The ultimate Marvel Cinematic Universe binge guide

From ‘Iron Man’ to ‘Eternals.’

Here’s what it’s crucial that you remember about each film.

For more information on all of the MCU movies, check out EW’s Marvel Movie Clubhere.

Illustration by Francesco Francavilla for EW

The accident creates the Hulk, a destructive monster who’s unleashed whenever Bruce gets angry.

Key Moment:At the end of the movie, Bruce learns how to control the Hulk.

Effect on the MCU:Barely any.

Zade Rosenthal/©Marvel Studios

Save an offhand reference inThe Avengersabout destroying Harlem, the events of this movie are never mentioned again.

Naturally, Tony starts spinning out of control and pushes Pepper and Rhodey away in the process.

Key Moment: Nick Fury informs Tony that he is unsuited for the Avengers Initiative.

Rhythm & Hues/Universal

Unfortunately, Loki and Thor’s battle severs the path to Earth.

However, he’s picked for the Super Soldier program, which gives him enhanced strength and durability.

Meanwhile, the Red Skull, head of the Nazis' science division Hydra, acquires the dangerous/mysterious Tesseract.

Francois Duhamel/©Marvel Studios

Unable to land the plane without detonating the bombs, Steve crashes it in the Arctic.

Key Moment:Loki murders Coulson while escaping from S.H.I.E.L.D.

custody, galvanizing the Avengers to put aside their differences and work together.

Zade Rosenthal/©Marvel Studios

Enter: the Mandarin, a terrorist responsible for attacks across America.

Key Moment:Tony discoversthe Mandarin is a hoax.

became the Winter Soldier after surviving that fateful fall in WWII and being brainwashed by Hydra.

Jay Maidment/©Marvel Studios

Key Moment:Steve and Black Widow find out that Hydra has been operating within S.H.I.E.L.D.

since the war ended, and that World Security Council member Alexander Pierce is one of its leaders.

Effects on the MCU:After this movie,S.H.I.E.L.D.

Zade Rosenthal/©Marvel Studios

is basically no longer a factor on the big screen.

You know, everybody’s one fear when it comes to artificial intelligence.

consciousness to a body, thereby creating Vision.

Zade Rosenthal/©Marvel Studios

because they were trying to replicate his shrinking technology.

the Wasp), might still be alive after disappearing many years ago.

Hank designs a new Wasp suit for Hope, co-lead the Ant-Man sequel,Ant-Man and the Wasp.

©Marvel Studios

Finally, the post-credits scene reveals that Steve and Falcon were finally able to track down Bucky.

In the end, we all learn that no one ever wins when the family feuds.

Nevertheless, Steve promises Tony that he and his friends will be there when the world needs them.

Zade Rosenthal/©Marvel Studios

T’Challa grants Steve and Bucky asylum, agreeing to help cure the latter of his brainwashing.

EW Grade forDoctor Strange:B+

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.

While spending time with Ego, Peter learns how to use his celestial powers.

©Marvel Studios 2015

EW Grade forGuardians of the Galaxy Vol.

The hammerless God of Thunder lands on the trash planet Sakaar, which is ruled by the Grandmaster.

Mar-Vell, a Kree scientist who worked for the air-force and was basically Carol’s mentor.

Zade Rosenthal/©Marvel Studios

Key Moment:Portals, baby!

custody after New York.

He believes people need Avengers-level threats to believe in heroes.

Film Frame/©Marvel Studios 2016

Well, that’s a mystery for Phase 5.

Thus, it’s up to his children to stop him.

Once that was accomplished, the Eternals blended into human society and watched from afar.

Jay Maidment/©Marvel Studios

Led by Chan’s Sersi, the team must decide whether to save humanity or not.

Effect on the MCU:As of right now, it’s unclear how the events ofEternalsaffect the MCU.

Finally,Mahershala Alimakes a voice cameo as Blade in the end-credit scene.

©Marvel Studios 2017

EW Grade forEternals:B

Columbia Pictures

©Marvel Studios 2017

©Marvel Studios 2018

Chuck Zlotnick/©Marvel Studios 2018

Ben Rothstein/© Marvel Studios

Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios

©Marvel Studios 2019

Tom Holland in ‘Spider-Man: Far from Home’.Jay Maidment/Sony

Scarlett Johansson in ‘Black Widow’.Jay Maidment/Marvel Studios

Simu Liu in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’.Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios