Are you feeling a little mixed up about how to watch Marvel movies in order? You are not alone, you know. Lots of people wonder about the best way to catch up on all the stories. There are a couple of main ways to approach an MCU rewatch, so if you want to have some sense of order, this guide is definitely for you.

Many fans want the best way to watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe. You can either watch everything in the order they were released, or you can try to follow a timeline. For many, the release order is the simplest path, and it keeps all the surprises just as they were meant to be seen. This method helps you experience the story exactly as it unfolded for moviegoers over the years, which is pretty cool.

Now suit up, because we're bringing a list of the marvel movies in order to you. The films have been in production since 2007, and in that time Marvel Studios has produced and released 36 films, with at least 9 more in various stages of development. To make the release date order easier to read, we've divided the list into phases, beginning with 2008's Iron Man and leading right up to the most recent Marvel release as of today. Spoilers ahead for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, just a little heads-up.

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Table of Contents

• Why the Release Order Matters
• Understanding Marvel Cinematic Universe Phases
  • Phase One: The Avengers Assemble
  • Phase Two: Expanding Horizons
  • Phase Three: Infinity Saga's Peak
  • Phase Four: A New Beginning
  • Phase Five: The Multiverse Unfolds
  • Phase Six: Future Stories
• The Complete Marvel Movies Release Order List
  • Phase One Films
  • Phase Two Films
  • Phase Three Films
  • Phase Four Films
  • Phase Five Films
  • Upcoming Marvel Movies
• Frequently Asked Questions About Marvel Movies
  • What's the main difference between release and chronological order?
  • Do I need to watch every single Marvel movie?
  • Are there spoilers if I watch in release order?
• Getting Ready for Your Marvel Movie Marathon
• Your Marvel Movie Journey Continues

Why the Release Order Matters

Watching the films in the order they came out really lets you experience the story as the creators intended. You get to see characters introduced naturally, and big plot twists happen just when they should. It preserves all the surprises, you know, and helps you understand how the universe grew over time. This way, you feel the excitement of each new hero joining the team.

For instance, when you watch The First Avenger, you see Captain America's beginnings. Then, later, you see how he fits into the modern world. This order keeps the reveals fresh. It’s a bit like opening presents one by one, rather than seeing them all at once. So, if you want to follow the story as it unfolded for everyone, this is the path.

Understanding Marvel Cinematic Universe Phases

To make the release date order easier to read, we've divided the list into phases. These phases group together films that share a common overarching story or theme. Each phase usually builds up to a big event, or maybe introduces a new set of heroes. It helps keep things organized, you see, especially with so many films.

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The idea of phases helps fans keep track of the larger story arcs. It’s a way of breaking down a very big story into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach, you know, makes it simpler to follow the long journey of these characters. It’s pretty much how the story has been told since the beginning.

Phase One: The Avengers Assemble

This phase really started everything. It introduced us to the core heroes who would eventually form the Avengers. It all began with Iron Man, which is a big deal. After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit. This film really set the tone for what was to come, honestly.

The first phase built up to the very first team-up film. You get to meet Captain America, Thor, and the Hulk. Each movie, in a way, laid down a piece of the puzzle. It was about gathering the heroes, basically, and setting the stage for bigger things. This phase is where it all started, so it's very important.

Phase Two: Expanding Horizons

After the first big team-up, Phase Two took the story in some new directions. We saw characters dealing with the aftermath of big battles. New heroes also came into the picture, which was exciting. The universe itself started to feel much bigger, you know, with stories going to different planets and introducing new groups.

This phase also brought in characters like the Guardians of the Galaxy. Their story was quite different from the Earth-bound heroes. It expanded the cosmic side of things, in some respects. This period showed that the Marvel Cinematic Universe could tell all sorts of stories, which was a pretty neat development.

Phase Three: Infinity Saga's Peak

Phase Three was a huge one, culminating in some truly massive events. It brought together almost every hero we had met so far for a very big conflict. The stakes felt incredibly high, and the stories really pushed the characters to their limits. This phase had some of the most talked-about moments, honestly.

The Infinity Saga, as it's known, really reached its peak here. All the previous films, in a way, were building to this point. It felt like a payoff for years of storytelling. The movies in this phase were, you know, incredibly impactful and changed the entire landscape of the universe.

Phase Four: A New Beginning

Following the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, Phase Four started fresh. It introduced many new characters and explored different kinds of stories. Some familiar faces returned, but with new challenges. This phase felt like a reset, in some respects, paving the way for future adventures. It was about moving forward, basically.

