The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stands as one of the most ambitious and successful franchises in cinematic history. Launched in 2008 with Iron Man, it has expanded into a sprawling interconnected narrative spanning dozens of films, weaving together superheroes, villains, cosmic threats, and multiversal adventures. As of February 2026, the MCU has released 36 feature films across five phases, with Phase 6 underway and more on the horizon. This article delves into the full timeline of MCU movies, organized primarily by release order within their respective phases, while highlighting key chronological placements where they differ. We'll explore each film's plot highlights, significance, and connections to the larger story. Upcoming movies are included based on the latest announcements, with visual aids from official posters to enhance the experience.
The MCU is divided into "Sagas": The Infinity Saga (Phases 1-3) focused on the Infinity Stones and culminated in Avengers: Endgame. The Multiverse Saga (Phases 4-6) explores alternate realities, new heroes, and escalating threats. While release order is how most fans experienced the story, watching in chronological order (based on in-universe events) offers a different perspective—starting in the 1940s and jumping through time.
Chronological vs. Release Order: Understanding the Timeline
The MCU timeline isn't linear due to flashbacks, time travel, and prequels. For instance, Captain America: The First Avenger (released 2011) is set in the 1940s, making it the earliest event, while Captain Marvel (2019) jumps to the 1990s. Post-Endgame films like Black Widow are set earlier in the timeline despite later releases. Disney+ provides an official chronological playlist, but for this guide, we'll stick to movies and note timeline placements
Key timeline milestones:
- 1940s-1990s: World War II origins and early cosmic encounters.
- 2008-2018: The rise of heroes, team-ups, and the Infinity War.
- 2023-2026+: Post-Blip recovery, multiverse chaos, and new threats.
Now, let's break it down by phase.
Phase 1: The Origins (2008-2012)
Phase 1 introduced individual heroes and built toward the first team-up. It established the shared universe concept, with post-credit scenes teasing connections.
- Iron Man (2008): Directed by Jon Favreau, this film kicks off the MCU. Billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) builds a powered suit after being captured by terrorists, becoming Iron Man. Set in 2008, it grounds the universe in real-world tech and humor. Box office success: Over $585 million worldwide.
- The Incredible Hulk (2008): Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) evades the military while controlling his Hulk alter-ego. Set shortly after Iron Man, it features a cameo from Tony Stark. Often overlooked, but it ties into later Avengers lore.
- Iron Man 2 (2010): Tony faces government pressure and a vengeful Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke). Introduces Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and War Machine (Don Cheadle). Timeline: 2010.
- Thor (2011): God of Thunder Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is banished to Earth, learning humility. Set in 2011, it expands the MCU to Asgard and cosmic realms.
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011): Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) becomes a super-soldier during WWII. Chronologically first (1940s), but released later. Ends with Steve awakening in the present day.
- The Avengers (2012): Loki (Tom Hiddleston) invades Earth with an alien army. The heroes assemble under S.H.I.E.L.D. Timeline: 2012. A blockbuster hit, grossing over $1.5 billion.
Phase 1 grossed over $3.8 billion, proving interconnected storytelling could work.
Phase 2: Expansion and Consequences (2013-2015)
Building on The Avengers, Phase 2 explored hero fallout, new worlds, and the Infinity Stones' introduction.
- Iron Man 3 (2013): Tony battles PTSD and the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). Set post-Avengers in 2013.
- Thor: The Dark World (2013): Thor fights Dark Elves for the Aether (Reality Stone). Timeline: 2013.
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014): Steve uncovers Hydra within S.H.I.E.L.D. Introduces the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan). Set in 2014, it shifts the MCU toward espionage.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): A ragtag space team (led by Chris Pratt's Star-Lord) hunts the Power Stone. Timeline: 2014. Known for its humor and soundtrack.
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015): Tony's AI Ultron (James Spader) goes rogue. Introduces Vision (Paul Bettany) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Set in 2015.
- Ant-Man (2015): Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) shrinks to fight crime. Timeline: 2015. Light-hearted heist vibe.
