Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) - Watch Order: Iron Man Films

2008 - 20198 Films19h 1m4.5 Average

This watch order focuses on Tony Stark's journey from arms dealer to world-saving hero. While it includes his solo films, Tony's story is deeply intertwined with the larger MCU narrative, particularly the Avengers films where he plays a central role.

Note that this order assumes familiarity with other MCU characters and storylines. For the complete context of Tony's relationships and character development, the full Release Order provides better background.

1
Iron Man poster

Iron Man

20082h 6m4.6
Director: Jon Favreau
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb

After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.

ActionScience FictionAdventure
2
Iron Man 2 poster

Iron Man 2

20102h 4m3.9
Director: Jon Favreau
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell

With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark faces pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, with Pepper Potts and James 'Rhodey' Rhodes at his side, must forge new alliances – and confront powerful enemies.

AdventureActionScience Fiction
3
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
4
Iron Man 3 poster

Iron Man 3

20132h 10m4
Director: Shane Black
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

ActionAdventureScience Fiction
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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