How to watch the Marvel movies in order: chronological and release date
TechRadar explains how to watch the Marvel movies in order of chronology and by their launch dates
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Working out how to watch theMarvelmovies in order doesn’t require a PhD in superhero studies. Indeed, all you need to do is read our in-depth guide in its entirety to become Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) viewing expert. You are welcome in advance.
So, what will you learn more about in this MCU movies in order article? We’ll tell you about the two best ways to stream every film andDisney Plusseries, and then explain which method we think is best for first-time viewers. You’ll also find more details on where you can watch them from the comfort of your couch, whatMarvel Phase 5andMarvel Phase 6projects are set to arrive in 2025 and beyond, and plenty more besides. So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about watching the Marvel movies and TV shows in order.
Stream Marvel movies and TV on Disney PlusNearly every Marvel movie and TV show is available on Disney’s primary streaming service. Disney Plus Basic – the ad-supported plan – costs $7.99 / £4.99 a month (it’s not available in Australia yet). Meanwhile, the Premium tier will set you back $13.99 / £10.99 a month or $139.99 / £109.99 per year. In Australia, you can only purchase the ad-free Standard tier for AU$13.99 / $113.99. UK audiences can also take advantage of the Standard tier for £7.99 / £79.90.
For more details about how much a subscription costs where you live, check out ourDisney Plus priceguide.
What’s the best order to watch the Marvel movies in for the first time?
Ready to stream the Marvel movies in order for the very first time? You’ll want to know what’s the best method for doing so. In short: we believed you’re best sticking to watching them in the release date order.
Okay, watching some of thebest superhero moviesandbest Disney Plus showsever made in chronological order is a fantastic alternative if you’re an MCU veteran as it gives you an entirely different view on how the Marvel timeline plays out. Streaming the Marvel movies in order of chronology isn’t as straightforward as you may think, though, as events depicted in one film can confusingly precede what happens elsewhere.
TakeCaptain America: The First Avenger, for example. It’s primarily set during World War II, but its final scene, which takes place in 2010, sees Steve Rogers waking up in New York before he meets Nick Fury, but we’re supposed to meet the latter for the first time in 2008’sIron Man. If you watch the Marvel movies in chronological order, you’ll meet Fury in Cap’s maiden film beforeIron Man’s first MCU adventure.
This, and other instances like it, can perplex MCU newcomers from a timeline standpoint. So, it’s for that reason that we suggest watching the Marvel movies in order of their release dates is the most practical (not to mention easiest) way to do so.
How to watch the Marvel movies in chronological order
Best for:MCU fans who want to try something new.
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Want to to watch the Marvel movies and TV shows in order of chronology? Here’s how. Below, we’ve listed every film and TV show in the order they occur on the official Marvel timeline, which starts with the firstCaptain Americamovie, which begins in 1942, and end withAgatha All Along, i.e. the most recent show to air on Disney Plus.
Due toAvengers: Endgame, which starts in 2018 but is mostly set in 2023, the MCU timeline has become more complex since that film was released in 2019. Luckily, theMarvel movies timeline is now easier to follow, with the official Marvel Timeline book and the addition ofthree new Marvel timelines on Disney Plusconfirming when most films and TV series takes place. Armed with this vital information, we can definitively state when each one – except forX-Men 97, which currently sits independent of the MCU – is set.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Cap’s first adventure was the fifth Marvel movie released in theaters. However, it’s set in the 1940s, so stream this one first.
Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers didn’t burst onto the scene until MCU Phase 3, but her origins story is set in 1995.
Iron Man
The film that kickstarted the MCU is technically the third Marvel movie in order of chronology. Tony Stark’s heel turn from weapons expert to superhero takes place between February and May 2008.
Iron Man 2
Stark’s second solo flick occurs between May and June 2010.
The Incredible Hulk
The Stark MCU appearances keep coming – this time, he cameos at the end of the Hulk’s first (and only) solo MCU movie, which also takes place in mid-2010.
