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How to Watch Marvel Movies in Order: 2026 Guide

27th January 2026

This is the definitive linear path through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, combining the “Sacred Timeline” movies, the Disney+ originals, and the “Street Level” legacy shows (Daredevil, Luke Cage, etc.) which are now canon. How to use this guide: Eras 1-5 cover the “Infinity Saga” and the “Defenders Saga” (Street Level). Era 6 covers the “Multiverse Saga” and the new Phase 6 releases up to present day (Jan 2026). Era 1: The Origins & The Golden Age (1940s – 1995) The story begins with the creation of the Super Soldier and the early days of S.H.I.E.L.D. Captain America: The First Avenger (Set in WWII) Agent Carter (Seasons 1 & 2) Setting: 1946. Peggy Carter fights early Hydra threats. Captain Marvel (Set in 1995) Note: Introduces Nick Fury and the Skrulls. Era 2: The Assembly (2008 – 2012) The world discovers superheroes. Iron Man (2008) Iron Man 2 The Incredible Hulk Thor The Avengers (2012) Crucial Event: The “Battle of New York” changes the world and triggers the events of the TV shows below. Era 3: The Age of Miracles & The Defenders (2013 – 2015) While the Avengers handle global threats, “Street Level” heroes rise in New York City to fight the crime left in the Avengers’ wake. Iron Man 3 Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Season 1, Ep 1-16) Thor: The Dark World Captain America: The Winter Soldier Watch Order: Watch this immediately after Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ep 16 to see the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D. play out in real-time. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Season 1, Ep 17-22) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 (Set in 2014) Daredevil (Season 1) Why here? Matt Murdock begins cleaning up Hell’s Kitchen after the Battle of New York. [Shop Amazon: Daredevil Complete Season 1 Blu-ray] Jessica Jones (Season 1) Avengers: Age of Ultron Ant-Man Era 4: Civil War & The Fracture (2016 – 2017) The Avengers split up. This period is dense with “Street Level” stories occurring simultaneously. Captain America: Civil War Black Widow (Set immediately after Civil War) Black Panther Spider-Man: Homecoming Luke Cage (Season 1) Iron Fist (Season 1) The Defenders (Limited Series) The Event: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist team up against The Hand. The Punisher (Season 1) Doctor Strange (Spans 2016-2017) Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Seasons 3-5) Note: Deals with Ghost Rider and the Kree/Inhuman conflict. Era 5: The Infinity War (2018 – 2023) The Snap occurs, and the universe enters five years of chaos. Thor: Ragnarok Ant-Man and the Wasp Avengers: Infinity War Avengers: Endgame (Spans 2018 – 2023) Era 6: The Multiverse Saga & The New World Order (2023 – 2027) Current Timeline. The Avengers are gone, the Multiverse is breaking, and new political powers (Kingpin, Red Hulk) are rising. The Post-Endgame Shuffle (2023-2024) Loki (Seasons 1 & 2) Timeline Note: Exists outside of time, but best viewed here to understand the Multiverse. WandaVision The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Eternals Spider-Man: Far From Home Spider-Man: No Way Home The “Modern” Era (2025 In-Universe) Hawkeye Moon Knight She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Connection: Daredevil returns here with a lighter tone. Ms. Marvel Thor: Love and Thunder Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Secret Invasion The Marvels The “Now” (2026-2027 In-Universe) This is the current cutting edge of the story as of early 2026. Echo Key Event: Kingpin begins his rise to political power. Deadpool & Wolverine Note: Deals heavily with the timeline and the “Fox Universe” legacy. [Buy on Amazon: Deadpool & Wolverine 4K UHD] Agatha All Along Daredevil: Born Again (Season 1) Timeline: Set in late 2026/early 2027. Matt Murdock and Kingpin (now Mayor Fisk) clash in a city where vigilantism is being outlawed. [Read the Inspiration: Daredevil “Born Again” Trade Paperback] Captain America: Brave New World Timeline: Early 2027. Sam Wilson faces President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Red Hulk). Thunderbolts* Timeline: Mid-2027. A team of anti-heroes (Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, U.S. Agent) is assembled by Val for a black-ops mission. Ironheart Timeline: Set after Wakanda Forever and Brave New World. Timeline Divergence: The Retro-Future The Fantastic Four: First Steps Placement: Tricky. This movie takes place in an alternate universe (Earth-828) set in a retro-futuristic 1960s. When to watch: Chronologically, it happens in the “past,” but narratively it sets up the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. We recommend watching it last (after Thunderbolts*) as a prelude to the timeline collision. [Pre-order Merch: Fantastic Four “First Steps” Apparel & Comics]

