Competing with Harry Potter and The Star Wars movie franchises with box office revenues of about 10.3 billion and 7.7 billion, respectively, The Marvel Cinematic Universe has the record for the highest-grossing film franchise and series, making it the undisputed kingpin of the big-screen. The franchise has earned a whooping 26.6 billion U.S. Dollars worldwide.
It has accumulated millions of fans all over the planet in a span of 14 years. This carefully curated arsenal of blockbusters comprises 29 movies, all set in the same universe and connected plotlines, with around 60 hours of runtime. It can be tricky to watch as the release order doesn’t follow the chronological order—just like in Star Wars Saga.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about the MCU, along with how to watch all the Marvel movies in order.
How to Watch Iron Man Movies In Release Order?
We have listed all of Marvel’s movies and shorts in the order that they were initially released for your viewing pleasure and so that you may binge-watch them easily.
PHASE 1 | ||
1 | Iron Man | 2008 |
2 | The Incredible Hulk | 2008 |
3 | Iron Man 2 | 2010 |
4 | Thor | 2011 |
5 | Captain America: The First Avenger | 2011 |
6 | The Avengers | 2012 |
PHASE 2 | ||
7 | Iron Man 3 | 2013 |
8 | Thor: The Dark World | 2013 |
9 | Captain America: The Winter Soldier | 2014 |
10 | Guardians Of The Galaxy | 2014 |
11 | Avengers: Age of Ultron | 2015 |
12 | Ant Man | 2015 |
PHASE THREE | ||
13 | Captain America: Civil War | 2016 |
14 | Doctor Strange | 2016 |
15 | Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 | 2017 |
16 | Spider-Man: Homecoming | 2017 |
17 | Thor: Ragnarok | 2017 |
18 | Black Panther | 2017 |
19 | Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 |
20 | Ant Man And The Wasp | 2018 |
21 | Captain Marvel | 2019 |
22 | Avengers: Endgame | 2019 |
23 | Spider Man: Far From Home | 2019 |
PHASE FOUR | ||
24 | Black Widow | 2021 |
25 | Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings | 2021 |
26 | Eternals | 2021 |
27 | Spiderman: No Way Home | 2021 |
28 | Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness | 2022 |
29 | Thor: Love And Thunder | 2022 |
How to Watch Iron Man Movies In Chronological Order?
The chronological order of the Marvel films is more intricate than the order of their theatrical releases. The plot can only be understood if seen in its intended chronological order.
1 | Captain America: The First Avenger | 2011 |
2 | Captain Marvel | 2019 |
3 | Iron Man | 2008 |
4 | Iron Man 2 | 2010 |
5 | The Incredible Hulk | 2008 |
6 | Thor | 2011 |
7 | The Avengers | 2012 |
8 | Thor: The Dark World | 2013 |
9 | Iron Man 3 | 2013 |
10 | Captain America: The Winter Soldier | 2014 |
11 | Guardians Of The Galaxy | 2014 |
12 | Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 | 2017 |
13 | Avengers: Age of Ultron | 2015 |
14 | Ant Man | 2015 |
15 | Captain America: Civil War | 2016 |
16 | Black Widow | 2021 |
17 | Spider-Man: Homecoming | 2017 |
18 | Black Panther | 2017 |
19 | Doctor Strange | 2016 |
20 | Thor: Ragnarok | 2017 |
21 | Ant Man And The Wasp | 2018 |
22 | Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 |
23 | Avengers: Endgame | 2019 |
24 | Spider Man: Far From Home | 2019 |
25 | Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings | 2021 |
26 | Eternals | 2021 |
27 | Spiderman: No Way Home | 2021 |
28 | Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness | 2022 |
29 | Thor: Love And Thunder | 2022 |
All The Iron Man Movies In Order Explained
If a marathon of Marvel Cinematic Universe films is something you’ve been fantasising about, then look no further; we’ve laid down the precise order you need to follow, sans Venom and Morbius, who aren’t officially in the MCU.
Not only that, but you can use our Marvel streaming guide to figure out where to watch the movie (spoiler: you can watch most of them on Disney+). Read on for a complete rundown of every Marvel film in their chronological order!
1. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
The year is 1941, and war is raging throughout the globe. Steve Rogers aspires to serve his country by enlisting in the military. Still, the military turns him down due to his diminutive size.
