Marvel Movies in Order: The Complete Chronological Watchlist

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has evolved significantly since its inception with 2008’s “Iron Man,” introducing Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark and hinting at a larger narrative. For fans looking to witness the rise of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes exactly as it happened within the timeline, watching the Marvel Movies in order of chronology is the ultimate way to experience the saga.

Thirty-two films later, the MCU continues to unfold, weaving together various storylines and introducing new characters and worlds that may intersect in the future. Each film stands independently, yet they collectively form a cohesive universe.

Watching the Marvel movies in order reveals a grand narrative that spans decades, with films like “Captain Marvel” and “Captain America: The First Avenger” serving as prequels set in the 1990s and 1940s, respectively.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the “Infinity Saga” or a newcomer ready to take your first steps into a much larger world, this guide serves as the definitive roadmap. Every major event and timeline branch has been mapped out to ensure you do not miss a single beat of the action. Grab your popcorn and prepare for the long haul—here is the complete chronological watchlist for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Marvel Movies in Order: Complete Watchlist

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a vast and complex narrative that spans multiple films and television shows. While most of the Marvel movies take place consecutively, some events occur concurrently with those from other films. 

For example, the events of “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp” happen around the same time, leading up to “Avengers: Infinity War.”

The MCU story is divided into three phases, known as The Infinity Saga, which begins with “Iron Man” and concludes with “Avengers: Endgame.”

The story then continues with Phase Four, which includes the Disney+ series “WandaVision,” “Black Widow,” and “Shang-Chi,” and concludes with “Wakanda Forever.” Phase Five began with “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.”

To watch the MCU movies in chronological order of events, follow this list:

#1. Captain America: The First Avenger 

• Cast:  Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving
• IMDb rating: 6.9 

It’s the early 1940s, and scrawny Steve Rogers is determined to serve his country, no matter how many times the military rejects him. But thanks to a top-secret experiment, Steve becomes a super-soldier with incredible strength and agility – the perfect weapon against the Nazis and their villainous leader, the Red Skull.

As Captain America, Steve teams up with the Howling Commandos to take down Hydra’s sinister plans. But he’s forced to sacrifice himself by crashing a plane into the Arctic. Little does he know, this is just the beginning of his legendary story.

#2. Captain Marvel

• Cast:  Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jude Law
• IMDb rating: 6.8

“Captain Marvel” introduces Carol Danvers, a Kree warrior who becomes the titular Captain Marvel. 

The story takes place in 1995, when Carol Danvers, a former Air Force pilot, is caught in the middle of an intergalactic battle between the Kree and the Skrulls. As she navigates this conflict, she discovers her true identity and powers, which make her a formidable force in the universe.

#3. Iron Man

• Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard
• IMDb rating: 7.9

The movie introduces Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor, who becomes the iconic superhero, Iron Man. 

Terrorists in Afghanistan kidnap Tony Stark. While in captivity, he is forced to build a mechanized suit of armor to save his life. After his escape, Tony returns to the United States and continues to refine the suit, eventually becoming the superhero Iron Man. 

As he navigates his new identity, Tony must confront the moral implications of his actions and the consequences of his newfound power.

#4. Iron Man 2

• Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow
• IMDb rating: 6.9

In the next part, Iron Man navigates the consequences of revealing his identity as a superhero and the government’s demands for his advanced technology.

The story takes place six months after the events of the first “Iron Man” film. Tony Stark has revealed his identity as Iron Man, and the government is now demanding that he hand over the technology. 

Meanwhile, Ivan Vanko, a Russian scientist, has developed his own version of the technology and seeks revenge against the Stark family.

#5. The Incredible Hulk

• Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth
• IMDb rating: 6.6

Bruce Banner, a nuclear physicist, transforms into the enormous green humanoid monster known as the Hulk when enraged or agitated.  After exposure to gamma radiation, Banner becomes the Hulk, and he must evade the military while trying to cure himself of the condition.

#6. Thor

• Cast:  Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman
• IMDb rating: 7.0

The story begins in Asgard, where Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is set to inherit the throne from his father, Odin. However, when Thor’s actions reignite a war with the Frost Giants, Odin decides that Thor is not ready to be king and banishes him to Earth, stripping him of his powers and his hammer, Mjolnir. 

Astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and her colleagues, Professor Selvig and Darcy Lewis, discover Thor on Earth. Meanwhile, Thor’s brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) seizes control of Asgard and hatches a plan to take over the throne.

