Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@confiq

confiq/MCU + X-Men.md

Last active March 9, 2025 21:04
Show Gist options
  • Save confiq/262981784e7a3dfa2e3f91b687d3b9a8 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save confiq/262981784e7a3dfa2e3f91b687d3b9a8 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Download ZIP
Raw
MCU + X-Men.md

Here's a proposed chronological marathon order, with explanations:

Part 1: Origins and Early Days (Mostly X-Men Focus)

  1. X-Men: First Class (2011)

    • Placement: Set in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, it's the earliest point in the X-Men film timeline, showing the origins of Xavier's School and the formation of the first X-Men team.
    • Explanation: This is a clear starting point for the X-Men side, establishing Professor X, Magneto, and the early mutant world.

  2. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

    • Placement: Primarily set during World War II (1942-1945).
    • Explanation: The earliest point in the MCU timeline, showcasing the origin of Captain America and the introduction of the Tesseract (Space Stone). This sets the stage for many future MCU events.

  3. Agent Carter (Season 1 & 2) (2015-2016)

    • Placement: Set in 1946 (Season 1) and 1947 (Season 2), immediately after World War II.
    • Explanation: Follows Peggy Carter's post-war adventures and her work founding S.H.I.E.L.D.'s precursor, the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR). Provides early context for S.H.I.E.L.D. and the expanding world of espionage and super-powered individuals.

  4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

    • Placement: Contains flashbacks spanning from the mid-19th century to the 1970s, with the main story set in the 1970s.
    • Explanation: Explores Wolverine's origin story, his Weapon X experience, and his early interactions with other mutants. While chronologically earlier than some other X-Men films in terms of flashbacks, its main story setting is placed here for flow. Note: This film is considered less consistent with later X-Men continuity.

Part 2: Modern Era Emergence of Heroes (MCU and X-Men Intertwined)

  1. Iron Man (2008)

    • Placement: Generally considered to be set around 2010 based on release dates and in-universe references.
    • Explanation: The movie that launched the MCU. Introduces Tony Stark and Iron Man, marking the public emergence of superheroes in the MCU.

  2. The Incredible Hulk (2008)

    • Placement: Set around the same time as or shortly after Iron Man.
    • Explanation: Introduces Bruce Banner/Hulk into the MCU. While less directly connected to the overall MCU plot at first, it's a crucial early piece.

  3. Iron Man 2 (2010)

    • Placement: Set shortly after Iron Man, likely within the same year.
    • Explanation: Expands Tony Stark's world, introduces Black Widow and War Machine, and further develops S.H.I.E.L.D.'s presence.

  4. Thor (2011)

    • Placement: Set around the same time as Iron Man 2 and leading up to The Avengers.
    • Explanation: Brings in the cosmic side of the MCU, introducing Thor and Asgard, and further expanding the scope beyond Earth.

  5. X-Men (2000)

    • Placement: Loosely set in the "modern day" of its release (around 2000).
    • Explanation: The film that launched the X-Men movie franchise. Introduces the core X-Men team (Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, etc.) and the conflict between humans and mutants. Note: This is part of the original X-Men timeline, which gets altered later.

  6. X2: X-Men United (2003)

    • Placement: Set shortly after the first X-Men movie.
    • Explanation: Continues the storyline of the first X-Men film, deepening the mutant/human conflict and introducing more characters like Nightcrawler.

  7. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

    • Placement: Set shortly after X2.
    • Explanation: Concludes the original X-Men trilogy arc (though later films retcon aspects). Features the Dark Phoenix Saga and the Mutant Cure storyline. Note: This film is generally considered a weaker entry and is significantly altered by later films.

  8. The Avengers (2012)

    • Placement: Culmination of MCU Phase One, bringing together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye.
    • Explanation: A major crossover event for the MCU, solidifying the Avengers team and introducing a global threat.

