Marvel Cinematic Universe viewing order - Release order

The following lists the MCU orthodox movies in **the order of their first release (Release Order)**, briefly explaining their stages and significance (excluding Disney+ episodes):

| Option (Release Order)                    | Analysis                                       |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Iron Man (2008)                      | The pioneer work of MCU, the post-credits scene officially introduces the "Avengers plan" |
| The Incredible Hulk (2008)           | Early world view supplement, Banner's first appearance               |
| Iron Man 2 (2010)                   | Expanding the Shield setup, paving the way for the Avengers               |
| Thor (2011)                         | Introducing the gods and cosmic concepts                         |
| Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) | Shaping Captain America, connecting the Avengers main line                 |
| The Avengers (2012)                 | The first phase concludes, the Avengers officially assemble                 |
| Iron Man 3 (2013)                   | Exploring Tony's psychological trauma, summarizing the personal hero phase         |
| Thor: The Dark World (2013)         | Introducing the reality gem, deepening the nine realms setup                 |
| Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) | Political thriller style, Shield dissolution                   |
| Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)      | Space line opens, style breakthrough                       |
| Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)      | The initial appearance of Avengers cracks, laying the groundwork for Civil War                 |
| Ant-Man (2015)                      | Quantum concept appears for the first time                           |
| Captain America: Civil War (2016)  | Avengers divide, Spider-Man's first appearance                   |
| Doctor Strange (2016)               | Magical system officially introduced                           |
| Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) | Focusing on family themes, relatively concentrated timeline                 |
| Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)       | Sony cooperation officially launches                           |
| Thor: Ragnarok (2017)               | Style transformation, directly connected to Infinity War                     |
| Black Panther (2018)                | Wakanda world view expands                           |
| Avengers: Infinity War (2018)      | Thanos' snap, MCU watershed                       |
| Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)         | Quantum domain and "disappearance event"                       |
| Captain Marvel (2019)               | Set in the 90s, filling in the gaps for the finale                   |
| Avengers: Endgame (2019)            | The final chapter of the Infinity saga                       |
| Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)    | Post-finale world status explanation                         |
| Black Widow (2021)                 | Post-Civil War supplement to Natasha's personal line                     |
| Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) | New generation heroes debut                             |
| Eternals (2021)                    | Grand world view expansion, divided evaluations                   |
| Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)      | Multiverse fully opens                           |
| Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) | Multiverse out of control consequences                           |
| Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)      | God theme, polarized reputation                         |
| Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) | Post-T'Challa era Wakanda                       |
| Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) | Officially introduces "Kang"                               |
| Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) | Guardians of the Galaxy main line concludes                         |
| The Marvels (2023)                 | Multi-character linkage, connecting the past and the future                       |
| Deadpool and Wolverine (2024)      | R-rated characters officially join the MCU multiverse              |