Steve finally gets his chance when he enrolls in an experimental program that transforms him into Captain America, a super-soldier. Captain America leads the battle against the HYDRA organization, supported by the Nazis, alongside Bucky Barnes and Peggy Carter.
2. Captain Marvel (2019)
An interstellar Kree warrior named Captain Marvel finds herself amid a galactic conflict between her race and the Skrulls. She is a 1995 Earth resident who recalls her previous life as American Air Force pilot Carol Danvers. With Nick Fury’s aid, Captain Marvel works to learn more about her past while using her unique superpowers to end the conflict with the malicious Skrulls.
3. Iron Man (2008)
Tony Stark, a genius inventor and billionaire industrialist, is kidnapped by terrorists while conducting weapons tests abroad. They demand that he create a lethal weapon.
As an alternative, he forges an armored suit and overthrows his captors. When Stark returns to America, he improves the suit and uses it to fight terrorism and crime.
4. Iron Man 2 (2010)
The billionaire innovator Tony Stark is under pressure from all parties to offer his technology to the military now that everyone knows he is Iron Man.
He is hesitant to reveal the inner workings of his armored suit for fear that the knowledge will end up in the wrong hands. Tony must forge new alliances and face a formidable new foe with Pepper Potts and Rhodes by his side.
5. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Bruce Banner, a scientist, is frantically searching for a treatment for the gamma radiation that poisoned his cells and transformed him into The Hulk.
However, when Banner is separated from his soul mate Betty Ross and is forced to hide from his enemy, General Thunderbolt Ross, a new threat emerges: a super-strong foe referred to as The Abomination.
6. Thor (2011)
Thor will soon succeed to the crown of Asgard from his ailing father as the son of Odin, the Norse gods’ king. However, when the Frost Giants, the adversaries of the gods, enter the palace in contravention of their agreement on the day that he is to be officially named, Thor responds violently.
Odin exiles Thor to Earth as a form of retribution. The greatest threat to Thor, now that his powers have been taken away comes from his brother Loki, who is causing trouble in Asgard.
7. The Avengers (2012)
Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury launches a superhero recruitment drive to stop the extraordinary threat to Earth when Loki, the evil twin of Thor, gains access to the Tesseract’s limitless power.
Banded together, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Iron Man and other characters fight to protect the Earth and humanity’s existence.
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
The Dark Elves were an evil race that the gods of Asgard once battled and defeated. Unfortunately, the survivors were destroyed, and the Aether, their most powerful weapon, was buried in a cavern.
When Jane Foster discovers the Aether hundreds of years later and accepts its role as its host, Thor is forced to take her to Asgard before Dark Elf Malekith captures her and uses the Aether as a weapon to destroy the Nine Realms, including Earth.
9. Iron Man 3 (2013)
After saving New York from destruction, Tony Stark has been plagued by worry and insomnia. As a result, he has become more reliant on the suits that give him his Iron Man persona, which harms every aspect of his life, including his relationship with Pepper.
Tony must rely solely on instinct and ingenuity to exact revenge and defend the people he loves after a cunning foe known as the Mandarin destroys his world.
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, resides in the nation’s capital as he tries to acclimate to modern life following the catastrophic events in New York with his fellow Avengers.
Unfortunately, Rogers is drawn into a web of intrigue after an attack on a S.H.I.E.L.D. coworker puts the entire world in danger. To expose a growing conspiracy, Rogers teams up with the Black Widow and a new ally, the Falcon. Still, they soon run into an unexpected foe.
11. Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
Peter Quill, a brazen space explorer, becomes the target of relentless bounty hunters when he steals an orb that a formidable villain named Ronan wants.
To escape Ronan, Quill is compelled to form a tense alliance with four outcasts: the vengeance-seeking Drax the Destroyer, the gun-toting Rocket Raccoon, the tree-like humanoid Groot, and the mysterious Gamora.
But when Quill realizes the orb’s true potential and the cosmic danger it poses, he must rally his motley crew to defend the cosmos.
12. Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 (2017)
A powerful alien race known as the Sovereign employs Peter Quill and his fellow Guardians to guard their priceless batteries against intruders. The Sovereign sends out their armada to seek revenge after learning that Rocket has stolen the items they were sent to protect. The mystery surrounding Peter’s parentage is solved as the Guardians attempt to flee.
13. Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
When Tony Stark reactivates a dormant peacekeeping program, things go wrong. The Avengers must reassemble, including Thor, the Incredible Hulk, and the others.
