Let’s be real: trying to track the list of MCU movies in 2026 feels a bit like trying to explain the Multiverse to a toddler. It’s messy. Just when you think you’ve got the order down, Kevin Feige drops a "Doomsday" clock on us and resets the stakes. If you’re feeling lost, you aren’t alone. Even the most hardcore fans are out here arguing on Reddit about whether The Fantastic Four: First Steps counts as a Phase 5 or Phase 6 starter (it’s Phase 6, by the way).
We’ve moved past the simple "Iron Man to Endgame" era. We're now deep in the weeds of the Multiverse Saga, where some movies take place in the 1960s on an alternate Earth, and others happen in the "present day" of the MCU, which—scary thought—is actually getting closer to our real-life calendar.
The Current State of the MCU Release Schedule
Right now, the big talk is all about 2026. This is the year things get heavy. After a somewhat quiet 2024 and a transitional 2025, Marvel is basically throwing the kitchen sink at us. We’re looking at a year that starts with street-level grit and ends with literally the end of the world.
If you’re planning a marathon, you basically have two choices. You can watch them in the order they hit theaters—the "Release Order"—or you can try the "Chronological Order," which involves a lot of jumping around and probably a few headaches.
The 2026 Heavy Hitters
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026): Tom Holland is back, but it’s not the Spidey we remember. He’s broke, alone, and the world has forgotten Peter Parker exists. Rumors are swirling about Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk showing up, which is... a choice. Destin Daniel Cretton is directing this one, moving over from Shang-Chi.
- Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026): This is the big one. Robert Downey Jr. is returning, but—and this still feels weird to type—he’s playing Victor von Doom. The Russo Brothers are back in the director chairs. If this doesn’t break the box office, nothing will.
Honestly, the way Marvel is stacking these is wild. We haven't had an Avengers movie since 2019. By the time Doomsday hits, it'll have been seven years. That’s an eternity in pop culture.
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Why the Order Actually Matters (Sorta)
Look, you can watch Guardians of the Galaxy whenever you want. It’s mostly its own thing. But if you try to watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness without seeing WandaVision, you’re going to be very confused why a magical lady is screaming about children that don't exist.
The list of MCU movies is no longer just movies. It’s a tapestry. You’ve got the Disney+ shows like Daredevil: Born Again (Season 2 is hitting this March, folks) feeding directly into the theatrical releases. It’s a lot of homework.
The Phase 6 Roadmap
Phase 6 officially kicked off with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. It set the stage for a retro-futuristic vibe that feels totally different from the "gray concrete" look of early Phase 4. From there, we’re sliding into the 2026 slate which is arguably the most important year for the brand since 2012.
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)
- Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
- Avengers: Secret Wars (Planned for late 2027)
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That everything happens in a straight line. It doesn't. Captain America: The First Avenger takes place in the 1940s. Captain Marvel is a 90s nostalgia trip. Black Widow happens right after Civil War, even though it came out years later.
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If you're a newcomer, don't start with the chronological order. It’s a trap. You’ll see characters reference things that haven't "happened" yet in the release cycle, and the emotional beats won't land. Watch them in the order they were released. Trust the process.
The "Blade" Situation
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Blade. Starring Mahershala Ali. This movie has been in "development" longer than some of you have been in high school. As of early 2026, it’s still sitting on the "TBD" list. Directors have come and gone. Scripts have been rewritten. While it’s technically on the list of upcoming projects, don’t hold your breath for a 2026 release. It’s looking more like 2027 or even 2028 at this point, if it happens at all.
How to Catch Up Without Losing Your Mind
If you want to be ready for Avengers: Doomsday this December, you don't actually need to watch all 30+ movies. That’s overkill. Focus on the "Infinity Saga" highlights and then pivot to the Multiverse essentials.
The "Must-Watch" Shortlist:
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- Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame (The foundation)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (Explains the Multiverse best)
- Loki Seasons 1 & 2 (Crucial for understanding how timelines work)
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (To meet the new players)
The MCU is changing. It’s getting weirder, more experimental, and—thanks to the return of RDJ—a lot more expensive. Whether you're here for the cosmic battles or the street-level brawls in Hell's Kitchen, the 2026 calendar is the most packed it's been in years.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official Marvel announcements around San Diego Comic-Con this summer. That's usually when the "Untitled" slots on the calendar get names. Right now, there's a big gap in early 2026 that smells like a Shang-Chi 2 or an Armor Wars update, but Marvel is playing those cards very close to the vest.
Start your rewatch now. If you do one movie a week, you'll barely finish the existing catalog before Spider-Man swings back into theaters this July.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Prioritize Loki: If you only have time for one Disney+ series before the 2026 movies, make it Loki. It is the literal backbone of the Multiverse Saga.
- Check the "Spotlight" Brand: Movies or shows under the "Marvel Spotlight" banner (like Echo or Wonder Man) are designed to be standalone. You can skip these if you’re just trying to follow the main Avengers plot.
- Theater vs. Stream: Remember that Marvel has moved back to longer theatrical windows. Don't expect Brand New Day to hit Disney+ until at least November 2026.