How Many Marvel Movies Are There? The Definitive List

As of today, October 27, 2023, there are 33 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies released theatrically. This number represents films produced by Marvel Studios and officially considered part of the interconnected MCU narrative.

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Understanding the Marvel Movie Universe

It’s easy to get lost in the vast and ever-expanding universe of Marvel movies. To provide clarity, this article focuses primarily on the core Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the franchise spearheaded by Marvel Studios under Kevin Feige. While other Marvel-related films exist, such as those produced by 20th Century Fox (X-Men, Fantastic Four) and Sony Pictures (Spider-Man films outside of the MCU), this guide concentrates on the official MCU canon. These films, collectively known as the Infinity Saga (Phases One through Three) and the Multiverse Saga (Phases Four through Six), form a cohesive storyline. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics and frequently asked questions.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: A Phase-by-Phase Breakdown

The MCU is strategically divided into phases, each building towards overarching narrative climaxes. Understanding these phases is crucial for grasping the scope of the Marvel movie universe.

Phase One: Setting the Stage (2008-2012)

Phase One introduced key characters and established the foundational elements of the MCU. This phase culminates in the formation of the Avengers.

Iron Man (2008)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Thor (2011)
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
The Avengers (2012)

Phase Two: Expanding the Universe (2013-2015)

Phase Two explored the consequences of the Battle of New York and introduced new threats, setting the stage for Thanos’s arrival.

Iron Man 3 (2013)
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Ant-Man (2015)

Phase Three: The Infinity Saga Climax (2016-2019)

Phase Three brought the Infinity Stones into focus, leading to a massive confrontation with Thanos.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Doctor Strange (2016)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Black Panther (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Captain Marvel (2019)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Phase Four: Entering the Multiverse (2021-2022)

Phase Four began exploring the multiverse following the events of Avengers: Endgame.

Black Widow (2021)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Eternals (2021)
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Phase Five: Continuing the Multiverse Saga (2023-Present)

Phase Five continues to develop the multiverse storyline, introducing new threats and expanding upon existing characters.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
The Marvels (2023)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marvel Movies

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the MCU, offering further clarity and insights.

What constitutes a “Marvel movie”? For the purposes of this article, a “Marvel movie” refers specifically to films produced by Marvel Studios and officially considered part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) canon. This excludes films produced by other studios like Fox or Sony, even if they feature Marvel characters. The defining factor is Marvel Studios’ direct involvement and their integration into the MCU storyline.
Does the number 33 include animated films or TV series? No, the count of 33 refers exclusively to theatrically released, live-action films within the MCU canon. Animated films like What If…? and television series such as WandaVision and Loki, while part of the broader Marvel Multiverse, are not included in this number. These are considered separate branches of storytelling, although interconnected.
Are there any Marvel movies that are not considered canon to the MCU? Yes. Films produced by 20th Century Fox (like the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises before Disney’s acquisition) and some Spider-Man films produced by Sony Pictures outside of agreements with Marvel Studios are not considered canon to the main MCU timeline.
When will the next Marvel movie be released, and what is it? As of the date of this article (October 27, 2023), the next scheduled MCU film is Deadpool 3, currently slated for release in 2024. Release dates are subject to change, so checking official Marvel Studios announcements is always advisable.
Where can I find a complete list of Marvel movies in chronological order? Numerous websites dedicated to film and comics maintain comprehensive lists of Marvel movies in chronological order, both by release date and by in-universe timeline. A simple online search for “Marvel movies chronological order” will provide several reliable sources.
Is it necessary to watch all Marvel movies to understand the MCU? While watching all the movies provides the most comprehensive understanding of the interconnected storylines and character development, it’s not always strictly necessary. Focusing on the core Avengers films and those featuring major characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor provides a solid foundation. However, understanding the Multiverse Saga often requires delving deeper.
What is the best order to watch the Marvel movies for the first time? Most fans recommend watching the movies in release order for the first viewing, as this aligns with the way the story was originally presented. This allows viewers to experience the gradual build-up of the MCU and its expanding universe.
How does the Spider-Man deal with Sony Pictures affect the MCU count? The agreement between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures allows Spider-Man to appear in MCU films. While Sony retains the rights to the character and produces standalone Spider-Man movies, those films that feature within the MCU are counted as part of the 33 MCU movie total (e.g., Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: No Way Home).
Are there any plans for reboots or significant changes to the MCU timeline? While the Multiverse Saga implies the possibility of alternate timelines and character variations, Marvel Studios has not announced any plans for a complete reboot of the core MCU timeline. The focus appears to be on expanding the universe through new characters and storylines within the established framework.
Where can I stream Marvel movies? Marvel movies are primarily available for streaming on Disney+, the official streaming service for Disney (which owns Marvel Studios). Certain titles may also be available for rent or purchase on other platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.
What’s the difference between the Infinity Saga and the Multiverse Saga? The Infinity Saga (Phases One through Three) revolved around the quest for the Infinity Stones and the conflict with Thanos. The Multiverse Saga (Phases Four through Six) explores the ramifications of the events in Avengers: Endgame and the opening of the multiverse, introducing new threats and possibilities across alternate realities.
Will the number of Marvel movies ever stop increasing? It is highly unlikely that the number of Marvel movies will stop increasing anytime soon. Marvel Studios has announced numerous projects in development, indicating a long-term commitment to expanding the MCU and telling new stories featuring a diverse range of characters and settings. The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to evolve.