About to do the MCU movie marathon? Scroll down below all this text if you just want to see the list of MCU movies in the right order, with explanations, or, even quicker, see the table of contents list in the next paragraph! Otherwise, read on for some context in regard to the MCU timeline.
MCU Timeline Order: The Right Way to Watch Them
During the Coronavirus time, I binge-watched the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (“MCU”) timeline catalogue. I researched the best way to watch all the MCU movies in the right order beforehand and now that I have watched them all, I wanted to publish my guide to the right way to watch the MCU films because some of the articles I found on the Internet were flat out wrong or not updated recently. To that end, this guide is current through Summer 2023, but I will be updating this guide as further MCU films are released.
How to watch MCU movies in timeline order?
The MCU timeline is essentially the Avengers’ story of the “The Infinity Stones Saga”, which were the MCU movies released between 2008-2019.
Powerful gems called “Infinity Stones” are the major plotline throughout the entire 2008-2019 cinematic universe, but generally, each movie has its own plotline focusing on different villains and adventures. Many of the same characters appear again in each MCU Infinity Stone Saga iteration. Each film builds on each other, further developing every character. In addition, each MCU movie has its own Easter Eggs that refer back to past films.
Why are the MCU structured in this order? I wanted to share with you the chronological order to watch the MCU movies, not the theatrical release order. Some MCU films take place earlier or later than others despite coming out to theatres after one another. To that effect, some of these MCU films are prequels you need to watch first even if they came out to theatres much later. For example, Captain Marvel came out in 2018 at the tail-end of the MCU series, but you should watch it second because it takes place second earliest and it tells the backstory of several important characters and such.
Be sure to watch the credits because each MCU film has various scenes that happen after the credits.
Where to watch the MCU movies: Almost every MCU film is on Disney Plus except for a handful of films which would then be on Netflix (because Disney Plus doesn’t have the rights to it… yet). Eventually, by 2023, all the MCU films will be on Disney Plus exclusively.
MCU timeline in order:
1. Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America: The First Avenger, which is Captain America’s backstory movie, takes places in Word War II. Sort of the main bad guys in the MCU timeline, Hydra, are introduced in this film. Bucky is also introduced.
- Timeline: 1942-1945
- Theatrical release date: 2011
- How long it is: 124 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 80%
2. Captain Marvel
Where does Captain Marvel fit in the MCU timeline? Captain Marvel essentially takes place in the 90s, so it is the second movie in the MCU timeline because it takes place after WW2 (Captain America: The First Avenger) but before 2010 (Iron Man). Captain Marvel is my third favourite MCU movie. I love how the filmmakers juxtapose futuristic space and Gritty 90’s LA. In this movie, we are introduced to certain space aliens who play a major role in the whole Infinity Stone Saga.
- Timeline: 1990’s
- Theatrical release date: 2019
- How long it is: 128 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 78%
3. Iron Man
Iron Man, who is clearly the main Avenger and the most important character in the MCU, takes place in 2010. This is the Iron Man backstory. This film made Robert Downey Jr. a huge star again.
- Timeline: 2008
- Theatrical release date: 2009
- How long it is: 126
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%
4. Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 takes place in the same year as Thor and The Incredible Hulk, but Iron Man 2 should be watched first because of certain Thor Easter Eggs I won’t spoil. Black Widow, among other Avengers, is introduced.
- Timeline: 2010
- Theatrical release date: 2010
- How long it is: 124 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 72%
5. Thor
Thor introduces the titular character Thor and his brother Loki, who is another mainstay in the MCU.
- Timeline: 2010
- Theatrical release date: 2011
- How long it is: 115 Minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 77%
6. The Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk takes place roughly the same time as Iron Man 2 and Thor. This is the Hulk’s backstory. It is the only MCU movie you can skip (it isn’t very good, and the story doesn’t really come up again – all you have to know is the Hulk was made in an experiment gone wrong involving gamma energy, and that he has trouble controlling himself). Interestingly, Edward Norton played the Hulk in this film, but he was replaced by Mark Ruffalo in every other MCU movie.
- Timeline: 2010
- Theatrical release date: 2008
- How long it is: 112 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 67%
7. The Avengers
The Avengers takes place in 2012. This film brings together Iron Man, the Hulk and Captain America and a few other important Avengers for the first time. Thanos is also introduced for the first time in the post-credits scene, sort of setting the stage for the main MCU Infinity Stones plotline that is consistent throughout the rest of the series.
- Timeline: 2012
- Theatrical release date: 2012
- How long it is: 142 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%
8. Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 develops Tony Stark as a person. Themes like power, hubris and failure set up the later MCU movies as the idea of a perfect superhero is exposed. The MCU starts to get a little more interesting as the MCU characters begin to battle self-conflict as well as the supervillains.
- Timeline: 2012
- Theatrical release date: 2013
- How long it is: 109 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 79%
9. Thor: Dark Word
My wife liked this one the best. I think that if you like Game of Thrones, you will like Thor: Dark World. Still, Rotten Tomatoes reported this was the lowest-rated film in the MCU.
