For Streaming Club this month, we’re leaning in to the tide of heroics and mech suits to embrace the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
It’s easily one of the biggest franchises, packed with all the powerful artefacts, wise-cracking dialogue and spandex-clad bodies that we’ve come to expect in a superhero flick.
But with so many intricate details and hints to theorise over in each film, you want to make sure you’re getting the full picture – especially when you realise that to do so, you can’t watch them chronologically.
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Here’s a rundown on the best order to check out the Avengers movies, plus what you can expect from each.
1. Captain America: The First Avenger
The First Avenger actually takes place decades prior to any other film in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film kicks off the Marvel Universe by establishing Steve Rogers as a dominant force in the superhero canon – and introducing us to the mysterious energy source known as the Tesseract – a sign of what’s to come.
Watch it here.
2. Iron Man
Technically the first MCU film to be released, Iron Man is our first look at “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” Tony Stark. Wounded in war-torn Afghanistan, the film explores how Stark develops the arc reactor (the technology that enables him to become the eponymous Iron Man) and faces the duplicitous Iron Monger. You’ll want to stick around for the post-credits scene – it’s your first glimpse into the formation of the Avengers.
Watch it here.
3. Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 is our first introduction to a more developed Avengers Initiative as key players from the team make their debut. The plot centres around a rogue Russian scientist, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) who has developed an arc reactor like Tony’s to become Whiplash – and threaten the peace that Tony’s been working on maintaining since the events of Iron Man.
Watch it here.
4. The Incredible Hulk
A lot of people probably wouldn’t consider The Incredible Hulk vital viewing if you’re doing an MCU marathon, especially given the lack of Mark Ruffalo, but it has its place nonetheless. Technically the film takes place roughly the same time as Iron Man 2 and Thor, so the order can be interchangeable – though you could get away with skipping it if you felt inclined.
Watch it here.
5. Thor
Say hello to the perfectly coiffed Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Prince of Asgard. In a movie that saw fans flocking to pick up hammers and throwing their drinks to the ground while demanding, “ANOTHER!”, we meet the final member of the core Avengers team – as well as one of the MCU’s most iconic anti-heroes.
Watch it here.
6. The Avengers
This is it – the first film to feature the Avengers as a proper team and the conclusion of Phase One of the Avengers rollout. It brings together the heroes from earlier films (namely Iron Man, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and Hawkeye) as they face their first big challenge: The Battle of New York.
Watch it here.
7. Iron Man 3
After the events of The Avengers, it should come as no surprise that key players were experiencing the after-effects. In Iron Man 3, Tony Stark starts exhibiting serious signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has to face not only his enemies, but his inner conflict and feelings about his role in the Battle of New York.
Watch it here.
8. Thor: The Dark World
Though it wasn’t particularly popular with critics upon release, Thor: The Dark World is must-watch viewing because it introduces us to Aether. The film deals with the sudden appearance of portals as Thor finds himself traversing the galaxy to prevent the resurgence of a long-extinct race with unfathomable power.
Watch it here.
9. Captain America: Winter Soldier
Technically the sequel to The First Avenger, yet coming in ninth on the list, Captain America: Winter Soldier sees three of the Avengers (Cap, Black Widow and Falcon) banding together to defeat the Winter Soldier and uncover a conspiracy from within. The mid-credits and post-credits scenes are worth the watch alone.
Watch it here.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy
With possibly the best soundtrack of all the MCU films, Guardians of the Galaxy introduces us to a whole host of new heroes. Lead by Peter Quill (or Star Lord), the motley collection of heroes includes Gamora, Drax, Rocket the Racoon and Groot – though the most important thing here is the first direct introduction to Infinity Stones.
Watch it here.
11. Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2
Vol 2 takes somewhat of a departure from the core Avengers storyline to delve into the complicated backstory and heritage of Peter Quill. Although it’s not paramount to your understanding of the cinematic universe as a whole, it adds a lot of emotional weight and comic fans will note a post-credits reference to someone seriously powerful on their way.
Watch it here.
12. Avengers: Age Of Ultron
You’d be forgiven for getting confused as to the departure from Thanos and Infinity Stone storylines, but when you sit down to watch Age Of Ultron you’ll understand its importance. It brings Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, as well as key player Vision. Stick around till the post-credits scene, you’ll still get the Thanos fill you desire.
Watch it here.
13. Ant-Man
Ant-Man is one of the more light-hearted offerings in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – largely due to the comedic chops of Paul Rudd as the titular character. Does the man ever age? The shrinking superhero is brought to the table to establish his presence as a bonafide contender to join the Avengers when it comes time – and suddenly bugs don’t skeeve us out so much.
Watch it here.
14. Doctor Strange
If you’ve been playing along so far, you’d note that we’ve only encountered four of the six Infinity Stones – until Doctor Strange makes an appearance. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the cape-wearing manipulator of time and space, it’s a fun ride from start to finish – and lays some serious groundwork for his eventual integration into the greater Avengers team.
Watch it here.
15. Captain America: Civil War
Time for all the tension that’s been building up between Tony and Cap to come to a head. The Accords are the hot topic here – questioning whether superhumans should have to make themselves known and accountable to the government. With the team tearing itself apart from the inside, you’re forced to choose a side.
Watch it here.
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Despite so many iterations of Spider-Man having made the rounds, the only important inclusion on the list is Tom Holland’s young, eager portrayal. After featuring for the first time as Tony Stark’s protege in Civil War, Peter Parker’s origin story goes a long way in showing the audience that although he’s the youngest member of the team, he’s still a contender.
Watch it here.
17. Thor: Ragnarok
Possibly one of the most well-received Marvel movies ever, Taika Waititi’s psychedelic offering solidifies Thor as one of the most powerful Avengers on the team. Family ties come into question (yes, even more so than usual with Loki) and the movie gets extra points purely for Korg (voiced masterfully by Taika Waititi himself).
Watch it here.
18. Black Panther
The first Marvel movie to ever be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, Black Panther was a massive leap forward for diversity and has proven to be one of the most popular films in the MCU. It introduces Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther and sets the scene in the fictional country of Wakanda – where big things are fated to happen.
Watch it here.
19. Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers films are always large scale, but Infinity War has been so long coming that the conclusion to Phase 3 of the Marvel rollout feels gargantuan. At long last the team is facing Thanos, with the stakes higher than ever seen in the MCU – and the emotions running just as high. You’ll be rendered speechless by the final scenes.
Watch it here.
20. Ant-Man & The Wasp
Though the timing of this film coincides with the events of Avengers: Infinity War, it’s placed last because of one crucial post-credits scene. Ant-Man and the team attempt a dangerous rescue of Hope Van Dyne (the Wasp)’s mother, who’s been trapped for decades. Prepare to hear the words ‘quantum realm’ tossed around a lot – you’ll want to pay close attention.
Watch it here.