The problem is, though, that new installments in the franchise increasingly depend on consumers having a working knowledge of all the other elements of the franchise. For new viewers wanting to navigate the universe, figuring out where to start and what order to watch things in can be difficult. That is the point of this guide; to be a resource for making binge-watching the MCU franchise as easy and enjoyable as possible.
The order here factors in release date, chronological order when it make sense, as well as general coherence and narrative flow.
An easy way to think about consuming the MCU is to treat it as one massive television show. It is very serialized like a TV show, and indeed the film side is released and marketed in "phases" much like television seasons. This guide will be roughly broken up into these phases, though with some installments shifted around for cohesion.
The guide will also make note of each film's credit scenes, including how many there are, where in the credits they are placed, and how necessary it is to stick around for them.
Pre-MCU
These films are Marvel adaptations that pre-date or otherwise initially existed outside the MCU franchise. They later were introduced into the MCU canon as a part of the larger Marvel multiverse, with characters from these films showing up in MCU films.
Fox's X-Men franchise (Film and Television, 2000-2020)
Long-running multimedia franchise focusing on the titular Marvel superhero team and related characters. The first film, along with Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, paved the way for the huge superhero boom of the 2000s that is still going strong today. Officially ended with Disney's acquisition of Fox and all of their properties. How much if any of this franchise's influence will be seen in the MCU remains unknown, but the MCU has already made some joke references to the series and cameos, and a version of Deadpool very similar to the one in this universe is set to appear in the MCU in the near future. Regardless, the MCU has made enough references to this series that it would behoove the viewer to have seen these prior to the MCU films.
Spider-Man trilogy (Film, 2002-2007)
Credit scenes: None.
Directed by Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead, Darkman). The original and still probably most iconic cinematic take on the Spider-Man franchise starring Tobey Maguire. The first film played a huge part in kicking off the superhero movie boom of the 2000s that would lead directly to the birth of the MCU.
The Amazing Spider-Man duology (Film, 2012 and 2014)
Credit scenes: The first film has one teasing the second film, and the second film had a teaser for the unrelated superhero film X-Men: Days of Future Past in theaters.
Directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer). A second take on the Spider-Man story starring Andrew Garfield. Initially intended to kick off its own shared universe of Sony-produced Spider-Man-related superhero films separate from the MCU, but plans fell through due to lackluster financial performance.
Phase One
Phase One is made up mostly of origin stories, so really most of the films (barring direct sequels like Iron Man 2 and of course The Avengers) can be watched in any order. The order here is done roughly chronologically, though you can certainly go in release order if you prefer.
Captain America: The First Avenger (Film, 2011)
Credit scenes: None, barring the teaser trailer for The Avengers that plays after the credits.
Directed by Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer, Jumanji). Origin story for the titular patriotic super-soldier (Chris Evans); set during WW2 and serving as a throwback to 40s pulp adventure stories. Not the first film by release order. In fact, it is really the penultimate episode of Phase One, released between Thor and The Avengers. However, it is chronologically the first film in the franchise and does an excellent job of establishing the shared universe.
Agent Carter Seasons One and Two (Television, 2015-2016)
Created by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, regular screenwriters for the MCU. This series serves as a spin-off from Captain America: The First Avenger starring Cap's love interest, secret agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), in a science-fiction spy procedural. Characters introduced in the series would go on to appear in other Marvel series and films. As above, Agent Carter did not debut until well into Marvel's Phase Two, and yet again it most makes sense watched here right after Captain America, as it picks up soon after said film and continues its narrative.
Iron Man (Film, 2008)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing Iron Man 2 and The Avengers.
Directed by Jon Favreau (Elf, Zathura). Action-comedy origin story for the titular genius millionaire playboy philanthropist (Robert Downey, Jr.). The first installment of the MCU in release order, and thus also a great place to start watching.
Iron Man 2 (Film, 2010)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing Thor.
Jon Favreau returns to direct. Actually released after The Incredible Hulk, but takes place at roughly the same time as said film and picks up immediately after the first Iron Man movie. The two Iron Man films work well if watched as one big two-parter.
The Incredible Hulk (Film, 2008)
Credit scenes: None.
Directed by Louis Leterrier (The Transporter). Interestingly not an origin story, relying on viewer background knowledge from sources like Ang Lee's recent Hulk film. This angsty creature feature follows Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) evading the U.S. military and struggling with his radioactive monster alter-ego (Lou Ferrigno reprising his role from the 70s television series of the same name). Again, this film makes more narrative sense watched after Iron Man 2.
The Consultant (One-Shot, 2011)
Directed by Leythum. Included on Thor Blu-Ray release. Marvel's One-Shots were a series of shorts released online and as extras on the Blu-Ray releases of the films. They generally serve the purpose of wrapping up loose threads from the films, patching plot holes, and setting up potential future ideas for later stories. It seems Marvel is making no more of these, as none have been released since 2014. This particular One-Shot tidies up some loose ends from The Incredible Hulk, starring recurring S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) and Jasper Sitwell (Maximiliano Hernández).
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer (One-Shot, 2011)
Directed by Leythum. Included on the Captain America: The First Avenger Blu-Ray release. Serves as a prelude to Thor starring Agent Phil Coulson.
Thor (Film, 2011)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing The Avengers.
