same universe.
For example, the X-Men movies are not set in the same universe as the Avengers movies because the X-Men belong to 20th Century Fox while the Avengers belong to Marvel Studios. As a result, the characters from the X-Men movies cannot appear in the Avengers movies and vice versa. Nevertheless, all Marvel movies are still connected to each other through references and Easter eggs.
4. Thor (2011)
Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The film was produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It is the fourth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The film was directed by Kenneth Branagh, written by Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz, and stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, and Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig. The film sees Thor banished to Earth from Asgard, stripped of his powers, and forced to live among humans. As his brother Loki plots to take the throne from their father Odin, Thor must prove himself worthy and reclaim his hammer Mjolnir.
Thor received generally positive reviews from critics; however, some criticized its formulaic plot and felt that it lacked the humor of other MCU films. Despite this, the film was a financial success, grossing over $449 million worldwide. Thor was released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 13, 2011. A sequel, Thor: The Dark World, was released on November 8, 2013. All Marvel movies leading up to Avengers: Endgame (2019), including Thor were re-released in IMAX format during the week of April 26, 2019.
5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Captain America: The First Avenger is a 2011 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The film is the fifth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and was released by Marvel Studios. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its direction, acting, and visual effects. However, some reviewers criticized the film’s pacing and plot. Captain America: The First Avenger grossed over $370 million at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2011.
Captain America: The First Avenger is set during World War II, following Steve Rogers, a sickly man from Brooklyn who’s transformed into super-soldier Captain America to aid in the war effort. After successfully stopping Red Skull, Captain America becomes frozen in ice and wakes up in the present day. He teams up with fellow Avengers to stop Hydra from using an ancient artifact known as the Tesseract to destroy New York City.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $370 million at the box office and receiving generally positive reviews from critics. Captain America: The First Avenger is considered one of the best films in the MCU and is credited for helping to launch the franchise.
6. The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers was a 2012 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The film was produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It was written and directed by Joss Whedon and features an ensemble cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeremy Renner as the titular Avengers. The film’s sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron, was released in 2015.
The Avengers was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.5 billion worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of 2012. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its direction, acting, cinematography, visual effects, and action sequences. The film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. A sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron, was released on May 1, 2015. In 2016, another sequel, Captain America: Civil War, was released on May 6. Another sequel, Avengers: Infinity War is scheduled to be released on April 27, 2018.
7. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Iron Man 3 is a 2013 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Iron Man, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to 2008’s Iron Man and 2010’s Iron Man 2, and the seventh film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU movies).
In Iron Man 3, Tony Stark discovers that his personal world has been destroyed at his enemy’s hands, and he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible.
The film was released on May 3, 2013, in the United States. Critics praised the performances of Downey and Kingsley, as well as the action sequences and visual effects. grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing film of 2013 and the fifth highest-grossing film of all time. A sequel, titled Iron Man 4, is scheduled for release on May 3, 2019.
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor: The Dark World is a 2013 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to Thor (2011) and the eighth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film was directed by Alan Taylor, with a screenplay by Christopher Yost and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.
It stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, alongside Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Tadanobu Asano, Jamie Alexander, Rene Russo, and Anthony Hopkins. In Thor: The Dark World, Thor teams up with Loki to save Asgard from an ancient enemy that predates the universe itself.
Thor: The Dark World grossed over $645 million worldwide, becoming the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2013 and the highest-grossing film in the MCU at that time. It received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its visual effects. A sequel, Thor: Ragnarok, was released in 2017.
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier is one of the most anticipated movies of 2014. Marvel has a proven track record with its other movies, and Captain Marvel is one of its most popular characters.
The movie is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who also directed Marvel’s The Avengers (2012). The cast includes Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, and Samuel L. Jackson.
The plot revolves around Captain America/Steve Rogers (Evans) teaming up with the Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Johansson) to take on a new threat: the Winter Soldier (Stan). Marvel movies are known for their action sequences, and The Winter Soldier promises to be no exception.
With its star-studded cast, impressive directing duo, and action-packed plot, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is sure to be one of the year’s biggest hits.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy was released in 2014 to critical and commercial acclaim. The film Tells the story of a group of unlikely heroes who must team up to prevent a powerful villain from destroying the galaxy.
11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” was one of the most anticipated movies of 2015. Marvel had a lot to live up to after the success of the first “Avengers” movie, and they did not disappoint.
The sequel was even better than the original, with non-stop action, amazing special effects, and a plot that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Marvel has once again shown why they are the masters of the superhero genre, and “Age of Ultron” is one of the best Marvel movies to date.
12. Ant-Man (2015)
Marvel’s Ant-Man was released in 2015 to critical and commercial success. The film tells the story of Scott Lang, a former criminal who is recruited by scientist Hank Pym to help him pull off a heist that will save the world.
Marvel movies are known for their high-octane action sequences and larger-than-life characters, but Ant-Man is a more intimate affair. The film focuses on Scott’s relationship with his daughter, and the lengths he will go to provide for her.
Additionally, the film’s small scale allows it to explore themes of family and responsibility in a way that many other Marvel movies cannot. As a result, Ant-Man is a unique entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and one that is well worth watching.
13. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Marvel’s latest release, Captain America: Civil War, is yet another superhero blockbuster that hits all the right marks. The film picks up where Avengers: Age of Ultron left off, with the Marvel heroes divided over the issue of government regulation.
The conflict comes to a head when Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) come into direct conflict, leading to an all-out battle between their respective teams. As always, the Marvel universe is impressively realized on screen, and the action sequences are suitably spectacular.
However, it’s the film’s surprisingly grounded story that really makes it stand out. Whether you’re a Marvel fan or not, Captain America: Civil War is definitely worth a watch.
