The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a sprawling franchise with interconnected stories spanning over a decade. With so many movies and television series, new fans might be overwhelmed by where to start, and even long-time fans might be unsure about the best order to watch the films. This article provides an overview of the different viewing orders, from release order to chronological order, so you can enjoy the MCU to its fullest.
Introduction: Understanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a collection of superhero films and TV shows produced by Marvel Studios and based on Marvel Comics characters. The MCU began in 2008 with Iron Man and has since become one of the highest-grossing film franchises in history. Its success is built on the interconnectedness of its stories, with characters, events, and plotlines crossing over between multiple films.
While many fans enjoy following the release order, newcomers might be curious about watching the movies in a way that makes the most sense chronologically. In this guide, we will explore the two main approaches: release order and chronological order, as well as the reasons why each order may be preferable depending on your viewing preferences.
Why Choose Release Order?
The MCU’s Narrative Structure
The release order is the sequence in which the films were originally released in theaters. This approach provides a sense of how the MCU evolved over time, allowing viewers to experience the unfolding story as it was meant to be presented. The release order provides the benefit of seeing the films in the order in which they introduced characters and concepts to the audience.
In the early phases of the MCU, directors built the foundation for the larger crossover events, such as The Avengers (2012), which brought multiple heroes together. Viewing these films in release order gives a sense of gradual buildup and exciting reveals.
The Experience of New Releases
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the MCU is the excitement surrounding new movie releases. Watching the movies in release order allows you to relive that excitement and experience the cultural impact of each film as it was released. For example, the anticipation of Avengers: Endgame (2019) and its massive payoff wouldn’t be quite the same if you watched it out of sequence.
Recommended Release Order
Here’s the recommended release order, with each phase clearly marked:
Phase 1:
- Iron Man (2008)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- Thor (2011)
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- The Avengers (2012)
Phase 2:
- 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)
Phase 3:
- 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)
Phase 4:
- Black Widow (2021)
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
- Eternals (2021)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Phase 5 (Ongoing):
- Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
- Upcoming films in 2024 and beyond
By watching the films in this order, you will see the evolution of the MCU and enjoy each phase as it was released.
Why Choose Chronological Order?
Understanding the MCU Timeline
The chronological order takes into account the actual timeline of events in the MCU universe, starting from the earliest events in the story’s history. This approach is ideal if you’re looking to watch the MCU as a cohesive narrative without worrying about the order in which the films were released.
Watching in chronological order allows you to see how the MCU unfolds in terms of the storyline itself, from the earliest moments in Captain America: The First Avenger (set in the 1940s) to the events of Avengers: Endgame (set in 2023). This order also avoids any spoilers or surprises that may come with watching in release order, as you’ll be following events as they happen in the timeline.
Recommended Chronological Order
Here’s the recommended chronological order, based on the events in the MCU timeline:
1. Phase 1:
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) – 1942
- Captain Marvel (2019) – 1995
- Iron Man (2008) – 2010
- Iron Man 2 (2010) – 2010
- The Incredible Hulk (2008) – 2010
- Thor (2011) – 2011
- The Avengers (2012) – 2012
2. Phase 2:
- Iron Man 3 (2013) – 2012
- Thor: The Dark World (2013) – 2013
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – 2014
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – 2014
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – 2015
- Ant-Man (2015) – 2015
3. Phase 3:
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)– 2016
- Black Widow (2021) – 2016
- Black Panther (2018) – 2016-2017
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – 2016-2017
- Doctor Strange (2016) – 2016-2017
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – 2017
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – 2018
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – 2018
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) – 2023
4. Phase 4:
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) – 2023
- Eternals (2021) – 2023
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – 2024
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) – 2024
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) – 2024
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) – 2024
5. Phase 5 (Ongoing):
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (2023) – 2025
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) – 2025
By following the timeline, you’ll get a true sense of the events in the MCU as they unfold in the universe’s history.
Hybrid Approach: A Combination of Both
If you’re a fan of both continuity and release experience, a hybrid approach might be best. This involves watching the movies in release order, but supplementing them with key television shows or short films in the appropriate timeline slots. For example, you might watch WandaVision after Avengers: Endgame, as it is set after those events.
You can also choose to watch some important shows in chronological order to get an even more thorough understanding of the MCU’s universe, such as Agent Carter (which fits between Captain America: The First Avenger and Agent Carter Season 1) or Loki (which deals with time travel and alternate realities after Avengers: Endgame).
Conclusion
Choosing the best order to watch the MCU depends on your personal preferences:
Release order is ideal for fans who want to relive the cultural experience and appreciate the development of the MCU as it was released.
Chronological order is great for those who prefer a linear narrative and want to follow the MCU timeline as it plays out.
A hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds, combining the excitement of new releases with a comprehensive viewing experience.
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