As of today, October 27, 2023, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) encompasses a staggering 32 theatrical movies and 11 television shows released under the “Marvel Studios” banner on platforms like Disney+ and ABC. This number reflects the expansive storytelling that has captivated audiences worldwide for over a decade, continuously introducing new characters and exploring interconnected narratives.
The MCU: A Journey Through Phases
Understanding the sheer volume of MCU content requires breaking it down into its constituent parts, namely the Phases. Each Phase represents a distinct era in the MCU’s development, often culminating in a major crossover event.
Counting the Movies: From Iron Man to the Multiverse Saga
The cinematic branch of the MCU began with Iron Man in 2008 and has since become a global phenomenon. Here’s a breakdown:
- Phase One (2008-2012): 6 Movies (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers)
- Phase Two (2013-2015): 6 Movies (Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man)
- Phase Three (2016-2019): 11 Movies (Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home)
- Phase Four (2021-2022): 6 Movies (Black Widow, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder)
- Phase Five (2023-Present): 3 Movies (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Marvels)
This brings the total movie count to 32. Phase Five is ongoing, meaning this number will continue to grow.
TV Shows: Expanding the Narrative on Disney+
The advent of Disney+ allowed Marvel Studios to explore characters and storylines in more depth through longer-form television series. These shows are officially canon within the MCU.
- Phase Four (2021-2022): 7 Shows (WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, What If…?, Hawkeye, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel)
- Phase Five (2023-Present): 4 Shows (Secret Invasion, Loki (Season 2), Echo (December 2023), Agatha: Darkhold Diaries (Expected late 2024))
This brings the total TV show count on Disney+ to 11, and like the movie count, it will increase in the future.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the MCU Count
To further clarify the scope and complexities surrounding the MCU’s vast catalog, consider these frequently asked questions:
1. Are all Marvel movies considered part of the MCU?
No. Only movies produced directly by Marvel Studios and officially designated as part of the MCU canon are included in the count. This excludes films produced by other studios, such as the X-Men movies, the Spider-Man movies produced by Sony prior to the MCU collaboration, and the Fantastic Four movies produced by 20th Century Fox. The key is Marvel Studios’ direct involvement in production and narrative integration.
2. Does the “What If…?” animated series count as canon?
Yes, the What If…? animated series is considered canon to the MCU multiverse. While it explores alternate realities and branching timelines, these realities are still part of the overarching MCU narrative structure. The series’ events and characters can potentially impact the main timeline, as seen with Captain Carter’s live-action appearance. The show’s creators have confirmed that the series is officially part of the MCU timeline.
3. What about the Netflix Marvel series (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, etc.)?
The status of the Netflix Marvel series is complex. Initially, they were considered part of the broader MCU, but with the formation of Marvel Studios’ Disney+ series, their canonicity became ambiguous. However, with characters like Daredevil and Kingpin appearing in subsequent MCU projects, they are now considered mostly canon. They may experience slight retcons to fit the new narrative. For accounting purposes in this article, they are not included in the 11 MCU television shows listed. This number only refers to shows directly produced by Marvel Studios for Disney+ or ABC.
4. Are the Marvel One-Shots considered part of the MCU count?
While the Marvel One-Shots are canon and provide additional context to the films, they are typically not included when referring to the number of MCU “movies.” They are short films and are considered supplementary material. The same is true of digital series that were produced as tie-ins to films such as “Team Thor.”
5. What Phase is the MCU currently in?
The MCU is currently in Phase Five. This Phase began with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and is expected to continue until 2024. The concluding event will be one of the Avengers films set to release in 2025 and 2026.
6. How many “Avengers” movies are there?
As of today, there are four Avengers movies: The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. Two more are planned to conclude Phase Six: Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.
7. Is there a specific order I should watch the MCU in?
While release order is a popular way to experience the MCU, many prefer to watch chronologically based on the in-universe timeline. However, release order often reveals plot points at a better pace and is generally recommended for first-time viewers.
8. Will the MCU ever end?
While nothing lasts forever, there are no current plans for the MCU to end. Marvel Studios has mapped out several phases worth of content, and the potential for storytelling within the multiverse is virtually limitless.
9. How many characters have been introduced in the MCU so far?
Estimating the exact number of characters introduced in the MCU is extremely difficult due to the sheer volume and the inclusion of minor characters. However, it’s safe to say that hundreds of characters have been introduced across movies and TV shows.
10. How often does the MCU release new movies and TV shows?
The release schedule for the MCU is constantly evolving, but typically, Marvel Studios releases multiple movies per year, along with a selection of Disney+ television series. The frequency has fluctuated, but the studio aims to maintain a steady stream of content. Production delays can affect the schedule.
11. Are there any plans to revisit previous MCU characters or storylines?
Yes, absolutely. The MCU is known for its interconnected narratives and the return of characters from previous installments. The multiverse concept allows for the revival of characters and storylines from alternate realities, creating endless possibilities.
12. What is the future of the MCU beyond the current phases?
The future of the MCU is shrouded in secrecy, but Marvel Studios has hinted at ambitious plans for the long term. The introduction of the multiverse has opened up new avenues for storytelling and character development, suggesting a continued expansion of the MCU for many years to come. The ongoing sagas and the integration of X-Men and Fantastic Four characters post-acquisition promise a wealth of new narratives.