The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is one of the most expansive and interconnected film franchises in history, spanning multiple phases, storylines, and even different timelines. With over a decade of movies and TV shows, figuring out the best way to watch the MCU can be overwhelming. Should you follow the release order, or would the chronological order give you a better experience?

In this guide, we break down the MCU timeline in order, showing you how to watch every Marvel movie and show chronologically (as events happen in-universe) and by release date. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to start fresh or a longtime fan wanting to rewatch with a new perspective, this list will help you navigate the Marvel universe with ease. Let’s dive in!

MCU timeline as per release date

The MCU timeline based on release dates follows the order in which Marvel Studios introduced movies and shows to audiences. It all started in 2008 with Iron Man, which kicked off the shared universe concept, leading to the introduction of other iconic characters like Thor, Captain America, and the Hulk. As the franchise expanded, the films and Disney+ series were released strategically to maintain continuity, hype, and interconnected storytelling.

The release order allows fans to experience the evolution of the MCU in real-time, appreciating how the storytelling, CGI, and character arcs evolved over the years. Watching in this order also replicates the excitement of experiencing new reveals, post-credit scenes, and interconnected plotlines as they were originally introduced to audiences worldwide.

Here is the MCU timeline as per release date:

MCU timeline in Chronological Order

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline in chronological order follows the events as they happen within the universe itself. This means that movies and shows are arranged based on their storylines, rather than their actual release dates. For example, Captain America: The First Avenger (set during World War II) is one of the earliest events in the MCU, while Captain Marvel takes place in the 1990s before the formation of the Avengers.

This timeline provides a seamless storytelling experience, allowing viewers to witness the evolution of the MCU from its origins to the present day. It also helps in understanding how different characters and events connect, such as the Tesseract’s journey across multiple films or the gradual buildup to Avengers: Endgame. Watching the MCU in chronological order gives a fresh perspective, revealing hidden connections and deeper character arcs.

Here is the MCU timeline as per Chronological order:

MCU Movies only (By Release Date)

This list includes all the movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) arranged by their release dates. It starts with Iron Man (2008), which kicked off the franchise, and spans multiple phases, including major blockbusters like The Avengers, Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. The list also includes upcoming films like Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and Captain America: Brave New World (2025).

MCU TV Shows only (By Release Date)

This list covers all MCU-related TV series, from early shows like Agents of SHIELD and Daredevil to Disney+ originals such as WandaVision, Loki, and Moon Knight. It includes both live-action and animated series, like What If…?, as well as releases such as Agatha All Along (2024) and Daredevil: Born Again (2025).