Directed by Kenneth Branagh (Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet). Shakespearian-influenced origin story for the titular fish-out-of-water Norse god (Chris Hemsworth). Probably the most "required viewing" to understand the first Avengers film.
The Avengers (Film, 2012)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene of some significance and one post-credit gag.
Directed by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly). Works like a season finale for this phase. Obviously a big crossover film, featuring the heroes of all previous films (with Mark Ruffalo replacing Norton and Ferrigno as Bruce Banner/the Hulk) teaming up to thwart an alien invasion.
Item 47 (One-Shot, 2012)
Directed by Louis D'Esposito. Included on The Avengers Blu-Ray release. An epilogue to The Avengers, and also a subtle setup for the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series, starring Agent Jasper Sitwell.
Phase Two
Again, release order from here on out would be fine and is mostly how the phase is sorted, though some later films have been moved around for coherence sake. The real challenge here is the introduction of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series, which runs concurrently with the films from here out and frequently makes mention of the events of the films. So if you want to binge Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., either stagger your viewing of the series with the films as recommended by this guide, or just watch all the movies and then go back and catch up on the series.
Iron Man 3 (Film, 2013)
Credit scenes: One post-credit gag teasing Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). Sequel to Iron Man 2 with strong references to The Avengers as Tony Stark grapples with his post-Battle-of-New-York PTSD while fighting terrorists at Christmas time.
All Hail the King (One-Shot, 2014)
Directed by Iron Man 3 co-writer Drew Pearce. Included on the Thor: The Dark World Blu-Ray release. Ties up some loose ends from Iron Man 3, and sets up ideas that would finally be followed up on seven years later in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Follows the prison exploits of actor Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley).
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One "Pilot" through "The Hub" (Television, 2013)
Created by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen. Details the adventures of a team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents led by one of the characters of the films in what starts as an X-Files-style sci-fi procedural. Primary television side of the MCU for several years. Most episodes have tags before the credits, mirroring the credit scenes of the films, so watch for those.
Thor: The Dark World (Film, 2013)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Guardians of the Galaxy and one post-credit scene of some significance.
Directed by television director Alan Taylor. Sequel to Thor continues to emphasize his romance with human scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and introduce concepts building up to later franchise crossovers.
Doctor Strange (Film, 2016)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Thor: Ragnarok (actually a scene taken from said film) and one post-credit scene teasing Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister). Fantastical origin story for the titular sorcerer (Benedict Cumberbatch). This one is kind of weird to place chronologically. If you want to watch it in release order (Phase Three, after Captain America: Civil War), you certainly can. The "official" timeline places it in its release year, 2016. Evidence in the film itself indicates it probably does not take place then, however. Early parts of the film definitely take place around the time of Iron Man 2, and later parts only explicitly occur at some point after The Avengers. A line from Captain America: The Winter Soldier suggests that said film takes place after this one. The post-credit scenes absolutely happen later, and the first one by nature has some spoilers for Thor: The Dark World, so this guide recommends placing this film roughly here.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One "The Well" through "End of the Beginning" (Television, 2013-2014)
The episode "The Well" picks up immediately after the events of Thor: The Dark World.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Film, 2014)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Avengers: Age of Ultron and one post-credit scene teasing Captain America: Civil War.
Directed by television directing duo and brothers Joe and Anthony Russo. Loose sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger, with strong references to The Avengers, as Captain Rogers acclimates to the modern world and his new status as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Tonally more of a dark political thriller as opposed to the first film's pulp adventure. One of the biggest "required viewing" films in the franchise, especially for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One "Turn, Turn, Turn" through "Beginning of the End" (Television, 2014)
"Turn, Turn, Turn" picks up on the events of Winter Soldier. Carries through the remainder of season one.
Guardians of the Galaxy (Film, 2014)
Credit scenes: One post-credit gag.
Directed by James Gunn (Slither, Super). Space Western flavored origin story for the titular C-list spacefaring superhero team. Unique in that it (and, to a slightly lesser extent, its sequel) can be easily watched standalone without watching the other Marvel films, though it is indispensable for setting up later Marvel films.
Phase One
Phase One is made up mostly of origin stories, so really most of the films (barring direct sequels like Iron Man 2 and of course The Avengers) can be watched in any order. The order here is done roughly chronologically, though you can certainly go in release order if you prefer.
Captain America: The First Avenger (Film, 2011)
Credit scenes: None, barring the teaser trailer for The Avengers that plays after the credits.
Directed by Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer, Jumanji). Origin story for the titular patriotic super-soldier (Chris Evans); set during WW2 and serving as a throwback to 40s pulp adventure stories. Not the first film by release order. In fact, it is really the penultimate episode of Phase One, released between Thor and The Avengers. However, it is chronologically the first film in the franchise and does an excellent job of establishing the shared universe.
Agent Carter Seasons One and Two (Television, 2015-2016)
Created by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, regular screenwriters for the MCU. This series serves as a spin-off from Captain America: The First Avenger starring Cap's love interest, secret agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), in a science-fiction spy procedural. Characters introduced in the series would go on to appear in other Marvel series and films. As above, Agent Carter did not debut until well into Marvel's Phase Two, and yet again it most makes sense watched here right after Captain America, as it picks up soon after said film and continues its narrative.
Iron Man (Film, 2008)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing Iron Man 2 and The Avengers.
