MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

As a lifelong Marvel fan, I am beyond excited for the upcoming slate of movies that will bring the MCU to a thrilling close. Having grown up with these characters and their stories, it’s incredible to see them come to life on screen in such an epic way.


1. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) currently boasts over 30 films, with Marvel Studios showing no signs of slowing down post-Infinity Saga. However, the release order of these movies may not always align with the storyline’s chronology, which can often result in confusion for newcomers. To help you navigate this expansive and successful superhero franchise, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the MCU’s chronology and the suggested viewing order for beginners.

1. Captain America: The First Avenger

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

The First Avenger,” released in 2011, is the first installment of the Captain America trilogy. It’s based on the Second World War era and follows Steve Rogers, a young American man, who receives an extraordinary transformation through an experiment involving the “Super Soldier Serum.” Consequently, Rogers gains superhuman strength and agility, adopts the identity of Captain America, and battles against the Nazis and Hydra. This marks the beginning of his heroic journey.

2. Captain Marvel

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In simpler terms, Captain Marvel joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2019. However, her first standalone movie takes place in the 1990s. This story follows Carol Danvers, a previous American airforce pilot, who obtains extraordinary abilities after an incident and must prove herself as a formidable superheroine amidst the battle between the Kree and Skrulls in space.

3. Iron Man

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

The first Marvel movie introduces us to the story of Tony Stark, a conceited and inexperienced arms dealer. During one of his business ventures, he gets kidnapped. In response, he constructs an advanced armor suit while in captivity, transforming into the superhero Iron Man and battling against the misuse of his own weapons.

4. Iron Man 2

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

Approximately twelve months after the previous installment, “Iron Man 2” (released in 2011), found Tony Stark confronting global scrutiny over his true identity as Iron Man. Simultaneously, he grappled with personal health issues and encountered new adversaries. Among them was Ivan Vanko, a vindictive foe who engineered advanced weapons to challenge Tony’s supremacy.

5. The Incredible Hulk

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

The “Incredible Hulk” tale unfolds concurrently with “Iron Man 2.” In his initial and solitary adventure, Dr. Bruce Banner is on the run from the military, who aim to leverage his capacity to morph into the mighty, green Hulk monster. Simultaneously, he’s frantically seeking a remedy to master his transformations.

6. Thor

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In 2011, the Marvel Cinematic Universe saw a lot of action with the introduction of Thor, the Mighty God of Thunder. Disobeying his father’s commands, Thor employed the powers of his hammer against the ice giants. Consequently, his father exiled him to Earth, compelling him to live as an ordinary human until he could demonstrate worthiness.

7. The Avengers

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

2012 finds Earth facing danger from Loki, Thor’s estranged sibling who was believed to be deceased. A team of extraordinary individuals bands together in an effort to protect our planet. In a breathtaking confrontation set in New York City, Iron Man, Captain America, the god of thunder (Thor), the Hulk, along with two fresh recruits known as Hawkeye and Black Widow, engage in a fierce battle against an alien force orchestrated by Loki.

8. Thor: The Dark World

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

After preventing his brother from dominating the world, Thor encounters fresh troubles as the malevolent forces of shadow, under the command of the dark elven queen Malekith, seek to control the perilous entity known as the Aether. This powerful substance has the ability to alter reality itself.

9. Iron Man 3

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In the aftermath of explosions allegedly instigated by the Mandarin in 2012, a troubled Tony Stark, haunted by the Battle of New York, intensely constructs additional Iron Man suits. His probe uncovers Aldrich Killian as the real culprit behind the attacks and the abduction of the President. Joining forces with Rhodey, Tony embarks on a daring rescue mission.

10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

Steve Rogers, once Captain America, emerges from the ice after many years and faces difficulty adjusting to the present-day world. However, he soon unearths a hidden menace within S.H.I.E.L.D., the command he now serves. As he exposes this covert danger, he draws the attention of the lethal Winter Soldier, who shares a past link with him. Alongside Natasha Romanoff, also known as the Black Widow, Captain America delves into the shadowy dealings of S.H.I.E.L.D., battling for liberty and protection.

11. Guardians of the Galaxy

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

1) The movie “Guardians of the Galaxy” follows a band of unlikely allies: rogue Peter Quill, muscular Gamora, silent Drax, fiery raccoon Rocket, and faithful tree named Groot. United by circumstance, they must safeguard a potent artifact from the oppressive Ronan the Accuser, who intends to wield it for universe-wide destruction. As they confront Ronan and his minions, these former adversaries transform into an unbreakable family, sharing laughter, thrilling battles, and a stunning sci-fi landscape along the way.

12. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In the sequel to the amusing superhero team’s first film, viewers could only see it in cinemas three years later. Yet, the storyline picks up right where the previous one left off. The gang led by Peter Quill uncovers a shocking truth: His father, Ego the Living Planet, possesses immense power and harbors malevolent intentions that could potentially annihilate the universe.

13. Avengers: Age of Ultron

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

2015 saw the release of the second segment in the “Avengers: Age of Ultron” superhero series. In this installment, characters Tony Stark and Bruce Banner design an artificial entity named Ultron, initially intended for maintaining peace. However, Ultron evolves self-awareness and plans to eradicate humanity as a means to safeguard Earth. The Avengers unite to thwart Ultron and his robot horde, aiming to prevent global destruction.

14. Ant-Man

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

As the Avengers engage in a fierce battle against Ultron, an alternate tale unfolds. This involves the storyline of master thief Scott Lang, who stumbles upon Dr. Hank Pym’s Ant-Man suit during one of his burglaries. With this unexpected discovery, Scott is granted a second opportunity. However, it falls on Dr. Pym to instruct him on how to utilize the suit effectively to thwart Yellowjacket’s harmful intentions.

15. Captain America: Civil War

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

1. In “Captain America: Civil War,” tension arising from events in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” reaches its peak. After the Avengers inflicted heavy damage during their fight against Ultron in Sokovia, there’s increased pressure for oversight of superheroes’ actions. This results in the creation of the Sokovia Accords, meant to monitor the Avengers by governments. The team subsequently divides into two sides: one led by Captain America, who is against regulation, and another headed by Iron Man, advocating for control. When Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier and an old companion of Captain America’s, gets embroiled in a terrorist attack, the discord deepens. The movie concludes with a heated confrontation between the opposing factions of Avengers.

16. Black Widow

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

As Black Widow, I found myself at a crossroads after the events of Civil War, leaving behind the Avengers. My past as Natasha Romanoff, a Russian spy with a dark history, came knocking. With my makeshift family from those days, we embarked on a mission to thwart Dreykov’s wicked scheme. As the head of the Red Room, he was transforming innocent young women into deadly assassins. Together, we aimed to put an end to his nefarious plans before it was too late.

17. Spider-Man: Homecoming

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

After his exciting experiences with the Avengers, 16-year-old Peter Parker goes back to New York City in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” He strives to balance his dual life as an ordinary student at his high school and as Spider-Man. With Tony Stark serving as his guardian, Peter encounters a new menace: the villainous Vulture, who deals in perilous technology. As he works to thwart Vulture and safeguard his town, the young hero gains valuable insights about duty and maturity.

18. Black Panther

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In a fresh take, “Black Panther” tells the story of T’Challa, the new monarch of technologically advanced yet secluded African nation Wakanda, following his father’s demise. As both king and Black Panther, T’Challa is required to assume his duties. His reign is contested by Erik Killmonger, who seeks to broaden Wakanda’s horizons and employ its innovations for revolutionary objectives. T’Challa must battle to safeguard his throne and strike a harmony between preserving traditions and modernizing his homeland.

19. Doctor Strange

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

1. In “Doctor Strange”, the narrative revolves around Dr. Stephen Strange, a gifted yet prideful neurosurgeon whose life takes an unexpected turn following a grave car accident. Seeking restoration and a fresh direction in life, he embarks on a journey to Kamar-Taj, where he encounters mystical practices and the enchanting realm of magic. Mentored by the ancient, he learns potent incantations and eventually confronts the ominous sorcerer Kaecilius and his ambition to engulf the world in darkness. Along his odyssey, Strange transforms into a guardian of Earth and a proficient practitioner of mystic arts.

20. Thor: Ragnarok

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

After the death of Thor’s father Odin, the balance in Asgard is disrupted, leading to the rise of a new threat. Thor is cast onto the distant planet Sakaar after being transported through an interdimensional portal by Hela, the Goddess of Death. On Sakaar, he is forced into gladiatorial combat and encounters both allies and enemies while striving to find a way back to Asgard and prevent the impending apocalypse.

21. Ant-Man and the Wasp

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: In “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” I team up with Hope van Dyne, aka the Wasp, to take on a new menace. Once I’ve served my house arrest sentence, we join forces to find Hope’s missing mom, Janet van Dyne, aka the original Wasp, who’s been trapped in the Quantum Realm. We’re not just battling the enigmatic Phantom, but also racing against time to unlock the mysteries of this alternate dimension and save the world from an impending threat.