The crew is pushed to the ultimate test as they fight Ultron, a technological monstrosity intent on wiping out humanity, as the future of Earth hangs in the balance. They run upon Pietro and Wanda Maximoff along the journey, two intriguing and formidable newcomers.
14. Ant Man (2015)
Dr. Hank Pym hires the services of Scott Lang, a master thief. The latter was recently released from prison after being forced out of his business by former protege Darren Cross.
Lang transforms into Ant-Man after Pym trains him and gives him a suit that gives him the ability to control an army of ants, shrink in size, and have superhuman strength.
To stop Cross, also identified as Yellowjacket, from honing the same technology and utilizing it as a weapon for evil, the tiny hero must use his newly acquired skills.
15. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Political pressure to establish an accountability system increases due to the collateral damage caused by the Avengers’ actions. Members of the team are sharply divided by the new situation.
According to Captain America, superheroes should be allowed to defend humanity without government interference. Iron Man vehemently disagrees and is in favor of regulation. Black Widow and Hawkeye are forced to choose a side as the argument turns into a full-fledged feud.
16. Black Widow (2021)
When a threatening conspiracy with connections to her past emerges, Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow, must face the darker aspects of her past. Natasha must deal with her past as a spy, the broken relationships she left in her wake before becoming an Avenger, and a force that will cease at nothing to destroy her.
17. Spider Man: Homecoming (2017)
Young Peter Parker returns home to live with his Aunt May after being thrilled by his interaction with the Avengers. Tony Stark, Parker’s mentor, keeps an eye on him as he begins to accept his newly found identity as Spider-Man. He also makes an effort to resume his regular daily activities.
Still, He is sidetracked by ideas demonstrating that he is more than just a friendly neighborhood superhero. When the villainous Vulture appears and threatens everything Peter values, he will soon have to put his abilities to the test.
18. Black Panther (2018)
T’Challa returns to Wakanda, an African country, after the passing of his father to assume the throne in his rightful place. However, T’Challa’s resolve as king and as Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that threatens the future of Wakanda and the entire globe when a formidable enemy reappears out of nowhere.
The young king must gather his allies and unleash Black Panther’s full power to defeat his enemies and ensure the protection of his people when faced with betrayal and danger.
19. Doctor Strange (2016)
After losing the use of his hands in a car accident, Dr. Stephen Strange’s life changes. When conventional medicine fails him, he looks to a mysterious enclave for healing and hope.
But, unfortunately, he quickly discovers that the stronghold is at the center of a conflict with shadowy, evil forces determined to shatter reality. Soon after, Strange must decide whether to give up his prosperous and privileged life or use his immense magic power to defend the world.
20. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
The powerful Thor, detained on the other side of the universe, is forced to compete in a fatal gladiatorial match against the Hulk, another Avenger and his former ally.
Thor is in a race against time to stop the all-powerful Hela from eradicating the Asgardian civilization and his home world as part of his quest for survival.
21. Ant Man And The Wasp (2018)
Scott Lang is considering the effects of his decisions as a superhero and a parent. Lang must once more put on the Ant-Man suit and battle alongside the Wasp after being confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym.
The dream team finds itself in an intense fight against a potent new foe due to the urgent mission, which soon leads to past secrets being revealed.
22. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
The Avengers come together to fight their most formidable foe yet, the evil Thanos, with the help of Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, and the rest. Thanos is on a quest to gather all six Infinity Stones and intends to use them to impose his dark will on reality.
Everything the Avengers have battled for has led to this point: the most uncertain the destiny of the planet and life itself has ever been.
23. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Strayed in space without access to food or water, Tony Stark sends Pepper Potts a message as his oxygen supply begins to run low.
Thor, Black Widow, Captain America, and Bruce Banner, the remaining Avengers, must find a way to rescue their defeated allies to face the evil demigod Thanos, who destroyed the planet and the universe in an epic showdown.
24. Spiderman: Far From Home (2019)
When Nick Fury enters Peter Parker’s hotel room to ask him to join a mission, his laid-back European vacation turns surprising.
Four enormous elemental creatures that each stand for Earth, air, water, and fire emerge from a rift in the fabric of the cosmos, posing a threat to the entire planet.
To assist Fury and fellow superhero Mysterio in stopping the evil entities from causing havoc across the continent, Parker eventually discovers himself proudly wearing the Spider-Man suit.
25. Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021)
The Ten Rings, ten magical weapons that bestow on their user’s eternal life and great power, are discovered by Xu Wenwu thousands of years ago.