Part 3: Expanding Universes and Timeline Shifts (MCU Phase 2 & X-Men Timeline Correction)

  1. Iron Man 3 (2013)

    • Placement: Set a few months after the Battle of New York in The Avengers.
    • Explanation: Deals with Tony Stark's PTSD and introduces the Mandarin storyline.

  2. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

    • Placement: Set after The Avengers and Iron Man 3, further exploring the cosmic side of the MCU.
    • Explanation: Introduces the Aether (Reality Stone) and continues Thor's story.

  3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

    • Placement: Set two years after The Avengers.
    • Explanation: Overhauls S.H.I.E.L.D. and introduces the Winter Soldier, significantly impacting the MCU's political landscape.

  4. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

    • Placement: Set in two timelines: 1973 and a dystopian future. Crucially, the 1973 events alter the timeline of the X-Men universe, essentially creating a new branch.
    • Explanation: This film is pivotal for the X-Men timeline. It attempts to fix the inconsistencies of the previous films and creates a new, potentially less bleak future. From this point on, we are mostly following the "new" X-Men timeline.

  5. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

    • Placement: Set in 2014 in space, but largely disconnected from Earth events at this point (though later connected).
    • Explanation: Introduces the cosmic Guardians of the Galaxy team and the Power Stone, further expanding the MCU's cosmic scope.

  6. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

    • Placement: Set a few months after the first Guardians film, still in 2014.
    • Explanation: Continues the Guardians' adventures and delves into Star-Lord's parentage.

  7. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

    • Placement: Set after Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
    • Explanation: Introduces Ultron, Vision, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver, and sets the stage for the Sokovia Accords and the division of the Avengers.

  8. Ant-Man (2015)

    • Placement: Set around the same time as Age of Ultron, but more self-contained initially.
    • Explanation: Introduces Ant-Man and the Quantum Realm, adding a new dimension (literally) to the MCU.

  9. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

    • Placement: Set in 1983, following the timeline alteration in "Days of Future Past."
    • Explanation: Introduces Apocalypse, an ancient mutant threat, and features younger versions of classic X-Men characters like Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Storm in the new timeline.

Part 4: Civil War and Cosmic Threats (MCU Phase 3 & X-Men in the 90s)

  1. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

    • Placement: Set about a year after Age of Ultron, leading to the Avengers' split.
    • Explanation: The Avengers are divided by the Sokovia Accords, leading to a major conflict between Captain America and Iron Man's factions. Introduces Spider-Man and Black Panther to the MCU.

  2. Black Panther (2018)

    • Placement: Set shortly after Civil War, focusing on Wakanda and its traditions.
    • Explanation: Explores Wakanda and introduces its rich culture and advanced technology, as well as the threat of Killmonger.

  3. Doctor Strange (2016)

    • Placement: Begins before Civil War but extends beyond it, introducing magic and the mystic arts to the MCU.
    • Explanation: Introduces Doctor Strange and the concept of alternate dimensions and magical threats.

  4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

    • Placement: Set a few months after Civil War, focusing on Peter Parker's high school life and early superhero career.
    • Explanation: Spider-Man integrates into the MCU, dealing with street-level threats and learning to be a hero under Tony Stark's mentorship.

  5. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

    • Placement: Set roughly around the same time as Civil War and Homecoming.
    • Explanation: Revamps Thor's storyline, destroys Asgard, and introduces Hela, setting the stage for the events of Infinity War.

  6. X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

    • Placement: Set in 1992, continuing the "new" X-Men timeline from "Apocalypse."
    • Explanation: Re-adapts the Dark Phoenix Saga within the altered timeline. Note: This film is generally considered a weak entry and a disappointing conclusion to the Fox X-Men franchise before its acquisition by Disney.

  7. Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018)

    • Placement: Set around the same time as Civil War and leading up to Infinity War.
    • Explanation: Further explores the Quantum Realm and introduces the Wasp, setting up important concepts for Endgame.