Thor
The god of thunder stormed his way into the MCU in mid-2010, with his first solo flick occurring at the same time asThe Incredible HulkandIron Man 2.
The Avengers
With the MCU’s original major players established, we finally got the superhero movie of our dreams when the iconic superhero team officially formed (on the big screen) in May 2012.
Thor: The Dark World
Thor’s second cinematic adventure is set in late 2013.
Iron Man 3
Iron Man’s third and final solo movie takes place around Christmas 2013.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Set in early 2014, Cap’s second solo flick was the first Marvel film to explore genres outside of the superhero field.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1
Star-Lord’s lovable ragtag crew were first introduced to a wider audience in spectacularly humorous and music-laced fashion in late 2014.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2
This movie takes place a few months after its predecessor.
I Am Groot seasons 1 and 2
The first Marvel Disney Plus show to appear in this list,I Am Grootis set in and aroundGuardians Volume 2.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
The superhero ensemble reunited for another tentpole offering in May 2015 – this time, taking down the menacing AI/super-bot known as Ultron.
Ant-Man
Earth’s mightiest miniature hero made his in-universe debut in July 2015.
Captain America: Civil War
The thirdCaptain Americafilm was a mini-Avengersmovie in all but name. It’s set between May and June 2016, and introduced us to two more beloved MCU heroes in Spider-Man and Black Panther.
Black Widow
The firstMarvel Phase 4flick,Black Widowwas released in 2021 but is actually set just afterCivil War.
Black Panther
Marvel’s first Best Picture Oscar nominee takes place alongsideCivil WarandBlack Widowin mid-2016.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
After confusing fans for years with its “eight years later” timecard, Spidey’s first MCU solo movie is actually set in September 2016.
Doctor Strange
Occurring between February 2016 and early 2017, this film introduced audiences to the Sorcerer Supreme. Or, rather, the former Sorcerer Supreme – Strange being replaced by Wong due toInfinity War’s events, but more on that later.
Thor: Ragnarok
The last movie to launch in theaters beforethatThanos moment,Thor: Ragnaroktakes place in late 2017.
Avengers: Infinity War
The Marvel movie that, without spoiling anything, changed the MCU. The thirdAvengersmovie occurs in early 2018.
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Events in Ant-Man’s second film run concurrent toInfinity War.
Avengers: Endgame
This is where things get messy from a Marvel movies in chronological order perspective.Endgamebegins in 2018 but ends in October 2023.
Loki season 1
One of two Marvel TV shows to span the entire Marvel multiverse,Lokiis best watched afterAvengers: Endgame.
Loki season 2
Set immediately after its predecessor, so stream it after its forebear.
What If…? seasons 1 and 2
LikeLoki,What If…?is a multiversal affair. Neither season is set in a particular year, so they’re best streamed afterEndgame.
WandaVision
Per Marvel’s Official Timeline book, it takes place in November 2023.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi’s MCU debut contains flashbacks to his childhood, so it could be listed earlier. However, the bulk of the film is set in early 2024, hence its placement at this point on the MCU timeline.
Moon Knight
Marvel’s Official Timeline book confirms this show takes place in May 2024.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Sam Wilson and Buck Barnes' team up series is set in mid-2024.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Occurs eight months afterEndgame, aka around June and July 2024.
Deadpool and Wolverine
Takes place six years after 2018’sDeadpool 2, which is part of Fox’s X-Men universe (designated Earth-10005), so it’s set sometime in 2024. Unlike its forebears,Deadpool and Wolverine’s takes place in and around the MCU so, despite the fact it isn’t technically an MCU movie, it still takes a spot on this list.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
The official MCU Timeline book confirms it begins in mid-2024 and runs through to early 2025.