This period also brought in more diverse storytelling, including some of the first films with new leads. It showed that the Marvel universe was still growing and changing. You could say it was about planting new seeds for the next big story, you know, setting up future conflicts and team-ups.

Phase Five: The Multiverse Unfolds

Phase Five really started to dig into the idea of the multiverse. This concept allows for many different versions of reality and characters to exist. It opens up a lot of possibilities for stories, which is rather exciting. We've seen some of these ideas explored already, and there's more to come, apparently.

While Marvel "multiverse" movies do not line up with MCU movies in terms of timelines and chronological release date orders, we’ve prepared the release date order for all movies that are part of the main story. This phase is about, you know, exploring new dimensions and different versions of things. It's a big shift in the overall story.

Phase Six: Future Stories

Phase Six is still mostly a mystery, but we know some big things are planned. It will likely bring together many of the new characters introduced in earlier phases. These films will probably wrap up some of the ongoing storylines. There are at least 9 more films in various stages of development, so there's plenty more to look forward to.

This phase is expected to include more major team-up events, kind of like the earlier Avengers films. It will build on the multiverse concepts from Phase Five. The future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe looks really interesting, with lots of new stories waiting to be told. It's an exciting time for fans, that's for sure.

The Complete Marvel Movies Release Order List

Here’s a list of all Marvel movies in order, based on their original theatrical release dates. This list helps you watch everything just as it came out. It's the most straightforward way to experience the whole story. Remember, we’ve listed all the MCU movies and more here, including the 36 films mentioned in our source text.

Phase One Films

• Iron Man (2008)
• The Incredible Hulk (2008)
• Iron Man 2 (2010)
• Thor (2011)
• Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
• The Avengers (2012)

Phase Two Films

• 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)

Phase Three Films

• 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)

Phase Four Films

• Black Widow (2021)
• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
• Eternals (2021)
• Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
• Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Phase Five Films

• Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
• The Marvels (2023)

Upcoming Marvel Movies

As of late 2024, there are 33 released MCU films. Our source text mentions 36 films have been released, with at least 9 more in various stages of development. The additional count might include special presentations or other related content. The future holds many more stories, which is pretty exciting. These upcoming films will continue the story, you know, and introduce even more characters.

Some of the titles we know are coming include Deadpool 3, Captain America: Brave New World, and Thunderbolts. There are also big team-up movies like Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon. These films are what the 9 more in development refer to, basically. You can find more details on future releases from official sources, like the Marvel Studios website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marvel Movies

Confused about how to watch Marvel movies in order? Here are some common questions people ask. These answers should help clear things up a bit. It’s natural to have questions with so many films, you know, so don't worry about it.

What's the main difference between release and chronological order?

The release order means watching the films exactly when they came out in theaters. This is how most people first experienced the story. Chronological order, on the other hand, means watching them based on the timeline of events within the story. For example, Captain America: The First Avenger takes place before Iron Man, even though Iron Man was released first. The release order is simpler, frankly, and preserves surprises. You can either watch everything in the order they were released, or try the timeline order, which is a bit more complicated.

Do I need to watch every single Marvel movie?

If you want the full story and to understand every reference, then watching all of them is the best way. However, you can pick your movie, TV, and celebrity picks if you just want to see certain characters or storylines. Some films are more connected than others, so you could probably skip a few if you're really pressed for time. But for the complete experience, watching them all is pretty much the way to go.

Are there spoilers if I watch in release order?

Watching in release order actually helps avoid spoilers. The films were made to be seen in that sequence, so big reveals and character appearances happen naturally. If you watch in chronological order, you might see a character appear in an earlier story before they were officially introduced in a later-released film. So, for the best experience without accidental reveals, the release order is typically recommended. Spoilers ahead for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe if you are just starting, so that is something to keep in mind.

Getting Ready for Your Marvel Movie Marathon

Now that you have a list of all Marvel movies in order, you are ready to start your rewatch. Grab some snacks, get comfy, and prepare to spend some quality time with your favorite heroes. This ultimate 2025 guide to Marvel movies chronological order & release timeline is here to help you start now! It's going to be a fun time, honestly.

Remember, this list focuses on the release date order, which is a great way to experience the story. It allows you to see how the universe grew and changed over time. You can learn more about the history of these films on our site, and perhaps even find some fun facts on our character pages. Enjoy your journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe!