Marvel Cinematic Universe: The MCU's Chronological Timeline (& Watch Order)
Marvel Cinematic Universe: The MCU's Chronological Timeline (& Watch Order)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has evolved from a series of interconnected films to a sprawling, multi-platform saga. But with movies, TV series, specials, and even shorts, keeping track of the chronological order can feel like navigating a multiversal maze - because you are. Fear not, true believers! This comprehensive guide will illuminate the MCU timeline, providing you with the MCU's chronological timeline and ultimate watch order as well as insights into its fascinating evolution.
Understanding the MCU's Chronological Complexity
From its humble beginnings in Phase One to the multiversal explorations of Phase Five, the MCU timeline has seen significant shifts. Initially, films followed their release order, but Phase Three introduced overlapping narratives and time jumps, notably the five-year jump in "Avengers: Endgame."
The introduction of Disney+ series like "Loki" and "What If...?" further complicated matters by introducing alternate timelines. Marvel Studios has made efforts to codify the timeline, including an official timeline book released in 2023 and the integration of Marvel Television's Netflix series into the Disney+ timeline in early 2024.
Key Developments in MCU Timeline Management:
- Early Phases: Phase One and Phase Two largely followed release order, simplifying the in-universe timeline.
- Phase Three Overlaps: Films began "happening on top of each other," requiring more intricate timeline management.
- "Spider-Man: Homecoming" Controversy: A title card error sparked widespread criticism and prompted Marvel to release official timelines.
- The Multiverse Saga: Phase Four and beyond introduced multiversal concepts, blurring the lines of the "Sacred Timeline."
- Official Timeline Book: "The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline" (2023) aimed to clarify the "Sacred Timeline" of Earth-616.
- Netflix Series Integration: Marvel Studios officially incorporated Marvel Television's Netflix series into the Disney+ timeline in 2024.
The MCU Timeline: A Detailed Breakdown
Looking for a way to watch the Marvel Studios MCU movies in chronological order? Here's a breakdown of the MCU timeline, including movies, series, and shorts, in chronological order:
(Note: This list reflects the current Disney+ timeline as of Captain America: Brave New World), and includes the Netflix series, and upcoming titles. Placement of upcoming titles may shift.)
Captain America: The First Avenger (1943-1945)
Agent Carter (1946)
Captain Marvel (1995)
Iron Man (2010)
Iron Man 2 (2011)
The Incredible Hulk (2011)
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer (2011)
Thor (2011)
The Consultant (2011)
The Avengers (2012)
Item 47 (2012)
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Iron Man 3 (2013-2014)
All Hail the King (2014)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
I Am Groot Season 1 (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2014)
I Am Groot Season 2 (2014)
Daredevil Season 1 (2015)
Jessica Jones Season 1 (2015)
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Ant-Man (2015)
Daredevil Season 2 (2015)
Luke Cage Season 1 (2015)
Iron Fist Season 1 (2016)
The Defenders (2016)
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Black Widow (2016)
Black Panther (2016)
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2016)
The Punisher Season 1 (2016)
Doctor Strange (2016-2017)
Jessica Jones Season 2 (2017)
Luke Cage Season 2 (2017)
Iron Fist Season 2 (2017)
Daredevil Season 3 (2017)
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
The Punisher Season 2 (2018)
Jessica Jones Season 3 (2018)
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Endgame (2023)
Loki Season 1 (Post Endgame 2012 event)
What If...? Season 1 (Post Loki S1)
WandaVision (2023)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2024)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2024)
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2024)
Eternals (2024)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2024)
Hawkeye (2024)
Moon Knight (2025)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2025)
Echo (2025)
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2025)
Ms. Marvel (2025)
Thor: Love and Thunder (2025)
Werewolf by Night (2025)
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2025)
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2026)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2026)
Secret Invasion (2026)
The Marvels (2026)
Loki Season 2 (2026, Post 'The Marvels')
What If...? Season 2 (Post 'Loki' S2)
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024 / Void)
Agatha All Along (2026)
Captain America: Brave New World (2027)
Vision Quest (Post WandaVision)
Want to go in release order as if you were watching them as they came out? Here's the release order plus our guides to each Phase in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Release Order:
The Infinity Saga
Phase One: Avengers Assembled
Check out our Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase One Guide
Iron Man (2008)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Thor (2011)
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
The Avengers (2012)
Phase Two:
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Marvel One Shot: Agent Carter
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Marvel One Shot: All Hail the King
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Agent Carter, Season 1
Daredevil, Season 1
The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Ant-Man (2015)
Jessica Jones, Season 1
Agent Carter, Season 2
Daredevil, Season 2
Phase Three:
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Luke Cage, Season 1
Doctor Strange (2016)
Iron Fist, Season 1
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
The Defenders, Season 1
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
The Punisher, Season 1
Black Panther (2018)
Jessica Jones, Season 2
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Luke Cage, Season 2
Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018)
Iron Fist, Season 2
Daredevil, Season 3
The Punisher, Season 2
Captain Marvel (2019)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Jessica Jones, Season 3
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
The Multiverse Saga
Phase Four:
WandaVision, Limited Series
Loki, Season 1
Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Limited Series
Black Widow (2021)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
What If...?, Season 1
Eternals (2021)
Hawkeye, Limited Series
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Moon Knight, Limited Series
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Ms. Marvel, Limited Series
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
I Am Groot, Season 1
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Season 1
Marvel Special Presentation: Werewolf by Night
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Marvel Special Presentation: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Phase Five:
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Secret Invasion, Limited Series
Loki, Season 2
I Am Groot, Season 2
The Marvels (2023)
What If...?, Season 2
Echo, Season 1
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Agatha All Along, Limited Series
What If...?, Season 3
Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
Thunderbolts* (2025)
Phase Six:
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)
Avengers: Secret Wars (2026)
Kyle McMahon
On Air Talent / Creator / Author / Producer
Kyle McMahon is an American television personality, radio host, journalist, actor, singer and songwriter. He is known for appearing in Oprah's Lifeclass, the Oscar winning film Selma, hosting Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon on iHeart Radio and touring with LFO and O-Town.
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