Eternals
This one could technically be the first entry in our Marvel movies in chronological order list as it begins 7,000 years before 2010’sCaptain America. LikeShang-Chi, though, it’s mostly set in late 2024, hence its timeline position.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Thanks to the Halloween and Christmas/Holiday season decorations seen throughout, this one is set in late 2024.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Strange’s multiverse-spanning sequel takes place afterSpider-Man: No Way Home. Marvel’s official timeline places it in November 2024, preceding what happens inHawkeye.
Hawkeye
Just likeNo Way Home, Hawkeye’s first solo adventure occurs around Christmas 2024.
Echo
Set five months after Hawkeye’s ending, aka around May 2025.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
You’d think this one is set in 2024, given its main events take place a year after T’Challa dies. T’Challa appeared in 2023’sEndgame, so that would make sense. However, it’s set in May 2025.
Ms Marvel
The official Marvel timeline book places the Kamala Khan-starring series in October 2025.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Thor’s fourth solo movie is set in October 2025. We know this as he tells former flame Jane Foster that it’s been over eight years since they split up. Meanwhile, in 2017’sRagnarok, he tells Loki that the pair recently and mutually broke up. Add eight years to 2017 and you get 2025. Simple.
Werewolf by Night
The first MCU Special Presentation is the most difficult production to pin down in this Marvel movies in order of chronology list. Our best guess? It’s set in the MCU’s ‘present’, which puts it in late 2025.
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
As it takes place prior toGuardians of the Galaxy 3, it’s set around Christmas 2025.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
We originally thought this one ran concurrent toBlack Panther 2, but the complete MCU timeline on Disney Plus places it between theGuardians' Christmas special and the group’s third movie. Therefore, it must take place in late 2025.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3
Guardians Vol. 3is set a few months after the group’s festive special.
Secret Invasion
Set in the MCU’s ‘present’. The TV show’s first episode confirms that this Nick Fury-starring series takes place in 2025.
The Marvels
Takes place not long after theend ofSecret Invasion.
Agatha All Along
Begins three years afterWandaVision’s finale, so it must take place in 2026.
X-Men 97
The long overdue sequel to beloved showX-Men: The Animated Seriessits independent of the MCU, so it’s technically not part of the official Marvel timeline. As it’s a Marvel Television production, though, it’s worth including. We’ve stuck it at the end of this guide for now, but you can watch it any time you like.
How to watch the Marvel movies in release date order
Best for:first-time viewers.
If you’re only interested in watching the Marvel movies in release date order, this is how. Start with 2008’sIron Manand, after working your way through 48 films, shows, and TV Specials, you’ll end end withAgatha All Along, which was released in mid-September.
As you’ll be watching each film and TV show by the years they were released, it’s an easier blueprint, particularly for newcomers, to follow.
How to watch the Avengers movies in order
Best for:fans who only want to watch theAvengersmovies.
We already covered the best way to stream theAvengersfilms in the sections above. If you only want to stream these specific Marvel movies in order, though, this is how to do so.
Two more Avengers movies –Avengers: Doomsday(i.e.Avengers 5, which was previously known asAvengers: The Kang Dynasty) andAvengers: Secret Wars(akaAvengers 6) are currently in development. They’re slated to arrive in May 1, 2026 and May 7, 2027, but we suspect those dates may change if Marvel needs more time to make them.
How to watch the Netflix Marvel TV shows in order
Best for:viewers who want to understand Daredevil’s MCU arrival.
She-Hulkepisode 8 seemingly revealed Netflix’sDaredevilTV show is canon in the MCUin September 2022, but Marvel’s Head of Television Brad Winderbaum has since confirmed every Marvel Netflix series is now officially part of Marvel’s cinematic juggernaut. Withevery Netflix Marvel TV show available to stream on Disney Plus, now’s as good a time as any to stream them if you missed them first time around onNetflix.
If you’re wondering why we haven’t included them in our chronological timeline section, we won’t be doing so untilDaredevil: Born Again– the Netflix series' spiritual successor – releases in March 2025. Besides, we don’t actually know when the Netflix Marvel shows are set, so we wouldn’t want to complicate things further by incorrectly placing them on the MCU timeline. Anyway, here’s how to stream them in release date order:
How to watch the X-Men movies and TV shows in order
Best for:diehard X-Men fans and/or those wanting to catch up on the mutants' numerous movies and TV shows.
