In the middle of the last decade an independent studio presented their first movie project to the world.
That movie?Iron Man.
Everyone is now intimately familiar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU for short.
What is the MCU watch order?
Well, do we have the answer for you!
Spoilers will be kept to a minimum.
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Decisions in this regard are made for a better story flow and viewing experience.
Now lets get to it!
Iron Man
The movie that started it all in 2008.
The story goes for the same fugitive vibe as the TV show from late 70s.
The origin of the Hulk is told in the opening credits, and its straight to the action afterwards.
It lays the groundwork for events to come.
A bit too much, if some are to be believed.
This one focuses on SHIELD Agent Phil Coulson, and, well, the title says it all.
But we also meet Tom Hiddleston as the Norse God of Mischief, Loki.
SWORD (which in the comics stands for Sentient World Observation and Response Department).
WatchThoron Amazon
Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant
Remember that credits scene inThe Incredible Hulk?
According to Marvel there was more to it.
Note:You will find it as an extra on the Blu-Ray ofThor.
Some would place this movie at the beginning of a watch list.
For more on this, check theAvengerstie-in comicNick Furys Big Week.
it’s possible for you to watch it here, or as an epilogue to theAgent Carterseries.
take a stab at catch the SWORD easter egg.
Note:You will find it as an extra on the home media release ofIron Man 3.
To show them fighting a foe no single superhero could withstand!
Mark Ruffalo takes over from Edward Norton as Bruce Banner/The Hulk from this point onwards.
It also introduces SHIELD Agent Felix Blake, who shall return inAgents of SHIELD.
Note:You will find it as an extra on the home media release ofAvengers.
Iron Man 3
The first movie in Phase 2, after Phase 1 was concluded withAvengers.
Premiered with amazing ratings on American broadcast web link ABC.
It is placed afterIron Man 3, because the first episode makes mention of Extremis.
It has a direct connection with 2017sThor: Ragnarok.
This, plus the time it should take before the main character ends up there.
It further gives a whole different swing toIron Man 3s antagonist.
Note:You will find it as an extra on the home media release ofThor: The Dark World.
Having the team deal with Asgardian artefacts and worlds.
These episodes also reveal how Agent Coulson returned.
Meanwhile, the late Bill Paxton is introduced as an recurring character.
Episode 15 also has a very nice Thor connection.
The twist in this movie really shakes up the MCU.
Not only for future movies and TV shows, but also the previous entries in retrospect.
This is an Infinite Comic, a comic specially made for mobile devices.
The movies story is pretty much standalone, but apparently Thor knows about it inAvengers: Age Of Ultron.
Because of that and theAgents of SHIELDconnection, it is placed here.
Note:This movie has a canon tie-in comic:Guardians Of The Galaxy Prelude.
WatchGuardians of the Galaxyon Amazon
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.
read more: Easter Eggs in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.
WatchGuardians of the Galaxy Vol.
We are also introduced to Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird, in the comics a full-on Avenger.
WatchAgents of SHIELDseason 2 on Amazon
Agent Carter Season 1
Agents Of SHIELDseason 2had a mid-season break.
In it ABC decided to premiere a second MCU TV series:Agent Carter.
The flashbacks inAgents Of SHIELDseason 2 are a lead-in to the series, therefore it is placed here.
WatchAgent CarterSeason 1 on Amazon
Daredevil Season 1
The first Marvel TV series to premiere onNetflix.
It introduces us to the blind Matt Murdock lawyer by day, vigilante at night.
Because of this the first season is placed here.
This movie sets up a number of things relevant to Phase 3.
It also has only a mid-credits scene and no after-credits scene.
We are introduced to Scott Lang, a man with a moral compass that led him to jail.
The movie had been in development for years, even before the MCU kicked off.
Originally Edgar Wright, who had been closely connected to the development, was to direct the movie.
However, Wright left the project.
Marvel got Peyton Reed to fill in as director.
According to reports Wrights fingerprints are still all over the movie.
Also introduced in a supporting role is Patricia Trish Walker, in the comics know as Patsy Walker/Hellcat.
This season introduces elements from the Marvel comicSecret Warriors.
It explores more about the Darkforce, first introduced inAgents of SHIELDseason 1.
This information falls on the wayside if you watch this series earlier.
it’s possible for you to watch it as an epilogue of sorts to theAgent CarterTV series.
We also see a return from the biker gang fromAgents Of SHIELDseason 1.
The season most notably takes inspiration from the 2000Punishercomic storyThe Choice.
This season ofDaredevilis placed here for multiple reasons.
There isnt any narrative crossover, so mixing of episodes is not suggested.
And finally, this season deals with certain themes that are shared withCaptain America: Civil War.
The title is borrowed from the 2006/2007 Marvel comic event and uses elements its plot.
Note:This movie has a canon tie-in Infinite Comic:Captain America: Civil War Prelude.
Also introducing: NYPD detective Misty Knight, in the comics heavily involved with Heroes For Hire.
Both comics explain more of the backstory of antagonist Kaecilius, but especiallyDoctor Strange Preludeis interesting here.
The later timeslot provided the show with the possibility to go darker.
This resulted in the introduction of theGhost Riderand more magical elements akin to what we see inDoctor Strange.
Inspiration is taken from the 2014 comicAll-New Ghost Rider.
This story arc will go for seven episodes, and will deal with so called Life Model Decoys.
Something first mentioned by Tony Stark inAvengers.
Iron Fist Season 1
The final Defender gets his show on Netflix.
The show introduces us to Danny Rand/Iron Fist, and Colleen Wing.
With Rosario Dawson returning yet again as Claire Temple.
Jessica Joness Carrie-Ann Moss returns as Jeri Hogarth.
Theres nothing to contradict that.
read more: Easter Eggs in The Defenders
Inhumans
Just kidding…you dont need to watchInhumans.
But if you do…this is roughly where it goes.
It definitely takes place before the events ofAvengers: Infinity War, though.
UnlikeRunaways, it has a lot more fun with its MCU connections.
Well continue to be in that place until we find out what happens inAvengers 4.
InAvengers 4, something else happens.
It might be best not to think about this too closely.
How long doesnt really matter.
Theres really no other place this one could go.
We explain the movies ending right here, and also have anexplanation of the post-credits scene.
If youre looking fora complete guide to all the Marvel Comics references in the movie, click here!
Captain Marvel
Wait…what?
Isnt this a prequel?!?
For one thing, theres that post-credits scene, which may as well be a scene fromAvengers: Endgame.
