The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is one of the most popular and successful franchises in the history of cinema. With over 20 films in its canon, as well as several TV series, it can be difficult to know where to start when diving into the world of Marvel. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, deciding which movie to watch first in Marvel can be a daunting task. In this article, we will guide you through the best approach to take and provide some recommendations on which movie you should watch first.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a connected universe, meaning that each film is interconnected and builds upon the events of the previous ones. This can make it challenging to jump in at any point in the franchise and fully understand what is going on. As a result, we recommend starting at the beginning and working your way through in chronological order.
The first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is “Iron Man” released in 2008, which stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a billionaire inventor who creates a high-tech suit of armor to become a superhero. This movie sets the stage for the entire MCU, introducing us to the concept of superheroes and the idea that they can exist in our world. It also features a post-credits scene that teases the arrival of the Avengers, which is an important plot point that is developed in subsequent films.
After “Iron Man,” the next film in chronological order is “The Incredible Hulk” (2008), which follows scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) as he struggles to control his anger and transform into the Hulk. While this film is not as critically acclaimed as some of the other entries in the MCU, it still provides important context for the character of Bruce Banner and his role in the larger universe.
The third film in chronological order is “Iron Man 2” (2010), which sees Tony Stark facing off against new threats, including Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) and Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell). This film introduces several new characters, including Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff (aka Black Widow) and Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes (aka War Machine).
After “Iron Man 2,” the next film in the series is “Thor” (2011), which introduces us to the god of thunder (Chris Hemsworth) and his world of Asgard. This movie is particularly important because it sets up the concept of the Infinity Stones, which become a major plot point in the later Avengers films.
The next film in the series is “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011), which takes place during World War II and follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as he becomes the super-soldier known as Captain America. This movie provides important context for the character of Captain America, who becomes a key player in the Avengers franchise.
After “Captain America: The First Avenger,” the next film in the series is “The Avengers” (2012), which brings together all of the major heroes from the previous films for an epic team-up. This movie is a culmination of everything that came before it and sets up the major events of the later films in the series.
In conclusion, when deciding which movie to watch first in Marvel, we recommend starting at the beginning and working your way through in chronological order. This will provide the best understanding of the larger narrative and allow you to fully appreciate the interconnected nature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you’re looking for a specific recommendation, we suggest starting with “Iron Man” and working your way through from there. Happy watching!