To be honest, I had no idea where to start when I originally made the decision to start watching Marvel films. Although I had heard about and occasionally saw a few snippets from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the plot appeared so vast and intricate that I was unsure of how to follow it correctly. Fortunately, I had a buddy who helped me figure out the plot and how to watch the films in the right order. I have made the decision to publish this comprehensive post in order to assist those who, like myself, wish to have the greatest possible MCU experience.
Why Follow the Chronological Order of Watching?
The majority of people are unaware that the Marvel films weren’t released in the same chronological sequence as the plot’s events. It’s preferable to follow the MCU’s events chronologically rather than according to release dates if you want to fully experience the series and comprehend its characters and stories.
Below is the chronological timeline of the MCU (including IMDb ratings for reference):
✅ Marvel Films arranged chronologically (by storyline)
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Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) – IMDb: 6.9
Here is where the MCU chronology really starts, set during World War II. -
Captain Marvel (2019) – IMDb: 6.8
Set in the 1990s, this introduces Carol Danvers and gives important context about S.H.I.E.L.D. -
Iron Man (2008) – IMDb: 7.9
The origin of Tony Stark and the beginning of the Avengers Initiative. -
Iron Man 2 (2010) – IMDb: 6.9
Continues Tony Stark’s journey and introduces more about S.H.I.E.L.D. -
The Incredible Hulk (2008) – IMDb: 6.6
Tells the story of Bruce Banner before he joins the Avengers. -
Thor (2011) – IMDb: 7.0
The introduction of Thor and the cosmic side of the MCU. -
The Avengers (2012) – IMDb: 8.0
The big team-up of all the heroes introduced so far. -
Iron Man 3 (2013) – IMDb: 7.1
Deals with Tony Stark’s trauma after the events of The Avengers. -
Thor: The Dark World (2013) – IMDb: 6.8
Explores the Infinity Stones and Thor’s relationship with Loki. -
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – IMDb: 7.7
A more serious spy-thriller and a major shift in the MCU story. -
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – IMDb: 8.0
A whole new set of heroes in space, with a lot of fun and action. -
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – IMDb: 7.6
Continues right after the first one, deeper into the characters’ backstories. -
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – IMDb: 7.3
The Avengers face a powerful AI enemy and new heroes emerge. -
Ant-Man (2015) – IMDb: 7.3
A lighter, smaller-scale heist story with some big connections. -
Captain America: Civil War (2016) – IMDb: 7.8
The Avengers split into two sides — a major turning point in the MCU. -
Black Widow (2021) – IMDb: 6.7
Takes place right after Civil War, focusing on Natasha Romanoff. -
Black Panther (2018) – IMDb: 7.3
A powerful story about Wakanda and a new king’s journey. -
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – IMDb: 7.4
Follows Peter Parker after his debut in Civil War. -
Doctor Strange (2016) – IMDb: 7.5
Introduces the mystical side of the MCU. -
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – IMDb: 7.9
A fun and wild ride that resets Thor’s character. -
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – IMDb: 7.0
Takes place right before Infinity War, with important Quantum Realm info. -
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – IMDb: 8.4
The ultimate battle against Thanos begins. -
Avengers: Endgame (2019) – IMDb: 8.4
A massive conclusion to the Infinity Saga with time travel and emotional payoffs. -
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) – IMDb: 7.4
Deals with the aftermath of Endgame and sets up future storylines. -
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – IMDb: 8.2
A multiverse adventure with appearances from past Spider-Men. -
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) – IMDb: 6.9
Explores alternate realities and consequences of No Way Home. -
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) – IMDb: 7.4
Introduces a new hero and connects back to early MCU history. -
Eternals (2021) – IMDb: 6.3
Explores the ancient history of the MCU and cosmic beings. -
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) – IMDb: 6.2
Follows Thor’s journey after Endgame with new gods and heroes. -
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) – IMDb: 6.7
Explores grief and legacy after the death of T’Challa.
Ending remarks
Don’t worry if, like me, you’re fresh to the Marvel universe; you’re not alone. Before someone gave me advice, I had no clue how to view these films properly. Everything makes a lot more sense now that I know the plot, and I’ve really begun to love it. To assist you or anyone else who is as perplexed as I was, I have included this chronology along with IMDb ratings.
You will have the finest experience and be able to relate to the characters and the overall plot more fully if you watch Marvel films in this sequence. Enjoy the Marvel Cinematic Universe the way it was intended to be seen by following this guide and grabbing some popcorn!