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The Ultimate MCU Timeline: Marvel Movies in Chronological Order

The Ultimate MCU Timeline In Chronological Order (2026)

28th February 2026

“Trying to navigate the massive Marvel Cinematic Universe can be a daunting task for even the most dedicated fans. If you want the definitive way to watch every movie and series, you need the MCU timeline in chronological order. As of 2026, with the arrival of the Multiverse Saga’s climax, keeping track of the history has never been more vital. Our guide breaks down the entire journey from the 1940s to the present day.” My face when I remembered I had to include Agents Of Shield, the One-Shots and the Netflix shows in this list. Full List: The MCU Timeline in Chronological Order (2026 Update) Phase 1: Starting the MCU Timeline in Chronological Order 1. Captain America: The First Avenger 2. Agent Carter Season 1 *4 3. Agent Carter Season 2 *4 4. Agent Carter One-Shot 5. Captain Marvel 6. Iron Man 7. Iron Man 2 8. The Incredible Hulk 9. The Consultant One-Shot 10. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer One-Shot 11. Thor 12. The Avengers (aka Avengers Assemble) 13. Item 47 One-Shot Marvel Studios The Marvel Cinematic Universe An Official Timeline Phase 2 I know the feeling Tone. 14. Iron Man 3 15. All Hail the King One-Shot 16. Agents of SHIELD Season 1, Episodes 1-7 *1 17. Thor: The Dark World 18. Agents of SHIELD Season 1, Episodes 8-16 *1 19. Captain America: The Winter Soldier 20. Agents of SHIELD Season 1 Episodes 17-22 *1 21. Guardians of the Galaxy 22. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 23. Daredevil Season 1 *3 24. Agents of SHIELD Season 2, Episodes 1-10 *1 25. Jessica Jones Season 1*3 26. Agents of SHIELD Season 2, Episodes 11-19 *1 27. Avengers: Age of Ultron 28. Agents of SHIELD Season 2, Episodes 20-22 *1 29. Daredevil Season 2, Episodes 1-4 *3 30. Luke Cage Season 1, Episodes 1-4 *3 31. Daredevil Season 2, Episodes 5-11 *3 32. Luke Cage Season 1, Episodes 5-8 *3 33. Daredevil Season 2, Episodes 12-13 *3 34. Luke Cage Season 1, Episodes 9-13 *3 35. Ant-Man 36. Agents of SHIELD (season 3, eps 1-10) *1 37. Agents of SHIELD (season 3, eps 11-19) *1 38. Iron Fist Season 1 *3 Watching Phase 2 this way really helps the MCU timeline in chronological order feel more cohesive. Phase 3 Me by the end of this list probably. 39. Captain America: Civil War 40. Black Widow 41. Agents of SHIELD (season 3, eps 20-22) *1 42. The Defenders *3 43. Agents of SHIELD (season 4, eps 1-6) *1 44. Doctor Strange 45. Black Panther 46. Agents of SHIELD (season 4, eps 7-8) *1 47. Agents of SHIELD: Slingshot (season 1, eps 1-6) *1 48. Agents of SHIELD (season 4, eps 9-22) *1 49. Spider-Man: Homecoming 50. Thor: Ragnarok The reaction of other people when I told them I was doing this article. 