Directed by Jon Favreau (Elf, Zathura). Action-comedy origin story for the titular genius millionaire playboy philanthropist (Robert Downey, Jr.). The first installment of the MCU in release order, and thus also a great place to start watching.
Iron Man 2 (Film, 2010)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing Thor.
Jon Favreau returns to direct. Actually released after The Incredible Hulk, but takes place at roughly the same time as said film and picks up immediately after the first Iron Man movie. The two Iron Man films work well if watched as one big two-parter.
The Incredible Hulk (Film, 2008)
Credit scenes: None.
Directed by Louis Leterrier (The Transporter). Interestingly not an origin story, relying on viewer background knowledge from sources like Ang Lee's recent Hulk film. This angsty creature feature follows Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) evading the U.S. military and struggling with his radioactive monster alter-ego (Lou Ferrigno reprising his role from the 70s television series of the same name). Again, this film makes more narrative sense watched after Iron Man 2.
The Consultant (One-Shot, 2011)
Directed by Leythum. Included on Thor Blu-Ray release. Marvel's One-Shots were a series of shorts released online and as extras on the Blu-Ray releases of the films. They generally serve the purpose of wrapping up loose threads from the films, patching plot holes, and setting up potential future ideas for later stories. It seems Marvel is making no more of these, as none have been released since 2014. This particular One-Shot tidies up some loose ends from The Incredible Hulk, starring recurring S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) and Jasper Sitwell (Maximiliano Hernández).
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer (One-Shot, 2011)
Directed by Leythum. Included on the Captain America: The First Avenger Blu-Ray release. Serves as a prelude to Thor starring Agent Phil Coulson.
Thor (Film, 2011)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing The Avengers.
Directed by Kenneth Branagh (Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet). Shakespearian-influenced origin story for the titular fish-out-of-water Norse god (Chris Hemsworth). Probably the most "required viewing" to understand the first Avengers film.
The Avengers (Film, 2012)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene of some significance and one post-credit gag.
Directed by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly). Works like a season finale for this phase. Obviously a big crossover film, featuring the heroes of all previous films (with Mark Ruffalo replacing Norton and Ferrigno as Bruce Banner/the Hulk) teaming up to thwart an alien invasion.
Item 47 (One-Shot, 2012)
Directed by Louis D'Esposito. Included on The Avengers Blu-Ray release. An epilogue to The Avengers, and also a subtle setup for the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series, starring Agent Jasper Sitwell.
Phase Two
Again, release order from here on out would be fine and is mostly how the phase is sorted, though some later films have been moved around for coherence sake. The real challenge here is the introduction of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series, which runs concurrently with the films from here out and frequently makes mention of the events of the films. So if you want to binge Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., either stagger your viewing of the series with the films as recommended by this guide, or just watch all the movies and then go back and catch up on the series.
Iron Man 3 (Film, 2013)
Credit scenes: One post-credit gag teasing Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). Sequel to Iron Man 2 with strong references to The Avengers as Tony Stark grapples with his post-Battle-of-New-York PTSD while fighting terrorists at Christmas time.
All Hail the King (One-Shot, 2014)
Directed by Iron Man 3 co-writer Drew Pearce. Included on the Thor: The Dark World Blu-Ray release. Ties up some loose ends from Iron Man 3, and sets up ideas that would finally be followed up on seven years later in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Follows the prison exploits of actor Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley).
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One "Pilot" through "The Hub" (Television, 2013)
Created by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen. Details the adventures of a team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents led by one of the characters of the films in what starts as an X-Files-style sci-fi procedural. Primary television side of the MCU for several years. Most episodes have tags before the credits, mirroring the credit scenes of the films, so watch for those.
Thor: The Dark World (Film, 2013)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Guardians of the Galaxy and one post-credit scene of some significance.
Directed by television director Alan Taylor. Sequel to Thor continues to emphasize his romance with human scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and introduce concepts building up to later franchise crossovers.
Doctor Strange (Film, 2016)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Thor: Ragnarok (actually a scene taken from said film) and one post-credit scene teasing Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister). Fantastical origin story for the titular sorcerer (Benedict Cumberbatch). This one is kind of weird to place chronologically. If you want to watch it in release order (Phase Three, after Captain America: Civil War), you certainly can. The "official" timeline places it in its release year, 2016. Evidence in the film itself indicates it probably does not take place then, however. Early parts of the film definitely take place around the time of Iron Man 2, and later parts only explicitly occur at some point after The Avengers. A line from Captain America: The Winter Soldier suggests that said film takes place after this one. The post-credit scenes absolutely happen later, and the first one by nature has some spoilers for Thor: The Dark World, so this guide recommends placing this film roughly here.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One "The Well" through "End of the Beginning" (Television, 2013-2014)
The episode "The Well" picks up immediately after the events of Thor: The Dark World.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Film, 2014)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Avengers: Age of Ultron and one post-credit scene teasing Captain America: Civil War.
Directed by television directing duo and brothers Joe and Anthony Russo. Loose sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger, with strong references to The Avengers, as Captain Rogers acclimates to the modern world and his new status as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Tonally more of a dark political thriller as opposed to the first film's pulp adventure. One of the biggest "required viewing" films in the franchise, especially for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One "Turn, Turn, Turn" through "Beginning of the End" (Television, 2014)
"Turn, Turn, Turn" picks up on the events of Winter Soldier. Carries through the remainder of season one.
Guardians of the Galaxy (Film, 2014)
Credit scenes: One post-credit gag.
