Introduction
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become one of the most popular movie franchises in history. With over 20 movies released to date, it can be tough to know where to start or how to watch them in order. In this article, we’ll be discussing the correct order to watch Marvel movies and why it matters.
Phase One
The first phase of the MCU includes the following movies: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, and The Avengers. These movies introduced viewers to the concept of the Avengers and set the stage for the rest of the franchise. We recommend watching them in release order, starting with Iron Man.
Iron Man
Iron Man was the first movie in the MCU and introduced viewers to Tony Stark, a billionaire genius who becomes a superhero. The movie sets the tone for the rest of the franchise with its humor, action, and character development. It’s a must-watch for any Marvel fan.
The Incredible Hulk
While The Incredible Hulk is sometimes overlooked in the MCU, it’s an important movie to watch. It introduces viewers to Bruce Banner (played by Edward Norton), who becomes the Hulk when he gets angry. The movie also sets up the character for future movies in the franchise.
Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 brings back Tony Stark and introduces viewers to new characters like Black Widow and War Machine. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers Initiative.
Thor
Thor takes viewers to Asgard and introduces them to the god of thunder. The movie also sets up the character for future movies in the franchise and introduces the concept of the Infinity Stones.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America: The First Avenger introduces viewers to Steve Rogers, a scrawny man who becomes a super-soldier. The movie also introduces viewers to the villainous organization HYDRA and sets up future movies in the franchise.
The Avengers
The Avengers brings together all the characters from the previous movies and introduces viewers to new characters like Hawkeye and the villain Loki. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of Thanos and the Infinity Stones.
Phase Two
The second phase of the MCU includes the following movies: Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Ant-Man. These movies continue the story from the first phase and introduce new characters and plotlines.
Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 brings back Tony Stark and introduces viewers to the villainous Mandarin. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Extremis virus.
Thor: The Dark World
Thor: The Dark World takes viewers back to Asgard and introduces them to the Dark Elves. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Aether.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain America: The Winter Soldier sees Steve Rogers teaming up with Black Widow and the Falcon to take down HYDRA. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soldier.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy introduces viewers to a group of misfits who become unlikely heroes. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Power Stone.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Avengers: Age of Ultron brings back the Avengers and introduces viewers to the villainous Ultron. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Mind Stone.
Ant-Man
Ant-Man introduces viewers to Scott Lang, a thief who becomes the superhero Ant-Man. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Quantum Realm.
Phase Three
The third phase of the MCU includes the following movies: Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Captain Marvel, and Avengers: Endgame. These movies continue the story from the previous phases and bring the franchise to its epic conclusion.
Captain America: Civil War
Captain America: Civil War sees the Avengers split into two factions over the Sokovia Accords. The movie also introduces viewers to new characters like Black Panther and Spider-Man.
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange introduces viewers to the sorcerer supreme and the concept of magic. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Time Stone.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the story of the misfit heroes and introduces viewers to new characters like Mantis and Ego. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Celestials.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Spider-Man: Homecoming sees Peter Parker balancing his life as a high school student and a superhero. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Vulture.
Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok sees the god of thunder teaming up with the Hulk and Valkyrie to save Asgard. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Grandmaster.
Black Panther
Black Panther takes viewers to Wakanda and introduces them to the king of the nation. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of vibranium.
Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War brings together all the characters from the previous movies to face off against the villainous Thanos. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Soul Stone.
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Ant-Man and the Wasp sees Scott Lang teaming up with Hope van Dyne to rescue her mother from the Quantum Realm. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Multiverse.
Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel takes viewers back to the 1990s and introduces them to Carol Danvers, a superhero with ties to the Avengers. The movie also sets up future movies in the franchise by introducing the concept of the Tesseract.
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame brings the story of the MCU to its epic conclusion. The movie sees the Avengers teaming up to reverse the effects of Thanos’ snap and save the universe. It’s a must-watch for any Marvel fan.
Conclusion
Watching Marvel movies in the correct order is important for understanding the story and characters. We recommend watching them in release order for the best viewing experience. Whether you’re a longtime Marvel fan or a newcomer to the franchise, these movies are sure to entertain and captivate you.