51. Inhumans *5 52. The Punisher *3 53. Runaways *6 54. Agents of SHIELD (season 5, eps 1-10) *1 55. Jessica Jones Season 2 *3 56. Agents of SHIELD (season 5, eps 11-18) *1 57. Cloak & Dagger Season 1 *7 58. Cloak & Dagger Season 2 *7 59. Luke Cage Season 2 *3 60. Iron Fist Season 2 *3 61. Daredevil Season 3 *3 62. Runaways Season 2 *6 63. The Punisher Season 2 *3 64. Jessica Jones Season 3 *3 65. Ant-Man and the Wasp *8 66. Avengers: Infinity War 67. Agents of SHIELD (season 5, eps 19-22) *1 68. Agents of SHIELD (season 6) *1 *2 69. Agents of SHIELD (season 7) *1 *2 70. Runaways Season 3 *2 *6 71. Avengers: Endgame Phase 4: The Multiverse Saga Begins Following the events of Endgame, the MCU timeline in chronological order becomes slightly more complex as it branches into the Multiverse. Loki Season 1 & 2: Technically takes place outside of time, but best viewed immediately after Endgame. *9 What If…? Season 1-3: Multiversal stories branching from the end of Loki. *10 WandaVision: Set 3 weeks after the Blip (2023). The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: 6 months after the Blip (2024). Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: Set in early 2024. Eternals: Set in late 2024, concurrent with Spider-Man: Far From Home. *11 Spider-Man: Far From Home: Summer 2024. Spider-Man: No Way Home: Starts in Summer 2024 and ends in December 2024. Hawkeye: Christmas 2024. Moon Knight: Set in early 2025. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: Set in 2025, following No Way Home. Ms. Marvel: Set in Autumn 2025. Thor: Love and Thunder: Set in late 2025. Werewolf by Night: Late 2025. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: Set in late 2025. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special: December 2025. Phase 5: Variance in the MCU Timeline in Chronological Order Phase 5 expands the corporate and cosmic stakes of the MCU timeline in chronological order, leading directly into the events of 2026. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania: Set in early 2026. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: Set in 2026, following the Holiday Special. Secret Invasion: Set in 2026, dealing with the fallout of the Skrull infiltration. Echo: Occurs in early 2026, five months after Hawkeye. The Marvels: Set in late 2026, following the events of Ms. Marvel and Secret Invasion. Deadpool & Wolverine: While largely “outside of time” in the Void, its impact on the MCU timeline in chronological order is felt in late 2026. Agatha All Along: Set in late 2026, following the release of the Scarlet Witch’s spell. Captain America: Brave New World: Set in early 2027 (released Feb 2025), dealing with President Ross and the new world order. Daredevil: Born Again Season 1: Set in early 2027 (released March 2025). Thunderbolts:* Set in mid-2027 (released May 2025), following the team-up of the MCU’s anti-heroes. Phase 6: The Road to Doomsday (Present 2026 Updates) As of February 28, 2026, the MCU timeline in chronological order has entered the highly anticipated Phase 6. The Fantastic Four: First Steps: (Released July 2025). While the film is set in a retro-futuristic 1964, the “First Family” is officially integrated into the main MCU timeline in chronological order by the end of the film. Wonder Man: (Released January 2026). Set in the present day (2027-2028 in-universe), this series explores the Hollywood side of the superhero world. Daredevil: Born Again Season 2: (Current February 2026 Release).

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Charlie Cox Returns: Daredevil in the MCU & Future Projects

