The Marvel cinematic universe is a well-known and successful movie franchise that has won over audiences across the world with its gripping stories, adored characters, and breathtaking action scenes. But how can you properly traverse the Marvel movies in order of story with more than 20 films already out and more on the way?
The Marvel films provide a variety of viewing options catered to your tastes. The most frequent method is to view them in the order of initial release. Alternatively, you can choose the chronological order of Marvel movies, which follows the timeline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU). Another choice is to group the films thematically based on links and topics that they have in common.
In this article, we’ll see several viewing strategies and provide a list of Marvel movies that fit into each sequence. However, we also provide insightful tips to make sure your Marvel movie experience is fantastic.
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Marvel movies in order of Story || Marvel Movies in Release Order
Choosing the release sequence is the quickest and easiest way to get the most enjoyment out of Marvel movies. This order correlates to the theatrical release dates of the films, starting with “Iron Man” (2008) and concluding with “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” (2023). You may enjoy the rhythm that the films’ authors intended, where each movie subtly builds upon the one before it while preparing the audience for what’s to come, by watching them in this order.
In this manner, you are introduced to characters and events at the proper points as directed by the directors, and you also prevent misunderstandings and spoilers. Notably, seeing Marvel films in the order of their initial release is the preferred and recommended method, and it is especially ideal for novices and those seeking an enjoyable experience. With origin stories, team-ups, sequels, and intriguing crossovers, it offers a coherent and comprehensive vision of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). By doing this, you’re encouraging the growth of the characters’ friendships as well as the bigger ideas and narrative threads that comprise the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Here is the list of Marvel movies in release order:
- Iron Man (2008)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- Thor (2011)
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- The Avengers (2012)
- Iron Man 3 (2013)
- Thor: The Dark World (2013)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Ant-Man (2015)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Black Panther (2018)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
- Captain Marvel (2019)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
- Black Widow (2021)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Eternals (2021)
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
- Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (2023)
Marvel Movies & Series in Chronological Order
There is an alternative way to watch Marvel movies & series, which is in chronological order. This chronological order of Marvel movies starts with “Captain America: The First Avenger” (1942) and ends with “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2024). This way offers a great way into the world of MCU. Marvel movies in chronological order fills in the blanks and provides context for the larger story, acting as a piece of a puzzle. This method also reveals subtleties and relationships that would have gone unnoticed in the release order. If you want to check the marvel movies in order of story, scroll above.
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The chronological order of Marvel movies delves deeply into the MCU timeline, making it ideal for the fans of Marvel movies. However, this order emphasizes how the characters’ transformational journeys and the results of their decisions have a lasting impact on the path of the MCU. If you want to take a close look at all the minute elements of the MCU’s multidimensional narrative, the chronological chronology offers an unmatched opportunity to do so.
Here is the list of Marvel movies in chronological order:
- Captain America: The First Avenger (1942-1943)
- Captain Marvel (1995)
- Iron Man (2010)
- Iron Man 2 (2011) The Incredible Hulk (2011)
- Thor (2011)
- The Avengers (2012)
- Iron Man 3 (2012)
- Thor: The Dark World (2013)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (2014)
- I Am Groot (2014)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Ant-Man (2015)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2016)
- Doctor Strange (2016-2017)
- Black Widow (2017)
- Black Panther (2017)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2017)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2017)
- Avengers: Endgame (2018-2023)
- Loki (outside of our conception of time, but around here!)
- What If…? (also outside of our conception of time!)
- WandaVision (2023)
- Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2023-2024)
- Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings (2023-2024)
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2024)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2024)
- Eternals (2024)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2024)
- Hawkeye (Christmas 2024)
- Moon Knight (2025)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2025)
- She-Hulk (2025)
- Ms. Marvel (2025)
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2025)
- Werewolf By Night (2025)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2025)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2025)
- Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (2026)
- Secret Invasion (2026)
Marvel Movies in Thematic Order
Thematic order of Marvel movies is a more creative and flexible approach to watching Marvel movies. It allows the order of the subjects and genres explored in the films, such as science, magic, space, espionage, and so on.
This thematic order is basically for those who love science, magic, space, etc. This chronology allows you to enjoy the MCU’s diversity and variety, with each film presenting a different tone, style, and perspective. It also improves the fun and entertainment of films by allowing you to select those that suit your mood and preferences.
Thematic ordering is a more enjoyable and personal method to see Marvel films, particularly for those who have already seen them in release or chronological order. It provides a more personalized and tailored picture of the MCU, with a focus on your interests and preferences. It also enables you to find new parts and views of the films that you may not have noticed or appreciated previously.
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However, there is no official list released by the MCU, of Marvel movies in thematic order, as it depends on how you categorize and group them. However, here is one possible list of Marvel movies in thematic order, based on some common themes and genres:
- Science and Technology: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, The Incredible Hulk, Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp
- Magic and Mysticism: Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Thor: Ragnarok, Doctor Strange
- Space and Cosmic: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Captain Marvel
- Espionage and Politics: Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Black Widow
- Superhero Team-Ups: The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame
- Coming-of-Age and Comedy: Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home
- Social and Cultural Issues: Black Panther
How to watch Marvel movies in order?
Now that you’re familiar with the various ways to enjoy the Marvel movies in their story order, you might be curious about how to actually embark on your Marvel marathon. Here are some practical tips and recommendations for watching Marvel movies in order:
1. Choose Your Viewing Order:-
Tailor your approach based on your intentions. If you’re new to the MCU or seeking a recap, follow the release order. For an in-depth exploration, opt for chronological order. And for a fresh and diverse perspective, go with the thematic order.
2. Access Reliable Sources:-
Use reputable streaming platforms like Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc., based on availability in your region. Alternatively, you can purchase or rent movies from platforms like Google Play, iTunes, and YouTube, or physical copies like DVDs or Blu-rays.
3. Plan Your Pace:-
Design a viewing schedule that aligns with your preferences. Binge-watch over a few days or savor the experience over several weeks. Consider organizing viewings in phases, mirroring the MCU’s distinct chapters, or according to release dates and special occasions.
Decide whether you want to immerse yourself solo or make it a group activity. Invite friends or family to join you, or connect with fellow fans in online communities and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing thoughts can enrich your Marvel journey.
5. Interactive Engagement:-
Elevate the fun by participating in quizzes, trivia games, and challenges related to the Marvel movies. Test your knowledge and share your passion with others who share your enthusiasm.
6. Embrace the Experience:-
Remember that Marvel movies are designed to entertain, inspire, and surprise. Feel free to laugh, cry, and immerse yourself in the stories, characters, and action. Don’t hesitate to explore unique interpretations or perspectives while you watch.
As you embark on this cinematic adventure, make the most of each moment, and let the Marvel movies transport you to a world of excitement, wonder, and imagination.
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