What order to watch Marvel in? This is a question that has been bugging comic book fans and moviegoers alike since the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) first hit the big screen. With a vast array of movies and TV shows, it can be challenging to determine the best sequence to enjoy this epic saga. In this article, we will explore the various theories and provide a recommended order for watching Marvel movies and TV shows to ensure you get the most out of the MCU experience.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a sprawling cinematic tapestry that spans over a decade, featuring numerous interconnected stories and characters. The MCU began with Iron Man in 2008 and has since grown to include movies, TV shows, and even a couple of animated series. The sheer number of titles can be overwhelming, so it’s essential to watch them in the right order to fully appreciate the intricate connections between them.
One of the most popular theories for watching Marvel movies is the “MCU Timeline Order.” This sequence takes into account the release dates of the movies and their respective timelines. According to this theory, the recommended order is as follows:
1. Iron Man (2008)
2. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
3. Iron Man 2 (2010)
4. Thor (2011)
5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
6. The Avengers (2012)
7. Iron Man 3 (2013)
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
12. Ant-Man (2015)
13. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
14. Doctor Strange (2016)
15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
17. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
18. Black Panther (2018)
19. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
20. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
21. Captain Marvel (2019)
22. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
23. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
24. Black Widow (2021)
25. Eternals (2021)
26. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
27. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
This timeline order ensures that you watch the movies in the order they were released, allowing you to follow the story as it unfolds. However, there are other theories and orders to consider, such as the “MCU Character Order,” which follows the chronological order of the characters’ first appearances in the MCU.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience, you might want to include Marvel TV shows in your viewing list. The MCU has several successful TV series, including “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Daredevil,” “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist,” “The Defenders,” “The Punisher,” “Jessica Jones,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and “WandaVision.” These shows provide additional depth to the MCU and can be watched in the following order:
1. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-2020)
2. Daredevil (2015-2018)
3. Jessica Jones (2015-2019)
4. Iron Fist (2017-2018)
5. The Defenders (2017)
6. The Punisher (2017-2019)
7. Luke Cage (2016-2018)
8. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
9. WandaVision (2021)
Remember that the MCU is a vast and complex universe, and there is no one “correct” order to watch it. The key is to find an order that works for you and allows you to enjoy the story and characters to the fullest. Whether you follow the timeline, character, or another order, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is sure to be an unforgettable cinematic journey.
