Cinopsys
The MCU is the biggest interconnected film saga ever made — 37 movies and counting. The good news: you don't need a wall chart. For almost everyone, the best way in is simply the order the films came out.
Watch in release order for your first run. It's how the mysteries and cameos were designed to land, and it's what Marvel Studios recommends. Save chronological (in-story timeline) order for a rewatch.
Marvel movies in release order (Phases 1–6)
Phase One
Iron Man2008Tony Stark builds a suit of armour and the entire MCU is born.
The Incredible Hulk2008Bruce Banner runs from the military while trying to cure himself.
Iron Man 22010Stark faces a vengeful rival and the world's demand for his tech.
Thor2011An arrogant god is cast down to Earth to learn humility.
Captain America: The First Avenger2011Steve Rogers' World War II origin — the earliest point in the timeline.
The Avengers2012Earth's mightiest heroes assemble for the first time against Loki.
Phase Two
Iron Man 32013Stark wrestles with anxiety after the Battle of New York.
Thor: The Dark World2013Thor confronts the Dark Elves and an Infinity Stone surfaces.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier2014A taut spy thriller that blows up S.H.I.E.L.D. from within.
Guardians of the Galaxy2014A ragtag crew of cosmic misfits steals the show.
Avengers: Age of Ultron2015Stark's well-meaning AI turns on humanity.
Ant-Man2015A breezy heist movie with a shrinking hero.
Phase Three
Captain America: Civil War2016The Avengers split over accountability — and Spider-Man debuts.
Doctor Strange2016A brilliant surgeon becomes a master of the mystic arts.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 22017Star-Lord finally meets his father.
Spider-Man: Homecoming2017Peter Parker juggles high school and heroics under Stark's eye.
Thor: Ragnarok2017A neon, riotous reinvention of the Thor films.
Black Panther2018T'Challa defends Wakanda and his throne.
Avengers: Infinity War2018Thanos comes for the Infinity Stones — and wins.
Ant-Man and the Wasp2018A lighter breather running alongside the cosmic chaos.
Captain Marvel2019Carol Danvers' 1990s origin story.
Avengers: Endgame2019The Infinity Saga's epic, time-bending finale.
Spider-Man: Far From Home2019Peter's European trip in a world adjusting to life after Endgame.
Phase Four
Black Widow2021Natasha's spy-family backstory, set just after Civil War.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings2021A martial-arts origin and a new hero.
Eternals2021Ancient cosmic beings who've shaped human history.
Spider-Man: No Way Home2021The multiverse cracks open and villains pour through.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness2022A horror-tinged tour through parallel worlds.
Thor: Love and Thunder2022Thor teams with the Mighty Thor against Gorr.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever2022Wakanda mourns and defends itself against a new power.
Phase Five
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania2023The Quantum Realm — and Kang — take centre stage.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 32023An emotional send-off for the crew.
The Marvels2023Carol, Kamala and Monica find their powers entangled.
Deadpool & Wolverine2024The merc with a mouth crashes into the MCU.
Captain America: Brave New World2025Sam Wilson's first big outing as Captain America.
Thunderbolts*2025A team of antiheroes thrown together for a dirty job.
Phase Six
The Fantastic Four: First Steps2025Marvel's First Family arrive in a retro-futuristic world.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day2026UpcomingPeter Parker's next chapter, due July 2026.
Avengers: Doomsday2026UpcomingThe Avengers reassemble against a new big bad, due December 2026.
How to watch the MCU in chronological order
Chronological (in-story) order is great for a rewatch, but it's debated — several films overlap or use flashbacks. If you want to try it, the firm anchors are simple:
- Start with Captain America: The First Avenger (World War II), then Captain Marvel (1995).
- Watch the rest of Phases 1–3 roughly in release order, with one tweak: slot Black Widow in just before Avengers: Infinity War.
- From Avengers: Endgame onward, in-story time moves forward with release order, so just keep going as listed above.
For a first watch, we'd still pick release order every time.
Track the MCU in Cinopsys
The easiest way to keep score of a 37-film marathon is a tracker. In Cinopsys you can build a Marvel list, tick films off as you watch, and see exactly how far through the saga you are — plus total hours and your highest-rated entries. It's free, with no ads.
Start your marathon
Press play on Iron Man, and let Cinopsys keep track of the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Should I watch the Marvel movies in release or chronological order?
Release order is the recommended way for first-timers, and it's what Marvel Studios itself suggests. The films were written to be seen in that sequence, and chronological order can be confusing because several movies use flashbacks.
How many Marvel (MCU) movies are there?
37 MCU movies have been released through mid-2026, from Iron Man (2008) to The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday arriving later in 2026.
What is the first Marvel movie to watch?
In release order, start with Iron Man (2008). If you're watching by in-story timeline, begin with Captain America: The First Avenger, set during World War II.
How can I track which Marvel movies I've watched?
Use Cinopsys: create a Marvel list, mark each film as watched, and see your progress and stats. It's 100% free with no ads.