14. Doctor Strange (2016)
Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” follows the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), who is drawn into the world of the mystic arts after a horrific car accident renders his hands unusable.
Under the tutelage of the Ancient One (played by Tilda Swinton), Strange learns to open his mind to new possibilities and becomes one of the most powerful sorcerers in the Marvel Universe.
“Doctor Strange” is one of the most visually stunning Marvel movies to date, with eye-popping special effects that bring to life otherworldly dimensions and unforgettable action scenes. It’s also one of the most thematically complex Marvel movies, exploring themes of ego, fate, and self-sacrifice. “Doctor Strange” is a must-see for Marvel fans and newcomers alike.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is the sequel to the 2014 film about a group of space-faring adventurers. The movie centers on the team’s leader, Peter Quill (a.k.a. Star-Lord), as he tries to come to terms with his true parentage.
Along the way, the Guardians must battle evil forces, both internal and external, in order to save the galaxy from destruction. The movie features an impressive cast, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and Kurt Russell. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with classic 1970s songs serving as a backdrop to the action. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is a fun and fast-paced ride that’s sure to please fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man, co-produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. It is the second Spider-Man film reboot and the sixteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The film was directed by Jon Watts, from a screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, and a story by Watts, Goldstein and Daley. Holland stars as Spider-Man/Peter Parker, while Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. appear in supporting roles. In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter Parker tries to balance high school life with being Spider-Man while facing the Vulture.
Due to the involvement of Disney (Marvel Studios’ parent company) after their deal with Sony to share Spider-Man had lapsed before this film was made, it became partially an MCU production while still being produced by Sony through its Columbia Pictures division.
17. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Thor: Ragnarok is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to 2011’s Thor and 2013’s Thor: The Dark World, and is the seventeenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film is directed by Taika Waititi from a screenplay by Eric Pearson and the writing team of Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost, and stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor alongside Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, and Anthony Hopkins. In Thor: Ragnarok, Thor must confront Hela, the new ruler of Asgard.
18. Black Panther (2018)
Marvel movies have been top box office films for over a decade now. Each movie somehow managing to outdo the one before it. black Panther (2018) is one of, if not the, best marvel movie to date. It features a strong, independent black female lead which is something that hasn’t been done before in any marvel movie.
The all-black cast also provides a welcome change of pace from the usual marvel fare. The plot is intriguing and well-paced, and the action sequences are some of the best that marvel has ever done. Overall, black Panther is a well-rounded movie that is sure to please both long-time marvel fans and newcomers alike.
19. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War is the nineteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it is the third Avengers movie. The film was released on April 27, 2018, and it grossed over $2 billion at the worldwide box office. Infinity War was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and it was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.
In the film, the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy must team up to stop Thanos from collecting all of the Infinity Stones. Infinity War received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, and it is widely considered to be one of the best superhero movies ever made.
20. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp” is fun-filled, action-packed adventure that follows Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) as he tries to balance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man. When Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) need Scott’s help to find Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), Scott must put on the suit and shrink down to the size of an ant to save her.
Along the way, he’ll have to deal with a new villain, Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who can phase through objects. With colorful characters, exciting action sequences, and plenty of humor, “Ant-Man and The Wasp” is a worthy addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
21. Captain Marvel (2019)
Captain Marvel is a 2019 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Carol Danvers. The film follows Danvers as she becomes Captain Marvel after Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic conflict between two alien races.
Captain Marvel was released in the United States on March 8, 2019.
Captain Marvel grossed over $1 billion worldwide, becoming the seventh highest-grossing film of 2019 and the highest-grossing film of all time by a female director.
22. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Captain Marvel is a 2019 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Carol Danvers. The film follows Danvers as she becomes Captain Marvel after Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic conflict between two alien races.
Captain Marvel grossed over $1 billion worldwide, becoming the seventh highest-grossing film of 2019 and the highest-grossing film of all time by a female director.
23. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Spider-Man: Far From Home is the first Spider-Man film to be set entirely outside of the United States. The film follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) as he goes on a school trip to Europe, where he is recruited by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) to help stop the elemental villain Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal). Spider-Man: Far From Home is a fun and action-packed ride that also serves as a love letter to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film’s setting allows for some stunning visuals, and the cast is clearly having a blast. Spider-Man: Far From Home is a must-see for any Marvel fan.
24. Dark Phoenix (2019)
Dark Phoenix is a visually stunning film that features some of the best special effects of any superhero movie to date. The action sequences are spectacular, and the cast brings their A-game to their performances.
However, the film suffers from a number of problems, chief among them being its pacing. The first half of the film feels slow and plodding, and it isn’t until the last half hour or so that things really start to pick up. In addition, the film’s story feels very familiar, as if we’ve seen it all before in other superhero movies.
25. The New Mutants (2020)
The New Mutants is a 2020 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name. It is the thirteenth and final installment in the X-Men film series. The film was directed by Josh Boone from a script he wrote withKnate Lee, and stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt, and Henry Zaga.
In the film, a group of young mutants are held in a secret facility against their will where they are subjected to tests and treatments that are meant to subdue their powers.
Latest Movies:
26. Black Widow (2020)
27. Eternals (2020)
28. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
29. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2021)
30. Thor: Love and Thunder (2021)
31. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2 (2022)
Conclusion
Marvel movies have been extremely popular over the past few years, grossing billions of dollars at the box office. While some have criticized the movies for their formulaic nature, there is no denying their mass appeal. Marvel has managed to create a successful formula that combines action, humor, and drama, and this formula has resonated with audiences around the world.
While some Marvel movies are better than others, they all share a certain sense of fun and excitement that is difficult to resist. Whether you love them or hate them, it is clear that Marvel movies are here to stay.
