There are currently 27 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—with many more on the way. Even for diehard fans, that's a lot of superheroes and timelines to keep track of! The MCU is the highest-grossing film franchise of all time, and the Marvel movies, with their intersecting storylines, familiar comic book characters, and high-stakes action, are beloved by comics fans and film buffs alike. For newcomers, however, knowing where to start with the Marvel movies can be a challenge. You might have heard of the Marvel phases—but what are they, exactly? How many Marvel phases are there? And do you have to watch the movies in order?
The audio versions of each Marvel phase make great introductions to the MCU. You'll meet and the in the ; in the ; and in the . And when you're ready to dive into the movies, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Marvel phases and how best to enjoy them.
What is a Marvel "phase"?
Since the release of the first MCU movie () in 2008, MCU films have been divided into phases. Each phase includes a group of loosely linked movies that share an overarching story arc and group of characters. Marvel phases are a way to organize the movies; each phase consists of a group of movies released over a period of years. Phases are determined both by release dates and subject matter. Though each Marvel movie can be enjoyed as a standalone, movies in each phase build upon each other, with overlapping characters and plot points.
Ready to dive in? Below you'll find a handy guide to the Marvel phases in order, including the movies included in each phase, the characters introduced, and the key storylines that define each particular phase.
Marvel Phase One (2008 to 2012)
Phase One primarily concerns the , with movies that focus on these superheroes both individually and as a group. Major characters include Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, and Captain America, each of whom got their own movie. and are also important characters in this phase; we meet Black Widow in Iron Man 2 and they are both in the final film, The Avengers. Taken as a whole, Phase One introduces viewers to each of the Avengers—their backstories, skills, and powers—culminating in the final film, which brings them all together in an epic battle against a formidable villain, .
Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man introduces Tony Stark, a brilliant inventor who is captured and forced to build a deadly weapon. He rebels against his captors and, drawing on his considerable intelligence and resourcefulness, builds a dazzling suit of armor for himself and escapes, vowing to defend the world as Iron Man.
