Shortly after the first official trailer for Avengers: Apocalypseit had sent the Marvel community into a frenzy.
This time it features big faces and bigger stakes.
With the new Avengers movie releasing in December 2026, it now seems like there’s no better time for a rewatch of the MCU.
The thing is, the MCU is huge: movies, Disney Plus shows, multiverse detours, and different timelines, so you can’t find just one way to stream it. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow guide to help you catch up without losing the storyline.
What phase of the MCU are we in now?
Marvel is currently going through phase six. This phase heads directly towards Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The multiverse is no longer a separate storyline: in fact, it is the main story.
Projects from phase four highlight extremely broken timelines, alternate realities, and the results of Endgame.
Phase Six included Fantastic Four: First Steps of Wakanda and Marvel Zombies, all roads lead to the next Avengers event.
What’s the best way to watch the MCU?
To look at the MCU right away, there are two main paths, and neither is wrong.
The release order is the simplest. You stream it like audiences originally did and see Marvel’s story unfold in order.
The chronological order is a bit messy, as it places the stories where they fit in the MCU timeline.
The following guide follows a phase structure based on releases, the best way to look at fans new and old.
Order of MCU Watches by Phase and Release Year
Phase one
The first phase builds on the main heroes and ends with the first team that changed blockbuster cinema.
- Iron Man
- The Incredible Hulk
- Iron Man 2
- Thor
- Captain America: The First Avenger
- The Avengers
Phase two
It presents stories on a cosmic scale and initiates the internal fractures of the Avengers team.
- Iron Man 3
- Thor: The Dark World
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Avengers: Age of Ultron
- Ant Man
Phase three
This is the emotional core of the MCU and key viewing before Avengers: Apocalypse.
- Captain America: Civil War
- Doctor Strange
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
- Spider-Man: Homecoming
- Thor: Ragnarok
- Black Panther
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Ant Man and the Wasp
- Captain Marvel
- Avengers: Endgame
- Spider Man: Far From Home
Phase four
This phase explains why Avengers Doomsday exists.
- WandaVision
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
- Loki
- Black widow
- What if?
- Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Eternals
- Hawk Eye
- Spider Man: No Way Home
- Moon Knight
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
- Ms. Marvel
- Thor: Love and Thunder
- She Hulk
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Phase five
These stories set the stage for Avengers: Doomsday.
- Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Secret invasion
- Loki
- The wonders
- Echo
- Deadpool and Wolverine
- Agatha throughout
- Captain America: Brave New World
- Love at first sight
Phase six
A massive multiverse war will take place in Avenger: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
- Fantastic Four: first steps
- The eyes of Wakanda
- Marvel Zombies
- Wonder Man – January 27, 2026
- Spider-Man: A Brand New Day: July 31, 2026
- Avengers: Doomsday December 18, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars – December 17, 2027
- Untitled Marvel Movie – 2028
Avenger: Judgment Day isn’t just another sequel, it’s the result of years of broken timelines and increasing chaos.