- Timeline: 2013
- Theatrical release date: 2013
- How long it is: 112 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 66%
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the first Cap film in what is a recurring plotline about a mysterious assassin, the Winter Solider. Who is the Winter Soldier? I won’t spoil that for you.
- Timeline: 2014
- Theatrical release date: 2013
- How long it is: 136 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90%
11. Guardians of the Galaxy
Peter Quill and his band of misfits are introduced into the MCU. This is the second film in the series to take place mostly in space. If you like sci-fi movies, huge movie stars, comedies and oldy music, you will love this one. The Guardians of the Galaxy are my favourite Avengers, especially Rocket, the Racoon.
- Timeline: 2014
- Theatrical release date: 2014
- How long it is: 121 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 91%
12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
The second Guardians of the Galaxy takes place soon after the first one despite being released three years later so be sure to watch them back-to-back. The theme of both films is: family. If you like space operas (e.g. Star Wars, Star Trek, etc.) then you will like these movies.
- Timeline: 2014
- Theatrical release date: 2017
- How long it is: 137 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%
13. Avengers: Age of Ultron
The Avengers return for their second movie. This time, the theme of what is a “superhero” is expanded upon, and the human side of the Avengers comes out. We will learn that the destruction caused by all these mega battles in all the MCU movies have everlasting consequences. Have you ever wondered what happens to a city after a massive battle takes places there? Find out by watching this one.
- Timeline: 2015
- Theatrical release date: 2015
- How long it is: 141 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 75%
14. Ant-Man
Ant-Man is sort of a romantic comedy superhero film. It’s a nice change of pace. It also introduces some important science that will be a bigger part of the whole MCU story later.
- Timeline: 2015
- Theatrical release date: 2015
- How long it is: 115 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
15. Captain America: Civil War
This is more or less an Avengers film (there’s a large ensemble cast) and it really starts to open up the Infinity Stone saga. We learn that, as the title says, the Avengers don’t always get along.
- Timeline: 2016
- Theatrical release date: 2016
- How long it is: 146 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 91%
16. Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange introduces us to a more mystical adventure. If you like witches, sorcerers and magic, you will like Doctor Strange. We also get to learn more about the Infinity Stones, particularly the Time Stone.
- Timeline: 2016
- Theatrical release date: 2016
- How long it is: 130 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89%
17. Spider Man Homecoming
The biggest coup Disney ever pulled off was getting the rights to put Spider-Man in the Avengers universe (if you didn’t know, the MCU universe is made by Disney). Although Sony owns the rights to Spider-Man, Sony and Disney worked out a deal to get arguably the most popular superhero of all time in the most popular movie series of all time. This film is sort of like a teen comedy and its a great breath of fresh air in this very long series.
- Timeline: 2016
- Theatrical release date: 2017
- How long it is: 133 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%
18. Black Panther
Black Panther is my second favourite movie in the MCU series timeline. Michael B Jordan, the villain, is probably my favourite actor in the MCU despite there being like 100 AAA actors in the series. This film introduces us to a very interesting, future-world (Wakanda) that has some really cool tech. This movie had, easily, the best VFX so far in the MCU timeline at the time it was released. We get to learn about the special, super-strong metal in the MCU universe known as vibranium (not to be confused with unobtainium from the Avatar universe).
- Timeline: 2016
- Theatrical release date: 2018
- How long it is: 135
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 97%
19. Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok deals with brotherhood. Although this one is a comedy, and Jeff Goldblum as a villain is hilarious, the film is pretty deep. Further planets and characters are introduced into the MCU series, expanding on what is becoming a very universal timeline, not just an earthly timeline. The infinity war begins as soon as this one wraps up in the end credits scene. This is the beginning of the end of the MCU Infinity Stone saga.
- Timeline: 2017-2018
- Theatrical Release date: 2017
- How long it is: 130 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
20. Avengers: Infinity War
This is the film that marks the final chapter in the MCU Infinity Stone saga timeline (aka the 2008-2019 decade). Thanos, who is alluded to throughout the series, finally gets the spotlight. Expect an appearance from many characters from the MCU series and tons of easter eggs. Every film so far has built up to this bad-boy. A theme in this film is the concept of a “team”, especially in that the Avengers won’t sacrifice their own.
- Timeline: 2018
- Theatrical Release date: 2018
- How long it is: 156 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%
21. Ant Man and the Wasp
Where does Ant-Man and the Wasp fit in the MCU timeline? This film takes place approximately the same time as Avengers Infinity War. Watch this one in between Infinity War and Avengers Endgame because you learn about certain tech that you need to know about to properly watch Avengers Endgame. In addition, the scene after the credits will help you understand why you watched this movie in between Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game.
