MCU Release Order: The Ultimate Guide To Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies And Shows

Nellie Schaden IV 16 May 2025

Let’s face it, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a massive galaxy of interconnected stories that can feel overwhelming. If you're diving in for the first time or revisiting old favorites, knowing the MCU release order is essential. This guide will help you navigate the timeline, phases, and everything in between so you don’t miss a beat. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard Marvel enthusiast, this article has got your back.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Why does the release order matter?” Well, here’s the deal: the MCU isn’t just a collection of random movies and shows. It’s a carefully crafted universe where every single event ties into the bigger picture. From the snap of Thanos’ fingers to the multiversal madness of Loki, everything builds up to something bigger. Understanding the release order helps you piece together the puzzle without feeling lost.

And hey, let’s not forget about the emotional rollercoaster. Watching these films in the correct release order allows you to experience the journey as it was meant to be. So buckle up, because we’re about to break down the entire MCU timeline, from Phase One to the latest shows on Disney+.

Why Knowing the MCU Release Order Matters

First things first, let’s talk about why the release order is such a big deal. Imagine walking into a movie theater to watch Avengers: Endgame without having seen any of the previous films. Spoiler alert—it wouldn’t make much sense. The MCU is built on a foundation of interconnected stories, and each film or show adds another layer to the overall narrative.

Here’s the kicker: the release order isn’t always the same as the chronological order. Sometimes, a movie might come out years after its predecessor but take place earlier in the timeline. For example, Captain Marvel (2019) takes place in the 1990s, way before Iron Man (2008). Knowing this distinction is crucial if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Marvel universe.

Plus, let’s be honest—watching the MCU in release order gives you the full impact of each moment. You’ll feel the weight of Tony Stark’s sacrifice in Endgame or the shock of Steve Rogers passing the shield to Sam Wilson in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. These moments are designed to hit hard, and they only work if you’ve been following the story from the beginning.

The MCU Timeline: A Quick Overview

Before we dive deep into the release order, let’s quickly recap the MCU timeline. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is divided into phases, with each phase focusing on a specific set of characters and storylines. Here’s a quick rundown:

Phase One: The origins of the Avengers, including Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor.
Phase Two: Building on the success of the first Avengers movie, introducing new characters like Guardians of the Galaxy.
Phase Three: The Infinity Saga, culminating in Avengers: Endgame.
Phase Four: Exploring the multiverse and introducing new heroes like Shang-Chi and Ms. Marvel.
Phase Five: Continuing the multiverse storylines with movies like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Each phase builds on the last, creating a seamless narrative that spans over a decade. But here’s the thing—the release order doesn’t always follow this timeline perfectly. That’s where things get interesting.

MCU Release Order vs Chronological Order

So, what’s the difference between the release order and the chronological order? Simply put, the release order refers to the order in which the movies and shows were released to the public. The chronological order, on the other hand, refers to the order in which the events actually happen within the MCU timeline.

For example, here’s how it works:

Iron Man (2008): Released first and takes place in the MCU timeline.
Captain Marvel (2019): Released much later but takes place in the 1990s.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018): Released after Captain Marvel but takes place later in the timeline.

Confusing, right? That’s why knowing both the release order and the chronological order is important. If you’re watching for the first time, the release order is your best bet. But if you want to fully understand the timeline, you’ll need to mix and match.

Phase One: The Beginning of the MCU

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? Phase One of the MCU laid the groundwork for everything that came after. It introduced us to iconic characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, and culminated in the first Avengers movie. Here’s the release order for Phase One:

Iron Man (2008)

This is where it all began. Tony Stark, a billionaire playboy genius, becomes Iron Man after being captured by terrorists. Not only does this movie set the tone for the entire MCU, but it also features the famous post-credits scene where Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) introduces the idea of the Avengers Initiative.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

While not as beloved as other MCU films, The Incredible Hulk is still an important part of the Phase One lineup. It introduces Bruce Banner and sets up his eventual role in the Avengers.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Tony Stark faces new challenges as his enemies grow more powerful. This movie also introduces us to Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, played by the incredible Scarlett Johansson.

Thor (2011)

Thor brings the MCU into the realm of mythology, introducing Asgard and its residents. It’s also where we meet Loki, one of the most complex villains in cinematic history.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Steve Rogers transforms from a scrawny kid into the mighty Captain America. This movie sets the stage for his role as a leader in the Avengers.