#7. The Avengers Assemble 

• Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
• IMDb rating: 8.0

This movie brings together six iconic Marvel superheroes, each with their own unique personalities and powers, to form a formidable team known as the Avengers.

The story begins with Loki, Thor’s adopted brother, arriving on Earth in search of the Tesseract, a powerful energy source that could be used to conquer the planet. Nick Fury, the head of S.H.I.E.L.D., recognizes the threat and decides to assemble a team of superheroes to stop Loki.

The team consists of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. 

#8. Thor: The Dark World

• Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
• IMDb rating: 6.8

This second part of Thor begins with Thor returning to Asgard after the events of “The Avengers.” He is reunited with his love interest, Jane Foster, an astrophysicist who has been infected with a mysterious energy. 

Meanwhile, the Dark Elves, led by Malekith, are planning to use the energy to destroy the Nine Realms.

Thor and his brother Loki team up to stop the Dark Elves, but their efforts are hindered by the fact that they are from different realms and have different motivations. Thor is determined to save the Nine Realms, while Loki is more interested in gaining power and control.

#9. Iron Man 3

• Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow
• IMDb rating: 7.1

Now comes the Iron Man 3. It takes place after the events of “The Avengers,” where Tony Stark is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the Battle of New York. He becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated, which makes him vulnerable to a new threat.

The main antagonist, Aldrich Killian, uses a decoy villain, the Mandarin, to distract the public while he secretly manipulates the US government and the military-industrial complex. 

#10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

• Cast: Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson
• IMDb rating: 7.7

This second part of Captain America introduces the Winter Soldier, a mysterious assassin who challenges Captain America’s values. 

The story takes place two years after the events of “The Avengers,” where Captain America is still adjusting to modern life after being frozen in ice for 70 years.

He works for the spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D. alongside Black Widow and director Nick Fury. During a mission to stop pirates, Captain America and Black Widow uncover a conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. that threatens the world.

#11. Guardians of the Galaxy

• Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Lee Pace
• IMDb rating: 8.0

The movie introduces a new set of heroes, each with their unique personalities and skills, as they navigate the cosmos to save the galaxy from an ancient threat. The story begins with Peter Quill, a young boy who is abducted by aliens after his mother’s death. 

As a young thief and smuggler known as Star-Lord, he steals a potent orb that Ronan the Accuser, a formidable villain with aspirations to destroy entire planets, desires.

To evade Ronan’s relentless pursuit, Quill forms an uneasy alliance with a group of misfits: Gamora, a deadly assassin; Rocket, a genetically engineered raccoon; Groot, a tree-like humanoid; and Drax, a revenge-driven warrior.

#12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

• Cast:  Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Kurt Russell
• IMDb rating: 7.6

Next, the story picks up where the first film left off, with Peter Quill and his team of misfits, including Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, as they continue their adventures throughout the galaxy.

The Guardians are hired by High Priestess Ayesha of the Sovereign race to protect valuable Anulax batteries from an interdimensional monster called the Abilisk. However, things take a turn when Rocket steals the batteries, leading to a Sovereign attack on the Guardians’ ship. 

The team crash-lands on a nearby planet, where they meet Ego, Quill’s mysterious father, who reveals his true identity and intentions.

#13. Avengers: Age of Ultron

• Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth
• IMDb rating: 7.3

The movie is a sequel to “The Avengers” and introduces Ultron, a powerful artificial intelligence created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner.  You will follow the events of “The Avengers” and the team as they try to stop Ultron, a highly advanced artificial intelligence created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner.

Ultron, who believes that humanity is the greatest threat to the world, decides to destroy it by creating an army of robots to fight against the Avengers. 

#14. Ant-Man

• Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly
• IMDb rating: 7.2

The story revolves around Scott Lang, a former thief who is released from prison and tries to redeem himself by becoming a superhero. 

Scott Lang is a father who wants to prove himself to his young daughter and wife. He crosses paths with Hank Pym, a retired scientist who has developed a suit that allows the wearer to shrink to the size of an ant.

Pym’s technology is being researched by his protégé, Darren Cross, who plans to use it for nefarious purposes. Scott uses the suit to stop Cross and his organization, Hydra, from misusing the technology and threatening the world.

#15. Captain America: Civil War

• Cast:  Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson
• IMDb rating: 7.8 

This sequel of Captain America deals with the aftermath of the events in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” The government demands that the Avengers be regulated by the United Nations, citing the damage caused by their actions. This leads to a rift within the team, with Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) supporting the regulation and Captain America opposing it. 