28th January 2026

Fantastic news for fans of Netflix’s Daredevil broke overnight, after it was confirmed by Kevin Feige himself that Charlie Cox is the MCU’s Daredevil. After Daredevil was cancelled back in 2018, when plans for Disney+ were set in motion, fans of The Man Without Fear were left disappointed. This bombshell was especially disappointing considering that the third season left us on somewhat of a cliff-hanger regarding Bullseye being introduced as the main antagonist in season 4. Ever since then, the question of Daredevil in the MCU has been left hanging, until now. MCU mastermind Kevin Feige recently did an interview with Cinemablend, where he confirmed Daredevil would not be recast in the MCU. If/when the character next appears in a Marvel movie or original series, he will in fact be played once again by Charlie Cox. Whilst this is exciting news for fans of that version of the character, it should be noted that this doesn’t necessarily mean that Cox will appear in the MCU anytime soon, as he has not officially been casted in any upcoming projects. All this really means is that another actor will not play Matt Murdock within the MCU. Check out Feige’s direct quote regarding the matter below and you can decide for yourself what this could mean. “If you were to see Daredevil in upcoming things, Charlie Cox, yes, would be the actor playing Daredevil. Where we see that, how we see that, when we see that, remains to be seen.” As I said above, Charlie Cox has yet to be officially cast as Daredevil in any upcoming projects, that said though, there are a few different spots where he could re-emerge within what is currently taking place in the MCU. It has been heavily rumoured, (and backed up by a leaked photo,) that Charlie Cox will appear in Spider-Man: No Way Home as Matt Murdock. The rumour goes that after the film opens with Peter Parker being wanted for the murder of Mysterio, Matt Murdock will be the lawyer brought in to clear his name. We won’t know until next week whether or not he will appear as Daredevil in the upcoming Spidey sequel or just as Matt Murdock, though I’d say it is pretty certain that he will indeed show up in some form. Over on Disney+, the upcoming She-Hulk series centres around Jennifer Walters, who just happens to work as a lawyer in her day job. Could we see the two cross paths in the courtroom at some point? Hawkeye is also currently streaming to the platform every Wednesday and the previous episodes have hinted that The Kingpin could be making an appearance in a later episode. If Kingpin does indeed show up, does that mean we could also be getting an appearance from The Devil Of Hell’s Kitchen? As is the case with Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio has not officially been cast in any upcoming MCU properties at the time of writing. That said, we can presume that if Cox will remain as the MCU’s version of Daredevil, then D’Onofrio will more than likely remain the MCU’s version of Kingpin. Hawkeye is certainly dropping a lot of hints towards Kingpin and at this point, if he doesn’t show up, then a lot of people are going to be left disappointed. So with all of that being said, what do you make of Feige putting rumours and worries to rest regarding the future of Daredevil within the MCU? Are you excited to see the character onscreen again? Let us know in the comments section down below.

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Review – Dark Ages #1

6th September 2021

Review – Dark Ages #1 A dystopian alternate reality Marvel universe stripped of all technology after an ancient being awakens.

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Avengers: Endgame Review: The Perfect Finale to the Infinity Saga

