Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) - Watch Order: Avengers Core Events

2012 - 20195 Films12h 41m4.7 Average

This watch order focuses on the major team-up events that define the MCU's overarching narrative. These films represent the culmination of multiple storylines and the biggest threats the heroes face together.

While Civil War is technically a Captain America film, it functions as an Avengers movie that splits the team apart before they reunite for the final confrontation with Thanos. Note that these films assume extensive knowledge of individual character arcs from their solo movies, which are not listed here.

1
The Avengers poster

The Avengers

20122h 23m4.6
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson

When an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins!

Science FictionActionAdventure
2
Avengers: Age of Ultron poster

Avengers: Age of Ultron

20152h 21m4.3
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

ActionAdventureScience Fiction
3
Captain America: Civil War poster

Captain America: Civil War

20162h 27m4.4
Director: Joe Russo
Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie

Following the events of Age of Ultron, the collective governments of the world pass an act designed to regulate all superhuman activity. This polarizes opinion amongst the Avengers, causing two factions to side with Iron Man or Captain America, which causes an epic battle between former allies.

AdventureActionScience Fiction
4
Avengers: Infinity War poster

Avengers: Infinity War

20182h 29m5
Director: Anthony Russo
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin, Mark Ruffalo

As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment - the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

AdventureActionScience Fiction
5
Avengers: Endgame poster

Avengers: Endgame

20193h 1m5
Director: Anthony Russo
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson

After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

AdventureScience FictionAction