We already have a dedicated, in-depth guide onhow to watch the X-Men movies in order. But, if you want a quick rundown of all 14 films and TV shows, here you go:
New Marvel movies and MCU Disney Plus shows
Here’s every Marvel movie and TV show set to arrive later this year and beyond, although it’s worth mentioning that some release dates could change. Indeed, thanks to last year’s Hollywood strikes,Marvel’s firing of Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, and numerous other issues, the comic giant has regularly revised its current launch schedule, so there’s every chance that there’ll be more changes in the months ahead.
How many Marvel movies are there?
34 MCU movies have been released so far. By the end of 2027, there could be 42 movies (if the above group isn’t delayed further) to add to our Marvel movies in order guide, too.
If you want to watch all of the Marvel movies in order, you’ll need to set aside 4,479 minutes – that’s over 74.65 hours or 3.11 total days. Add in every MCU TV show and specials, and it’ll take around 7,743 minutes (129.05 hours or 5.37 days) to watch everything.
Now that Netflix’s Marvel TV shows are alsocanonin the MCU, you can even add in its six shows' near-161-hour total runtime into the equation. Do that and you’ll have to set aside 290.05 hours, or a monstrous 12 days, to stream every single piece of Marvel content. Phew!
Where to watch the Marvel movies
You can stream nearly all of the Marvel movies in order, as well as the TV shows, on Disney Plus (read ourDisney Plus reviewwhile you’re here).Deadpool 3isn’t out on the streaming platform yet, but you can read ourDeadpool and WolverineDisney Plus guideto see our latest predictions.
There are plenty ofSpider-Manfilm caveats, too. OnDisney Plus UK, the Tobey MaguireSpider-Mantrilogy, Andrew Garfield duology,Spider-Man: Homecoming,Morbius, andVenomare available. However,Spider-Man: Far From Home,Spider-Man: No Way Home, andVenom: Let There Be Carnagearen’t. Viewers can also catchSpider-Man: HomecomingonNetflix, as well asSpider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseandSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verseon Sky and Now TV.
In the US, the Maguire and Garfield films,Spider-Man: Homecoming,Spider-Man: Far From Home,Morbius, andVenomare available on Disney Plus.Spider-Man: No Way Home,Venom: Let There Be Carnage, andInto the Spider-Verseare only viewable on Fubo.Across the Spider-Versecan be streamed on Netflix.
Meanwhile, Australian viewers can stream the first two Tobey Maguire’s movies on Binge and Foxtel, andSpider-Man 3on Netflix and Binge. The Garfield-led movies are on Netflix.Spider-Man: Homecomingcan be streamed on Netflix and Foxtel,Far From Homeon Netflix andPrime Video, andNo Way Homeon Foxtel only.Into the Spider-Verseis on Netflix, Stan, Binge, Crunchyroll, and Foxtel, whileAcross the Spider-Verseis available on Crunchyroll, Binge, and Prime Video. Lastly,Venomcan be streamed on Netflix and Binge,Venom: Let There be Carnageis on Foxtel, andMorbiusis on Netflix and Foxtel.
Marvel movies in order: all MCU films and TV shows ranked
For us, the fourAvengersmovies are the best MCU films, but the whole thing is subjective. You can check ourbest Marvel moviespiece to see how we ranked them all.
Additionally, we’ve listed the Marvel movies and TV shows in order based on their critical scores on Rotten Tomatoes. So, if you want to know what journalists think of each MCU film and series,Sony’s Spider-Man Universe flicks, and Netflix’s Marvel TV shows, read on.
For more Marvel movies in order content, find outhow to watch theSpider-Manmovies in orderand/or check out ourMarvel villains rankedlist.
As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.
Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.
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