Phase 2 deepened character arcs and hinted at larger threats.
Phase 3: Civil War and Infinity (2016-2019)
The longest phase, culminating the Infinity Saga with epic crossovers.
- Captain America: Civil War (2016): Heroes divide over government oversight. Introduces Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland). Timeline: 2016.
- Doctor Strange (2016): Surgeon Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) masters magic. Set 2016-2017.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017): The team explores Star-Lord's heritage. Timeline: 2014 (shortly after Vol. 1).
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017): Peter Parker balances high school and heroism. Set post-Civil War in 2016.
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017): Thor escapes gladiatorial combat with Hulk. Timeline: 2017.
- Black Panther (2018): T'Challa defends Wakanda. Set 2016, post-Civil War.
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018): Thanos (Josh Brolin) collects Infinity Stones, snapping half of life away. Spans 2018 across the universe.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018): Scott deals with Quantum Realm antics. Timeline: 2018, concurrent with Infinity War.
- Captain Marvel (2019): Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) fights Skrulls in the 1990s. Chronologically early.
- Avengers: Endgame (2019): Survivors time-travel to undo the Snap. Timeline: 2018-2023. Emotional farewell to original Avengers, grossing $2.8 billion.
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019): Peter vacations amid Mysterio's (Jake Gyllenhaal) illusions. Set 2023, post-Blip.
Phase 3 earned over $13 billion, peaking the Infinity Saga.
Phase 4: The Multiverse Begins (2021-2022)
Post-pandemic, Phase 4 introduced new heroes and multiversal elements via films and Disney+ shows (though focusing on movies here).
- Black Widow (2021): Natasha Romanoff confronts her past. Timeline: 2016, between Civil War and Infinity War.
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021): Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) faces his father's legacy. Set 2024.
- Eternals (2021): Immortal beings protect Earth. Spans millennia, main story 2024.
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021): Multiverse opens, bringing past Spider-Men. Timeline: 2024.
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022): Strange battles multiversal threats with Wanda. Set 2024.
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022): Thor teams with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) against Gorr (Christian Bale). Timeline: 2024-2025.
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022): Wakanda mourns T'Challa, facing Namor. Set 2024.
Phase 4 explored grief and new beginnings.
Phase 5: New Heroes and Threats (2023-2025)
Phase 5 ramped up multiverse stakes.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023): Scott enters the Quantum Realm, meeting Kang (Jonathan Majors). Timeline: 2025.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023): The team saves Rocket. Set 2025.
- The Marvels (2023): Carol, Monica Rambeau, and Ms. Marvel swap powers. Timeline: 2025.
- Deadpool & Wolverine (2024): Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) and Logan (Hugh Jackman) multiverse-hop. Set 2024-2026 in various timelines.
- Captain America: Brave New World (2025): Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as Cap faces Red Hulk (Harrison Ford). Timeline: 2025.
- Thunderbolts (2025): Anti-heroes like Yelena (Florence Pugh) and Bucky assemble. Set 2025.
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025): Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) gain powers. Set in an alternate 1960s-inspired universe? Release: July 25, 2025.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026): Peter Parker (Tom Holland) faces new challenges. Details sparse, but expected to tie into multiverse. Release: July 31, 2026.
- Avengers: Doomsday (2026): Heroes battle Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr., in a twist). Directed by the Russo brothers. Release: December 18, 2026.
- Avengers: Secret Wars (2027): Multiversal war finale. Release: December 17, 2027.
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Phase 6: The Multiverse Saga Climax (2025-2027+)Phase 6 kicks off with reboots and culminates in massive team-ups.   |
Beyond 2027, untitled films are slated for 2028, potentially including Blade, Black Panther 3, and X-Men.
The Future of the MCU
As the Multiverse Saga wraps, rumors swirl of mutant integrations and crossovers. The MCU's timeline continues to evolve, blending nostalgia with innovation. Whether watching in release or chronological order, the saga's epic scope remains unmatched. Stay tuned for more announcements as Marvel pushes boundaries.
