"Captain America Movies: Viewing Order Guide"

Captain America is back this week with his first standalone film in nearly a decade, marking a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From his initial appearance in Marvel's Phase One to now leading the charge in Phase 5's "Brave New World," it's been a thrilling 14-year journey. This new chapter introduces a fresh face behind the iconic shield, with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) stepping up to carry the mantle passed to him at the end of "Avengers: Endgame," marking the first Captain America film without Steve Rogers (Chris Evans).

For fans eager to dive into or revisit Captain America's entire MCU saga before "Brave New World," we've curated a comprehensive list of his films and TV series in chronological order.

How Many Captain America MCU Movies Are There?

There are 8 MCU movies and one TV series where Captain America plays a pivotal role. When including non-MCU made-for-TV and animated movies, the total exceeds 20. However, our focus here is solely on the MCU timeline.

For a detailed, spoiler-laden exploration of the events leading up to "Brave New World," be sure to check out IGN's Captain America Recap: The Messy Marvel Timeline That Led to Brave New World.

Captain America Trilogy [4K UHD + Blu-ray]

This collection includes "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," and "Captain America: Civil War," along with bonus features for each film. See it at Amazon

Captain America Movies in Chronological Order

Be warned, some descriptions include references to characters and plot points that are technically spoilers

1. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Captain America burst onto the MCU scene in 2011 with Captain America: The First Avenger, the final solo superhero film of Marvel’s Phase One. This movie dives into Captain America's origin story, showcasing Steve Rogers' transformation from a rejected military recruit to a superhuman war hero. It also introduces Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, who later becomes the Winter Soldier. Set against the backdrop of WWII, Cap battles Red Skull and Hydra, making this the earliest-set film in the MCU timeline.

Where to Stream: Disney+

2. The Avengers (2012)

Captain America returned to the screen in The Avengers, teaming up with Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Thor, and the Hulk to stop Loki’s Earth invasion, as hinted in the end-credits scene of "The First Avenger."

Where to Stream: Disney+

3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Two years later, both in real life and the MCU timeline, came Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This film delves into espionage and conspiracy, pitting Cap and Black Widow against the Winter Soldier, revealed to be Cap's old friend Bucky Barnes, now a brainwashed Hydra operative. It also introduces Anthony Mackie as Falcon, who eventually becomes the new Captain America.

Where to Stream: Disney+ or Starz

4. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Cap fights alongside the Avengers against the villainous Ultron, voiced by James Spader. The film ends with a setup for their future conflict with Thanos.

Where to Stream: Disney+ or Starz

5. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The highest-grossing standalone Captain America film, Captain America: Civil War, was released in 2016, pulling in over $1.1 billion globally. The movie fractures the Avengers, with Cap and Iron Man leading opposing factions, while Helmut Zemo emerges as the overarching villain.

Where to Stream: Disney+

6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War kicks off the epic battle against Thanos. Captain America is part of the vast ensemble attempting to prevent The Mad Titan from eradicating half of all life. Despite their efforts, the team fails, but Cap survives the Blip, setting the stage for "Avengers: Endgame."

Where to Stream: Disney+

7. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Avengers: Endgame spans across time but culminates five years after "Infinity War." Cap and the remaining Avengers work to undo the Snap's effects, leading to the monumental Battle of Earth. The film concludes with Steve Rogers passing the shield to Sam Wilson, marking a new era for Captain America.

Where to Stream: Disney+

8. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021 – TV Series)

In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, set six months after "Endgame," Sam Wilson officially takes up the Captain America mantle. The Disney+ series follows Wilson and Bucky Barnes as they confront the Flag Smashers, an anti-nationalist group led by Karli Morgenthau.

Where to Stream: Disney+

9. Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Building on "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," Captain America: Brave New World finds Sam Wilson embroiled in an international incident after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross. The film's plot centers on uncovering a nefarious global conspiracy before the mastermind's plan comes to fruition. Harrison Ford joins the MCU as President Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk.

The timeline suggests the movie is set around late 2027 or early 2028. For those eager for more details, IGN's review of "Brave New World" offers further insights.

Where to Watch: In theaters starting February 14, 2025

The Future of Captain America in the MCU

Following "Brave New World," Captain America is expected to appear in "Avengers: Doomsday," slated for May 1, 2026. While initial reports suggested both Anthony Mackie and Chris Evans would reprise their roles, Evans later denied his involvement. Additionally, Captain America may feature in "Avengers: Secret Wars," set for release on May 7, 2027. Mackie has hinted at his participation in both films, though Marvel has only officially confirmed Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom for these upcoming projects.