Directed by James Gunn (Slither, Super). Space Western flavored origin story for the titular C-list spacefaring superhero team. Unique in that it (and, to a slightly lesser extent, its sequel) can be easily watched standalone without watching the other Marvel films, though it is indispensable for setting up later Marvel films.
Daredevil Season One (Netflix, 2015)
Created by Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods). Gritty origin story for the titular blind lawyer by day, vigilante by night (Charlie Cox). In addition to its primary films and series, Marvel also produced several Netflix original series set in the MCU but at first by-and-large not directly connected to the other stories. With Disney closing down Marvel's television branch in favor of future shows being produced in-house by Marvel Studios and all future streaming projects being produced for Disney+ (all of the Netflix-produced Marvel shows would get moved over to Disney+ in 2022), this particular branch of the franchise ended rather unceremoniously with the third season of Jessica Jones. Characters from this series would later show up again in other MCU films and series. Note that the Netflix Marvel series are intended for more mature audiences than the rest of the basically family-friendly MCU, with darker themes, significantly more bloody violence, and adult content.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Two "Shadows" through "The Dirty Half Dozen" (Television, 2014-2015)
Majority of season two. The Events of "The Dirty Half Dozen" lead into Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (Film, 2015)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Avengers: Infinity War.
Joss Whedon returns to direct. Sequel to The Avengers, dealing with the rise of the titular megalomaniacal AI (James Spader). Functionally, if not officially, the finale for Phase Two.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Two "Scars" through "S.O.S." (Television, 2015)
Last few episodes of season two.
Created by Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods). Gritty origin story for the titular blind lawyer by day, vigilante by night (Charlie Cox). In addition to its primary films and series, Marvel also produced several Netflix original series set in the MCU but at first by-and-large not directly connected to the other stories. With Disney closing down Marvel's television branch in favor of future shows being produced in-house by Marvel Studios and all future streaming projects being produced for Disney+ (all of the Netflix-produced Marvel shows would get moved over to Disney+ in 2022), this particular branch of the franchise ended rather unceremoniously with the third season of Jessica Jones. Characters from this series would later show up again in other MCU films and series. Note that the Netflix Marvel series are intended for more mature audiences than the rest of the basically family-friendly MCU, with darker themes, significantly more bloody violence, and adult content.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Two "Shadows" through "The Dirty Half Dozen" (Television, 2014-2015)
Majority of season two. The Events of "The Dirty Half Dozen" lead into Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (Film, 2015)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Avengers: Infinity War.
Joss Whedon returns to direct. Sequel to The Avengers, dealing with the rise of the titular megalomaniacal AI (James Spader). Functionally, if not officially, the finale for Phase Two.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Two "Scars" through "S.O.S." (Television, 2015)
Last few episodes of season two.
Jessica Jones Season One (Netflix, 2015)
Created by Melissa Rosenberg (The Twilight Saga). Details the noir-flavored cases of the titular jaded superpowered private eye (Krysten Ritter).
Phase Three
WHIH Newsfront Episodes 1-5 (Web, 2015)
A viral marketing web series treated as an in-universe newscast used to set up incoming film projects. Episodes 1-5 set up Ant-Man. Available on the Ant-Man Blu-ray release.
Ant-Man (Film, 2015)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Captain America: Civil War (actually a scene taken from said film) and one post-credit scene teasing Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Directed by Payton Reed (Bring it On, Yes Man). Origin story for the titular size-shifting professional criminal (Paul Rudd) in a comedic superhero heist film. Released as the last installment of Phase Two, but functionally serves as the beginning of Phase Three.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Three "Laws of Nature" through "Failed Experiments" (Television, 2015-2016)
Majority of the third season.
WHIH Newsfront Episodes 6-10 (Web, 2016)
Sets up Captain America: Civil War. Not included on said home video release, however, and now difficult if not impossible to find online, so may have to be skipped.
Captain America: Civil War (Film 2016)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Black Panther and one post-credit scene teasing Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Joe and Anthony Russo return to direct. Really as much an Avengers film as a Captain America film, and another "required viewing." Details a rift in the Avengers leading to an all-out battle between two factions of the team.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Three "Emancipation" through "Ascension" (Television, 2016)
The remaining three episodes of season three. "Emancipation" picks up on the plot of Civil War.
Created by Melissa Rosenberg (The Twilight Saga). Details the noir-flavored cases of the titular jaded superpowered private eye (Krysten Ritter).
Phase Three
WHIH Newsfront Episodes 1-5 (Web, 2015)
A viral marketing web series treated as an in-universe newscast used to set up incoming film projects. Episodes 1-5 set up Ant-Man. Available on the Ant-Man Blu-ray release.
Ant-Man (Film, 2015)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Captain America: Civil War (actually a scene taken from said film) and one post-credit scene teasing Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Directed by Payton Reed (Bring it On, Yes Man). Origin story for the titular size-shifting professional criminal (Paul Rudd) in a comedic superhero heist film. Released as the last installment of Phase Two, but functionally serves as the beginning of Phase Three.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Three "Laws of Nature" through "Failed Experiments" (Television, 2015-2016)
Majority of the third season.
WHIH Newsfront Episodes 6-10 (Web, 2016)
Sets up Captain America: Civil War. Not included on said home video release, however, and now difficult if not impossible to find online, so may have to be skipped.