22. Avengers: Infinity War

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

1. In “Avengers: Infinity War”, Earth’s mightiest superheroes team up with their allies to thwart Thanos, the powerful titan, who seeks to rule the universe using the Infinity Stones. His goal is to eliminate half the life in the cosmos, claiming it will bring a more harmonious balance. To prevent a looming disaster and safeguard equilibrium, our heroes unite to confront their toughest trials yet. The film presents an action-packed journey that showcases these heroes at their limits.

23. Avengers: Endgame

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

1. “In ‘Avengers: Endgame’, the surviving Avengers wage a battle against the destructive aftermath of Thanos’ actions, using a sniper rifle. To save those who were lost, they concoct a strategy involving time travel to reclaim the Infinity Stones. The film culminates in an awe-inspiring climax filled with action-packed conflicts and heartfelt resolutions for the characters.”

24. Spider-Man: Far From Home

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, embarks on a European school trip but is haunted by his mourning. Concurrently, he encounters the enigmatic Mysterio, who presents himself as a savior against ominous beings from the elements.

25. Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

1. In the movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” the story revolves around a young man named Shang-Chi who spent a clandestine childhood as an assassin before opting for a normal life away from danger. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when he unwittingly gets entangled in a sinister plot connected to the enigmatic Ten Rings organization and his long-lost father, Wenwu. As Shang-Chi uncovers his hidden past and faces his destiny, he fights against both familial adversaries and external threats.

26. Eternals

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In the movie “Eternals,” we join a band of eternally living extraterrestrial beings who have hidden among humans for thousands of years, shielding our species from danger. However, as ancient adversaries, the Deviants, prepare to resurface, these immortals must unite to prevent disaster. While safeguarding humanity, they confront their internal battles and concealed issues that challenge their purpose and relationships with one another.

27. Spider-Man: No Way Home

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

1. In the movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Peter Parker grapples with the fallout from revealing his true identity as Spider-Man and seeks help from Doctor Strange to clear his name. However, a botched spell unleashes the multiverse, permitting adversaries familiar from other Spider-Man universes to intrude on his world. As he tackles these threats, Peter simultaneously strives to protect the recollections of those close to him. This predicament eventually culminates in a poignant choice that significantly alters the course of his life.

28. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

Doctor Strange, portrayed by Stephen Strange in the movie “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” is tormented by disturbing dreams about a dangerous force expanding across the multiverse. To put an end to this menace, he turns to Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch, for assistance. Wanda, who is struggling with a dark and possessed condition, possesses immense powers. Alongside Doctor Strange, they embark on a journey through diverse realities in order to safeguard the multiverse and thwart impending chaos. Throughout their adventure, they encounter both external adversaries and internal struggles, ultimately discovering what prices must be paid to restore harmony.

29. Thor: Love and Thunder

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In the movie “Thor: Love and Thunder,” Thor goes back to help his longtime companion Jane Foster, who has transformed into Mighty Thor. They team up to confront Gorr the Godslayer, who aims to eliminate all deities. Simultaneously, Thor embarks on a personal quest to discover where he belongs in the cosmos and reconcile with his history. This thrilling tale is filled with laughter, intense battles, and poignant scenes as it delves into Thor’s heritage and bonds.

30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the people of Wakanda work to safeguard their homeland and define their sense of self following the demise of King T’Challa. The movie explores the grief over T’Challa’s passing and the ensuing dilemma regarding who will assume the mantle of Black Panther. Simultaneously, Wakanda encounters a fresh danger posed by the formidable monarch of Talokan, Namor, who instigates a clash with the global community. The narrative centers on the efforts to shield Wakanda, coping with loss, and discovering new leadership.

31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In the movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” Scott Lang (Ant-Man) and Hope van Dyne (Wasp) embark on a perilous mission to rescue Hope’s mother Janet van Dyne from the Quantum Realm. Along the way, they encounter strange new dangers and make contact with the formidable foe, Kang the Conqueror. Equipped with remarkable abilities and sinister intentions, Kang poses a significant challenge for our heroes. They must hold their ground against this menace while racing to exit the quantum realm and safeguard their own world.

32. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

“In ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’, I find myself and my teammates grappling with a fresh menace as our past and connections take a dramatic toll on our mission. Our tale primarily revolves around rescuing one of us, who’s been snatched by an enigmatic power. This quest uncovers shocking truths about Rocket Raccoon’s hidden past. As we journey through the cosmos, encountering diverse enemies along the way, we forge new bonds and fight off sinister forces to shield our family and preserve the universe.”

33. The Marvels

MCU Movies In Their Chronological Order

In “The Marvels,” three remarkable women – Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), and Monica Rambeau – unite. When an unexplained event binds their superpowers, they team up to confront a fresh danger that jeopardizes the universe. As they coordinate their abilities and collaborate, they uncover new insights about their own strengths and the bonds they share.

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2024-07-30 12:10