The timeline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is an endless debate. Between the fake so-called official “timelines” relayed by the media or dozens of different timelines offered by fans, we no longer know where to turn.
We then offer you several chronologies: a simple and official one from Disney +, without the Marvel ABC, Netflix, and Hulu series, short films (say “unique editions”), comics, and another more complete with comics and short- footage and a final one that focuses solely on the universe of Marvel-Netflix series. The flashback scenes as well as the post-credits scenes are not separated from their respective film in the two chronologies that we are offering you, so they do not in any way influence the placement of their film in these chronologies where only the action principal determines the place. Also, be aware that the phases of the MCU do not reflect a timeline even if it looks like one.
If you are new and want to watch the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), then following the chronological order is not the best way. The post-credits scenes will be incomprehensible overall, some characters are featured in films released in theaters before but set after others, and there may be several misunderstandings for the viewer. It is therefore necessary to prefer to follow the order of release of the films during the first viewing of the MCU because this is how the universe was thought out by Marvel Studios.
However, if you want to know the chronology of films and events in order to have all the data after a first viewing in the order of release, you have come to the right page! The MCU timeline gets more and more complex with each year the universe gets richer, so it’s essential to have time markers.
MCU MOVIE TIMELINE
The Avengers movies, in bold below, are usually a sign of a major turning point in the MCU, which is why they’re used as a benchmark against the other movies on this page. Some other big movies may also appear in bold given the scale of their events.
- –Captain America: First Avenger
- –Captain Marvel
- –Iron Man
- –Iron Man 2
- – The Incredible Hulk
- –Thor
- –Avengers (2012)
- – Thor: The Dark World
- –Iron Man 3
- – Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- – Guardians of the Galaxy
- – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
- – Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- – Ant-Man
- –Captain America: Civil War
- – Black Widow
- – Black Panther
- – Spider-Man: Homecoming
- -Doctor Strange
- – Thor: Ragnarok
- – Ant-Man and the Wasp
- – Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- – Avengers: Endgame (2023)
- – Loki (right after Avengers: Endgame) – multiverse release
- – WandaVision (3 weeks after Avengers: Endgame )
- – Falcon and the Winter Soldier (6 months after Avengers: Endgame )
- – Spider-Man: Far From Home (9 months after Avengers: Endgame )
- – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- – Eternals / The Eternals
- –Spider-Man: No Way Home
- – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
- – Hawkeye (a few weeks after No Way Home)
- –Moon Knight
- – Ms Marvel
Before going any further, know that the Marvel/Netflix series (Daredevil..) have been removed for clarity, their own timeline is shown below. The Runaways and Cloak & Dagger series are not included due to the lack of interest they have with respect to the MCU. The Agents of SHIELD series is also being pulled pending chronological issues being explained or someone from Marvel Studios confirming its MCU canonicity. The same goes for some preludes that simply repeat the previous film (for example the prelude of Avengers: Endgame resumes the story of Avengers: Infinity War).
Captain America: First Revenge (comics)
This comic takes place during the period of the film, but also in 1924.
Captain America: The First Avenger (movie)
1941. The Second World War is raging. After unsuccessfully trying to enlist in the army to fight alongside the Allies, Steve Rogers, frail and timid, volunteers to participate in an experimental program that will transform him into a super soldier known as Captain America. Under the command of Colonel Chester Phillips, he prepares to face the Nazis’ secret scientific organization, alongside Bucky Barnes and Peggy Carter.
Agent Carter (one-time edition)
This short film takes place in 1946, one year after the events of Captain America: The First Avenger, where Steve Rogers disappears. Peggy Carter and Howard Stark both appear.
Agent Carter – Season 1 (series)
In 1946, after World War II, Peggy Carter returned to work for the SSR. While he is accused of having sold weapons to the Russian enemy, Howard Stark contacts Peggy to help clear her. Accompanied by Edwin Jarvis, the Stark family butler, she will work as a double agent to find the weapons before they fall into the wrong hands.