Captain America: Civil War (Film 2016)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Black Panther and one post-credit scene teasing Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Joe and Anthony Russo return to direct. Really as much an Avengers film as a Captain America film, and another "required viewing." Details a rift in the Avengers leading to an all-out battle between two factions of the team.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Three "Emancipation" through "Ascension" (Television, 2016)
The remaining three episodes of season three. "Emancipation" picks up on the plot of Civil War.
Daredevil Season Two (Netflix, 2016)
Black Panther (Film, 2018)
Credit scenes: One significant mid-credit scene and one post-credit scene teasing Avengers: Infinity War.
Directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed). Released after Thor: Ragnarok, but explicitly takes place shortly after Civil War. Not an origin story, as the character was already introduced in Civil War. Follows the titular superpowered king (Chadwick Boseman) of the African nation of Wakanda dealing with a potential usurper to the throne (Michael B. Jordan).
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Four "The Ghost" through "The Laws of Inferno Dynamics" (Television, 2016)
First arc of the season.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot (Web, 2016)
A web series tie-in to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., released and framed during the fourth season, detailing the past exploits of superpowered teammate Yo-Yo (Natalia Córdova-Buckley).
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Four "Broken Promises" through "World's End" (Television, 2016-2017)
Remainder of season. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 released between the episodes "Farewell, Cruel World" and "The Return," but the two of course make no reference to one another so you can just save GOTG Vol. 2 for after the rest of the season.
Black Panther (Film, 2018)
Credit scenes: One significant mid-credit scene and one post-credit scene teasing Avengers: Infinity War.
Directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed). Released after Thor: Ragnarok, but explicitly takes place shortly after Civil War. Not an origin story, as the character was already introduced in Civil War. Follows the titular superpowered king (Chadwick Boseman) of the African nation of Wakanda dealing with a potential usurper to the throne (Michael B. Jordan).
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Four "The Ghost" through "The Laws of Inferno Dynamics" (Television, 2016)
First arc of the season.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot (Web, 2016)
A web series tie-in to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., released and framed during the fourth season, detailing the past exploits of superpowered teammate Yo-Yo (Natalia Córdova-Buckley).
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Four "Broken Promises" through "World's End" (Television, 2016-2017)
Remainder of season. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 released between the episodes "Farewell, Cruel World" and "The Return," but the two of course make no reference to one another so you can just save GOTG Vol. 2 for after the rest of the season.
Luke Cage Season One (Netflix, 2016)
Created by Cheo Hodari Coker. Blaxploitation-influenced spin-off of Jessica Jones starring her indestructible on-again-off-again love interest (Mike Colter).
Created by Cheo Hodari Coker. Blaxploitation-influenced spin-off of Jessica Jones starring her indestructible on-again-off-again love interest (Mike Colter).
Iron Fist Season One (Netflix, 2017)
Created by Scott Buck. Martial arts series detailing the origin of the titular supernatural martial arts master (Finn Jones).
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Film, 2017)
Credit scenes: Several, to the point of feeling like a parody of the concept. Sprinkled all throughout the credits.
James Gunn returns to direct. Ostensibly set soon after the first film, but at least one joke only lands if you have seen Civil War, so it is best to just watch it here by release order. The further adventures of the space-faring team of outlaws see the team roster expand and team leader Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) uncover the mystery of his origins.
Created by Scott Buck. Martial arts series detailing the origin of the titular supernatural martial arts master (Finn Jones).
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Film, 2017)
Credit scenes: Several, to the point of feeling like a parody of the concept. Sprinkled all throughout the credits.
James Gunn returns to direct. Ostensibly set soon after the first film, but at least one joke only lands if you have seen Civil War, so it is best to just watch it here by release order. The further adventures of the space-faring team of outlaws see the team roster expand and team leader Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) uncover the mystery of his origins.
The Defenders (Netflix, 2017)
Created by Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez (who also worked on Daredevil). Avengers-style crossover miniseries featuring the heroes of all four then-released Netflix series battling a supernatural secret society.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (Film, 2017)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene and one post-credit gag.
Directed by Jon Watts (Clown). Much like the Hulk film above, this does not serve as an origin story, relying on audience exposure to the character's origin in the various other Spidey adaptations released before the MCU. As with Black Panther, this Spider-Man was first introduced in Civil War and his story here picks up from there. Follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) in his struggles juggling high school, his friendly neighborhood superheroics, and his newfound potential place among the Avengers.
Created by Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez (who also worked on Daredevil). Avengers-style crossover miniseries featuring the heroes of all four then-released Netflix series battling a supernatural secret society.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (Film, 2017)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene and one post-credit gag.
Directed by Jon Watts (Clown). Much like the Hulk film above, this does not serve as an origin story, relying on audience exposure to the character's origin in the various other Spidey adaptations released before the MCU. As with Black Panther, this Spider-Man was first introduced in Civil War and his story here picks up from there. Follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) in his struggles juggling high school, his friendly neighborhood superheroics, and his newfound potential place among the Avengers.
Inhumans (Television, 2017)
Created by Scott Buck, who previously created Iron Fist. Loosely picks up on story threads from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Two and forward, featuring a team of superpowered humans from the moon. Only lasted a single season, though due to poor ratings and critical reception (a rarity for Marvel on both counts) rather than the Marvel Television shutdown. This hasn't stopped characters from this series making cameos in future MCU projects.
