The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) isn’t just a collection of superhero flicks. It’s a sprawling, meticulously woven tapestry of interconnected stories, timelines, and now, multiverses. With the announcement of the much-awaited Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s time to piece together the MCU’s timeline leading up to Marvel’s First Family. To make things even more exciting, Fantastic Four is set in the 1960s on a parallel Earth, adding a fascinating retro twist to their story.

If you’ve struggled to make sense of years of events, Infinity Stones, and multiversal madness, fear not! Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the MCU timeline in chronological order to keep everything crystal clear.

The Dawn of Time and the Infinity Stones

Before galaxies even existed, the backbone of the MCU was forged—the Infinity Stones. Six cosmic ingots of unimaginable power (Time, Space, Reality, Power, Mind, and Soul Stones) were created during the Big Bang. These stones would eventually change hands countless times, sparking wars, reshaping realities, and driving the MCU’s central conflicts.

Fast-forward several millennia, and we meet the Celestials, god-like beings who created life and wielded the Power Stone during their reign over the cosmos. Their influence on the MCU’s universe becomes a key thread through cosmic adventures like Guardians of the Galaxy and Eternals.

1940s - The First Super Soldier

The timeline jumps to World War II with Captain America: The First Avenger. Steve Rogers, a scrawny kid from Brooklyn, volunteers for a top-secret military program, transforming into the super-strong, shield-wielding Captain America. He battles Hydra, led by the villainous Johann Schmidt (aka Red Skull), who wields the Tesseract (later revealed to be the Space Stone). Cap’s sacrifice to save the world leaves him frozen in the Arctic, waiting to be rediscovered decades later.

1960s - The Fantastic Four’s Secret Adventure

While much of the timeline slows after Cap’s disappearance, the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family during an overlooked chapter of the MCU. Set in the 1960s on a parallel Earth, the movie follows Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing) as they explore the mysteries of the multiverse after gaining their powers. The space race-era setting combined with retro sci-fi influences promises to paint a distinct picture of this team. Expect their adventures to foreshadow key events tied to interdimensional travel and even the rise of Kang, who shares a lineage with Reed Richards.

1990s - Enter Captain Marvel

The 1990s introduce one of the MCU’s most powerful heroes, Carol Danvers, in Captain Marvel. A U.S. Air Force pilot with amnesia, Carol discovers her connection to the Kree, a powerful alien race battling the Skrulls, a group of shape-shifting refugees. After unlocking her memories and her full powers, Captain Marvel defeats Kree villain Yon-Rogg and helps the Skrulls find a new home. Importantly, Nick Fury adopts the concept of the Avengers Initiative after witnessing Carol’s heroics, preparing for a world that might need defenders against intergalactic threats.

The film also shows how Fury loses his eye (thanks to Goose the Flerken-cat) and introduces Earth’s first encounters with Tesseract energy, building on the groundwork set by The First Avenger.

2000s - Stark’s Industrial Boom

Though most of the 2000s are quiet on the timeline, Tony Stark is busy building Stark Industries into a weapons powerhouse. His weapons find their way into global conflicts, setting the stage for his life-altering arc in Iron Man.

2008 - The Birth of Iron Man

Tony Stark’s abduction by terrorists using his own weapons sparks the creation of his first armored suit in Iron Man. Upon his return, Stark transforms into the titular hero, vowing to use his genius for good rather than destruction. This moment launches the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it. Fun fact? This is where Nick Fury makes his first move, recruiting Stark into the Avengers Initiative.

2010s - The MCU Takes Off

Thor Arrives (2010–2011)

While Stark is becoming a hero, Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, is banished from Asgard to Earth in Thor. This punishment forces Thor to earn his worth and claim his hammer, Mjolnir. Meanwhile, Loki’s mischievous actions lay the groundwork for future Marvel chaos.

The Avengers Assemble (2012)

The Avengers film marks a turning point. Loki uses the Tesseract to lead an alien invasion, forcing Earth’s heroes to work together for the first time. Of course, it wouldn’t be the last time the Tesseract draws trouble.

Guardians Introduced (2014)

Out in the galaxy, Peter Quill and his ragtag crew protect the Power Stone in Guardians of the Galaxy, marking the MCU’s deep space expansion. Meanwhile, other Infinity Stones (like the Reality Stone in Thor: The Dark World) are slowly reintroduced.

The Civil War Fallout (2016)

The Avengers are torn apart in Captain America: Civil War after a mission gone wrong reignites global fears about unchecked superheroes. Tony Stark’s endorsement of government control (via the Sokovia Accords) puts him at odds with Steve Rogers, dividing Marvel’s core heroes.

2018 - The Thanos Threat Looms

The timelines converge in Avengers: Infinity War, where Thanos emerges in pursuit of all six Infinity Stones. The “snap” that follows his victory erases half of all life in the universe, leaving audiences stunned and heroes in emotional ruin.

2023 - The Avengers’ Endgame

After five years of loss, the Avengers pull off a time-traveling “Heist of the Infinity Stones” in Avengers: Endgame. Their victory restores those wiped away by Thanos but comes at a heavy cost. Tony Stark sacrifices himself to defeat Thanos once and for all, leaving a legacy that will deeply impact future heroes.

A Multiversal Era Begins

Post-Endgame, the multiverse becomes the focal point of new threats.

Wanda, Loki, and the Multiverse (2023–2025)

WandaVision shows Wanda Maximoff using chaos magic to warp reality, while Loki reveals Kang the Conqueror as the master manipulator expanding multiversal chaos. Both projects tee up conflicts spilling across Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where alternate dimensions collide.

Kang’s Reign (2025 Onwards)

Kang the Conqueror, introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, emerges as the Multiverse Saga’s big villain. His mastery of time travel and multiverse domination positions him as the MCU’s most dangerous antagonist since Thanos.

From the dawn of the Infinity Stones to the multiverse’s infinite possibilities, the MCU timeline is a rollercoaster of cosmic events, emotional arcs, and unforgettable moments. With Fantastic Four introducing an entirely new layer to this already intricate web, Marvel fans are in for a wild adventure. And now, with this recap, you’re fully geared up to keep pace with the adventures yet to come.