4th February 2026

Seven years later, Avengers: Endgame remains the undisputed King of the MCU. From the “Portals” scene to Tony Stark’s final sacrifice, here is why this masterpiece demands to be watched on 4K. ⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The Verdict at a Glance The Crown Jewel of the MCU It is hard to believe it has been seven years since Avengers: Endgame hit theaters. In 2026, as we navigate the complex “Multiverse Saga” with Incursions and Variants, looking back at Endgame feels like visiting an old friend. This wasn’t just a movie; it was a miracle of logistics. Juggling dozens of A-list stars, wrapping up 22 movies of storytelling, and landing the emotional plane perfectly? That shouldn’t have been possible. Yet, the Russo Brothers did it. Here is why Endgame remains the “Gold Standard” against which all other blockbuster movies are measured. The “Time Heist” is Genius Writing Instead of a standard “punch the bad guy” plot, the movie turns into a love letter to the MCU itself. By sending our heroes back to 2012, 2013, and 2014, the film allows us to see how far these characters have come. Watching the weary, defeated 2023 Tony Stark interact with the hopeful 1970 version of his father is heartbreakingly beautiful. It rewards you for paying attention for the last decade. The Darkest Battle Needs the Best Screen The final act—the “Battle of Earth”—is notoriously dark (visually). The muddy grays and browns of the destroyed Avengers compound can look like a blurry mess on streaming services. However, on physical 4K UHD, it is a different experience. The HDR brings out the glowing sparks of Doctor Strange’s portals, the crackle of Thor’s lightning, and the distinct colors of the Infinity Stones against the gloom. If you haven’t seen it on disc, you haven’t really seen it. “On Your Left” There is no cinematic moment in the last 20 years that matches the “Portals” scene. When Captain America, broken and alone, hears Sam Wilson’s voice… it is pure magic. Even in 2026, this scene induces goosebumps. It is the payoff to every single solo movie that came before it. Seeing Black Panther, Spider-Man, and the Guardians return from the dust is a triumph of long-form storytelling. The Perfect Goodbye for Tony & Cap Endgame understands that endings are necessary. Tony Stark, the man who started as a selfish egoist, makes the ultimate selfless play. Steve Rogers, the man who always sacrificed himself for the greater good, finally takes a moment for himself. Their arcs cross perfectly: one learns to let go, the other learns to live. How to Watch: The “End of an Era” Collection To truly honor this film, you need the best quality possible. Streaming compression ruins the audio dynamic range of the final battle. 🥇 The Essential Disc: Avengers: Endgame (Cinematic Universe Edition 4K) This disc is reference quality for home theaters. The Dolby Atmos track shakes the room when Thanos’s ship, The Sanctuary II, fires on the base. 🥈 The Ultimate Flex: The Infinity Saga Collector’s Box Set If you want to own the entire 22-movie run from Iron Man to Endgame in one beautiful package, this is the holy grail for collectors. 🥉 The Must-Have Prop: The Nano Gauntlet (Electronic) Unlike the golden Infinity Gauntlet, the red-and-silver “Nano Gauntlet” was built by Tony Stark. This high-end replica features articulated fingers and the “Snap” sound effect. It is the centerpiece of any Marvel shelf. Final Thoughts Avengers: Endgame is a masterpiece of blockbusters. It manages to be funny (Professor Hulk), devastating (Black Widow), and triumphant (Cap lifting Mjolnir) all at once. In an era of endless sequels, Endgame dared to provide a conclusion. It is the high-water mark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it demands a permanent spot in your physical media library. Where to watch next: The “Infinity Saga” is over, but the aftermath begins immediately in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which deals with the world mourning Tony Stark.

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Review – Spider-man: Far from Home (2019)

