Since the release of Iron Man in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has developed and grown into epic proportions which now includes over 30 films (and counting) as well as several TV series. The Avengers Timeline is the primary force behind the creation of this universe which includes all the films and primarily the TV series of "Agent Carter" and "The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." but several other series are being released now that are directly connected.
This list is presented in the order in which you should view the Avengers timeline and includes the episodes of the related TV series and short films. The date range shown on each entry is the currently established time that the primary story line takes place. It does not include flashbacks, flash forwards, time travel, alternate universe and/or alien planet dates and times. The time range listed is simply the most important dates to consider in relation to the overall timeline. You'll note that some time ranges make it appear that some entries should be viewed before or after other entries but, trust me, watch it in this order to get the full story without ruining any surprises and/or causing any confusion.
This timeline information is based on extensive research conducted by the fans and contributors of the
Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki
as well as my personal familiarity with of all the material involved.
Iron Man
February 11 - November 25, 2009
NOTE: Since this was the first film made and released, there was no established timeline for the MCU. Once that timeline was established, it was integrated into it. As such, there are a couple scenes in the film that shows the events taking place in 2008. Just ignore them if you spot them.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
May 24 - September 28, 2016
NOTE: Opens with flashbacks going back to May, 2012, right after the Battle of New York. Then a HUGE blooper occurs that is the joke of many an MCU fan. After this flashback sequence, a placard is displayed saying "8 Years Later". This is absolutely incorrect and throws the events of this film completely outside the timeline. It should say "4 Years Later", as it takes place in 2016 within the dates shown above ...not 2020.
Loki [Season 1]
Shortly after Endgame
NOTE: Loki jumps around in the mulitverse so there's no set time period it takes place in. However, for purposes of the veiwing order, watching it here is as good a place as any. In fact, some of the events and concepts to follow are initially introduced here.
What If...? [Season 1]
The 'What If..' animated series is not part of the actual Avengers timeline but rather it depicts alternative versions of events that have occurred within the timeline. The reason I've placed it here in the timeline, however, is because, if you wish to see it, you'll want to see it after 'Loki' as much of the central focus of 'What If...' is based on a character introduced in 'Loki'. It's not required but it'll take on a different dimension if you fully understand the character.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law [Mini-Series]
November 30, 2024 - August 27, 2025
Due to the extensive inclusion of the character of Daredevil in this series, I may include the New York based series later. These would include Daredevil, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, The Punisher and The Defenders. We'll see if they continue to be an important part of the Avengers timeline in the future.
The following are the TV Series & Specials that officially take place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (along with their release year) but do not directly affect the Avengers timeline... except, perhaps, for the occasional cameo and/or reference to events going on in other places within the MCU. If a major connection is established in the future, I'll move them into the main timeline.
The following are Sony / Columbia Pictures productions of Marvel characters. Up to this point, Spider-Man is the only Sony / Marvel character officially part of the MCU. Although the following films are not officially part of the MCU, the mid and post credit scenes indicate that they may be part of the MCU at some point.
Personally, I think that's unfortunate. With the exception of the aforementioned Spider-Man films, Sony's version of Marvel characters have proven to be somewhat inferior efforts when comparted to Marvel Studios and I sincerely hope that dragging them in the MCU does not cause more harm than good.
