Marvel Cinematic Universe viewing orders explained

Viewers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) can choose between two primary methods for watching the franchise: by release date or by chronological story order.

Following the chronological timeline, the story begins with ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ and ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, rather than the 2008 film ‘Iron Man’. This timeline has become increasingly complex due to the inclusion of Disney+ series, specials, and Multiverse-related productions.

For new viewers, following the release order is often recommended to preserve the intended experience of post-credit scenes and character introductions. The MCU is currently organized into several phases, spanning from the initial release of ‘Iron Man’ through upcoming projects scheduled for 2025.