Marvel Movie to Watch First
With so many movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it can be difficult to know which order to watch them in. While some fans prefer to watch in release date order, this method can be confusing for those who are new to the franchise.
Instead, watching the movies in their official canonical Watch order for Marvel Movies can help make sense of everything that has come before. This also gives viewers a better understanding of the overarching narrative that Marvel is telling, with each film offering hints and clues to what’s to come.
The best place to start is the MCU’s flagship movie, 2008’s Iron Man. This RDJ classic set the tone for what would become the MCU, with its mix of action and comedy. It also introduced the world to Nick Fury, who would become a crucial character in the future of the franchise.
Which Marvel Movie to Watch First?
Next up is Captain America: The First Avenger. Featuring Chris Evans in the title role, this World War II-era film follows a scrappy Brooklyn kid who is injected with a super serum, becoming Captain America and going out to fight for his country. It was the first time that an American superhero went up against a Nazi villain and set a standard that many other heroes have followed since.
A few years later, we see the MCU head into space for the first time with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. This sequel is an entertaining blockbuster that lays the groundwork for what’s to come in the MCU. It also introduces the audience to the team of heroes who make up the Guardians and shows how they work together.
After a few more standalone films, the MCU heads back to Earth for Avengers Assemble. This film features the first appearance of the Hulk, whose actor (Edward Norton) was replaced by Mark Ruffalo in every movie that came after this one. The film is also notable for being the first Marvel movie to include a post-credits scene, a tradition that is now commonplace in superhero movies.
The rest of Phase Three consists of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantum Realm, Thor: Ragnarok, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Doctor Strange, and Black Panther. These movies all fit into the MCU’s timeline and provide some of the most fun and exciting stories in the franchise.
Finally, we reach Phase Four with 2021’s Black Panther, which takes place a few months after Civil War and gives us our first look at the enigmatic Sorcerer Supreme (now played by Benedict Cumberbatch).
This is the perfect way to get up to speed on all of the Marvel movies before Nia DaCosta’s THE MARVELS debuts this November. And, of course, you can watch the entire MCU library on Disney+, which includes this latest additions. Don’t forget that the Netflix Defenders Saga — Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist — fits into the MCU timeline as well. Just be sure to catch all of the post-credit scenes! We can’t wait to see what Nia DaCosta has in store for Marvel.