Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Best Viewing Order for New Fans
For newcomers eager to dive into the expansive world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), deciding where to begin can feel like a daunting task. With 34 films already released and more on the horizon, navigating this superhero saga requires a strategic approach. While seasoned fans might enjoy exploring the MCU in chronological order, a simpler method exists for those just starting their journey.
The generally accepted best way to experience the MCU for the first time is by following the original release order of the films, beginning with 2008's *Iron Man*. This approach allows viewers to witness the gradual unfolding of the overarching narrative, character introductions, and the evolution of the MCU's interconnected storylines. Let's explore the complete list, from Phase 1 to Phase 5, in the order they hit theaters.
Every MCU Movie In Order of Release
Phase 1: The Beginning
1. **Iron Man (May 2, 2008):** Witness the birth of the MCU with Tony Stark's transformation from a billionaire playboy into the armored Avenger, Iron Man. This film explores his journey of self-discovery and his commitment to using his technology for good. *Iron Man* is available for streaming on Disney+.
2. **The Incredible Hulk (June 13, 2008):** Edward Norton portrays Bruce Banner as he evades General Thaddeus Ross and the US Army. As Banner seeks a cure for his condition, he must learn to control the Hulk and harness its power. Stream *The Incredible Hulk* on Disney+.
3. **Iron Man 2 (May 7, 2010):** Six months after the first film, Tony Stark faces new challenges as he searches for a replacement element for his arc reactor. New allies and enemies emerge, revealing the impact of Stark's technology on the world. Watch *Iron Man 2* on Disney+.
4. **Thor (May 6, 2011):** The MCU expands into the cosmos with the introduction of Chris Hemsworth as Thor, the God of Thunder. Banished to Earth, Thor learns humility and embraces his humanity while battling to reclaim his place in Asgard. *Thor* is streaming on Disney+.
5. **Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22, 2011):** Travel back in time to World War II and witness the origin story of Steve Rogers, who transforms into Captain America. He fights against the Red Skull and the forces of Hydra, armed with the powerful Tesseract. Stream *Captain America: The First Avenger* on Disney+.
6. **The Avengers (May 4, 2012):** The culmination of Phase 1 brings Earth's Mightiest Heroes together for the first time. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye unite to stop Loki and an alien invasion. Watch *The Avengers* on Disney+.
Phase 2: Expanding the Universe
7. **Iron Man 3 (May 3, 2013):** Tony Stark grapples with the aftermath of the Avengers' battle and faces new threats, including the Mandarin. He must confront his inner demons and redefine his role as Iron Man. *Iron Man 3* is available on Disney+.
8. **Thor: The Dark World (November 8, 2013):** Thor reunites with Jane Foster and battles Malekith and the Dark Elves, who seek to plunge the universe into darkness. The God of Thunder faces loss and sacrifice as he balances his responsibilities as an Avenger and an Asgardian. Stream *Thor: The Dark World* on Disney+.
9. **Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 4, 2014):** Steve Rogers navigates a complex political conspiracy and uncovers a hidden enemy, the Winter Soldier. Teaming up with Black Widow and Falcon, Captain America must confront his past to save the future. Watch *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* on Disney+.
10. **Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1, 2014):** Journey to the cosmos with Peter Quill, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, and Drax as they form the Guardians of the Galaxy. This unlikely team must overcome their differences to protect a powerful artifact from falling into the wrong hands. *Guardians of the Galaxy* is streaming on Disney+.
11. **Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 1, 2015):** The Avengers reunite to stop Ultron, an artificial intelligence created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. The team faces a global threat that tests their limits and introduces new powered individuals. Stream *Avengers: Age of Ultron* on Disney+.
12. **Ant-Man (July 15, 2015):** Scott Lang, a former thief, becomes Ant-Man with the help of Hank Pym. He learns to use the Ant-Man suit to stop Darren Cross, who seeks to weaponize the technology. Watch *Ant-Man* on Disney+.
Phase 3: Conflict and Change
13. **Captain America: Civil War (May 6, 2016):** The Avengers are divided over the Sokovia Accords, leading to a clash between Captain America and Iron Man. This film introduces Black Panther and Spider-Man to the MCU and tests the bonds of the team. *Captain America: Civil War* is available on Disney+.
14. **Doctor Strange (November 4, 2016):** Doctor Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon, embarks on a journey of mystical discovery after losing the use of his hands. He becomes a master of the mystic arts and protects Earth from supernatural threats. Stream *Doctor Strange* on Disney+.
15. **Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (May 5, 2017):** The Guardians of the Galaxy face new threats and uncover the truth about Peter Quill's heritage. This sequel explores the themes of family and belonging. Watch *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2* on Disney+.
16. **Spider-Man: Homecoming (July 7, 2017):** Peter Parker balances his high school life with his responsibilities as Spider-Man. He seeks to prove himself to Tony Stark while battling the Vulture. *Spider-Man: Homecoming* is streaming on Disney+.