Created by Scott Buck, who previously created Iron Fist. Loosely picks up on story threads from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Two and forward, featuring a team of superpowered humans from the moon. Only lasted a single season, though due to poor ratings and critical reception (a rarity for Marvel on both counts) rather than the Marvel Television shutdown. This hasn't stopped characters from this series making cameos in future MCU projects.
The Punisher Season One (Netflix, 2017)
Created by Steve Lightfoot. Spin-off of Daredevil following the titular gun-toting murderous vigilante (Jon Bernthal).
Thor: Ragnarok (Film, 2017)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Avengers: Infinity War, and one post-credit gag.
Directed by Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople). Loose sequel to the prior Thor films jettisons much of the supporting cast and takes on a more irreverent tone, with Thor finding himself stranded on a strange planet and forced to participate in some violent gladiator games.
Created by Steve Lightfoot. Spin-off of Daredevil following the titular gun-toting murderous vigilante (Jon Bernthal).
Thor: Ragnarok (Film, 2017)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Avengers: Infinity War, and one post-credit gag.
Directed by Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople). Loose sequel to the prior Thor films jettisons much of the supporting cast and takes on a more irreverent tone, with Thor finding himself stranded on a strange planet and forced to participate in some violent gladiator games.
Jessica Jones Season Two (Netflix, 2018)
Despite some being released after, the remainder of the Marvel/Netflix series must take place prior to Infinity War.
Luke Cage Season Two (Netflix, 2018)
Iron Fist Season Two (Netflix, 2018)
Daredevil Season Three (Netflix, 2018)
The Punisher Season Two (Netflix, 2019)
Jessica Jones Season Three (Netflix, 2019)
Final installment of the Marvel/Netflix franchise.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Five "Orientation" through "All Roads Lead" (Television, 2017-2018)
Majority of fifth season.
Avengers: Infinity War (Film, 2018)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing Captain Marvel.
Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed the second and third Captain America films. Culmination of every Marvel film so far, and seriously requires you to have watched all of the previous films to make any sense. Archvillain Thanos (Josh Brolin) threatens universe-wide genocide, requiring every hero in the MCU to band together to stop him.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Five "Option Two" through "The End" (Television, 2018)
The last few episodes of the season take place alongside Infinity War and make some reference to the film.
Jessica Jones Season Three (Netflix, 2019)
Final installment of the Marvel/Netflix franchise.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Five "Orientation" through "All Roads Lead" (Television, 2017-2018)
Majority of fifth season.
Avengers: Infinity War (Film, 2018)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing Captain Marvel.
Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed the second and third Captain America films. Culmination of every Marvel film so far, and seriously requires you to have watched all of the previous films to make any sense. Archvillain Thanos (Josh Brolin) threatens universe-wide genocide, requiring every hero in the MCU to band together to stop him.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Five "Option Two" through "The End" (Television, 2018)
The last few episodes of the season take place alongside Infinity War and make some reference to the film.
Ant-Man and the Wasp (Film, 2018)
Credit scenes: One significant mid-credit scene and one post-credit gag, both tying into Infinity War and Endgame.
Peyton Reed returns to direct. Sequel to Ant-Man. Seems to take place at roughly the same time as Infinity War, and the credit scenes contain spoilers for said film, so watch here. Sees Ant-Man joined by his flying female counterpart and love interest, the Wasp (Evangeline Lily).
Venom (Film, 2018)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit teaser for Venom: Let There Be Carnage and one post-credit teaser for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Directed by Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland). Initially not a part of the MCU franchise, but its sequel would establish it to be part of the larger multiverse. Origin story for the titular anti-hero and usual Spider-Man nemesis (Tom Hardy).
Captain Marvel (Film, 2019)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Avengers: Endgame and one post-credits gag.
Directed by Anne Boden and Ryan Fleck. Origin story for the titular alien super-soldier (Brie Larson) sees her teaming up with a young Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson reprising his recurring role). Is set in the nineties, and thus falls between Agent Carter and Iron Man chronologically, but cannot fit there in viewing order as the credit scene is too big of a spoiler and would make no sense to someone who has not seen Infinity War.
Avengers: Endgame (Film, 2019)
Credit scenes: None, though later theatrical re-releases would add some trailers and cut footage as a marketing ploy.
Joe and Anthony Russo return to direct. Functionally the second half of a two-part film with Infinity War, and again every previous Marvel film must be watched for this to make sense. Serves as something of a grand finale for the "Infinity Saga," which is what Marvel is calling Phases 1-3 of the MCU.
Phase Four
Wherein Marvel Television is closed down, and instead Marvel Studios themselves begins producing television content for the MCU and hosting it on Disney+. Now no longer are the TV series tangentially related spin-offs, but full parts of the canon just as necessary to watch as the movies themselves. Perhaps partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the film and television industry in 2020, chronology here is all over the place. Installments have been released in almost arbitrary order, so I have done my best to arrange them properly here.
Loki Season One (Disney+, 2021)
Credit scenes: One in episode four
Created by Michael Waldron. A sort-of spin-off of the Thor films featuring that series' iconic anti-villain (Tom Hiddleston) getting up to some time travel hijinks. Actually the third of the Disney+ Marvel series, but the plot picks up immediately after the events of Endgame, so we will place it here. The first one to be a full series with multiple seasons announced rather than a miniseries.
