Collection
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The connected films and series that began with Iron Man in 2008 and have not stopped.
Which order? Release order. There are elaborate alternative orders online; none is better.
Iron Man
- 1
Iron Man 2008Robert Downey Jr. gives *Iron Man* a funny, abrasive hero worth spending time with. Jon Favreau’s attention to the actors makes this an easy recommendation, despite some routine fighting.Fi1m 80 - 2
Iron Man 2 2010Robert Downey Jr. is still the best reason to watch, and Sam Rockwell and Mickey Rourke give him company for a bright first hour. Then Jon Favreau’s sequel stops to introduce people it will need later, and never quite gets going again.Fi1m 56 - 3
Iron Man 3 2013Shane Black takes Tony Stark out of the armour, gives him a panic disorder and a small boy in Tennessee, and gets the funniest and warmest of the three. The last half hour is louder and harder to follow than anything before it.Fi1m 72
The Avengers
- 4
The Avengers 2012Joss Whedon’s superhero gathering is funny, clearly staged and carried by actors who make room for one another. It runs longer than it needs to, but the company earns our recommendation.Fi1m 80 - 5
Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015Joss Whedon’s second team film is funnier than most blockbusters and more tiring than any of them. James Spader’s Ultron is a proper villain and the quiet stretches are lovely; the fighting goes on until we stopped counting.Fi1m 63 - 6
Avengers: Infinity War 2018The Russos make a crowded superhero gathering exciting enough to justify most of the noise. Josh Brolin gives it a formidable adversary, though anyone arriving without an attachment to these heroes has considerable catching up to do.Fi1m 77 - 7
Avengers: Endgame 2019*Avengers: Endgame* gives its heroes enough time to matter, then rather more time than they need. We recommend this affectionate, often moving conclusion to anyone already invested, with reservations about the length and the routine-looking spectacle.Fi1m 79 - 8
Avengers: Doomsday 2026Coming 16 Dec 2026Coming soon
The series
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