Recently, I realized just how far behind I am with my Avengers universe watching. I only stuck with Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for a few episodes during the first season, and I haven’t seen the most recent installments of Iron Man, Thor, or Captain America. So I decided that I need to catch up on all of it in time for the release of Avengers: Age of Ultron (especially after seeing that second trailer).
Then, I decided I wanted to re-watch all of it—the movies and TV—in the right order. I’ve forgotten a lot, and I like an excuse to binge-watch pretty much anything.
But, what’s the right order?
This was a hard question. Marvel’s Agent Carter has started, but I kind of want to watch it all after Captain America: The First Avenger—to see what Peggy Carter gets up to without the boys. I also want to re-watch Ang Lee’s Hulk, which I haven’t seen in 10 years. I know Marvel Studios likes to pretend it never happened, but that seemed like the most sensible place to start. And from there, my ultimate Avengers playlist took shape.
Hulk (2003): Again, I know the first Hulk movie never gets mentioned alongside the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After Universal put out Ang Lee’s version to all kinds of mixed feelings, Marvel got the rights back and completely reworked the story for the reboot in 2008. But, it’s still where it all started. Remember Eric Bana?
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), iTunes.
Iron Man (2008): The first “real” movie in the Avengers franchise, and the movie that made Robert Downey, Jr. an action hero.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video rental), iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, PlayStation Store.
The Incredible Hulk (2008): Edward Norton’s portrayal of Hulk is really fun, and I like anything with Tim Roth. Wow, I’d forgotten all about Roth’s Blonsky until starting this list. And Robert Downey, Jr.’s first (very brief) crossover appearance as Tony Stark. Must hurry up and get through the first two movies on my playlist.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Iron Man 2 (2010): Mickey Rourke, more Robert Downey, Jr., and continuing the tradition of little crossover nuggets at the end.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Thor (2011): Introducing the third Avenger, a straight-up god.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011): Chris Evans’ transformation into Captain America is my favorite origin story so far. And hello, Peggy Carter!
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Marvel’s Agent Carter (2015): I’m saving my episodes of Agent Carter for when I’ve made it this far in my playlist. Because I love what I’m hearing about the miniseries, and I really want to revisit her in Captain America first to refresh my memory.
Where to get it: ABC.com, Amazon (Instant Video purchase), Google Play, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
The Avengers (2012): This is the movie I’ve seen the most times already, thanks to Netflix (and now it’s gone, ugh). But I’m looking forward to getting a refresher on everything that came before.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), Google Play, VUDU, YouTube, XBox.
Iron Man 3 (2013): This is where I hit my franchise wall. I have not seen this one yet, or any of the remaining movies in the Avengers universe.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video purchase), iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox, Starz streaming.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One episodes 1-7 (2013): I made it through the first six episodes of the show when it first aired, and then I lost interest. But then everyone told me it really picked up a couple of episodes later, after Thor: The Dark World was released. So, I was *thisclose* to getting hooked. I will try again.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), Netflix, iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Thor: The Dark World (2013): 2013 was the year that I was apparently in a movie bubble. How could I miss more Loki?
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video purchase), iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One episodes 8-16 (2013-2014): I’ll be picking up the show from here, with the aftermath of whatever happens in Thor: Dark World.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), Netflix, iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014): So many GeekMoms had this at the top of their best movies of 2014 lists. Must. Watch.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video purchase), iTunes, Google Play, PlayStation Store, XBox, Redbox.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One episodes 17-22 (2013-2014): GeekMom Corrina told me major Winter Soldier spoilers abound at the end of the first season, so this is where I will pick up the series after watching the latest Avengers universe movie.
Where to get it: Amazon (DVD, Blu-ray, Instant Video), Netflix, iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Two (2014-2015): I’m hoping to squeeze in the current season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. before the big event in May, but obviously, I don’t know yet if the show will wrap around the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron. Since the movie’s release is May 1, I’m guessing at least the last couple of episodes of S.H.I.E.L.D. may pick up after the movie.
Where to get it: ABC.com (only the five most recent episodes), Amazon (Instant Video purchase), Google Play, VUDU, PlayStation Store, XBox.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) My playlist endgame.
How would your Avengers playlist look?
We have the same plan at our house, but we will begin with Captain America: The First Avenger.
I thought about starting there! But I thought it would be weird to jump to Ang Lee’s Hulk once I was already in the current Avengers world, and I really wanted to watch Hulk first.