What If...? Season One (Disney+, 2021)
Created by A. C. Bradley. An animated anthology series detailing alternate universes wherein the events of the MCU films played out differently. Released after Loki and implicitly related to that series' events.
WandaVision (Disney+, 2021)
Credit scenes: One in episode eight and two in episode nine.
Created by Jac Schaeffer. Nine-episode miniseries. Focuses on former Avengers Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and The Vision (Paul Bettany) dealing with the aftermath of Endgame in the form of a surreal sitcom. The debut of Marvel's new television initiative on Disney+, which aims to be more closely interwoven with the films than previous TV spin-offs.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+, 2021)
Credit scenes: one each in episodes five and six.
Created by Malcolm Spellman. Six-episode miniseries. Pseudo-sequel to the Captain America films starring Cap's two closest allies (Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan) takes on strong sociopolitical commentary. Released and set after WandaVision.
Peter's To-Do List (Short, 2019)
Directed by Jon Watts. A short film compiled from deleted footage from Far From Home, included on said film's Blu-ray release.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (Film, 2019)
Credit scenes: Two, both containing extremely pivotal plot information. Less like teasers and more like full film scenes excised from the run time and interspersed into the credits.
Jon Watts returns to direct. Sequel to Homecoming sees Peter's superheroics getting in the way of enjoying a school trip. Technically the last film of Phase Three and something of an epilogue to the Infinity Saga, this actually takes place well after most of the 2021-released Disney+ series, so we are bumping it up here.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (Film, 2019)
Credit scenes: Two, both containing extremely pivotal plot information. Less like teasers and more like full film scenes excised from the run time and interspersed into the credits.
Jon Watts returns to direct. Sequel to Homecoming sees Peter's superheroics getting in the way of enjoying a school trip. Technically the last film of Phase Three and something of an epilogue to the Infinity Saga, this actually takes place well after most of the 2021-released Disney+ series, so we are bumping it up here.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (Film, 2021)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing the character's appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Directed by Andy Serkis (Mowgli). Sequel to 2018's Venom features the titular quirky anti-hero facing off against his evil counterpart, Carnage (Woody Harrelson). Needs to be watched prior to No Way Home to understand that movie's credit scene.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (Film, 2021)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene tying in to Venom: Let There Be Carnage and one post-credit scene that is a literal teaser trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Jon Watts directs once again. Conclusion of the MCU Spider-Man "Home" trilogy picks up immediately where Far From Home left off. Peter gets up to some multiverse-related shenanigans with Doctor Strange, causing characters from the Sam Raimi helmed Spider-Man trilogy and The Amazing Spider-Man series to enter the MCU. Also has a cameo from a character from one of the Netflix series, and a credit scene featuring Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock/Venom from the recent Venom films.
Black Widow (Film, 2021)
Credit scenes: One post-credit scene teasing Hawkeye.
Directed by Cate Shortland. The long-awaited solo outing for the titular recurring Avenger (Scarlett Johansson), exploring her backstory in a grim modern spy caper. Principally set between Civil War and Infinity War, but the credit scene is set later and is a huge spoiler for Endgame, so we will just place it here by release date.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Film, 2021)
Credit scenes: One lengthy mid-credit scene and one post-credit teaser.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Just Mercy). Wuxia-influenced origin story for the titular master of Kung-Fu (Simu Liu) picks up on plot threads from Iron Man 3 and All Hail the King.
Eternals (Film, 2021)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene teasing Blade and one significant post-credit scene.
Directed by Chloe Zhao (Nomadland). Centuries-spanning science-fiction epic starring a large group of immortal superheroes.
Hawkeye (Disney+, 2021)
Credit scenes: One in episode six.
Created by Jonathan Igla. Six-episode miniseries focusing on the titular Avenger (Jeremy Renner) as he takes on a new protégée (Hailee Steinfeld) and tries to put his dark past behind him at Christmas time. Also picks up on stories from Black Widow and Daredevil.
Morbius (Film, 2022)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene and one post-credit scene, one following up on the other and both tying this film to the events of No Way Home.
Directed by Daniel Espinoza. Set in the same universe as Sony's Venom films, and thus the wider Marvel multiverse. Focuses on Michael Morbius (Jared Leto), an anti-heroic "living vampire" and traditional Spider-Man supporting character.
Moon Knight (Disney+, 2022)
Credit scenes: One in episode six.
Created by Jeremy Slater (The Exorcist). Six-episode miniseries depicting the globetrotting adventures of Moon Knight (Oscar Isaac), a mercenary suffering from Disassociative Identity Disorder who has taken up the mantle of supernatural avatar of Egyptian god of justice Khonshu (F. Murray Abraham). Mostly self-contained, this is the first Disney+ installment not to star an established character from the films.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (Film, 2022)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene presumably teasing a future Doctor Strange film, and one post-credit gag.
Directed by Sam Raimi, who previously helmed the original Spider-Man trilogy. Doctor Stephen Strange tasks himself with protecting multiverse-hopping teenage heroine America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) from a sinister force that wants to steal her abilities for its own ends. Scarlet Witch makes her return here, and this film is really as much a continuation of WandaVision as it is a sequel to Doctor Strange, not to mention picking up on ideas of the multiverse established in Loki, What If...?, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. While still PG-13, this is a notably darker and more violent film than is usual from Marvel, and is likely to be upsetting for younger children.
