The Definitive 2025 Guide: All Marvel Movies In Order (Release Vs. Chronological)

Starting your Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) journey is a daunting, yet incredibly rewarding task, especially in December 2025, with over 36 feature films and numerous Disney+ series released. The sheer volume of content, spanning three major sagas and multiple "Phases," often leaves new viewers and veterans alike asking the same question: What is the correct order to watch the Marvel movies? The simple answer is there is no single "correct" way, but rather two primary viewing paths: the original theatrical Release Order or the story-driven Chronological Timeline Order.

This comprehensive, up-to-date guide cuts through the confusion, providing you with the definitive lists for both viewing styles, including the latest Phase 5 entries and a look ahead to the massive Phase 6. Whether you want the shock of a post-credits scene as it was originally intended or the seamless flow of the narrative, we have your perfect MCU marathon plan.

The Infinity Saga (Phases 1-3): The Foundation of the MCU

The first 23 films of the MCU, known collectively as the Infinity Saga, built the cinematic universe from the ground up, culminating in the epic battle against Thanos. This foundational arc introduced core heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Black Widow, and established the importance of the Infinity Stones. This is the essential viewing block for any fan.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Option 1: The Recommended Release Order (The Original Experience)

For first-time viewers, the Release Order is generally recommended. This is how the story was originally experienced by millions, and it preserves the integrity of all post-credits scenes, reveals, and narrative surprises. The films are listed below in the order they premiered in theaters.

• Phase 1: The Avengers Initiative
• 1. Iron Man (2008)
• 2. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
• 3. Iron Man 2 (2010)
• 4. Thor (2011)
• 5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
• 6. The Avengers (2012)
• Phase 2: New World Order
• 7. Iron Man 3 (2013)
• 8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
• 9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
• 10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
• 11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
• 12. Ant-Man (2015)
• Phase 3: The Culmination
• 13. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
• 14. Doctor Strange (2016)
• 15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
• 16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
• 17. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
• 18. Black Panther (2018)
• 19. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
• 20. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
• 21. Captain Marvel (2019)
• 22. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
• 23. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Option 2: The Chronological Timeline Order (The Story Flow)

The Chronological Order is best for viewers who want a seamless, time-based narrative. This order places films based on when the events of the movie actually occur within the MCU timeline. It’s an excellent choice for a second viewing or for those who prioritize the historical context of characters like Captain America and Captain Marvel. Note that some films, like *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2*, take place immediately after their predecessor, while others jump decades.

• 1. Captain America: The First Avenger (Set in WWII, 1942-1945)
• 2. Captain Marvel (Set in 1995)
• 3. Iron Man (Set in 2010)
• 4. Iron Man 2 (Shortly after *Iron Man*)
• 5. The Incredible Hulk (Around the same time as *Iron Man 2* and *Thor*)
• 6. Thor
• 7. The Avengers (Set in 2012)
• 8. Thor: The Dark World
• 9. Iron Man 3
• 10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
• 11. Guardians of the Galaxy
• 12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Immediately after Vol. 1)
• 13. Avengers: Age of Ultron
• 14. Ant-Man
• 15. Captain America: Civil War
• 16. Black Widow (Mostly set between *Civil War* and *Infinity War*)
• 17. Black Panther
• 18. Doctor Strange
• 19. Spider-Man: Homecoming
• 20. Thor: Ragnarok
• 21. Ant-Man and the Wasp (Prequel to *Infinity War* & post-credits scene overlaps)
• 22. Avengers: Infinity War
• 23. Avengers: Endgame (A five-year jump from *Infinity War*)
• 24. Spider-Man: Far From Home (Eight months after *Endgame*)

The Multiverse Saga (Phase 4, 5, & Beyond): Navigating the New Timeline

The Multiverse Saga began with Phase 4, which largely dealt with the aftermath of *Endgame* and introduced the concept of the Multiverse and new key players like the Eternals, Shang-Chi, and Doctor Strange's expanded threats. Phase 5 is currently underway, setting the stage for the next massive crossover events. To stay current in late 2025, you need to include the latest releases.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Phase 4 & 5 Films in Release Order (The Current Watch)

While Phase 4 introduced the Disney+ series as mandatory viewing for the full story, the films still provide the backbone of the narrative. This list includes all theatrical films from Phase 4 and Phase 5, in the order they were released, which is the best way to follow the ongoing story of the MCU.

• Phase 4 Films (2021-2022)
• 25. Black Widow (Theatrical Release)
• 26. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
• 27. Eternals
• 28. Spider-Man: No Way Home
• 29. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
• 30. Thor: Love and Thunder
• 31. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
• Phase 5 Films (2023-2025)
• 32. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
• 33. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
• 34. The Marvels
• 35. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
• 36. Captain America: Brave New World (February 2025)
• 37. Thunderbolts* (May 2025)
• 38. The Fantastic 4: First Steps (July 2025)

The final three films—*Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts**, and *The Fantastic 4: First Steps*—are the definitive, confirmed releases for the first half of 2025, making them essential viewing to understand the current state of the Multiverse Saga.

The Ultimate Question: Should You Skip Any MCU Movies?

A common search query is whether any of the films are "skippable." While the MCU is famous for its interconnectedness, a few films are often cited as being less critical to the overarching plot of the Infinity Saga, though they still introduce important characters and concepts. For a true beginner who wants to speed-run to *Infinity War* and *Endgame*, you might consider skipping films like *The Incredible Hulk* or *Thor: The Dark World* as their main plot points are often summarized or re-introduced later.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

However, skipping any film means missing crucial character development or key world-building elements that pay off later. For example, *Ant-Man* might seem skippable, but it introduces the Quantum Realm, a concept that becomes central to *Avengers: Endgame* and *Quantumania*.

Verdict for the Beginner: Watch everything in Release Order. The surprises and reveals are worth the commitment.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the MCU (Phase 6)

The current saga, The Multiverse Saga, is set to conclude with Phase 6, which promises to be even bigger than the Infinity Saga. While the full lineup is still being confirmed, the two major event films are already on the calendar, solidifying the importance of following the current Phase 5 releases.

• Confirmed Tentpole Films for Phase 6:
• Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
• Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)

These two massive event films will likely conclude the Multiverse Saga, bringing together heroes from across the entire MCU, and potentially incorporating characters from the Fox-owned Marvel properties, thanks to the Multiverse concept. The journey through the MCU is a continuous, evolving storyline, making an up-to-date viewing guide essential for any dedicated fan.