So, you want to dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? The best way to experience the story is by watching the movies and shows in chronological order, following the timeline of events within the narrative itself, not the release date. This allows you to see character development and plot threads unfold as they were intended, making the overall experience much richer.
Why Chronological Order Matters: A Deep Dive
Starting your MCU journey with Iron Man (2008) might seem like the logical beginning, given its release date. However, the beauty of the MCU lies in its intricate web of interconnected stories. Watching chronologically allows you to appreciate the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to past events, foreshadowing of future conflicts, and the natural progression of character arcs. Consider, for example, understanding the significance of the Tesseract’s appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger before witnessing its power unleashed in The Avengers. This method adds layers of meaning and emotional resonance to the viewing experience.
Furthermore, chronological viewing minimizes plot holes and continuity errors that might seem jarring when watching in release order. The writers and directors often assume a certain level of understanding of past events, so aligning your viewing experience with the in-universe timeline provides the smoothest and most comprehensive understanding. It’s akin to reading a novel from chapter one onwards; you wouldn’t start with chapter five and expect to fully grasp the preceding events.
The Definitive Chronological Viewing Order (As of 2023)
Here is the confirmed chronological order of the MCU films and relevant series, taking into account all currently released content:
- Captain America: The First Avenger (primarily set in the 1940s)
- Agent Carter (Season 1 & 2 – set between 1946-1947)
- Captain Marvel (set in 1995)
- Iron Man (set in 2010)
- Iron Man 2 (set in 2011, occurs around the same time as Thor and Hulk)
- The Incredible Hulk (set in 2011, occurs around the same time as Iron Man 2 and Thor)
- Thor (set in 2011, occurs around the same time as Iron Man 2 and Hulk)
- The Avengers (set in 2012)
- Iron Man 3 (set in 2012, shortly after The Avengers)
- Thor: The Dark World (set in 2013)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (set in 2014)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (set in 2014)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (set shortly after the first Guardians film in 2014)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (set in 2015)
- Ant-Man (set in 2015)
- Captain America: Civil War (set in 2016)
- Black Widow (set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (set in 2016)
- Doctor Strange (2016-2017 training montage, main story is set in 2017)
- Thor: Ragnarok (set in 2017)
- Black Panther (set in 2017, shortly after Civil War)
- Avengers: Infinity War (set in 2018)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (set before the post-credits scene of Infinity War)
- Avengers: Endgame (primarily set in 2023, with flashbacks to earlier periods)
- Loki (Season 1 – time travel complicates placement, but generally follows Endgame)
- WandaVision (set three weeks after Endgame)
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (set in the summer of 2023, eight months after Endgame)
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (set roughly around the same time as Far From Home)
- Eternals (set roughly around the same time as Far From Home and Shang-Chi)
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (set six months after Endgame)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (set immediately after Far From Home)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (set after No Way Home and WandaVision)
- Hawkeye (set around Christmas, roughly a year after Endgame)
- Moon Knight (precise timeline placement unclear, assumed to be shortly after Hawkeye)
- Ms. Marvel (set in 2025)
- Thor: Love and Thunder (set after Endgame, precise timeframe unclear)
- Werewolf by Night (standalone special presentation, difficult to place precisely)
- She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (set after Shang-Chi and No Way Home)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (set approximately one year after the death of T’Challa)
- The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (set after Thor: Love and Thunder)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (set after the events of Endgame, No Way Home, and Loki)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (set after the events of the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special)
- Secret Invasion (set after the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)
Important Notes:
- This list is based on current information and is subject to change with future releases.
- Placement of some series, like Moon Knight, is approximate due to ambiguous timeline references.
- The Loki series deals with time travel, so its placement is more about when the story begins for the main character rather than a strict chronological point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about watching the MCU in chronological order:
H3 FAQ 1: Why is Captain America: The First Avenger the first movie?
Captain America: The First Avenger is first because the majority of the film is set during World War II, making it the earliest point in the established MCU timeline.
H3 FAQ 2: What about Agent Carter? Where does it fit?
The Agent Carter series (both seasons) takes place immediately after Captain America: The First Avenger, filling in the gap as Peggy Carter deals with the aftermath of Steve Rogers’ disappearance and her work with the SSR.
H3 FAQ 3: Does Black Widow have to be watched before Infinity War?
While Black Widow was released after Infinity War, it’s chronologically set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. Watching it before Infinity War allows you to understand Natasha Romanoff’s motivations and experiences leading up to the events of that film.
H3 FAQ 4: Is it necessary to watch the TV shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., while initially tied to the films, diverges into its own continuity and is not essential for understanding the main MCU storyline. However, the Disney+ series WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Hawkeye, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law are considered canon and directly impact the overarching narrative.
H3 FAQ 5: What if I don’t like one of the movies? Can I skip it?
While you can skip movies, it’s generally not recommended, especially on your first viewing. Even seemingly insignificant films often contain important character development or plot points that are referenced later. At the very least, read a summary before moving on.
H3 FAQ 6: Does the release order matter at all?
Release order can offer some insight into the evolution of the MCU and its storytelling techniques. However, for the best narrative experience, chronological order is superior.
H3 FAQ 7: How much time does it take to watch the entire MCU chronologically?
Watching all the films and series in chronological order would take hundreds of hours. Be prepared for a significant commitment!
H3 FAQ 8: What about the Inhumans series?
The Inhumans series, like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., is considered to have largely diverged from the main MCU canon and is not essential for understanding the storyline.
H3 FAQ 9: Where does Werewolf by Night fit in?
Werewolf by Night is a standalone special presentation, and its precise placement in the timeline is unclear. It’s generally assumed to take place sometime after the events of Avengers: Endgame, but its connection to the wider MCU is minimal.
H3 FAQ 10: Are the Netflix Marvel series (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, etc.) canon?
The status of the Netflix Marvel series (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders) is somewhat complicated. While characters from these shows have begun appearing in mainline MCU projects, their previous adventures on Netflix are of questionable canonicity. It’s best to consider them in a separate continuity until further clarification.
H3 FAQ 11: How do I stay up-to-date with the MCU timeline as new content is released?
Several online resources and communities dedicated to the MCU timeline are constantly updated as new movies and shows are released. Marvel officially sometimes clarifies timeline placement, but usually relies on fans to deduce the correct order.
H3 FAQ 12: Is it worth watching the MCU in chronological order on a rewatch?
Absolutely! Even if you’ve seen the movies before in release order, watching them chronologically on a rewatch can provide a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the MCU. You’ll notice new details and understand character motivations in a whole new light.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on a truly epic journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, experiencing the story as it was meant to be told. Enjoy the ride!