- Timeline: 2018
- Theatrical Release date: 2018
- How long it is: 118 munites
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 88%
22. Avengers: Endgame
This is the last film in the MCU Infinity Stones series. This is easily the best movie in the series and my favourite. It is a motion picture masterpiece. It is obviously the most expensive movie ever made (don’t fret for Disney – this movie is the top box office film of all time). It is amazing how they wrote such a good story despite having at this point literally hundreds of characters (who may or may not make an appearance). The theme in this film is: sacrifice.
- Timeline: 2019-2024
- Theatrical release date: 2018
- How long it is: 183 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 93%
23. Spider-Man Far From Home
This is the first film in the MCU that takes place after the Infinity Stone saga. It is still connected to the Infinity Stone saga and the rest of the films though. This movie is another fun teen comedy.
- Timeline: 2024
- Theatrical Release date: 2019
- How long it is: 130 minutes
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%
The next movies in the MCU
The following movies are the upcoming MCU movies that are not yet in theatres. I have no way in knowing in what years the next MCU movies take place, so I won’t speculate. Even a best guess could be wrong. Therefore, I will list the upcoming, unreleased MCU movies in order of theatrical release date:
24. Black Widow
Release Date: May 7, 2023.
Villain: Taskmaster.
25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Release Date: July 9, 2023.
Villain: The Mandarin.
There is no official poster yet.
26. The Eternals
Release Date: November 5, 2023.
Villain: Kro.
There is no official poster yet.
27. Spider-Man 3
Release Date: December 17th, 2023.
Villain: Electro and Doctor Octopus.
There is no official poster yet.
28. Thor: Love and Thunder
Release Date: February 11th, 2023.
Villain: Gorr the God Butcher.
There is no official poster yet.
29. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Release Date: March 25th, 2023.
Villain: Nightmare.
There is no official poster yet.
30. Black Panther 2
Release Date: July 22, 2023.
Villain: Unknown.
There is no official poster yet.
31. Captain Marvel 2
Release Date: November 11, 2022.
Villain: Unknown.
There is no official poster yet.
32. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Release Date: Some time in 2023.
Villain: Kang the Conqueror.
There is no official poster yet.
33. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Release Date: Some time in 2023.
Villain: Unknown.
There is no official poster yet.
Who is the creator and producer of the MCU timeline/universe?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe was created by film executive Kevin Feige, who also produced each film. The actual Avenger characters were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Stan Lee makes an appearance in each film, although sadly he died right around the release of Captain Marvel.
What about the MCU timeline TV shows?
You absolutely do not need to watch all the MCU TV shows to enjoy the MCU movies. Basically, the TV shows are just side-stories of supporting characters. You might catch a few extra Easter Eggs though if you watch the MCU TV shows.
What order to watch the next films in the MCU?
We don’t know what order to watch the next MCU movies, and I won’t suggest anything because that would involve major spoilers from Avengers Endgame. However, once the next MCU movie comes out, I will update this article to put it in the right order.
All the upcoming MCU movies:
In July 2023, Disney first pushed back the release of the next MCU movies because of C-19.
In September 2023, Disney pushed back the next MCU movies again because of C-19.
On December 10, Disney provided an exciting update on the next phase (phase 4) of the MCU:
NEW MCU TIMELINE (Updated December, 2023):
- Black Widow: May 7, 2023
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: July 9, 2023
- The Eternals: November 5, 2023
- Spider-Man 3: December 17th, 2023
- Thor: Love and Thunder: February 11th, 2023
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: March 25th, 2023
- Black Panther 2: July 22, 2023
- Captain Marvel 2: November 11, 2022
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania: 2023
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: 2023
All of the images on this webpage are the copyright of their owners, not ours.
Finished watching all the MCU movies and are wondering what to do next? You need to head outside! Check out our guides:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thank you for your time and energy creating this excellent MCU timeline for an old man such as myself. I’ve watched some of the movies like IM, IM2, GoG and GoG2, etc but I’m starting from beginning, as you suggested and I’ll make it through them all eventually. Thank you again!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy watching them. Once you are done (and you finish before summer 2023), watch Wanda Vision and Falcon and the Winter Solider on Disney Plus.
Why do you call the 2019 film Spiderman Homecoming instead of Spiderman Far From Home?
THANK YOU. Good catch. Changed now.
I love this! I’ve always wanted to get into the MCU world but it was all so overwhelming and I didn’t know where to begin. I’ve been following your guide and 7 movies in – I’m hooked! Thanks again!
I find it patronising how the Disney+ Marvel Studios series aren’t regarded as important pieces of the MCU storyline. I’m pretty sure moviegoers, assuming their return, will want to know what happened to the Loki who stole the Space Stone/Tesseract from the 2012 scene or why Wanda has children all of a sudden. Other than that, great blog.
why did you put spider man after civil war?
it was weird to see spider man buddying up with iron man in the latter when he is only supposed to be introduced 2 movies later according to this time line.
i know this is a very old comment but Spider-Man: Homecoming takes place at around a couple months after Captain America: Civil War. Hope this helps!
At one point, a search and replace was done to change 2023 to 2023. The article currently says is was last updated summer 2023, which is still four months in the future.