It’s been incredible for those who have been watching the Marvel movies as they have been released, but what about watching them in chronological order? Now that all of the necessary movies are out to be able to do so, ahem ‘Captain Marvel’ ahem, it can be a pretty awesome experience.
Captain America: The First Avenger – 2011
Of course, arguably, Captain Marvel was the first Avenger, since Nick Fury hadn’t even conceptualized the name until he met her. However, Captain America does hold seniority when it comes to age, so we won’t argue. Take a look at the first extended introduction into what would eventually be the head, or co-head, of the Avengers team.
Captain Marvel – 2019
Naturally, it was quite an awesome twist when people discovered she would be the answer to their problems. Well, kind of, people disputed how much of a role she really had, but that doesn’t make her origins story any less awesome. It’s an excellent explanation for S.H.I.E.L.D and the elusive Nick-Fury himself. Not to mention sets up everyone for some more ongoing inter-galactic conflict.
Iron Man – 2008
Considering this was the first movie to be released into the MCU, it seems strange to watch it third. However, it brings Stark’s role into perspective, mainly when we know more about his father and grandfather thanks to the preceding movies. The Stark legacy may yet continue.
Iron Man 2 – 2010
Without expanding too far into the wider universe, this movie does continue the S.H.I.E.L.D narrative and introduces people to the amazing Black Widow. The MCU was still finding its feet when it was released.
The Incredible Hulk – 2008
This movie is a bit on the awkward side of things. It was released in the same year as Iron Man but doesn’t seem to fit in until the events of Iron Man 2. This is because of the end-credits scene where Stark is shown to be almost recruiting Bruce Banner to join some role with him and S.H.I.E.L.D.
Thor – 2011
This is one of the first expansions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but if you’re viewing it in this order, then you’re already aware of the wider universe. We’re introduced to the God of Thunder, and his pesky brother, Loki. You also get to see further development from S.H.I.E.L.D, albeit with more insider knowledge.
The Avengers – 2012
This is the perfect point to watch the Avengers, getting to see the events carry out in a chronological set of events. It’s the first time that these guys are exposed to an alien threat, which also becomes public.
Thor: The Dark World – 2013
Since Loki has a lot to do with the previous movie, it makes sense to continue that theme by watching Thor: The Dark World. It makes a natural transition from the Avengers.
Guardians of the Galaxy – 2014
Well, cosmic forces are no secret, so why should these guys be? They are a hilarious band of craziness, but the important part is that this film ties in well with Thor: The Dark World through the recurring character the Collector.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 – 2017
Why stop doing something if you’re having a good time? Since the second movie carries on only months after the first, you might as well continue watching and get a feel for the canonical events.
Iron Man 3 – 2013
We’re finally back on earth and exploring how things are going for Tony Stark. We’re introduced to his nightmares and reasons behind his compulsion to build more mechanical Iron Men.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier – 2014
It’s essential that we’re introduced to Bucky here since his theme recurs throughout the rest of the movies somewhat. It also shows what the cap is having to go through while Stark is indisposed.
Avengers: Age of Ultron – 2015
Bringing our favorite characters back together again was a real treat. However, we’re also introduced to a few more that really solidify themselves as Avengers. One of those is the Scarlet Witch. It also highlights the distress the world feels following the events.
Ant-Man – 2015
While this movie works on its own, the technology that the Antman movies highlight make a massive difference when it comes to Endgame. Not to mention it references various tragic events that happened following Sokovia.
Captain America: Civil War – 2016
Here we see our characters going head to head. It highlights how even superheroes can disagree, causing them to disband, and some even had to go into hiding. It sets up the feeling for Infinity War.
Black Panther – 2018
Here we get to see Black Panther’s origins story. Safe to say that it captivated audiences from around the world. However, we also get to know the extent of Wakandan tech, which comes in nicely later on.
Spider-Man: Homecoming – 2017
A few months after the events of Civil War, we live life through Peter Parker’s eyes. We get to see that Stark is doing alright after the events, but also highlights how various Avengers are still off the scene.
Doctor Strange – 2016
Doctor Strange is such a vital character even if his role does seem minor. Watching Doctor Strange at this point makes sense, especially as he crops up in the next recommended movie, Thor: Ragnarok.
Thor: Ragnarok – 2017
Since Doctor Strange cameos in this movie, it makes sense that this movie follows on, not to mention it’s the penultimate movie before Avengers: Infinity War. Things are coming to a head, but Thor never fails in making us chuckle more than a few times.
Ant-Man and the Wasp – 2018
You need to watch this movie to fully understand what’s happening within the Avengers: Endgame. Since it’s set before Infinity War, watching in this order is the logical decision.
Avengers: Infinity War – 2018, Avengers: Endgame – 2019 and
Spider-Man: Far From Home – 2019
The movies that seemed to change everything. Since these movies follow on from each other without a break in the middle, it makes sense to watch them in this order. There is, after all, no other way. If you haven’t seen Spider-Man: Far from Home, just ensure you watch it after all the others, or it will spoil absolutely everything.
That’s it. That’s watching all the Marvel movies in order before we move on to a totally different MCU phase altogether.