Ms. Marvel (Disney+, 2022)
Credit scenes: One in episode one.
Created by Bisha K. Ali. A six-episode miniseries focusing on Pakistani American youth and Carol Danvers superfan Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) as she awakens her ancestral superpowers and tries to follow in her hero's footsteps.
Thor: Love and Thunder (Film, 2022)
Credit scenes: One mid-credit scene and one post-credit scene.
Waititi returns to direct this follow-up to Thor: Ragnarok that sees Thor teaming up with old flame Jane Foster to take on genocidal villain Gorr the God-Butcher (Christian Bale). Picks up on Thor's story from where it left off at the end of Avengers: Endgame, and features an appearance by the restructured Guardians of the Galaxy.
Other Marvel Shows
Other television/streaming series that do not fit comfortably into the main timeline and are not a part of the Netflix series. Can be easily enjoyed separately or ignored for the sake of binging the main franchise. All of these series have been cancelled following the above-mentioned shutdown of Marvel Television.
Runaways (Hulu, 2018-2020)
Created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (Gossip Girl). Lasted three seasons, following an angsty gang of superpowered teenagers fleeing their villainous parents. The final season features a crossover with Cloak & Dagger (below).
Cloak & Dagger (Television, 2018-2019)
Created by Joe Pokaski. Lasted two seasons. An inner-city parable following a pair of supernaturally-empowered teens (Aubrey Joseph and Olivia Holt).
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Seasons 6 & 7 (Television, 2019-2020)
It seems that the last two seasons of AOS have separated from the main Marvel continuity and are doing their own thing, though given the recent introduction of alternate universes to the franchise, this does not necessarily mean they are non-canon.
Other
Various parts of the franchise that do not quite fit into canon.
Agent Carter (One-Shot, 2013)
Directed by Louis D'Esposito. Included on Iron Man 3 Blu-Ray release. A weird beast. Has the same basic premise as the later Agent Carter series, but seems to have been roughly replaced by it in the timeline. The pilot of the series does feature flashbacks to this short, even though if this short is canon it must take place after the series.
Civil War: Team Thor (Teaser, 2016)
Directed by Taika Waititi. A humorous teaser short film from the San Diego Comic-Con for Thor: Ragnarok. Later released online and on the Blu-Ray for Captain America: Civil War. Decidedly non-canon. Followed up by Team Thor: Part Two on the Doctor Strange Blu-Ray and Team Darryl on the Thor: Ragnarok Blu-Ray.
Helstrom (Hulu, 2020)
Created by Paul Zbyszewski (Day Break). Series. Part of a planned franchise of spin-offs dubbed "Adventures Into Fear" which would have also featured a series starring the Ghost Rider from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. played by Gabriel Luna. This project was canceled when Marvel Studios decided to close down Marvel Television and start doing the TV spin-offs themselves on Disney+. Helstrom thus only made it one season, and is now not officially considered a part of the same universe as the rest of the MCU. Details the horror-tinged supernatural adventures of the Helstrom siblings (Sydney Lemmon and Tom Austen), better known in the comics as Satana and Hellstorm.
This guide of course will not cover the various comic book or video game tie-ins to the franchise, which range from ambiguously canon to firmly non-canon.
Related Projects
Other films or shows with some connection to the MCU, but which are not officially canon.
X-Men (Television, 1992-1997)
Created by Eric Lewald, Sidney Iwanter, and Mark Edens. This seminal animated adaptation of the X-Men would have a major influence on the later X-Men film series and would be indirectly but notably referenced by the MCU as well. Is set to receive a 2023 revival series on Disney+ produced by Marvel Studios.
Hulk (Film, 2003)
Directed by Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Rebooted with Leterrier's The Incredible Hulk. The films do contradict one another, but interestingly this film tells Hulk's origin story, which the later film largely skips, and ends in basically the same place that the next one starts. Has a feeling of quasi-canon.
Fantastic Four duology (Film, 2005 and 2007)
Directed by Tim Story (Barbershop). As with Hulk and Spider-Man, when the MCU versions of the Fantastic Four characters start appearing, they assume a prior familiarity on the audience's part from previous adaptations like this. One could also put Josh Trank's 2015 reboot here, but these original films are much closer to the traditional depiction of the characters.
Ghost Rider series (Film, 2007 and 2012)
A Ghost Rider very similar to this version of Ghost Rider (Nicholas Cage) makes a cameo in Agents of SHIELD.
Slither (Film, 2006)
Directed by James Gunn. An R-Rated sci-fi horror/comedy from the director of GOTG. Largely completely unrelated to the MCU, but the alien parasites of this film do make a cameo appearance in GOTG as a directorial in-joke.
Ghost Rider series (Film, 2007 and 2012)
A Ghost Rider very similar to this version of Ghost Rider (Nicholas Cage) makes a cameo in Agents of SHIELD.
Slither (Film, 2006)
Directed by James Gunn. An R-Rated sci-fi horror/comedy from the director of GOTG. Largely completely unrelated to the MCU, but the alien parasites of this film do make a cameo appearance in GOTG as a directorial in-joke.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Film, 2018)
Directed by Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, and Bob Persichetti. Animated film featuring multiversal Spider shenanigans, starring Peter Parker's successor Miles Morales (Shameik Moore). Part of the same "Spider-Verse" as Venom, going by said film's credit scene.
No comments:
Post a Comment