Hey Marvel fans! Getting into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) can feel like diving into a cosmic ocean. With so many movies and shows, figuring out where to start, or how to keep everything straight, can be a real challenge. So, if you're asking yourself, "What's the best order to watch Marvel movies in 2024?" you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the Marvel movie list in order, making sure you catch every Easter egg, plot twist, and epic team-up. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned MCU veteran, get ready to assemble your knowledge!

Why Watch Marvel Movies in Order?

Okay, let's get real. Why should you even bother watching these movies in a specific order? Can't you just jump in anywhere? Well, you could, but you'd be missing out on so much! The MCU is famous for its interconnected storytelling. Events in one movie can have massive consequences in another. Characters evolve, relationships deepen, and the overall narrative builds across multiple films. Watching in order enriches your viewing experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the clever foreshadowing, recurring themes, and satisfying payoffs. Plus, you won't be scratching your head, wondering who that guy is or why everyone's making a big deal about that shiny rock!

Think of it like reading a book series. You wouldn't start with book five, would you? Each movie builds upon the last, creating a cohesive and ever-expanding universe. By watching in the correct order, you'll understand the characters' motivations, the stakes involved, and the overall arc of the saga. Trust me, the emotional impact of moments like that scene in Avengers: Endgame hits so much harder when you've been following the journey from the beginning. Seriously, watching the Marvel movies in release order is like unlocking a whole new level of MCU appreciation. It's about more than just seeing superheroes punch bad guys; it's about experiencing a grand, interconnected story that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Marvel Movie List in Order of Release Date

This is the most straightforward way to experience the MCU. Watching the movies as they were released allows you to follow the story's evolution chronologically. You'll experience the same surprises and revelations as audiences did when these films first hit theaters.

1. Iron Man (2008) – The one that started it all! Witness Tony Stark's transformation from billionaire playboy to armored Avenger.
2. The Incredible Hulk (2008) – Edward Norton's take on the Hulk. While not as connected as other films, it introduces key elements.
3. Iron Man 2 (2010) – More Tony Stark, more problems, and the introduction of Black Widow.
4. Thor (2011) – The God of Thunder arrives on Earth, bringing Asgardian drama with him.
5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) – A WWII hero story that sets the stage for Cap's modern-day adventures.
6. The Avengers (2012) – Earth's Mightiest Heroes assemble for the first time to fight Loki's invasion.
7. Iron Man 3 (2013) – Tony deals with the aftermath of the Battle of New York and faces the Mandarin.
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013) – A cosmic threat emerges, forcing Thor to team up with Loki.
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – A game-changing thriller that shakes the foundations of S.H.I.E.L.D.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – A ragtag group of space misfits saves the galaxy with humor and heart.
11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – The Avengers face a powerful AI threat of their own creation.
12. Ant-Man (2015) – A heist movie with shrinking superpowers!
13. Captain America: Civil War (2016) – The Avengers are divided, leading to an epic showdown between Cap and Iron Man.
14. Doctor Strange (2016) – Magic enters the MCU as Stephen Strange learns the mystic arts.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – More space adventures with the Guardians, exploring themes of family and belonging.
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – Peter Parker balances high school life with his superhero duties.
17. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – A vibrant and hilarious cosmic adventure that reinvents the Thor franchise.
18. Black Panther (2018) – T'Challa defends Wakanda and confronts his past.
19. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – Thanos arrives, seeking the Infinity Stones and threatening all life in the universe.
20. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – A smaller-scale adventure that introduces the Quantum Realm's potential.
21. Captain Marvel (2019) – Carol Danvers' origin story, set in the 1990s.
22. Avengers: Endgame (2019) – The epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga, where the Avengers make their final stand against Thanos.
23. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) – Peter Parker grapples with the legacy of Iron Man while on a school trip to Europe.
24. Black Widow (2021) – A spy thriller that delves into Natasha Romanoff's past.
25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) – A martial arts epic that introduces a new hero to the MCU.
26. Eternals (2021) – A cosmic saga about ancient beings tasked with protecting Earth.
27. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – A multiverse-spanning adventure that brings back familiar faces from Spider-Man's cinematic history.
28. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) – A mind-bending journey through alternate realities.
29. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) – A colorful and comedic adventure that sees Thor reunite with Jane Foster.
30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) – A poignant and powerful film that honors Chadwick Boseman's legacy.
31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) - Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne explore the Quantum Realm further, facing Kang the Conqueror.
32. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) - The Guardians embark on one last adventure together.
33. The Marvels (2023) - Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Monica Rambeau team up when their powers become entangled.

Marvel Movie List in Chronological Order

Want to experience the MCU timeline as it unfolds within the universe itself? This order jumps around a bit but gives you the most accurate sense of the story's progression. Be warned: it can be a little more confusing on your first watch!

1. Captain America: The First Avenger
2. Captain Marvel
3. Iron Man
4. Iron Man 2
5. The Incredible Hulk
6. Thor
7. The Avengers
8. Iron Man 3
9. Thor: The Dark World
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
11. Guardians of the Galaxy
12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
13. Avengers: Age of Ultron
14. Ant-Man
15. Captain America: Civil War
16. Black Widow
17. Spider-Man: Homecoming
18. Doctor Strange
19. Thor: Ragnarok
20. Black Panther
21. Avengers: Infinity War
22. Ant-Man and the Wasp
23. Avengers: Endgame
24. Spider-Man: Far From Home
25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
26. Eternals
27. Spider-Man: No Way Home
28. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
29. Thor: Love and Thunder
30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
32. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
33. The Marvels

What About the TV Shows?

Ah, the TV shows! This is where things get a little tricky. Not all the Marvel TV shows are considered canon to the main MCU timeline. However, some shows, like those on Disney+, are directly connected. Here's a quick guide:

• Definitely MCU Canon (Disney+): WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, What If...?, Hawkeye, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Secret Invasion, Echo.
• Questionable Canon (Netflix, ABC, Hulu): Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Runaways, Cloak & Dagger. These shows used to be considered part of the MCU, but their canonicity is now debated.

If you want the most complete experience, you can weave the Disney+ shows into your viewing order. However, be prepared for a lot of content! A good approach is to watch them in release order alongside the movies.

Tips for Your Marvel Movie Marathon

• Snacks are essential: Fuel your viewing with popcorn, pizza, or your favorite superhero-themed treats.
• Take breaks: Don't try to watch everything in one sitting! Spread it out over days or weeks to avoid superhero fatigue.
• Pay attention to the post-credit scenes: These are often crucial for setting up future movies.
• Discuss with friends: Share your theories, reactions, and favorite moments with fellow Marvel fans.
• Don't stress about perfection: The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the ride!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to watching Marvel movies in order in 2024! Whether you choose release date order or chronological order, you're in for an epic adventure. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible world of the MCU. Excelsior!