The "Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a fictional and shared universe consisting of a series of films, TV series, and short films produced by "Marvel Studios", based on characters and storylines from "Marvel Comics".
The MCU exists independently from the main "Marvel Comics Universe (Earth-616)" and the "Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610)", with its designated number being "Earth-199999".
"Narrative Structure"
Traditional film franchises have typically followed a "linear storytelling" approach.
—For example, the classic "Star Wars"series was filmed across different eras, starting with the "original trilogy (Episodes 4–6)", followed by the "prequel trilogy (Episodes 1–3)", then the "sequel trilogy (Episodes 7–9)", along with two spin-off films.
The "MCU", however, adopts a "networked storytelling" approach by introducing independent superhero films that later merge and assemble into larger alliances. This approach ensures a "unified setting" across films, allowing for interconnected plot threads that contribute to a cohesive world-building experience.
"Release Order of Films & TV Series"
The MCU consists of a large number of films, a series of "Marvel One-Shots"short films, and various TV series.
"Marvel TV Series Overview"
Prior to 2021, Marvel's TV series were produced by "Marvel Television" in collaboration with networks such as "ABC, Netflix, Hulu" and "Freeform (a subsidiary of ABC).
However, in "December 2019", Marvel underwent a "structural change", integrating "Marvel Television"into "Marvel Studios", leading to the discontinuation of its previous TV series (e.g., *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.').
Since "2021", all Marvel-produced TV series have been released exclusively on "Disney+ (D+)"starting with 'WandaVision'. These shows, along with previous "Netflix-produced series", are officially recognized as "MCU canon", with exceptions like 'Baymax!' and 'X-Men '97'.
In the list below, "Disney+ series" and "The Defenders Saga" are specially marked.
"Phase One"
- Iron Man (2008)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- Thor (2011)
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant (2011)
- Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer (2011)
- The Avengers (2012)
- Marvel One-Shot: Item 47 (2012)
Phase Two
- Iron Man 3 (2013)
- Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter (2013)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 1, Episodes 1–7 (2013–2014)
- Thor: The Dark World (2013)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 1, Episodes 8–16 (2013–2014)
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King (2014)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 1, Episodes 17–22 (2014)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Agent Carter Season 1 (2015)
- [The Defenders Saga] Daredevil Season 1 (2015)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2, Episodes 1–19 (2014–2015)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2, Episodes 20–22 (2015)
- WHIH Newsfront Season 1 (2015)
- Ant-Man (2015)
Phase Three
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 3, Episodes 1–10 (2015–2016)
- [The Defenders Saga] Jessica Jones Season 1 (2015)
- Agent Carter Season 2 (2016)
- [The Defenders Saga] Daredevil Season 2 (2016)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 3, Episodes 11–19 (2016)
- WHIH Newsfront Season 2 (2016)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- [The Defenders Saga] Luke Cage Season 1 (2016)
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4, Episodes 1–8 (2016–2017)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot (2016)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4, Episodes 9–22 (2016–2017)
- [The Defenders Saga] Iron Fist Season 1 (2017)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- [The Defenders Saga] The Defenders (2017)
- Inhumans (2017)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- [The Defenders Saga] The Punisher Season 1 (2017)
Phase Four
- [Disney+] WandaVision (2021)
- [Disney+] The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
- [Disney+] Loki Season 1 (2021)
- Black Widow (2021)
- [Disney+] What If...? Season 1 (2021)
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
- Eternals (2021)
- [Disney+] Hawkeye (2021)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- [Disney+] Moon Knight (2022)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
- [Disney+] Ms. Marvel (2022)
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
- [Disney+] I Am Groot Season 1 (2022)
- [Disney+] She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
- [Disney+] Werewolf by Night (2022)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
- [Disney+] The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
Phase Five (Current Phase)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
- [Disney+] Secret Invasion (2023)
- [Disney+] I Am Groot Season 2 (2023)
- [Disney+] Loki Season 2 (2023)
- The Marvels (2023)
- [Disney+] What If...? Season 2 (2023)
- [Disney+] Echo (2024)
- Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
- [Disney+] Agatha: Darkhold Diaries (2024)
- [Disney+] What If...? Season 3 (2024)
Phase Six (Upcoming)
- Thunderbolts(May 2, 2025)
- Fantastic Four (July 25, 2025)
- Spider-Man: Friendly Neighborhood Season 2 (TBA 2025)
- Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (May 1, 2026)
- Spider-Man 4 (July 24, 2026)
- Vision Quest (TBA 2026)
- Avengers: Secret Wars (May 7, 2027)
Recommended Viewing Order:
The best way to experience the MCU is "by release order", as it gradually unlocks Marvel Easter eggs and allows for a more immersive storytelling experience. However, the choice is ultimately up to you!