Agent Carter – Season 2 (series)
Peggy leaves New York, heading to Los Angeles, for the most dangerous mission of her life. But as she discovers a new home, makes new friends – and perhaps finds love – she’s about to realize that the lights of post-war Hollywood hide a sinister threat to all people. whom she has sworn to protect.
Prelude to Ant-Man (comics)
This comic, which takes place in 1987, in the middle of the Cold War, follows the adventures of the first Ant-Man, Hank Pym, who is experimenting with his suit.
Captain Marvel (movie)
Set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure in a time never before seen in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows Carol Danvers’ journey as she becomes one of the most powerful heroines in the world. ‘universe. As a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds himself with a small cadre of allies in the middle of the storm.
Iron Man: Fast Friends – Part 1 (comics)
This comic follows the friendship between James Rhodes and Tony Stark before he became the famous Iron Man.
Iron Man (movie)
Tony Stark, genius inventor, arms dealer and billionaire playboy, is kidnapped in Afghanistan. Forced by his captors to craft a fearsome weapon, he secretly constructs revolutionary high-tech armor which he uses to escape. Understanding the power of this armor, he decides to improve it and use it to bring justice and protect the innocent.
Iron Man: Fast Friends – Part 2 (comics)
This second part of the ‘Fast Friends’ comics still takes place in 2008, after the fight against Obadiah Stane.
Prelude to Black Panther (comics)
Even before he was known to the Avengers as Black Panther, T’Challa was already defending Wakanda. This prelude takes place at the same time as the movie Iron Man.
Iron Man: Public Identity (comics)
This comic makes the link between the first Iron Man movie and the second, following the revelation of Iron Man’s identity.
Iron Man 2 (movie)
The world now knows that billionaire inventor Tony Stark and superhero Iron Man are one. Despite government, press, and public pressure to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets of his armor, fearing the information will land in the wrong hands. the identity of Iron Man.
The Incredible Hulk (movie)
Scientist Bruce Banner is desperate for an antidote to the radiation that created the Hulk. He lives in the shadows and travels the planet in search of a cure. The Hulk’s destructive force attracts General Thaddeus E. Ross and his right-hand man Blonsky who dream of using him for military purposes.
The Consultant (unique edition)
After the events of The Incredible Hulk, Phil Coulson informs Jasper Sitwell that the Security Council wants to integrate the Abomination into the Avengers project. They view him as a war hero and only see a threat in the Hulk, whom they hold responsible for the damage in New York.
A funny story by going to see Thor’s hammer (unique edition)
On the way to identify the object that crashed in New Mexico, Phil Coulson, agent of SHIELD, stops in a gas station which is then robbed.
Thor (movie)
In the kingdom of Asgard, Thor is a warrior as powerful as he is arrogant whose reckless acts start an ancestral war. Banished and sent to Earth by his father Odin, he is condemned to live among humans. However, when the forces of evil in his kingdom are about to unleash on Earth, Thor will learn to behave like a true hero.
Prelude to Avengers: Nick Fury’s Big Week (comics)
In the space of a week, Nick Fury is confronted with the events of Iron Man 2, Thor and the Incredible Hulk. Fury therefore sends his agents, in particular Natasha Romanoff and Phil Coulson to the field. Later, he informs Coulson that they have found Captain America.
Prelude to Avengers: Black Widow Strikes
After the events of Iron Man 2, Black Widow is sent as a spy to Moscow, Russia to settle a case that could destabilize world peace.
Avengers (movie)
When Nick Fury, director of SHIELD, the organization that preserves peace in the world, wants to form a team to prevent the destruction of the world, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow respond present. The new team, dubbed the Avengers, may seem tight-knit, but its illustrious members still have to learn to work together.
Prelude to Iron Man 3 (comics)
While Tony Stark fights the Chitauri with the Avengers in New York, War Machine is in Hong Kong to take down several terrorist cells.
Prelude to Thor: The Dark World (comics)
Find out how Thor managed to return to Earth during the Avengers movie when the Bifrost was broken and what happens when Thor and Loki return to Asgard after the Battle of New York.