Throughout history, Wenwu gathered an army of soldiers known as the Ten Rings, overthrew numerous kingdoms, and overthrew governments.
A martial artist named Shang-Chi abandons his father and the mysterious Ten Rings organization and leads a quiet life. Years later, he is forced to face his past.
26. Eternals (2021)
The Eternals, a race of superhuman beings secretly residing on Earth for countless years, come together to fight the evil Deviants. As Arishem continues to drag Sersi and her friend, Eternals Phastos and Kingo, into space, the movie ends on a suspenseful note. By rummaging through the memories of the Eternals and trying to decide for himself whether or not humans should exist, he consents to spare humanity.
27. Spiderman: No Way Home (2021)
With Spiderman’s identity now known, our amiable neighborhood web-slinger is no longer concealed and unable to distinguish between his everyday life as Peter Parker and the serious obligations of being a superhero. As a result, the stakes rise when Peter seeks Doctor Strange’s assistance, making it necessary for him to learn the true meaning of being Spider-Man.
28. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)
To combat numerous threats, including other-universe variants of himself that endanger to wipe out millions across the multiverse, Doctor Strange teams up with a mystical teenage girl from his dreams who can travel across multiverses.
29. Thor: Love And Thunder (2022)
Thor sets out on a quest for inner peace, unlike anything he has ever experienced. Unfortunately, Gorr, the God Butcher, a killer from another galaxy who wants to wipe out all gods, interrupts his retirement.
Thor enlists the aid of King Valkyrie, Korg, and his ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, who — to his surprise — mysteriously wields his magical hammer to defeat the threat. They embark on a perilous cosmic journey to solve the mystery of the God Butcher’s retaliation.
How to Watch Marvel Movies in Order: FAQs
When it comes to learning how to watch Marvel Movies in Order, you may come across a few concerns. Below we provide answers to some of the most common queries:
At San Diego Comic-Con in July, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future was teased, including details about the upcoming Fantastic Four and Avengers adventures. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which hits theatres on February 17, 2023, serves as the MCU’s Phase 5 introduction.
Before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in theatres on May 5, 2023, Disney Plus’ Secret Invasion will air in the spring of 2023. The Fantastic Four, Avengers: Kang Dynasty, and Avengers: Secret Wars films, scheduled to be released on November 8, 2024, May 2, 2025, and November 7, 2025, respectively, were also revealed for the first time by Marvel.
Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will helm Kang Dynasty, The Hollywood Reporter reported on Tuesday. Phases 4, 5, and 6 will collectively be called The Multiverse Saga, emulating the Infinity Saga of Phases 1, 2, and 3.
It appears that Kang the Conqueror will be the antagonist of the story of this time period. Still, perhaps a more formidable antagonist will appear in the years to come.
There are currently 28 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and there will soon be more. These films are in the same universe and share common characters, plots, and settings.
The brand first appeared on the covers of the humor comic Patsy Walker #95 and the science-fiction anthology Journey Into Mystery #69 in 1961, when Goodman officially changed the name of his comics division from Timely Comics to Marvel.
Even though the overall plot makes perfect sense either way, if you’re new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you should likely start by watching the movies in the order they were released.
You can’t possibly overlook any. Each one contributes to the complete story. However, according to some Redditors, you can omit the Incredible Hulk, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Captain Marvel.
In the MCU, Fury is secretive about his eye and is reluctant to discuss why he covers it. However, in Captain Marvel, it was revealed that he lost his eye after being scratched by Goose. Goose is no ordinary cat; he is a Flerken, a fierce alien species that resemble cats from Earth.
- The Space Stone (Blue)
- The Reality Stone (Red)
- The Power Stone (Purple)
- The Mind Stone (Yellow)
- The Time Stone (Green)
The Soul Stone (Orange)
We prefer to see things in release order because that is how they naturally develop. Still, we always encourage trying the chronological order at least once. However, it depends on you. There’s no harm in picking the order you like.
Captain America: The First Avenger must be viewed first if you want to watch every Marvel film in order.
Wrapping Up
The MCU is a stunning work of art, garnering fame, recognition, critical acclaim and die-hard fandom all over the world. With hundreds of characters, iconic heroes and villains, and their backstories & crossovers, binge-watching the entire MCU movies could be overwhelming. Hopefully, this blog has helped you figure out how to watch all Marvel movies in order.