Avengers: Endgame closed the door on a beloved chapter in the MCU, so today on Beyond the
Screen we wan’t to recommend to all you curious folk out there, the most ideal viewing
order for returning fans or even new viewers.
We’re specifically opting to go down to the Timeline Order route here, as opposed
to personal preference, but feel free to leave your comments down below with your ideal viewing
order.
And with that, lets jump in.
To begin - Captain America: The First Avenger What better way to begin than with the introduction
of our favorite Captain, Steve Rogers.
In The First Avenger he is introduced to us through flashback, transporting us back to
World War II, as well as connecting the film to the major antagonist threat known as HYDRA.
Now, the only downside to watching this film first is that it already expects you to know
who Nick Fury is, and, to a lesser extent, Howard Stark as well.
However, timeline wise, First Avenger makes the most sense to watch first.
Next, let’s jump over to one of the most recent releases, Captain Marvel.
Now, in a similar vein to our previous point, this movie can be viewed in a variety of different
orders -- but if we’re sticking with timeline continuity, this is its correct location.
We are introduced to the most powerful superhero in the MCU in this 90’s throwback film.
It is the best origin story, and aside from a post-credit scene that alludes to Endgame,
it almost could exist entirely on its own outside of the Marvel timeline.
In the grander scheme of things, Captain Marvel would be the flashback before the Infinity
Saga, and is more of a way to introduce an important character for later down the line.
However, like I said, with the post credit scene, it complicates things.
Considering it is taken directly out of Endgame, which requires you to know who all of the
characters are.
But alas.
Iron Man The movies that started it all back in 2008.
Iron Man introduces us to Tony Stark and the origin of his Iron Man suit, as well as Stark
Industries, and more importantly, SHIELD.
Specifically, Agent Phil Coulson, and the idea of the Avengers Initiative.
Not only that, but this is also the film that began the post credit scenes tradition.
Iron Man 2 We are introduced to Rhodey, aka, War Machine
in Iron Man 2 -- a central figure in the MCU following this.
It lays the groundwork for events to come -- and more importantly, gifts us with the
introductions of Natasha Romanoff, aka, Black Widow -- one of the original six.
The Incredible Hulk Don’t Watch It.
Thor This was the MCU’s first foray into the
cosmic elements of Marvel, and introduced to us another one of the original six, the
Norse God of Thunder, Thor.
More importantly still, we are introduced to the Norse God of Mischief, Loki.
A prominent figure throughout the rest of the MCU.
Avengers: Assemble A movie like no other, a movie that brought
together all the MCU heroes together, united against a common threat.
This is also the first movie where we get to see Mark Ruffalo take on the role of The
Hulk, replacing Edward Norton from that earlier film that I told you not to watch.
Now, the movie takes elements from The Ultimates comics, and introduced both mid-credits and
end-credit scenes -- and was arguably the first step towards Infinity War.
Iron Man 3 This was the first movie from Phase 2, with
Phase 1 concluding with Avengers.
In this film we see Tony dealing with the personal aftermath of the events in Avengers,
and introduces us to his greatest enemy.
Well, kinda.
Thor: The Dark World This atrocious Thor sequel also deals with
the aftermath of Avengers, much like our last point -- only this time, we have a new villain.
Malekith and the Dark Elves.
This film is only important because it has a direct connection with Thor: Ragnarok, which
we will be discussing later.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier In this film we see Cap and Black Widow team
up together for SHIELD in their counter-terrorist Special Mission Unit STRIKE.
Now, this movie is incredibly important because it completely shakes up the MCU by introducing
Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes, aka, Steve Rogers’ best friend from his days as a soldier.
Guardians of the Galaxy Ah yes, the first full-on introduction of
the cosmic side of Marvel with Guardians of the Galaxy.
Introducing the likes of Star-Lord, Gamora, Nebula, Groot, Drax and Rocket.
During the mid-credits scene of Avengers we are introduced to a big purple alien, who
is finally named in Guardians -- yes, Thanos, well done kids.
Now, the movie’s story is pretty much a standalone in the grand scheme of things,
with the most important piece of information coming out of it being Thanos.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 And they’re back again -- and not much has
changed.
Once again, it doesn’t have any real ties to the broader MCU, allowing you to watch
it whenever you want.
But what better placement than right after the first one.
Avengers: Age of Ultron At this point the Avengers are now an established
team, however, when Tony makes a big goof and creates an evil sentient robot, the Avengers
must team up again to take down this big threat.
Now, this movie sets up a number of things heading into Phase 3 -- and of course introduces
us to Scarlet Witch.
Ant-Man Now, this movie is the conclusion of Phase
2, and the perfect film to follow Age of Ultron.
We are introduced to Scott Lang, a criminal who is approached by Dr Henry Pym to protect
his greatest inventions.
Pym Particles.
Which are very important leading into the latter half of our list, and particularly
Endgame.
Captain America: Civil War The third installment of Captain America,
not only brings us Steve, but also the entire Avengers gang.
Only this time, they’re battling each other.
The story deals with the fallout of the events in Age of Ultron, as well as deals with the
introduction of Winter Soldier from the previous film.
However, more importantly, we get Spidey Man.
Doctor Strange Ah yes, the first film that fully introduces
the mystic arts into the MCU, as well as introduces alternative dimensions.
An immensely important aspect that will come into play later.
Now -- it’s hard to place the film considering it takes place over a long stretch of time.
However, it’s the perfect introduction to Strange, who plays a huge role in the MCU
from this point onwards.
Black Panther This film picks up right after the events
of Civil War, with T’Challa returning home and taking on the mantle of King.
Now -- the film itself doesn’t tie in too much to the rest of the MCU, but is instead
a fitting origin story for a hero and setting that we will get to see later on down the
line.
Spider-Man: Homecoming Spidey is back and now adjusting to life as
a superhero, flying around New York and solving petty crime.
We can assume it takes place just a few short months after the events of Civil War -- and
gives us the Spider-Man origin story we all desperately needed.
Also, Tom Holland.
Thor: Ragnarok This film takes place well after the events
of Age of Ultron, and sees both Hulk and Thor on an adorable comics adventure.
Now, the film alone is fantastic, and leaves behind Bruce Banner, with us watching on as
Hulk takes front and centre.
However, more importantly, the post-credit scene leads directly into the events of Avengers:
Infinity War.
Ant-Man and the Wasp Now, Ant-Man and the Wasp takes places roughly
a few weeks prior to Infinity War, with the most important aspect moving forward being
the Quantum Realm, as well as the post-credit scene, which shows a lot of the characters
get dusted, while Ant-Man is trapped inside of the Quantum Realm.
Avengers: Infinity War Here, we go, Final two.
We honestly don’t need to explain this one for you guys.
It’s the big showdown between the Avengers and Thanos who has his sights set on the Infinity
Stones -- with the movie ending with the Mad Titan snapping and dusting half of the universe.
Avengers: Endgame And of course, this really needs no explanation.
This is the final chapter in Phase 4, and closes the book on a lot of our favorite heroes
that were previously mentioned.
Now, I’m not going to spoil anything for you.
Just watch it.
Well, there we have it!
Do you guys agree with our viewing order?
Or do you disagree?
Leave us all your thoughts and feelings in the comments down below.
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And until next time, see ya later.