2nd September 2021

Review – Spider-man: Far from Home (2019) Run Time: 2hrs 13mins Directed by: Jon Watts Produced by: Kevin Feige Written by: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers. Starring: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Samuel L. Jackson, Marisa Tomei and Jon Favreau Release Date: 2 July 2019 Production company: Marvel Studios Full Spoilers Retrospective Review Introduction I’m delighted to be taking another trip down MCU memory lane to retroactively review Spider-man: Far From Home for BGCP Comic Con. Shortly after the events of the epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgame, we find Peter Parker/ Spider-man dealing with the loss of his mentor, Tony “I am Ironman” Stark. Peter is also readjusting to life after being snapped back into existence after five years, when the Avengers undid Thanos’ dusting of half of all life in Endgame. Aunt May knows he’s Spider-man now but it’s not given much weight, she supports him in it, even encourages him. Peter’s going on a trip to Europe with school and conveniently, all of the supporting cast from Spider-man: Homecoming who would have naturally returned were snapped just like Peter so there’s plenty of familiar faces to join him on the trip. Peter was hoping to get away from that superhero life monsters from another reality require his attention. He meets a new hero, Quentin Beck played by Jake Gyllenhaal the last surviving hero fro… It’s Mysterio, he’s the bad guy, it’s all a lie. Story Ok so the plot is somewhat convoluted. These ‘monsters’ show up, attacking random spots around the world which draws the attention of Nick Fury and Maria Hill, (really Skrulls, Talos and his wife Soren who we met in Captain Marvel). They are acting on behalf of the real Nick Fury and are duped by the story of the Elementals that Beck (stage name) tells them. They team up and meet Peter on the Vienna stage of his school trip, as the water Elemental attacks. ‘Fury’ basically forces Peter to join them in the fight against the Elementals as strangely none of the many heroes that appeared in Endgame are available to help out. All this being a ruse by Beck to obtain the world security system/AI – EDITH. The control of which was left to Peter by Tony after his death. EDITH is operated through a pair of unmistakably Robert Downey Jr sunglasses, that ‘Fury’ delivers to Peter in Venice. The security system is a fleet of weaponised drones on stand by in a space station in Earth’s orbit. With EDITH, you can have a multi weapon killer drone that can be at your target at a moments notice. Demonstrated in a poor fashion when Peter accidentally sets a drone on another student while they’re driving through the country on a tour bus. It’s just the silliest scene, Peter leaping out of the moving bus through the skylight, web whipping the attacking drone onto the ground in an explosion that no one on the bus heard, all while Peter lands back in the bus, with no one the wiser. Behind the scenes Beck drops exposition in a fantastically theatrical monologue to his secret coconspirators after he tricks Peter into handing EDITH over to him. Beck was the man who invented the ‘BARF’ hologram technology used by Tony Stark in Civil War. Stark fired Beck for being unstable leading him to band together with other former Stark employees to collectively become ‘Mysterio’. Beck and co want access to EDITH and the fleet of drones to stage an ‘Avengers level threat’ that will place Mysterio as the next Ironman and give the cabal the keys to the world. A plan that doesn’t stand up to much scrutiny. How well would Mysterio’s illusions hold up if he had to interact with any of the other heroes in the MCU. A big mix of people with various skills and intelligences that would smell something fishy in Mysterio’s bowl. Buuuuut Quentin Beck or whatever his real name is, was fired by Stark for being unstable. I think this plan makes sense as the plan concocted by an unstable person. Jake Gyllenhaal is so captivating in the role that it doesn’t bother me for long. Hijinks Running parallel to the main plot is the antics of the rest of the class and the their chaperone teachers Martin Starr and J.B. Smoove. I love both actors but felt they had a lot of stinker comedic lines that fell flat. The first film to depict the events of the snap or the ‘Blip’ as it’s called here, outside of Infinity War and Endgame, wisely removes all the horror of the event and plays it off comedically. The John Huges-y vibe of the last film continues here but it is given an extra sub genre of a holiday film. Cuteness Spider-man: Far From Home is also part romantic comedy. The romantic strands between Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) as well as Ned and Betty and give the supporting cast a little more focus. While they’re fun, the real cutesy stuff comes with Peter and MJ’s blossoming relationship. A minor hurdle in their pairing comes from Brad the same student Peter nearly had EDITH killed by accident. He wasn’t snapped but there isn’t anything that that novel about his character besides. Peter has been planning to express the emotions he has developed for MJ since we last saw them together on this school trip. Holland and Zendaya have a great natural chemistry together. Looking back from 2021 we could be forgiven to whimsy that it mightn’t have just been their considerable acting talents caught on camera. Zendaya in particular gives a wonderfully earnest and grounded portrayal of a more introverted Mary Jane than we had seen before. I feel like Kirsten Dunst’s Mary Jane could be seen as shy in certain ways and more outgoing in others. Zendaya’s MJ is more guarded than shy. I like the introverted straight talker we’re seeing here. MJ while put in danger a

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Review – Amazing Fantasy #1

1st August 2021

Review – Amazing Fantasy #1. Captain America, Black Widow and Spider-Man awaken in a fantasy world but all is not as it seems…

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Review – Spider-man: Homecoming (2017)

