Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) - Watch Order: Guardians of the Galaxy Films

2014 - 20236 Films14h 17m4.6 Average

This watch order focuses on the cosmic side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following Star-Lord and his unlikely family of misfits. The Guardians films blend comedy, heart, and spectacular space opera elements while exploring themes of family and belonging.

The Guardians' story connects to the larger cosmic MCU, particularly the Infinity Stones storyline. Their appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder is fairly brief but listed here for completeness.

1
Guardians of the Galaxy poster

Guardians of the Galaxy

20142h 1m4.8
Director: James Gunn
Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper

Light years from Earth, 26 years after being abducted, Peter Quill finds himself the prime target of a manhunt after discovering an orb wanted by Ronan the Accuser.

ActionScience FictionAdventure
2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 poster

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

20172h 17m4.5
Director: James Gunn
Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper

The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage.

Science FictionAdventureAction
3
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
4
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
5
Thor: Love and Thunder poster

Thor: Love and Thunder

20221h 59m3.6
Director: Taika Waititi
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Taika Waititi

After his retirement is interrupted by Gorr the God Butcher, a galactic killer who seeks the extinction of the gods, Thor Odinson enlists the help of King Valkyrie, Korg, and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, who now wields Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor. Together they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

FantasyActionComedy
6
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 poster

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

20232h 30m4.8
Director: James Gunn
Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff

Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

Science FictionAdventureActionComedy