The Avengers (2012)

Finally, the team comes together to face off against Loki and his alien army. Directed by Joss Whedon, this movie was a game-changer for superhero films and cemented the MCU’s place in pop culture.

Phase Two: Expanding the Universe

With the success of The Avengers, Phase Two saw the MCU expanding its reach with new characters and storylines. Here’s the release order for Phase Two:

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Tony Stark faces his greatest challenge yet in this emotional and action-packed sequel. The film also introduces us to the Mandarin, though not in the way fans expected.

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Thor returns to Asgard to face a new threat, the Dark Elves. This movie also sets up the Infinity Stones storyline, which becomes crucial in later phases.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Steve Rogers uncovers a conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D., leading to a thrilling action-packed adventure. This movie is often considered one of the best in the MCU.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Meet Peter Quill and his ragtag group of space misfits as they battle to save the galaxy. This film brought a fresh and fun energy to the MCU and introduced us to characters like Star-Lord, Gamora, and Rocket Raccoon.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

The Avengers face their toughest challenge yet against the AI villain Ultron. This movie also introduces Vision and Scarlet Witch, two characters who become central to the Infinity Saga.

Ant-Man (2015)

Scott Lang, a former thief, becomes the newest Avenger in this fun and quirky film. Ant-Man brings a unique perspective to the MCU with its focus on shrinking technology.

Phase Three: The Infinity Saga

Phase Three is where the MCU really starts to tie everything together. The Infinity Saga culminates in Avengers: Endgame, one of the biggest movies of all time. Here’s the release order for Phase Three:

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The Avengers are torn apart by internal conflict in this emotionally charged sequel. This movie also introduces us to Spider-Man and Black Panther, two characters who become fan favorites.

Doctor Strange (2016)

Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon, becomes the Sorcerer Supreme after a life-altering accident. This movie expands the MCU into the realm of magic and mysticism.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

The Guardians return for another adventure, this time discovering Peter Quill’s true parentage. This movie is filled with humor, heart, and some of the best music in the MCU.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Peter Parker balances high school life with his duties as Spider-Man in this fresh and fun origin story. Tom Holland’s portrayal of Spider-Man quickly became a fan favorite.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Thor teams up with the Hulk to save Asgard from destruction in this colorful and comedic adventure. Directed by Taika Waititi, this movie brought a new energy to the Thor franchise.

Black Panther (2018)

T’Challa returns to Wakanda to face challenges both personal and political. This movie was a cultural phenomenon and showcased the diversity and depth of the MCU.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

The Avengers unite to stop Thanos from collecting all six Infinity Stones. This movie was a game-changer for the MCU, ending on a cliffhanger that left fans reeling.

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Scott Lang teams up with Hope van Dyne to uncover the secrets of the quantum realm. This movie was a fun detour from the heavy themes of Infinity War.

Captain Marvel (2019)

Carol Danvers discovers her true powers and becomes Captain Marvel in this 1990s-set origin story. This movie also ties into the events of Avengers: Endgame.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

The Avengers travel through time to undo the damage caused by Thanos. This movie was a massive box office hit and brought the Infinity Saga to a satisfying conclusion.

Phase Four: The Multiverse Madness

Phase Four takes the MCU into uncharted territory with the introduction of the multiverse. Here’s the release order for Phase Four:

Black Widow (2021)

Natasha Romanoff confronts her past in this action-packed adventure. This movie fills in the gaps between Civil War and Infinity War.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Introducing Shang-Chi, the master of martial arts, in this visually stunning film. This movie expands the MCU into Asian mythology and culture.

Eternals (2021)

A group of ancient beings called the Eternals must protect Earth from a new threat. This movie brings a more serious tone to the MCU and explores deep philosophical questions.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Peter Parker faces the consequences of his actions in this epic Spider-Man movie. This film brings back characters from previous Spider-Man franchises, making it a fan favorite.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Doctor Strange dives deeper into the multiverse in this mind-bending sequel. Directed by Sam Raimi, this movie is filled with twists and turns that challenge everything we thought we knew about the MCU.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Thor embarks on a cosmic quest to find inner peace in this quirky and heartfelt sequel. This movie also introduces us to Jane Foster as the Mighty Thor.

Phase Five: What’s Next?

Phase Five continues the multiverse storyline while introducing new characters and storylines. Here’s what we know so far:

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Scott Lang and his family face a new threat in the quantum realm in this fun and action-packed sequel. This movie also introduces Kang the Conqueror, a major villain in the MCU.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

The Guardians

Mcu Watch Order 2024 Dulce Glenine

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