Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) - Watch Order: Phase 2

2013 - 20156 Films12h 37m4.2 Average

Following the success of The Avengers, Phase 2 expands the MCU by exploring the consequences of the Battle of New York and introducing new corners of the universe. This phase deepens existing characters while adding cosmic elements through the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Phase 2 builds toward Age of Ultron while setting up future storylines and exploring how the world has changed since aliens invaded New York.

1
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
2
Thor: The Dark World poster

Thor: The Dark World

20131h 52m3.6
Director: Alan Taylor
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Christopher Eccleston, Anthony Hopkins

Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos… but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

ActionAdventureFantasy
3
Captain America: The Winter Soldier poster

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

20142h 16m4.6
Director: Joe Russo
Cast: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan

After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America is living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.

ActionAdventureScience Fiction
4
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
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
Ant-Man poster

Ant-Man

20151h 57m4.1
Director: Peyton Reed
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Doctor Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Science FictionActionAdventure