  8. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

    • Placement: The culmination of the first three phases of the MCU, with Thanos's arrival and the Snap.
    • Explanation: A massive crossover event where Thanos seeks the Infinity Stones, leading to devastating consequences.

  9. Captain Marvel (2019)

    • Placement: Primarily set in 1995, with a brief present-day sequence after Infinity War.
    • Explanation: Introduces Captain Marvel and her origins, filling in backstory and showing her presence in the MCU timeline before the main events. While released after Infinity War, chronologically, most of it happens much earlier.

  10. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

    • Placement: Set five years after the Snap in Infinity War (mostly in 2023).
    • Explanation: The resolution to the Infinity Saga, involving time travel and a final confrontation with Thanos. A major turning point for the MCU.

Part 5: Post-Endgame and Multiversal Expansion (MCU Phase 4 & Beyond)

  1. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

    • Placement: Set a few months after Endgame, dealing with the aftermath of Thanos and the loss of Tony Stark.
    • Explanation: Peter Parker grapples with filling Tony Stark's shoes and faces Mysterio.

  2. WandaVision (2021)

    • Placement: Set a few weeks after Endgame.
    • Explanation: Explores Wanda Maximoff's grief and her creation of the Westview anomaly, introducing chaos magic and setting up future storylines.

  3. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

    • Placement: Set a few months after Endgame and WandaVision, focusing on Sam Wilson becoming Captain America.
    • Explanation: Deals with the political and social ramifications of a world without Captain America and the rise of new threats.

  4. Loki (Season 1 & 2) (2021-2023)

    • Placement: Chronologically complex due to time travel, but broadly set after Endgame and related to the events of Avengers: Endgame where Loki escaped. Explores the TVA and the Multiverse.
    • Explanation: Significantly expands the MCU's understanding of the multiverse and time travel, introducing the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and Kang the Conqueror variants. Crucial for understanding the multiversal direction of the MCU.

  5. Black Widow (2021)

    • Placement: Set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.
    • Explanation: Fills in Natasha Romanoff's backstory and deals with her past before the events of Infinity War and Endgame. Chronologically earlier, but released later, placed here for thematic flow after the major Endgame events.

  6. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

    • Placement: Set after Endgame.
    • Explanation: Introduces Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings organization, expanding the MCU's martial arts and Asian representation.

  7. Eternals (2021)

    • Placement: Set around the same time as Shang-Chi and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Spans millennia but the main story is contemporary.
    • Explanation: Introduces the Eternals, ancient cosmic beings who have been on Earth for millennia, and their role in the MCU's history and future.

  8. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

    • Placement: Set shortly after Far From Home, dealing with the fallout of Mysterio's reveal and the introduction of the Multiverse in a major way.
    • Explanation: A pivotal film that brings in characters from previous Spider-Man movie universes (including those not directly MCU), solidifying the Multiverse concept and its implications. This film is a major bridge between universes thematically, though still not directly X-Men.

  9. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

    • Placement: Set after No Way Home and WandaVision, further exploring the Multiverse and its dangers.
    • Explanation: Deep dives into the Multiverse, introduces incursions, and features Wanda as the Scarlet Witch in a multiversal context.

  10. Hawkeye (2021)

    • Placement: Set around Christmas time after Endgame.
    • Explanation: Introduces Kate Bishop and continues Clint Barton's story post-Endgame, dealing with his Ronin past.

  11. Moon Knight (2022)

    • Placement: Set after Endgame, more standalone initially.
    • Explanation: Introduces Moon Knight and Egyptian mythology to the MCU, expanding its mystical and supernatural elements.

  12. Ms. Marvel (2022)

    • Placement: Set after Endgame, focusing on Kamala Khan's origin and Inhuman powers.
    • Explanation: Introduces Ms. Marvel and further explores Inhumans within the MCU, setting up connections to the wider cosmic and multiversal storylines.

