So you’ve decided to brave the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Whether you're suiting up for your first MCU mission or just need a memory boost before the next big crossover, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down exactly how to watch all the MCU movies, shows, specials, and One-Shots — in both release order and chronological order.

The good news? Almost everything is on Disney+, so you won’t have to go multiverse-hopping to find what you need. The not-so-good news? The Spider-Man trilogy is still playing hard to get (thanks, Sony), and Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts are still in the “Coming Soon” section.

Which Watch Order Should You Choose?

There’s no “right” way to journey through the MCU — just different types of chaos.

Chronological Order: Want to follow the actual in-universe timeline? Then prepare for some back-and-forth, timey-wimey jumping from WWII (Captain America: The First Avenger) to space goats (Thor: Love and Thunder) and everything in between.

Release Order: Want to experience the story exactly as audiences did, cliffhangers and all? This is your go-to.

If you're a completist, a binge-planner, or someone who just really needs to know when Baby Groot dances — don't worry, we’ve got both release and chronological lists ready to go.

Marvel Movies & Shows in Release Order 

Phase 1 – The Origin Stories (2008–2012)

All available on Disney+ unless noted

 

Iron Man (2008) – The film that launched the MCU. Billionaire Tony Stark becomes a high-tech armored hero.

The Incredible Hulk (2008) – Bruce Banner seeks a cure for his gamma-powered condition. Not on Disney+ (stream on JioCinema in India or rent elsewhere).

Iron Man 2 (2010) – Tony battles personal demons and new enemies like Whiplash.

Thor (2011) – The Norse God of Thunder is cast out of Asgard and finds redemption on Earth.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) – Steve Rogers becomes a super soldier in WWII.

The Avengers (2012) – Earth's mightiest heroes unite to stop Loki.

 

Phase 2 – Expanding the Universe (2013–2015)

All available on Disney+

 

Iron Man 3 (2013) – Tony grapples with PTSD post-Avengers.

Thor: The Dark World (2013) – Thor faces a dark enemy threatening the Nine Realms.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – A political thriller with shocking S.H.I.E.L.D secrets.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – A ragtag space crew protects a powerful orb from falling into the wrong hands.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – Tony’s AI project backfires, creating a new threat.

Ant-Man (2015) – A thief becomes a tiny hero with a big impact.

 

Phase 3 – Peak MCU (2016–2019)

All available on Disney+, except Spider-Man movies

 

Captain America: Civil War (2016) – Avengers are split over superhero accountability.

Doctor Strange (2016) – A brilliant surgeon turns to mystic arts after a life-altering accident.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – The team uncovers family secrets.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – Peter Parker juggles school and superhero life. Not on Disney+ (stream on Netflix or rent)

Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – Thor teams up with Hulk to stop Ragnarok.

Black Panther (2018) – T’Challa returns to Wakanda as king amid political unrest.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – Thanos begins his quest for the Infinity Stones.

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) – Scott Lang returns with a new partner.

Captain Marvel (2019) – Carol Danvers becomes one of the MCU’s most powerful heroes.

Avengers: Endgame (2019) – The epic finale to the Infinity Saga.

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) – Peter faces the fallout of Endgame. Not on Disney+

 

Phase 4 – New Beginnings (2021–2022)

All available on Disney+ unless noted

 

WandaVision – Wanda creates a sitcom-style reality to cope with grief.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – Sam and Bucky tackle legacy and power.

Loki (Season 1) – Loki’s alternate timeline journey introduces the multiverse.

Black Widow – Natasha confronts her dark past.

What If...? (Season 1) – Animated alternate takes on MCU history.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – A martial arts hero emerges.

Eternals – Ancient immortals surface to protect Earth.

Hawkeye – Clint Barton trains a new archer during Christmas.

Spider-Man: No Way Home – Multiverse chaos begins. Not on Disney+

Moon Knight – A man with dissociative identity disorder becomes Egypt’s avatar.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Strange tackles multiverse fallout.

Ms. Marvel – A teen gains cosmic powers and grapples with her identity.

Thor: Love and Thunder – Thor reunites with Jane Foster, now wielding Mjolnir.

I Am Groot – Short animations with everyone’s favorite tree.

She-Hulk – A lawyer gains Hulk powers and balances court and chaos.

Werewolf by Night – Marvel’s black-and-white horror special.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Wakanda mourns and evolves.

Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special – Lighthearted festive episode.

 

Phase 5 – Present & Upcoming (2023–2025)

Streaming on Disney+ unless noted

 

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) – A deep dive into the Quantum Realm.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) – The team’s emotional swan song.

Secret Invasion (2023) – Skrulls infiltrate Earth.

Loki (Season 2) – Time travel and TVA chaos continue.

The Marvels (2023) – Captain Marvel joins forces with Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau.

What If...? (Season 2) – More mind-bending Marvel tales.

Echo (2024) – A gritty spin-off from Hawkeye.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) – Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman return. (Releasing soon)

Agatha All Along (2024) – WandaVision’s witch gets her own dark comedy.

Captain America: Brave New World (2025) – Sam Wilson takes up the shield.

Daredevil: Born Again (2025) – Matt Murdock returns with a rebooted storyline.

Thunderbolts (2025) – Anti-heroes and misfits unite.

Ironheart (2025) – Takes place after Wakanda Forever, featuring a tech genius prodigy.

Where Does Ironheart Fit In?

You may have noticed Ironheart just landed on Disney+, and you're wondering, “Wait, when exactly is this happening?” Great question.

According to producer Sev Ohanian, Ironheart takes place around six months after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. That plants it somewhere in Autumn 2025 in the MCU timeline — right after Thor: Love and Thunder, and just before the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (aka when Drax learns about Christmas and chaos ensues).

So yes, Riri Williams is now part of the timeline — and you’ll want to slot Ironheart right between a god with lightning issues and a raccoon with emotional baggage.