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Marvel Movies in Order and Without Spoilers

Eva Quinn

Since its inception in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has captured the imaginations of millions of people around the world, with its colorful cast of superheroes and epic stories spanning numerous movies and television series. Over the years, the MCU has grown to become one of the most successful franchises in film history, earning billions of dollars at the box office and creating a passionate and dedicated fan base.

The MCU is famous for its interconnection and plot continuity. Each film is a piece of the puzzle, and while each can be enjoyed on its own, the movies take on a new dimension when viewed together and in order. This order does not always coincide with the release order of the films. For example, “Captain America: The First Avenger” was released after “Iron Man,” but its story takes place during World War II, long before “Iron Man.” Therefore, to fully understand the plot and catch all the subtleties and references, it is helpful to watch the movies in chronological order.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to watching all MCU films in chronological order. We will detail each film, its release date, and a brief plot synopsis. Whether you’re a lifelong Marvel fan or a newcomer looking to immerse yourself in this vast universe, this guide will help you navigate the Marvel film saga and enjoy it to the fullest.

How to watch the Marvel movies in the chronological order of their universe?

Marvel movie synopses by phase

Have you seen the list of titles and have some of the movies caught your attention? You may not be one of those who cares to watch the Marvel films in order, so next we provide a list in which we differentiate each movie according to the phase that Marvel has attributed to it and we provide a brief synopsis. From this moment you may find some spoilers, although we promise that none of them are of vital relevance.

Phase One

The Phase One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, also known as “Avengers Assembled,” is the first series of films that introduced the main characters of the Marvel universe. This phase consists of six films:

In this movie, we meet Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a billionaire genius and weapons manufacturer who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, he builds an advanced armor to escape and then improves it to become Iron Man. This movie marks the beginning of the MCU.

This movie introduces Bruce Banner (Edward Norton), a scientist who, due to exposure to gamma radiation, turns into the Hulk when angry or stressed. Although Edward Norton did not continue in the role of Hulk in future MCU films, this film is still part of the universe.

In the sequel to Iron Man, Tony Stark faces pressure from the government to share his technology with the military forces. At the same time, he faces new enemies.

The movie introduces Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the god of thunder from Asgard, who is banished to Earth by his father, Odin. There, he learns humility and becomes a true hero while facing his evil brother, Loki.

Set in World War II, the movie follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a scrawny soldier who becomes the super-soldier Captain America thanks to an experimental serum. He fights against the HYDRA organization led by Red Skull.

The first Avengers movie brings together all the heroes introduced so far to fight against Loki and his alien army. This movie culminates Phase One of the MCU, showing how these independent characters can come together as a team.

Phase Two

Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe takes the characters and plots established in Phase One to new heights, introducing new faces and expanding the universe beyond Earth. This phase consists of six films:

In the third installment of Iron Man, Tony Stark deals with the aftermath of the events of “The Avengers”. This movie also introduces the Mandarin, one of the most iconic villains from the Iron Man comics.

In the sequel to Thor, the god of thunder faces a new threat in the form of the Dark Elves. This movie also introduces the Reality Stone, one of the Infinity Stones.

In the second Captain America film, Steve Rogers, now living in the present after the events of “The Avengers,” faces the secret organization HYDRA within S.H.I.E.L.D. and an enemy from his past, the Winter Soldier.

This film introduces a new team of heroes: the Guardians of the Galaxy, which includes Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. The film takes place in space and introduces the Power Stone, another of the Infinity Stones.

In the second Avengers movie, the team reunites to fight against Ultron, an artificial intelligence created by Tony Stark that turns evil. This movie also introduces two new team members, Scarlet Witch and Vision, as well as the Mind Stone.

The final film of Phase Two introduces Scott Lang, a thief who becomes the superhero Ant-Man thanks to a suit that allows him to shrink to a tiny size while increasing his strength. Phase Two of the MCU expands the universe in terms of characters and scenarios, introducing the cosmos and multiverse concepts, while continuing to build towards the confrontation with Thanos that will take place in Phase Three.

Phase Three

Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the largest so far, with a total of eleven movies. This phase takes the characters to new challenges, introduces new faces, and culminates in an epic confrontation against Thanos, the Mad Titan.

This movie sees the Avengers split into two sides in a dispute over government supervision of superheroes, with Iron Man leading one side and Captain America the other. The movie also introduces two key characters: Black Panther and Spider-Man.

The movie introduces Stephen Strange, a surgeon who, after an accident that destroys his hands, embarks on a journey that leads him to become the Sorcerer Supreme. The movie also presents the Time Stone.

The sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy focuses on Star-Lord’s origin story and his relationship with his father, Ego.

In his first standalone movie in the MCU, Spider-Man, under the tutelage of Tony Stark, confronts the Vulture while balancing his superhero life with high school.

In the third Thor movie, the thunder god finds himself trapped on the other side of the universe without his hammer, while his sister Hela takes Asgard. Thor must escape and gather a team to save his people.

In his standalone movie, Black Panther returns to his home in Wakanda to take the throne after the death of his father. However, he faces challenges when an enemy from the past resurfaces.

In this movie, all MCU characters unite to fight Thanos, who seeks to gather all the Infinity Stones to annihilate half of life in the universe.

In the sequel to Ant-Man, Scott Lang joins Hope van Dyne, who now has her own suit and has become the Wasp, in a mission that reveals secrets from the past.

This movie, set in the 1990s, introduces Carol Danvers, an Air Force pilot who becomes the powerful Captain Marvel and gets entangled in the war between two alien races.

At the culmination of Phase Three and the Infinity Stones story arc, the remaining Avengers unite to time travel, collect the Infinity Stones, and use them to undo the actions.

The last movie of Phase Three follows Peter Parker on a school vacation in Europe that is interrupted by the appearance of Mysterio and the Elementals.

Phase Four

Phase Four of the MCU marks a new era of storytelling, exploring darker and more mysterious aspects of the Marvel universe, and bringing to life characters never before seen on the big screen. Here are Marvel movies in order of release in phase four:

This movie is centered on Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, who faces her past as a spy before becoming a member of the Avengers.

The movie introduces Shang-Chi, who confronts his past and his father’s dangerous mandate.

The movie showcases the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who have lived in secret on Earth for thousands of years, and are forced to come out of the shadows to fight the Deviants, their ancient enemy.

Peter Parker seeks the help of Doctor Strange to restore his secret identity, which results in the opening of the multiverse and the appearance of villains from alternate realities.

Doctor Strange protects America Chavez, a teenager capable of traveling between universes in the multiverse, from Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch.

Thor attempts to find inner peace but ends up recruiting Valkyrie, Korg, and Jane Foster, who has become the Mighty Thor, to help stop Gorr, the God Butcher.

The leaders of the kingdom of Wakanda fight to protect their nation after the death of King T’Challa, and a new threat emerges from the hidden underwater nation of Talokan.

This movie takes the superheroes Ant-Man and the Wasp to new adventures in the enigmatic Quantum Realm. On this occasion, Scott Lang, Cassie Lang, Hope van Dyne, and their parents find themselves trapped in this intriguing place and must face a new and powerful enemy, Kang the Conqueror.

The third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy brings us back to the most irreverent team of heroes in the universe. Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot return to action in this superhero movie that promises more cosmic adventures.

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Eva Quinn
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