Are you ready to binge-watch the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but don't know where to start? With over 35 films and a sprawling narrative that spans multiple phases and two major sagas, getting the viewing order right is crucial to understanding the epic story. As of today, December 18, 2025, the MCU is deep into *The Multiverse Saga*, with new films constantly shifting the landscape of reality, making the official release order the best way to experience the story as it was intended. We've compiled the complete, definitive list of every MCU film released so far, plus all the confirmed, fresh updates for the highly anticipated Phase 5 and Phase 6 blockbusters.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently the highest-grossing film franchise of all time, built on a meticulously planned series of interconnected movies. Watching them in their original theatrical release order is the simplest and most rewarding way to track the evolution of the heroes, the introduction of cosmic entities like the Infinity Stones, and the escalating threats, leading directly into the next generation of Avengers and the complexities of the Multiverse.
The Infinity Saga: Phases 1, 2, and 3 (The Original 23 Films)
The first 23 films of the MCU are collectively known as The Infinity Saga. This epic narrative arc, which began in 2008, focused on the formation of the Avengers, the introduction of the six Infinity Stones, and the ultimate confrontation with the Mad Titan, Thanos. This saga established the bedrock of the entire universe, making it essential viewing for any newcomer.
Phase 1: Assembling the Avengers (2008–2012)
Phase 1 is where it all began, establishing the core heroes and setting the stage for the first massive crossover event, *The Avengers*.
- *Iron Man* (May 2, 2008)
- *The Incredible Hulk* (June 13, 2008)
- *Iron Man 2* (May 7, 2010)
- *Thor* (May 6, 2011)
- *Captain America: The First Avenger* (July 22, 2011)
- *The Avengers* (May 4, 2012)
Phase 2: New Worlds, New Threats (2013–2015)
Phase 2 expanded the universe beyond Earth, introducing the cosmic side of the MCU with the *Guardians of the Galaxy* and escalating the internal conflicts within the Avengers team.
- *Iron Man 3* (May 3, 2013)
- *Thor: The Dark World* (November 8, 2013)
- *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (April 4, 2014)
- *Guardians of the Galaxy* (August 1, 2014)
- *Avengers: Age of Ultron* (May 1, 2015)
- *Ant-Man* (July 17, 2015)
Phase 3: The Climax of the Infinity War (2016–2019)
Phase 3 brought the Infinity Saga to its dramatic conclusion, featuring the devastating *Infinity War* and the universe-altering events of *Endgame*. This phase introduced key characters like Doctor Strange and Black Panther.
- *Captain America: Civil War* (May 6, 2016)
- *Doctor Strange* (November 4, 2016)
- *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2* (May 5, 2017)
- *Spider-Man: Homecoming* (July 7, 2017)
- *Thor: Ragnarok* (November 3, 2017)
- *Black Panther* (February 16, 2018)
- *Avengers: Infinity War* (April 27, 2018)
- *Ant-Man and the Wasp* (July 6, 2018)
- *Captain Marvel* (March 8, 2019)
- *Avengers: Endgame* (April 26, 2019)
- *Spider-Man: Far From Home* (July 2, 2019)
The Multiverse Saga: Phases 4, 5, and 6 (The Current Timeline)
Following the emotional conclusion of *Endgame*, the MCU entered a new era known as The Multiverse Saga. This new chapter, encompassing Phases 4, 5, and 6, deals with the fallout from the Infinity War, the introduction of the Multiverse, and the looming threat of the villainous variants of Kang the Conqueror. This saga heavily integrates the new Disney+ series, making the movie-only list below a more streamlined viewing experience.
Phase 4: The Post-Endgame World and New Heroes (2021–2022)
Phase 4 was a period of transition, introducing a new generation of heroes and exploring the concept of the Multiverse, setting up the key themes for the current saga. It also marked the first time the MCU films were released alongside interconnected Disney+ shows.
- *Black Widow* (July 9, 2021)
- *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* (September 3, 2021)
- *Eternals* (November 5, 2021)
- *Spider-Man: No Way Home* (December 17, 2021)
- *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* (May 6, 2022)
- *Thor: Love and Thunder* (July 8, 2022)
- *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (November 11, 2022)
Phase 5: The Escalation of the Multiverse (2023–2025)
Phase 5 is currently underway, focusing on team-ups, the consequences of time travel and the Multiverse, and the introduction of new teams like the Thunderbolts. This phase will culminate in the first of two new massive *Avengers* crossover events.
- *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* (February 17, 2023)
- *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* (May 5, 2023)
- *The Marvels* (November 10, 2023)
- *Deadpool & Wolverine* (July 26, 2024)
- *Captain America: Brave New World* (February 14, 2025)
- *Thunderbolts** (May 2, 2025)
The Future is Now: Confirmed Upcoming Marvel Movies (2025–2026)
The MCU is not slowing down. The following films represent the confirmed, most current release slate for the remainder of Phase 5 and the beginning of Phase 6. These dates are subject to change, but they represent the latest official announcements from Marvel Studios, ensuring your viewing guide is as fresh as possible.
Phase 6: The Secret Wars Begins (2025–2026+)
Phase 6 is the final chapter of *The Multiverse Saga*, which will lead into two world-shattering *Avengers* films that are expected to redefine the entire franchise. The introduction of the Fantastic Four will be a pivotal moment, officially bringing the team into the MCU.
Confirmed Phase 6 Movie Release Schedule:
- *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* (July 25, 2025): This film is set to officially kick off Phase 6 and introduce the MCU's version of Marvel's First Family.
- *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* (July 31, 2026): The fourth solo film for Tom Holland's Peter Parker is highly anticipated, following the events that left him completely alone in his universe.
- *Avengers: Doomsday* (December 18, 2026): Originally titled *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*, this film will serve as the first part of the Multiverse Saga's grand finale, setting the stage for the ultimate multiversal conflict.
- *Avengers: Secret Wars* (TBD): This will be the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, expected to be an even bigger crossover event than *Endgame*, potentially involving characters from every corner of Marvel’s cinematic history.
Why Release Order is the Best Viewing Order
While some fans prefer the chronological order (watching events as they happen in the timeline, which would mean starting with *Captain America: The First Avenger*), the official release order is the definitive way to watch the MCU.
The release order ensures you experience the story as the creators intended, with post-credit scenes, character introductions, and major plot twists revealed at the perfect moment. For example, the build-up to Thanos and the Infinity Stones is carefully paced across the first three phases. Watching the films out of release order can spoil these reveals or dilute the emotional impact of major events. The topical authority of the MCU narrative is built on this sequential release structure, from the early days of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Tesseract to the complexities of the Multiverse and the introduction of new entities and factions.
Whether you are a veteran fan looking for a refresher or a newcomer attempting to understand the hype behind *Avengers: Doomsday*, this comprehensive list provides the essential roadmap. Grab your popcorn and prepare for a journey through the most ambitious and successful cinematic universe ever created.
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