17. **Thor: Ragnarok (November 3, 2017):** Thor learns of the impending destruction of Asgard and teams up with the Hulk to stop Hela, the Goddess of Death. This film infuses humor and adventure into the Thor storyline. Stream *Thor: Ragnarok* on Disney+.
18. **Black Panther (February 16, 2018):** T'Challa returns to Wakanda to assume his role as king and Black Panther. He faces a formidable enemy in Erik Killmonger, who challenges his rule and Wakanda's place in the world. Watch *Black Panther* on Disney+.
19. **Avengers: Infinity War (April 27, 2018):** Thanos seeks to collect all six Infinity Stones and wield their power. The Avengers and their allies unite to stop him, leading to devastating consequences. *Avengers: Infinity War* is available on Disney+.
20. **Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 6, 2018):** Scott Lang teams up with Hope van Dyne as they embark on a mission to the Quantum Realm. They face new enemies and uncover secrets that will shape the future of the MCU. Stream *Ant-Man and the Wasp* on Disney+.
21. **Captain Marvel (March 8, 2019):** Set in the 1990s, this film introduces Carol Danvers, a powerful hero with cosmic abilities. She teams up with Nick Fury to uncover a conspiracy and protect Earth from an alien threat. Watch *Captain Marvel* on Disney+.
22. **Avengers: Endgame (April 26, 2019):** The Avengers face their most difficult challenge yet as they seek to undo the damage caused by Thanos. This epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga brings together heroes from across the MCU. *Avengers: Endgame* is streaming on Disney+.
23. **Spider-Man: Far From Home (July 2, 2019):** Peter Parker goes on a school trip to Europe and is recruited by Nick Fury to fight the Elementals. He faces a new enemy in Mysterio, who challenges his perception of reality. Stream *Spider-Man: Far From Home* on Disney+.
Phase 4: The Multiverse Beckons
24. **Black Widow (July 9, 2021):** Natasha Romanoff confronts her past and faces a dangerous conspiracy connected to the Red Room. This solo film explores her journey as a spy and her connection to her "family." Watch *Black Widow* on Disney+.
25. **Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3, 2021):** Shang-Chi confronts his past and battles his father, the leader of the Ten Rings organization. He discovers his heritage and embraces his destiny as a martial arts master. *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* is available on Disney+.
26. **Eternals (November 5, 2021):** The Eternals, ancient beings with extraordinary powers, emerge from hiding to protect Earth from the Deviants. This film explores themes of destiny, free will, and the nature of humanity. Stream *Eternals* on Disney+.
27. **Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021):** Peter Parker faces the consequences of his identity being revealed and seeks help from Doctor Strange. This leads to the unleashing of the Multiverse, bringing villains from past Spider-Man films into the MCU. *Spider-Man: No Way Home* is available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video.
28. **Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (May 6, 2022):** Doctor Strange travels through the Multiverse and confronts new threats alongside America Chavez. He faces a powerful enemy in Wanda Maximoff and explores the vast possibilities of alternate realities. Watch *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* on Disney+.
29. **Thor: Love and Thunder (July 8, 2022):** Thor embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reunites with Jane Foster, who has become the Mighty Thor. They face Gorr the God Butcher, who seeks to eliminate all gods from the universe. *Thor: Love and Thunder* is streaming on Disney+.
30. **Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (November 11, 2022):** Wakanda mourns the loss of King T'Challa and faces new threats from Namor and the nation of Talokan. This sequel explores themes of grief, resilience, and the legacy of the Black Panther. *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* is streaming on Disney+.
Phase 5: New Worlds, New Challenges
31. **Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (February 17, 2023):** The Ant-Man family is sucked into the Quantum Realm and faces their biggest challenge yet: Kang the Conqueror. This film kicks off Phase 5 and sets the stage for the Multiverse Saga. *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* is streaming on Disney+.
32. **Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5, 2023):** The Guardians embark on a galactic adventure to save one of their own. They face the High Evolutionary and uncover the backstory of Rocket. *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* is streaming on Disney+.
33. **The Marvels (November 10, 2023):** Captain Marvel teams up with Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) and Monica Rambeau to save the universe. This ensemble blockbuster brings together characters from both the big screen and Disney+ series. *The Marvels* is now streaming on Disney+.
34. **Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26, 2024):** Deadpool enters the MCU and encounters the Time Variance Authority. He is sent on a mission that brings him face-to-face with Wolverine. *Deadpool & Wolverine* is currently playing in theaters.
As the MCU continues to expand, keeping up with the release order ensures a cohesive and rewarding viewing experience. By following this guide, new fans can fully appreciate the intricate storylines, character development, and interconnectedness that make the Marvel Cinematic Universe a global phenomenon.