Your Marvel Cinematic Universe Journey Starts Here!

Your love for Marvel starts with one man: Stan Lee, who was known for his work writing Marvel comics. Popularity sparked greatly for these comics, and hence, Marvel Entertainment was born. It changed—and still changes—lives for generations with the creation of heroes to come.

Next came Marvel Studios, where every character you see on the page comes to life, making the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchise a huge part of superhero media. If you’re familiar with characters like Iron Man (a.k.a Tony Stark), Captain America (a.k.a Steve Rogers), and Spider-Man (a.k.a Peter Parker), then you’re on a positive start to becoming a Marvel fan.

The first MCU film to be released was Iron Man in 2008. The franchise continues to create films set within the same universe, similar to Marvel’s comics. Many compelling stories are told with new and old characters in each new film released. Over the past few years, Marvel Studios has brought life, heartbreak, and intense action to the screens. With 32 films (and counting), their fans are always left satisfied and craving for more.

So, you’re wondering where to start. Well, your saviour is here! Provided by space.com is a list of Marvel films in chronological order. Watching every Marvel movie in order is the easiest and best way to get to know—and experience—the MCU.

1. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

2. Captain Marvel (2019)

3. Iron Man (2008)

4. Iron Man 2 (2010)

5. The Incredible Hulk (2008)

6. Thor (2011)

7. The Avengers (2012)

8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

9. Iron Man 3 (2013)

10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

13. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

14. Ant-Man (2015)

15. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

16. Black Widow (2021)

17. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

18. Black Panther (2017)

19. Doctor Strange (2016)

20. Thor: Ragnarök (2017)

21. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

22. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

23. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

24. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

26. Eternals (2021)

27. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

28. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

29. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

32. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

(and counting…)

You’re probably looking at this list and regretting your curiosity, but don’t feel overwhelmed. Committing to a Marvel movie marathon—or as I like to call it, “The Triple M” —is not for the weak. Watching one or two movies a day is enough to begin your MCU journey. If you’re someone who really wants to get into the hype of Marvel, but has a busy life, take your time with it! Experiencing the excitement is not something that should be rushed.

And if you’re too busy because you have homework, Mr. Stark will pretend you didn’t just say that. (You will understand that reference later in your journey).

After you complete the list (and I’m hoping you do), check out Marvel’s TV series. If you’re interested in learning about other characters or storylines within the MCU, the shows are a great way to start. Plus, most episodes are about 45 minutes. Many of the shows are part of the timeline as well, but because you’re new, I suggest focusing on the movies for now.

You will not regret your decision to join the Marvel fandom. I’ve been a fan since 2014, and I haven’t looked back. Once you’re in, you’re in for life. The characters become real and take over your personality—in a good way, of course!

The MCU is not just for entertainment. I have made friends and enemies since joining the fandom. We share our thoughts and theories and become immersed in the world of Marvel. Now, it’s your turn.

So, with that said, “I bid you farewell and good luck, morons!” - From your almighty God, Thor.

Hi, I’m Ailsa! I love diving deep into cinematic worlds, falling in love with fictional characters, and writing stories I hope to publish someday. And if you’re Marvel-obsessed like me, stay for the blogs (I can talk about this all day)! I’m also big into sci-fi and fantasy genres, whether it’s for novels or films.

Remember, “If you’re nothing without [the] suit then you shouldn’t have it.” So, here’s to finding your inner hero!

If you would like to read more of my writing, you can find me on Instagram!