The conflict escalates when the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), a former ally of Captain America, is accused of a terrorist attack. This sets off a chain reaction that ultimately leads to a civil war within the Avengers.

#16. Black Widow

• Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour
• IMDb rating: 6.7 

The film is the backstory of Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow. The story takes place after the events of “Avengers: Infinity War.” Natasha Romanoff, a skilled spy and Avenger, is on the run from a powerful force that seeks to destroy her.

As she navigates this danger, she must confront the darker parts of her past and the mistakes she made before becoming an Avenger. 

#17. Spider-Man: Homecoming

• Cast: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr.
• IMDb rating: 7.4 

Here, you will meet Peter Parker, a 15-year-old high school student in Queens, who is struggling to balance his ordinary life with his newfound responsibilities as Spider-Man. After the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” Peter is left to navigate his superhero life on his own, with Tony Stark serving as a mentor.

However, Peter soon finds himself facing a new threat in the form of Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton), a former aerospace engineer turned arms dealer who has stolen advanced technology from the Avengers.

#18. Black Panther

• Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o
• IMDb rating: 7.3

The movie introduces T’Challa, the king of the African nation of Wakanda, who gains superhuman strength by ingesting the heart-shaped herb. The story follows T’Challa, who ascends to the throne after the death of his father, T’Chaka, in “Captain America: Civil War” .

T’Challa must navigate the challenges of being the king of Wakanda, a technologically advanced nation that has remained isolated from the rest of the world. However, his reign is threatened by Erik Killmonger, a Wakandan who seeks to overthrow T’Challa and take the throne for himself. 

#19. Doctor Strange

• Cast:  Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams
• IMDb rating: 7.5 

This movie introduces Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon who becomes the titular Doctor Strange after a career-ending car accident forces him to seek healing in the mystical arts.

Desperate for a solution, Strange travels to Kathmandu in search of a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj, where he meets the Ancient One, a powerful sorcerer who teaches him the ways of the mystic arts.

#20. Thor: Ragnarok

• Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
• IMDb rating: 7.9

The movie introduces a new direction for the Thor franchise. The story takes place after the events of “Thor: The Dark World.” Thor is stranded on the planet Sakaar, where he is forced to participate in a gladiatorial combat known as the “Grandmaster’s Games.” 

Meanwhile, back in Asgard, Thor’s long-lost sister Hela returns to claim the throne and destroy the realm. Thor must escape Sakaar and team up with his brother Loki and the Hulk to save Asgard from Hela and the impending Ragnarök.

#21. Ant-Man and the Wasp

• Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña
• IMDb rating: 7.0

The movie is a sequel to “Ant-Man” and introduces Hope van Dyne, the daughter of Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, who is trying to find her mother. 

She who has been trapped in the quantum realm since the 1980s,. The two team up to find Janet and deal with the villainous Ghost, who is using the quantum realm to steal energy from the world.

#22. Avengers: Infinity War

• Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans
• IMDb rating: 8.4

Well, here comes the most interesting movie part. The story revolves around Thanos, an intergalactic villain who seeks to collect all six Infinity Stones to wipe out half of all life in the universe. 

Thor, Hulk/Bruce Banner, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Steve Rogers/Captain America, and the other Avengers members must work together to stop Thanos and his army of Chitauri warriors.

#23. Avengers: Endgame

• Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans
• IMDb rating: 8.4 

The survivors of the Avengers are still trying to figure out how to repair the harm that Thanos has done when the movie picks up where “Infinity War” left off. They discover that the only way to restore balance to the universe is to use the Infinity Stones, which Thanos had gathered and used to wipe out half of all life.

The team embarks on a perilous journey through time to reclaim the stones and restore balance to the universe.

#24. Spider-Man: Far From Home

• Cast:  Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal
• IMDb rating: 7.4

After “Avengers: Endgame,” Peter Parker, now a high school junior, is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his mentor and friend. He accepts Nick Fury’s invitation to go on a school trip to Europe in order to relax and get his mind off of things.

However, their vacation is disrupted by the appearance of elemental monsters, which are wreaking havoc across the continent.

#25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

• Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung
• IMDb rating: 7.4

The movie introduces Shang-Chi, an influential martial artist who must confront his past and protect the world from his father, the leader of the Ten Rings terrorist organization.

The story begins with Xu Wenwu, who discovers the mystical ten rings that grant godly powers, including immortality. He established the Ten Rings organization and conquered kingdoms throughout history. In 1996, Wenwu searches for Ta Lo, a village said to harbor mythical beasts. He falls in love with Ying Li, a guardian of the town, and they marry. 