No. 47 (unique edition)
After the Battle of New York, a couple finds a Chitauri weapon and uses it to carry out several robberies. SHIELD agents Sitwell and Blake are in hot pursuit.
Scott Lang: Little Player (comics)
Find out how Scott Lang ended up in prison…
Iron Man 3 (movie)
A few months after the events of Avengers, Tony Stark, alias Iron Man, is confronted with the Mandarin, a terrorist who is sowing chaos in the United States. He will have to rely on his courage and ingenuity to defeat him.
Long Live the King (Single Edition)
After the events of the film Iron Man 3, Trevor Slattery is detained in Seagate prison (prison where Justin Hammer is notably locked up). One day, a director wants to shoot a documentary and the latter will teach him that the real Mandarin exists.
Prelude to Guardians of the Galaxy (comics)
Discover how the rivalry between Nebula and Gamora was forged, and in the second part, how Groot and Rocket lived before meeting the other Guardians.
Thor: The Dark World (movie)
Malekith is back, ready for revenge. He is the head of the Dark Elves and intends to extend his darkness and his domination over the entire universe. Faced with this threat, Odin and Asgard are helpless. To keep the peace and protect his people and loved ones, Thor must ally himself with Loki. He is still imprisoned for his acts of treason. The fight to come promises to be violent and merciless…
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (movie)
After the events of The Avengers, Steve Rogers lives quietly in Washington, and tries to adapt to the modern world. But when a SHIELD colleague is attacked, Steve finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue that puts the world in danger. Teaming up with Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose a growing conspiracy, while fending off professional killers sent to silence him. When the extent of the evil plan is revealed, Captain America and Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves facing an unexpected and formidable enemy – the Winter Soldier.
Guardians of the Galaxy (movie)
Peter Quill is an adventurer hunted by all the bounty hunters for having stolen a mysterious orb coveted by the powerful Ronan. When he discovers the true power of this globe, he enters into a fragile alliance with four disparate aliens. The film is set in 2014.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (movie)
Acting as a team for several months, the Guardians must fight to stay together as they uncover Quill’s origins. The film takes place a few months after the first part, still in 2014.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (movie)
While recovering Loki’s scepter with the help of the other Avengers, Tony Stark discovers that Strucker had developed a revolutionary artificial intelligence. Stark soon conceives an insane project: to revive his peacekeeping program, until then dormant, thanks to this ultra-powerful robotic consciousness. The film takes place in the year 2015.
Prelude to Doctor Strange (comics)
Wong, along with other Masters of Mystic Arts and Kaecilius, attempt to arrest a woman who has stolen a relic. Meanwhile, the Elder and Mordo attempt to recover the Arrow of Apollo, a very powerful relic, then in the hands of several bandits.
Ant Man (movie)
Gifted with the amazing ability to dramatically shrink his size while multiplying his strength, professional thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero in order to aid his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, and protect technological secrets. what is in his costume. Facing a new generation of opponents, Lang and Pym must plan and pull off a daring heist that could save the world.
Captain America: Civil War (movie)
Steve Rogers is now at the head of the Avengers, whose mission is to protect humanity. Following one of their interventions which caused significant collateral damage, the government decided to set up a command and supervision body. This new deal causes a split within the team.
Black Panther (movie)
After the events of Captain America: Civil War, T’Challa returns home to take his place on the throne of Wakanda, a technologically advanced African country, but when an old enemy resurfaces, T’Challa’s courage is tested. , both as a ruler and as a Black Panther.
Black Widow (movie)
Natasha Romanoff, alias Black Widow, sees the darkest part of her past reappear to face a formidable conspiracy linked to her past life. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must reconnect with her spy activities and with ties that were broken long before she joined the Avengers.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (movie)
After his spectacular debut with the Avengers, Peter Parker gradually discovers his new identity, that of Spider-Man. Galvanized by his previous experiences, Peter returns home to his Aunt May. But the appearance of a new enemy, the Vulture, will endanger everything that matters to him.
Doctor Strange (movie)
Doctor Strange follows the story of Doctor Stephen Strange, a talented neurosurgeon who, after a tragic car accident, must put his ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. The plot takes place between 2016 and 2017.
Thor: Ragnarok (movie)
Deprived of his powerful hammer, Thor is held prisoner on a distant planet at the edge of the universe. To save Asgard, he will have to fight against time in order to prevent the ruthless Hela from accomplishing Ragnarok, or the destruction of his world and the end of the Asgardian civilization. The film is set in 2017.
Prelude to Avengers: Infinity War (comics)
After the fight with the Avengers, T’Challa forgives Bucky and brings him back with Steve Rogers. The latter then leaves to free the Avengers imprisoned in the Raft. In the second part of the prelude, Tony Stark designs his new armor, the Mark 50, while Doctor Strange senses that a serious impending event, which could change the whole universe, is about to happen.
Ant-Man and the Wasp (movie)
After the events of Civil War, Scott Lang struggles to reconcile his life as a superhero and his responsibilities as a father. However, his thoughts on the consequences of his choices are cut short when Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym give him an urgent new assignment.
Avengers: Infinity War (movie)
As the Avengers and their allies continued to protect the world from threats far too great for any single hero to fight, a new danger has come from outer space: Thanos. A despot feared throughout the universe, Thanos aims to collect the six Infinity Stones, some of the most powerful artifacts in the universe, and use them to impose his will on all of reality. Every battle the Avengers have fought culminates in this epic battle.
Avengers: Endgame (movie)
The culmination of 22 interconnected films, the fourth installment in the Avengers saga will lead audiences to witness the turning point of this epic journey. Our beloved heroes will understand how fragile this reality is and the sacrifices it will take to preserve it.
Loki – Season 1 (Disney+ series)
In Marvel Studios’ Loki, supervillain Loki reprises his role as the God of Deception in an all-new series set after the events of Avengers: Endgame.
WandaVision (Disney+ series)
WandaVision mixes the style of classic sitcoms with the Marvel universe. Wanda Maximoff and Vision, two superheroes leading the most normal of lives, begin to suspect that this one is not as perfect as it seems.
The series is set three weeks after the events of Avengers: Endgame and explores Wanda Maximoff’s grief.
Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+ series)
The duo composed of Sam Wilson, alias Falcon, and Bucky Barnes, alias the Winter Soldier, born at the end of Avengers: Endgame, is reforming for a planetary adventure that will test their skills and their patience.
The series takes place 6 months after Avengers: Endgame.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (movie)
Peter decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang for a vacation in Europe. However, Peter’s plan to leave his superhero costume behind for a few weeks is quickly compromised when he reluctantly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several creature attacks, which are ravaging the continent!
The film takes place 9 months after the events of Avengers: Endgame.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (film)
Shang-Chi, a martial arts master, must confront his past and everything he thought he left behind when he becomes entangled in the affairs of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.
Eternals (movie)
Marvel Studios’ ‘The Eternals’ movie will introduce an all-new team of superheroes to the Marvel Universe, ancient aliens who have lived on Earth among humans for thousands of years. After the events of Avengers: Endgame, an unforeseen tragedy forces them out of the shadows to come together once again against the oldest enemy of the human race: the Deviants.
The film is set around Spider-Man: Far From Home according to producer Nate Moore.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (movie)
For the first time in its cinematic history, Spider-Man, the friendly neighborhood hero is exposed and can no longer separate his normal life from his heavy superhero responsibilities. When he asks Doctor Strange for help, the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to find out what being Spider-Man truly means.
The movie is the direct sequel to Spider-Man: Far From Home and is mostly set in November 2024 (after Halloween), while the ending takes place around Christmas, the same time as the Hawkeye series.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (movie)
In this new Marvel Studios movie, the Marvel Cinematic Universe unlocks and pushes the boundaries of the Multiverse even further. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who with the help of mystical allies old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous realities of the multiverse to face a mysterious new adversary. The events of Spider-Man: No Way Home are referenced in the film. The multiverse of Madness takes place like this a few months later.