2nd September 2021

Review – Spider-man: Homecoming (2017) Run Time: 2hrs 13mins Directed by: Jon Watts Produced by: Kevin Feige Written by: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Jon Watts, Christopher Ford, Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers. Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Jacob Batalon Marisa Tomei and Zendaya Release Date: July 7th 2017 Production company: Marvel Studios Full Spoilers Retrospective Review Tone Tom Holland was the first truly teen Spider-man at 19 when he showed up in Captain America: Civil War. Much to the joy of Kevin Smith, the first onscreen wall crawler with a comic accurate, Queens accent. Spider-man: Homecoming wall crawls on similar paths to it’s predecessors. Homecoming isn’t an origin story like the previous franchise starters, but it’s not much further down the line. It’s easy to forget that this Peter lost his uncle and father figure in the last year. All of his scenes with Marisa Tomei as Aunt May are light and sweet but don’t have much substance. None come near the one with Aunt May after Uncle Ben’s funeral in the first Rami film. He has a closer friendship with Ned than the ones seen with both Harry Osborns in past films. The two spend all their time together and seem well liked by their classmates. Flash is still there to pick on Peter but he’s more of a frenemy than a physical bully. It’s an interesting take on their rivalry. Peter pines over Liz Allan while a thinly veiled Mary Jane hangs in the wings played by Zendaya. Genre Spider-man: Homecoming applies the half-another-genre style of MCU films and that other half is teen comedy, specifically the ones made by John Huges. A homage to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off damn near beats us to death at one point. It does work quite well, there’s plenty of fun interactions and most scenes are spun in a entertaining fashion, only getting serious when needed. Like most MCU films, humour can feel forced. Peter as Spider-man commandeers (really steals) Flash’s car and ends up wrecking it which. I get that they’re showing Peter as an inexperienced web slinger. Or maybe just the logistics of web swinging across Queens which they did earlier in the film to great effect, buuuut this just felt wrong. Review – Spider-man: Homecoming (2017) continues below Pete’s feelings for Liz and his pursuit of her seem equally light and superficial but that does track as puppy teenager love. They only have dramatic weight when It’s revealed who Liz’s father is. Young Spider-man’s main concern is a fear of missing out on Avengers action, since Tony Stark hasn’t made him a regular team member after Civil War. Peter’s either being left on read by Happy or he’s dealing with the douchiest version of Tony brought to life by Robert Downey Jr. Who makes an inappropriate joke about Aunt May that left a bad taste in my mouth. He just comes across as mean to the young Spidey, as he mishandles the new superhero’s concerns about the Vulture’s crew. A shame because I still think he gave one of his best and most relatable performances as the character in Civil War. Ironlad Spider-man being Ironman junior is the biggest complaint held against the MCU’s wall crawler. Which I get, Tony has been shown as having a bigger impact on this Peter’s life than Uncle Ben had in the MCU. Maybe this web head, is a little too focused on Ironman but that’s just this version of Spider-man. We can still celebrate how he’s similar to a more classical interpretation and be excited about where he’s going to go that’s different. This universe started with Ironman and if the Sony/Disney relationship continues to work, it will be passed on to Holland’s Spider-man, these choices make sense. Review – Spider-man: Homecoming (2017) continues below The gadget equipped Stark suit drew a sizeable amount of criticism which I also get. I do however respect that Peter taking to his AI, Karen, was an attempt to translate the streams of thought and oddly speech bubbles that would come out of the neurotic Spidey in the comics. The translation of his emotive eyes from the page being dampeners for his heightened senses as well as fancy goggles is a smoother transition but Karen and Peter’s chats weren’t all bad to be fair. The Birdman The Vulture had always been a dorky Spider-man villain, most of the earlier ones were but this old man in a bird costume never got an edgy revamp that removed him from the goofy section of Spidey’s rogues’ gallery. That is until this film. Adrian Toomes is grounded by Keaton’s gruff performance. His repositioning from engineer to hard-ass boss man of a salvage crew who gets hard done by Stark’s business deals, gives him a believability and ties to the greater MCU. The Tinkerer who is on his crew (as well as two different Shockers) repurposes Chitauri tech from the battle of New York to make Toomes the Vulture. With heftier wings than Falcon and Keaton playing the part like an angry Dad, this Vulture is very menacing. After he has been to revealed as Liz’s father to Peter, we are filled with tension as he deciphers the budding superhero’s dual identity on the car ride to the Homecoming dance. Giving us one of the best scenes of the MCU as well as one of the best onscreen examples of a date with a scary father. Visuals The composition of the cinematography is mostly MCU standard, some highlights but a lot of unimaginative shots. It’s aided by fantastic photorealistic digital effects that blend with the gifted acrobat Tom Holland and his stunt team. The action is on point, and is well worth a rewatching scenes to pick up the specifics of what happens so quickly before your eyes. The great suit design reminiscent of the Steve Ditko Spider-man and just being able to see Spider-man do whatever a Spider-man can is a treat, but it’s clear that isn’t a film with

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Review – Captain America: Civil War

3rd January 2026

10 years later, Captain America: Civil War is still the smartest movie Marvel ever made. From the debut of Spider-Man to the rise of Thaddeus Ross, here is why you need to re-watch the Avengers’ breakup in 4K. ⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The Verdict at a Glance The “Empire Strikes Back” of the MCU In 2026, we are living in the aftermath of the Sokovia Accords. With President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) now transforming into the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World, the events of Civil War have never been more relevant. Released in 2016, this wasn’t just “Captain America 3″—it was “Avengers 2.5.” It took the fun, quippy tone of the franchise and shattered it. It dared to ask: What if the good guys are dangerous? Here is why Civil War remains the gold standard for superhero storytelling. The Villain Who Actually Won Thanos might have erased half the universe, but he eventually lost. Baron Zemo (Daniel Brühl) is the only villain who truly won. He didn’t have a magic rock or a laser beam. He had a grainy VHS tape and patience. By revealing the truth about Tony Stark’s parents, he fractured the Avengers so badly that they lost to Thanos in Infinity War. Watching his quiet, cerebral manipulation today is chilling. The Airport Battle: The Ultimate Comic Book Splash Page We have seen bigger battles since (like Endgame), but we have never seen one this creative. The 17-minute sequence at Leipzig/Halle Airport is a miracle of choreography. It balances 12 heroes perfectly. Ant-Man turning Giant? Spider-Man webbing up Falcon? Hawkeye firing Ant-Man on an arrow? It is pure joy. In 4K HDR, the colors of the costumes against the grey concrete look incredibly sharp. The Debuts of Titans It is easy to forget that this one movie introduced Spider-Man (Tom Holland) AND Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) to the MCU. T’Challa arrives fully formed: regal, dangerous, and driven by vengeance. His chase scene (running faster than cars) is still one of the best practical stunts in the series. And Peter Parker? His clumsy, chatty introduction remains the best version of the character we’ve seen. The Emotional Finale Most superhero movies end with a sky beam. This one ends with a fistfight in a bunker. The final brawl between Steve, Bucky, and Tony isn’t about saving the world; it’s about betrayal. When Tony screams, “He killed my mom,” you feel it. It is arguably the best acting Robert Downey Jr. ever did in the suit. How to Watch: The Definitive Editions To appreciate the details—like the texture of Black Panther’s vibranium suit or the scuff marks on Cap’s shield—you need the physical disc. ? The Best Experience: Captain America: Civil War (4K Ultra HD) The 4K transfer is a significant upgrade over streaming. The airport scene (shot on IMAX cameras) fills the screen, and the Dolby Atmos audio track makes the clash of Vibranium vs. Repulsors sound terrifyingly real. ? The Source Material: “Civil War” by Mark Millar The movie is very different from the comic, but the original 2006 book is a classic. It features the Fantastic Four and X-Men (who weren’t in the movie) and a much darker ending. ? The “Choose Your Side” Merch Are you Team Cap or Team Iron Man? This movie divided the fanbase, and the merchandise lets you pick a side. Final Thoughts Captain America: Civil War is a masterpiece of tension. It proves that you don’t need an alien invasion to create high stakes—you just need characters you care about trying to kill each other. If you are watching Thunderbolts* or Captain America: Brave New World in 2026, you must revisit this film. It is the origin story for the modern MCU’s political chaos. Where to watch next: The fallout of this movie splits the timeline.

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