Since 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a Hollywood juggernaut. And even 15 years later, it still has millions of fans around the world. But many would agree that the peak of the MCU’s popularity is already in the past, particularly, it seemed to peak in the third phase.
The MCU’s phase 3 was a time of extreme hype.
There really was nothing quite like it, and it’s something that could most likely never be successfully replicated again. If you missed out on it, don’t worry. Here are all the MCU Phase 3 movies in chronological order.
The MCU Phase 3 Movies in Order
1. Captain America: Civil War
2. Doctor Strange
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
4. Spider-Man: Homecoming
5. Thor: Ragnarok
6. Avengers: Infinity War
7. Ant-Man and the Wasp
8. Captain Marvel
9. Avengers: Endgame
10. Spider-Man: Far From Home
1. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
The beginning of the phase started off with a bang because in Captain America: Civil War, trouble was brewing, and not just because of the supervillains. There was trouble brewing within the Avengers.
The government and the public were fed up with the mistakes of the Avengers, and they wanted to hold them accountable by forcing them to work for the United Nations.
Captain America and a few other heroes were extremely against this while Iron Man and his side were in favor. The two sides can’t see eye-to-eye and clash in epic fashion.
2. Doctor Strange (2016)
After an accident leaves him with shaky hands, Doctor Stephen Strange’s days as a surgeon are over forever. However, what happens next no one could expect as Strange then begins his journey to be a sorcerer.
First, he only does so for selfish reasons. But the more time he spends training, the more he realizes that he wasn’t meant to be a rich and selfish surgeon; he was meant to be the Sorcerer Supreme. In simpler terms, he was destined to be a superhero.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Jumping from the mystical side of the MCU to the cosmic one, everyone’s favorite rag-tag team of mischiefs returns for a second adventure.
In the first movie, it’s heavily implied that Peter’s father is an important figure and somebody we’ll one day get to see. Well, in Vol. 2, we finally meet the mysterious man. And nothing is ever the same for the Guardians of the Galaxy.
But beyond that, we get to meet the interesting Mantis, flesh out more of Gamora and Nebula’s relationship, and get to know another side of Rocket.
4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
It was a long time coming, but it finally happened. One of the most popular superhero characters of all time finally got his own movie in the MCU.
After making his debut in Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man goes back to living a “regular” life as a teenager in Brooklyn. As regular as can be when you’re a superhero that is.
But he quickly realizes that he won’t just be nabbing purse snatchers and petty thieves. He’ll have to deal with his own supervillain in the form of the Vulture. Even though he’s already gone toe-to-toe with some of the Avengers, this may be his biggest challenge yet.
5. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Although this was the third movie for Thor, it felt like a fresh beginning. This version of Thor was more silly and comedic, and although future installments played too much into this, he was perfect in Thor: Ragnarok. In fact, everything about this movie is amazing.
After their sister returns, Thor and his brother Loki find themselves in a strange new world that they can’t seem to escape of. That doesn’t matter though because they need to figure out a plan quickly before their sister destroys all of Asgard.
Luck is on their side, however, as two allies are also stranded on the strange planet. Together, the 4 of them do everything they can to stop Hela.
6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Since his small teaser at the end of the first Avengers movie, Thanos had been built up as the final boss of the Avengers. A bigger threat than they could ever dream of. And in Infinity War, we find out if they’re up to the task.
Still reeling from the prior events of Civil War, the Avengers (alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy) fight the Mad Titan before he can reclaim all of the Infinity Stones. Because it’s just not Earth that is being threatened but the entire universe.
7. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
While the Avengers are fighting for their lives, Ant-Man and the Wasp have their own mini (ha) adventure in San Francisco.
The Wasp’s mom, Janet van Dyne, is stuck in the Quantum Realm after she shrunk too small. Decades later, Ant-Man and the Wasp believe they have the power and know-how to bring her back. Unfortunately, it won’t be an easy journey. Along the way, they’ll have to deal with both Sonny Burch and Ghost, 2 opponents who have their own agendas.
8. Captain Marvel (2019)
Captain Marvel was released toward the tail-end of Phase 3, but it actually takes place before most of the other movies in the MCU.
It follows a mysterious Kree soldier who suffers from memory loss. As more of her memories get uncovered, she has to ask herself, “Who can she trust?” This question itself opens up doors and reveals secrets she never thought possible and allows her to become Captain Marvel.
9. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
This was it. The culmination of the 21 movies that came before it. The Avengers once again have to come together and join forces to fight Thanos for a second and hopefully final time. But a lot has changed since they last encountered him, and many of the Avengers have changed (some for better and some for worse).
None of that matters, however, because the stakes are higher than ever, and only the Avengers can make everything right.
Although there was one more movie in Phase 3, Avengers: Endgame seemed to be a fitting conclusion to the saga.
10. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Even though Peter Parker isn’t finished with high school, he’s had enough adventure and excitement for a lifetime. But the hits keep on coming for Spidey. On a school trip to Europe, he’ll come across other superpowered beings such as the Elementals and Mysterio who will turn his life upside down.
And if that wasn’t enough, he still has to deal with being a teenager: getting bullied, having girl problems, and having a love-sick best friend.
Conclusion
Phase 3 of the MCU was one of its best, and this article should help you get on track to relive the journey or start it for the first time.
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