  13. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

    • Placement: Set after Endgame, continuing Thor's journey with the Guardians and introducing Gorr the God Butcher.
    • Explanation: Continues Thor's story and introduces new cosmic threats and characters.

  14. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)

    • Placement: Set after Endgame, dealing with Jennifer Walters becoming She-Hulk.
    • Explanation: A more comedic and episodic series focusing on Jennifer Walters as She-Hulk and her legal career in a superhero-filled world.

  15. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

    • Placement: Set after Endgame and the death of T'Challa, dealing with Wakanda's grief and new threats.
    • Explanation: Continues the Wakanda storyline and introduces Namor and Talokan.

  16. Secret Invasion (2023)

    • Placement: Set after Endgame and dealing with a Skrull invasion on Earth.
    • Explanation: Focuses on Nick Fury and the Skrulls, exploring themes of paranoia and trust in a post-Endgame world.

  17. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

    • Placement: Set after Thor: Love and Thunder and the events of the Guardians Holiday Special.
    • Explanation: Concludes the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, focusing on Rocket's backstory and a final mission for the team.

  18. The Marvels (2023)

    • Placement: Set after Ms. Marvel, WandaVision, and Secret Invasion, bringing together Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau.
    • Explanation: Continues the stories of Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau and explores cosmic entanglements.

  19. Echo (2024)

    • Placement: Set after Hawkeye, focusing on Maya Lopez and her return to her hometown.
    • Explanation: Spinoff of Hawkeye, focusing on Maya Lopez/Echo and her Daredevil connections, exploring street-level heroism and indigenous representation.

Part 6: Bridging the Universes - The Meta Conclusion

  1. Deadpool (2016)

    • Placement: While technically set in the Fox X-Men universe, its meta-narrative and fourth-wall breaking nature make its timeline more flexible. Can be viewed after the main X-Men timeline is covered as it's more standalone.
    • Explanation: Introduces Deadpool and his unique, comedic, and violent take on the superhero genre. Starts the Deadpool franchise which eventually merges with the MCU.

  2. Deadpool 2 (2018)

    • Placement: Set after the first Deadpool, continuing his story and introducing Cable and Domino.
    • Explanation: Continues Deadpool's adventures and further develops his meta-narrative.

  3. Logan (2017)

    • Placement: Set in a dystopian future (2029) within the X-Men universe, after the timeline alterations of Days of Future Past, but feels like a possible, darker future for Wolverine regardless of timeline specifics.
    • Explanation: A more mature and somber take on Wolverine's story, set in a bleak future where mutants are fading. Serves as a poignant farewell to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in the Fox universe. Thematically fitting to watch near the end as it represents a kind of endpoint for the Fox X-Men saga.

  4. The New Mutants (2020)

    • Placement: Timeline is somewhat unclear, but it's generally considered part of the Fox X-Men universe, though more isolated. Can be placed later as it's more of a standalone horror-themed mutant story.
    • Explanation: A horror-themed X-Men film focusing on a group of young mutants in a secluded facility.

  5. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

    • Placement: Set after the events of the MCU up to this point, and explicitly bridging the Fox X-Men universe and the MCU through multiverse mechanics.
    • Explanation: The culmination of the journey! This film is designed to be the bridge between the Fox X-Men characters (specifically Deadpool and Wolverine) and the MCU, directly referencing both universes and their histories. It's the perfect ending point for this marathon as it meta-textually acknowledges the journey you've taken through both franchises and their eventual convergence.

Final Thoughts:

This marathon is designed to be a fun and thematic journey through both the MCU and the X-Men universes, acknowledging their separate origins but embracing their eventual (and now official) connection. It's not a perfect, seamless chronological order in the strictest sense, but it aims for a flow that highlights the development of both franchises and their characters over time, culminating in the multiversal crossover of "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Enjoy your epic movie marathon! Let me know if you have any other questions!

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment