The MCU is an ever-expanding franchise with a ton of content both in its past and future. Something that began as a film series quickly turned into a franchise that involves storytelling across multiple types of media. Thus, many people wonder what exactly is the best way to watch this behemoth of a franchise.

Well lucky for you, Twinfinite has a guide to help you navigate and give yourself the best experience of watching the franchise, both for first-timers and for longtime fans who want to rewatch their favorite franchise from the start.

It’s important to remember that the way Marvel has been telling the MCU’s story is different now that we have left the Infinity Saga and are currently in the Multiverse Saga. The storytelling was much more scattered in phases 1, 2, and 3, where Marvel told its stories in theaters and across ABC, Netflix, Hulu, and Freeform. Now, things have been much more tightened down with the Multiverse Saga, thanks to Marvel Studios locking things down to only being theatrical releases or Disney+ titles.

Please note: The guide has been broken down into rough phases for convenience; the television entries during the Infinity Saga don’t officially belong to any of the phases.

Without further ado, here is the definitive guide on how to watch the MCU in release order.

Phase 1- Infinity Saga

  • Iron ManThe Incredible HulkIron Man 2ThorOne-Shot: The ConsultantCaptain America: The First AvengerOne-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s HammerThe AvengersOne-Shot: Item 47

Phase 2- Infinity Saga

  • Iron Man 3One-Shot: Agent CarterAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 1, Episodes 1-7Thor: The Dark WorldOne-Shot: All Hail the KingAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 1, Episodes 8-16Captain America: The Winter SoldierAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 1, Episodes 17-22Guardians of the GalaxyAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2, Episodes 1-10Agent Carter Season 1Daredevil Season 1Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2, Episodes 11-19Avengers: Age of UltronAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2, Episodes 20-22WHiH Newsfront Season 1: Ant-ManAnt-Man

Phase 3- Infinity Saga

Phase 4- Multiverse Saga

Phase 5- Multiverse Saga

  • What If…? Season 2 (Early 2023)Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (Feb. 17, 2023)Secret Invasion (Spring 2023)Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5, 2023)Echo (Summer 2023)Loki Season 2 (Summer 2023)The Marvels (July 28, 2023)Blade (Nov. 3, 2023)Ironheart (Fall 2023)Agatha: Coven of Chaos (Winter 2023/2024)Daredevil: Born Again (Spring 2024)Captain America: New World Order (May 3, 2024)Thunderbolts (July 28, 2024)Spider-Man: Freshman Year (2024)Marvel Zombies (2024)

Phase 6- Multiverse Saga

  • Fantastic 4 (Nov. 8, 2024)Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (May 2, 2025)Avengers: Secret Wars (Nov. 7, 2025)

That is the definitive guide to all MCU films, series, and shorts in release order. As this franchise continues expanding, look for even more entries here to help you in your future MCU endeavors.

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