They have two children, Shang-Chi and Xialing. However, Wenwu’s enemies, the Iron Gang, murder Li, prompting Wenwu to resume his leadership of the Ten Rings and make Shang-Chi undergo brutal martial arts training.

#26. Eternals

• Cast: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie
• IMDb rating: 6.3 

The story begins in 5000 BC, where ten superpowered beings known as Eternals are sent to Earth by Arishem, a Celestial, to exterminate invasive entities known as the Deviants. 

Over the next 500 years, they mostly live apart, waiting for Arishem’s orders. Sersi and Sprite cohabitate in London in the present, and when the Deviant Kro attacks them, Ikaris shows up and chases the creature away.

The three Eternals travel to South Dakota to reunite with their leader, Ajak, only to find her dead. Ajak selects Sersi as her posthumous successor, enabling her to communicate with Arishem.

#27. Spider-Man: No Way Home

• Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch
• IMDb rating: 8.2 

The movie is a direct sequel to “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019) and explores the aftermath of Peter Parker’s identity as Spider-Man being exposed to the world.

After Mysterio reveals Spider-Man’s identity at the end of “Far From Home,” Peter Parker’s life is turned upside down. He, his girlfriend MJ, and best friend Ned are denied admission to MIT due to the controversy surrounding Peter. 

Seeking help from Doctor Strange, Peter asks him to cast a spell to make the world forget he is Spider-Man. However, the spell goes awry and opens the multiverse, allowing villains from past Spider-Man film franchises to enter Peter’s world.

#28. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

• Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Xochitl Gomez
• IMDb rating: 6.9 

The story begins with Doctor Strange, a Master of the Mystic Arts, trying to protect America Chavez, a teenager capable of traveling the multiverse, from Wanda Maximoff, who has become a rogue Avenger. 

Wanda’s powers have grown stronger, and she is determined to use them to destroy the multiverse. Strange must navigate the complexities of the multiverse to stop Wanda and save the world.

#29. Thor: Love and Thunder

• Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale
• IMDb rating: 6.2 

Thor is trying to find his purpose after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” He is struggling to come to terms with his new life and the loss of his family and friends. Meanwhile, Gorr the God Butcher, a powerful and ruthless villain, emerges to destroy all gods. 

He teams up with his friends, including Valkyrie, Korg, and Jane Foster, who has become the Mighty Thor after wielding the restored pieces of Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir.

#30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

• Cast: Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira
• IMDb rating: 6.7

The story takes place after the death of T’Challa, the previous Black Panther. The film follows Queen Ramonda, Shuri, and the people of Wakanda as they navigate the challenges of their kingdom and the world at large. 

They are under threat both internally and externally, including from Namor’s underwater kingdom of Talokan, which aims to shield its citizens from the outside world.

#31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

• Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors
• IMDb rating: 6.1 

The movie is a sequel to the previous “Ant-Man” films and introduces a new villain, Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors. The story begins with Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), who has written a memoir about his adventures. 

However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he, along with his family, accidentally gets transported to the Quantum Realm. There, they encounter various alien tribes and Kang, who is revealed to be a powerful and menacing figure. As Ant-Man navigates this new world, he confronts Kang and his own family’s fate.

#32. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

• Cast: Chris Pratt, Chukwudi Iwuji, Bradley Cooper
• IMDb rating: 7.9 

The story takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame” and “Thor: Love and Thunder.” The Guardians of the Galaxy are on a mission to save the life of Rocket, who is being pursued by his creator, the High Evolutionary. 

Along the way, they face various challenges and confront their own personal demons, ultimately leading to a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

#33. The Marvels

• Cast: Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris
• IMDb rating: 5.5 

The movie brings together Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan, three powerful heroes who must work together to save the world from an intergalactic threat. 

Dar-Benn, a powerful Kree villain who wants to end the universe, brings the three women together. As they navigate their new roles and relationships, they also confront their personal struggles and learn to trust each other to save the world.

Marvel Movies In Release Order 

Here are all the Marvel Movies based on their  release order. 

Final Thoughts 

By following this watchlist, viewers can witness the growth of the MCU’s complex and expansive universe, enjoying a seamless journey through its various phases.

Whether you are a longtime Marvel enthusiast or a newcomer to the franchise, watching the Marvel movies in chronological order is a rewarding endeavor that enhances the overall cinematic experience, bringing every twist and turn to life in a coherent and captivating manner.

So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and embark on this epic journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe.