So, you want the full list of Marvel universe films because, let’s be honest, the timeline is currently a bit of a disaster. It used to be simple. You’d go to the theater once a year, see a guy in a metal suit or a dude with a shield, and call it a day. Now? We’ve got multiverses, variants, and enough Disney+ tie-ins to make your head spin.
Honestly, trying to keep track of where we are in 2026 feels like a part-time job. If you’re just jumping back in after a break, or if you’re trying to figure out why Robert Downey Jr. is suddenly wearing green and calling himself Doctor Doom, you aren't alone.
The Foundation: Why the List of Marvel Universe Films Keeps Changing
The MCU didn’t start with a plan for sixty movies. It started with Kevin Feige and a dream that Iron Man wouldn't flop. Since 2008, the franchise has ballooned into what we call "Sagas." We finished the Infinity Saga with Endgame, and now we’re knee-deep in the Multiverse Saga.
The weird thing is, the order you watch them in matters way more than it used to. You can't just skip The Marvels and expect to understand why the X-Men are suddenly showing up in post-credit scenes. Well, you sort of can, but you’ll be the person whispering "Who is that?" to your annoyed friend in the theater.
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The Heavy Hitters You Can't Skip
If you're looking for the essentials, the spine of the story is still the Avengers films. But the list of Marvel universe films has grown to include "event" movies that aren't technically Avengers titles but act like them. Take Captain America: Civil War or Spider-Man: No Way Home. Those aren't just solo outings; they're massive pivots for the entire universe.
- Iron Man (2008) – The one that started the fire.
- The Avengers (2012) – When we realized this crossover thing actually worked.
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – Basically a political thriller with punch-ups.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – Proof that Marvel could make us cry over a talking raccoon.
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – The beginning of the end.
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) – The big cry-fest.
What’s Actually Happening in 2026?
This is where things get interesting. After a few years of what critics called "superhero fatigue"—and let’s be real, some of those Phase 4 movies were a slog—Marvel is pivoting hard. They’ve cut back on the quantity to focus on the stuff that actually makes people show up.
We’re currently looking at a massive 2026. The big one everyone is talking about is Avengers: Doomsday. It’s slated for December 18, 2026. This is the movie where the Russo Brothers return to direct, and RDJ comes back as Victor von Doom. It’s a wild swing. Some fans love it; others think it reeks of desperation. But you know you’re going to buy a ticket anyway.
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Before we get to Doom, though, we have Spider-Man: Brand New Day hitting theaters on July 31, 2026. Tom Holland is back, and word is that Destin Daniel Cretton (who did Shang-Chi) is taking the reins. It’s supposed to be a more "grounded" story, which is a relief after Peter Parker literally broke the universe in his last outing.
The "Wait, When Did That Come Out?" List
Earlier in this phase, we had some movies that people sort of forgot about or missed. If you’re making your own list of Marvel universe films to binge-watch, make sure you don't ignore these:
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025): This one is huge because it finally brings Marvel’s first family into the fold properly. It’s set in a retro-futuristic 1960s, which is a vibe.
- Thunderbolts*: Yes, there's an asterisk in the title. No, we still don't officially know why, though the theories are everywhere. This is the "Suicide Squad" style team-up of anti-heroes like Yelena Belova and U.S. Agent.
- Captain America: Brave New World: Sam Wilson is officially the Cap. No super-soldier serum, just a lot of heart and a very cool wingsuit.
Chronological vs. Release Order: The Eternal Debate
Look, if it’s your first time, watch them in the order they came out. The post-credit scenes are designed that way. Watching Captain Marvel (set in the 90s) first just makes the ending of Infinity War less impactful.
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However, if you're a seasoned pro doing a rewatch, the chronological list of Marvel universe films is a trip. Starting with Captain America: The First Avenger in WWII and ending with the futuristic chaos of Avengers: Doomsday gives you a totally different perspective on how the world building actually fits together.
The TV Problem
You kinda can't ignore the shows anymore. Daredevil: Born Again is a big deal in 2026. If you want the full picture, you’ve got to sprinkle in the Disney+ series. It’s a lot of homework, I know. But seeing Matt Murdock show up in Spider-Man makes way more sense if you’ve seen his solo stuff.
Practical Next Steps for Your Marvel Marathon
If you're planning to catch up before Avengers: Doomsday drops this December, don't try to watch all 30+ movies in a weekend. You’ll hate yourself.
Start by watching the "Phase Pillars." Focus on the Captain America trilogy, the Avengers tetralogy, and the Spider-Man films. That covers about 80% of what you actually need to know for the upcoming 2026-2027 slate. If you have extra time, jump into Loki Season 1 and 2 on Disney+. Honestly, it’s probably the most important "film" for understanding the multiverse, even though it’s a show.
Check the release dates for your local theater's "Marvel Marathons" too. With Avengers: Secret Wars coming in 2027, theaters are already starting to book re-screenings of the classics. There’s nothing like seeing Endgame on a big screen to remind you why we all got obsessed with this list of Marvel universe films in the first place.