The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a shared-continuity film and television franchise produced by Marvel Studios since 2008. Comprising 36+ theatrical films and 25+ Disney+ series, the MCU is the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. It is organized into six narrative Phases, with each Phase culminating in a major Avengers team-up film. Phase 1-3 (the Infinity Saga) concluded with Avengers: Endgame (2019). Phases 4-6 (the Multiverse Saga) will conclude with Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027). The franchise was created and is overseen by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.
What is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, exactly?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a shared-continuity multimedia franchise where every film and television series exists within a single, unified narrative timeline. Characters, events, and consequences from one MCU film carry forward into all subsequent films and series. This shared-continuity structure differentiates the MCU from earlier comic-book film adaptations, where each film typically operated as a self-contained reboot or sequel.
The MCU was created by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and his production team. The franchise launched with Iron Man (2008), directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey Jr. Each subsequent film has been produced under Marvel Studios, which became a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company following Disney's 2009 acquisition of Marvel Entertainment.
How is the MCU organized?
The MCU is structured into narrative units called Phases. Each Phase comprises multiple feature films (and, since 2021, Disney+ streaming series) that share thematic threads and culminate in a major Avengers team-up event film. The Phase structure helps both audiences and the studio organize the franchise's rapidly-expanding character roster and storyline complexity.
Beyond Phases, the MCU is organized into broader thematic Sagas. The Infinity Saga (Phases 1-3, 2008-2019) followed the rise of the Avengers and their conflict with Thanos. The Multiverse Saga (Phases 4-6, 2020-2027) is exploring the multiverse and culminates with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. A third Saga is expected to launch in 2028+, with details yet to be officially announced.
Every MCU Phase explained
Phase 1 (2008–2012) — The Foundation
Six films establishing the franchise's core heroes and team-up structure: Iron Man (2008), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), and The Avengers (2012). Phase 1 ended with The Avengers — the first team-up film in modern superhero cinema and a $1.5 billion blockbuster.
Phase 2 (2013–2015) — Expansion
Six films expanding the cosmic and political scope: Iron Man 3 (2013), Thor: The Dark World (2013), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Ant-Man (2015). The Phase introduced cosmic-scale storylines and the Infinity Stones as the saga's narrative-driving artifacts.
Phase 3 (2016–2019) — The Infinity Saga Climax
Eleven films culminating in the saga finale: Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Guardians Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Ant-Man and the Wasp, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. Endgame grossed $2.8 billion worldwide and concluded the Thanos storyline.
Phase 4 (2021–2022) — The Multiverse Begins
Seven films plus the franchise's first major Disney+ series rollout: Black Widow, Shang-Chi, Eternals, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Plus WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Hawkeye, Moon Knight, and Ms. Marvel on Disney+.
Phase 5 (2023–2025) — Multiverse Crisis
Eight films including Quantumania, GotG Vol. 3, The Marvels, Deadpool & Wolverine, Captain America: Brave New World, and Thunderbolts*. Phase 5 introduced the Multiverse-Saga's primary antagonist arc and integrated the Fox-era X-Men through Deadpool & Wolverine.
Phase 6 (2025–2027) — The Multiverse Saga Conclusion
Four confirmed films: The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 2025), Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 2026), Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026), and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027). Robert Downey Jr. returns to the MCU as Doctor Doom — the saga's primary antagonist.
What order do I watch the MCU in?
For most viewers, release order is recommended: start with Iron Man (2008) and proceed chronologically through the films' theatrical-release sequence. The release-order approach preserves the franchise's intended audience experience — surprises land as the filmmakers planned them.
For viewers who prefer in-universe chronological order (events as they occur within the fictional timeline), the order differs significantly because flashback-set films like Captain America: The First Avenger (1940s) and Captain Marvel (1990s) belong at the start. See our complete MCU Watch Order guide for both viewing orders, including all Disney+ series.
Related guides
- MCU Watch Order — full chronological viewing order.
- MCU Phase 6 Roadmap — complete guide to the upcoming Avengers films.
- Best Marvel Villains Ranked — top 20 MCU antagonists.
- Highest-Grossing Comic Book Movies — MCU dominates this ranking.
- Every Spider-Man Movie in Order — MCU Spider-Man within the broader Spider-Man cinematic context.