Hawkeye (series)
Former Avenger Clint Barton has a seemingly simple mission: to return to his family for Christmas. Possible? Maybe with the help of Kate Bishop, a 22-year-old archer who dreams of becoming a superhero.
The series takes place during the week before Christmas, in 2024.
Moon Knight (series)
A discreet employee in a souvenir shop, Steven Grant suddenly suffers from memory loss and is haunted by visions of another life. He discovers that he suffers from dissociative identity disorder and that he shares the same body as a mercenary, Marc Spector.
Ms. Marvel (series)
A great fan of video games and an insatiable fan-fiction editor, she loves superheroes, which ignite her imagination (especially Captain Marvel). But she struggles to find her place at home as in high school until she discovers superpowers, similar to those of her heroes.
MARVEL/NETFLIX SERIES TIMELINE
These series do take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe even if it is true that there is no reference to them in the films. One important thing to know all the same, “the Defenders universe” takes place after the battle of New York from the first Avengers film.
Daredevil – Season 1 (series)
Blind since childhood but endowed with extraordinary powers (his sensory capacities are quadrupled) Matt Murdock fights for justice by day as a lawyer. At night, he becomes the superhero Daredevil, a crime-fighting vigilante in New York.
Jessica Jones – Season 1 (series)
Superheroine Jessica Jones has become a private detective. Haunted by a traumatic event from her past, she hides out in New York and settles for sordid affairs of adultery. A new investigation will bring old demons back to life.
Daredevil – Season 2 (series)
After arresting the criminal Wilson Fisk and his organization, the one now known as Daredevil must face a greater threat, that of the Punisher, a man seeking justice for the victims, not hesitating to use criminal methods. to achieve his ends.
Luke Cage – Season 1 (series)
Following an experience that gave him superhuman strength and indestructible skin, Luke Cage took refuge in Harlem where he multiplies odd jobs. He will have to choose whether or not to use his powers to fight crime.
Iron Fist – Season 1 (series)
Billionaire Danny Rand, missing for years, is back in New York to take over Rand Enterprises, the family business. But to achieve this, it will have to confront the corruption and crime that plague its leaders. For this, he can count on his famous Fist of Steel.
Defenders – Season 1 (series)
A blind ninja. A sassy detective. A bulletproof former inmate. A kung fu-loving billionaire. “Marvel’s The Defenders” follows the adventures of four lonely superheroes who are forced to put aside their personal issues to fight together against a group of criminals threatening to destroy New York City.
The Punisher – Season 1 (series)
Frank Castle, better known under the pseudonym of Punisher, goes to war against all criminals, including those responsible for the death of his family. He will discover that this hides a larger conspiracy than he had suspected.
Jessica Jones – Season 2 (series)
After turning the page on Kilgrave, she sets off on the trail of the laboratory that gave her her powers. However, she will soon realize that a member of her family did not die in the car accident of which she was supposed to be the only survivor.
Luke Cage – Season 2 (series)
Following his adventure against The Hand with the Defenders, Luke Cage returns to Harlem, where he continues to uphold justice, collaborating with Misty Knight, hoping to bring down Mariah Dillard and Shades. But a new antagonist, thirsty for revenge, decides to make the Stokes family pay himself…
Iron Fist – Season 2 (series)
As a gang war brews in New York’s Chinatown, Danny and Colleen strive to protect the innocent and face off against the worst enemies.
Daredevil – Season 3 (series)
Matt Murdock survived the collapse of the Midland Circle tower. But as he tries to make himself forgotten, an old enemy will reemerge with new allies and a plan to destroy both Matt Murdock and Daredevil.
The Punisher – Season 2 (series)
The Punisher is in a little too familiar territory. Billy Russo, Frank’s old brother-in-arms, begins to heal from the wounds Frank inflicted on him, it’s only a matter of time before Billy puts the pieces of the puzzle back together.
Jessica Jones – Season 3 (series)
As Jessica pursues an evil serial killer, Trish discovers her newfound powers and Malcolm finds himself in a moral conflict.
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