The Definitive 2025 Guide: Every Marvel Movie In Chronological Order (The Only Timeline You Need)
Are you ready to finally watch the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the correct story order? As of December 2025, the MCU has grown into a sprawling, interconnected narrative spanning multiple Phases and Sagas, making a casual binge-watch confusing for newcomers and veterans alike. This definitive guide cuts through the complexity, offering the essential, movie-only chronological timeline—the order based on the in-universe events, not the theatrical release date—to give you the ultimate, seamless viewing experience.
The MCU’s timeline is defined by two major arcs: the foundational Infinity Saga (Phases 1-3) and the current, reality-bending Multiverse Saga (Phases 4-6). While the release order is straightforward, the chronological order jumps back and forth through time, starting in the 1940s and leaping to the 1990s before settling into the modern era. We've compiled the complete, updated list, including the latest Phase 5 and Phase 6 cinematic entries, so you can finally understand the cosmic and terrestrial events that shape this massive shared universe.
The Complete MCU Movie Chronological Timeline (Updated for 2025)
Watching the MCU in chronological order allows the story to unfold exactly as the heroes experience it, revealing the origins of key characters and cosmic threats in their proper sequence. This list includes all confirmed theatrical films, with the in-universe year of the primary events noted where possible. The current "present day" in the MCU's main timeline is generally understood to be around 2027, following the events of *Avengers: Endgame* and the subsequent Phase 4 and Phase 5 films.
The Infinity Saga (Phases 1-3)
This arc focuses on the search for the six Infinity Stones and the rise of Thanos.
- 1. Captain America: The First Avenger (Set in the 1940s, during WWII)
- 2. Captain Marvel (Set in 1995)
- 3. Iron Man (Set in 2008)
- 4. Iron Man 2 (Set after *Iron Man*)
- 5. The Incredible Hulk (Timeline placement is flexible, often concurrent with *Iron Man 2*)
- 6. Thor (Set roughly at the same time as *Iron Man 2* and *The Incredible Hulk*)
- 7. The Avengers (Set in 2012)
- 8. Thor: The Dark World (Set after *The Avengers*)
- 9. Iron Man 3 (Set six months after *The Avengers*)
- 10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Set after *The Avengers*)
- 11. Guardians of the Galaxy (Set in 2014)
- 12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Set a few months after *Vol. 1*)
- 13. Avengers: Age of Ultron (Set in 2015)
- 14. Ant-Man (Set in 2015)
- 15. Captain America: Civil War (Set in 2016)
- 16. Black Widow (The main events are set immediately after *Civil War*)
- 17. Black Panther (Set in 2016)
- 18. Spider-Man: Homecoming (Set a few months after *Civil War*)
- 19. Doctor Strange (Timeline is vague, but events largely pre-date *Ragnarok*)
- 20. Thor: Ragnarok (Set in 2017)
- 21. Ant-Man and the Wasp (Set just before *Infinity War*'s snap)
- 22. Avengers: Infinity War (Set in 2018)
- 23. Avengers: Endgame (Starts in 2018, then jumps five years to 2023)
The Multiverse Saga (Phases 4-6)
This current saga deals with the consequences of the Blip, the rise of the Multiverse, and the new major threat, Kang the Conqueror. These films are generally set after the five-year time jump in *Endgame* (2023 and beyond).
- 24. Spider-Man: Far From Home (Set eight months after *Endgame*)
- 25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Set after *Far From Home*)
- 26. Eternals (Set roughly concurrently with *Shang-Chi*)
- 27. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (Set after *WandaVision* and *Loki* Season 1)
- 28. Thor: Love and Thunder (Set after *Multiverse of Madness*)
- 29. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Set after *Love and Thunder*)
- 30. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (Kicks off Phase 5, set shortly after *Wakanda Forever*)
- 31. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (Set after the *Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special*)
- 32. The Marvels (Set after *Ms. Marvel*)
Phase 5 and Phase 6: The Road to Secret Wars
The final films in the current saga will lead directly into the climactic two-part *Avengers* event. Their precise chronological placement is subject to change, but they are expected to follow the current flow of the main timeline (circa 2025-2027).
- 33. Deadpool & Wolverine (Expected 2025)
- 34. Captain America: Brave New World (Expected 2025)
- 35. Thunderbolts* (Expected 2025, with the "present day" of the MCU being around 2027 during this film's events)
- 36. Blade (Expected 2025)
- 37. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Kicks off Phase 6, expected 2025)
- 38. Avengers: Doomsday (Expected 2026)
- 39. Avengers: Secret Wars (Expected 2027, concluding the Multiverse Saga)
Why The Chronological Order is the Superior Way to Watch
For most viewers, the chronological order is the most satisfying way to experience the MCU. The release order—the sequence in which the movies were released in theaters—can be jarring because it frequently interrupts the main narrative with prequels. For example, *Captain Marvel* and *Black Widow* were released well into the saga, but their stories are set decades and years earlier, respectively. Watching them chronologically provides immediate context for key characters like Nick Fury, Carol Danvers, and Natasha Romanoff before they become central figures in *The Avengers*.
The chronological timeline provides a clearer narrative flow, especially when dealing with the overarching threat of the Infinity Gauntlet. It allows you to track the development of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the slow decay of world security that necessitates the formation of the Avengers. By the time you reach *Infinity War*, the stakes feel higher because you have witnessed the full, linear history of the heroes’ struggles and alliances.
Understanding the MCU’s Saga and Phase Structure
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is officially divided into two overarching "Sagas," which are themselves broken down into smaller "Phases." This structure helps to organize the massive number of films and Disney+ series into coherent storylines.
The Infinity Saga (Phases 1, 2, and 3)
This first saga is the foundational story of the MCU. It began with 2008's *Iron Man* and concluded with 2019's *Spider-Man: Far From Home*. The core conflict revolved around the six Infinity Stones and the cosmic warlord Thanos. The saga introduced almost all of the original Founding Avengers: Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Thor Odinson, Natasha Romanoff, and Clint Barton.
- Phase 1: Introduction of the core heroes (Iron Man, Thor, Captain America) and their assembly in *The Avengers*.
- Phase 2: Expansion of the universe and deeper exploration of character consequences (e.g., *Iron Man 3* dealing with Tony Stark's PTSD).
- Phase 3: The climactic build-up, including the fracture of the team (*Civil War*) and the final battle against Thanos (*Infinity War* and *Endgame*).
The Multiverse Saga (Phases 4, 5, and 6)
The current saga focuses on the aftermath of the Blip and the introduction of the Multiverse concept. This narrative shift opens the door to new realities, variants of familiar characters, and the rise of Kang the Conqueror as the new central villain. The saga is characterized by its exploration of the cosmic side of Marvel, including Eternals and the Guardians of the Galaxy, while also introducing new heroes like Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, and the new Captain America (Sam Wilson).
- Phase 4: Focused on the immediate consequences of *Endgame* and introducing the Multiverse concept through films like *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*.
- Phase 5: Currently in progress (as of 2025), focusing on team-ups and the rise of new threats. Key entries include *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* and the upcoming *Thunderbolts***.
- Phase 6: The final chapter, which will include *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* and the two-part finale, *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Avengers: Secret Wars*.
By following this definitive chronological movie order, you are guaranteed the most coherent and rewarding viewing experience of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, perfectly setting the stage for the Multiverse Saga’s epic conclusion in the coming years. Happy watching!
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