How do you watch the Iron Man movies in order? We've Tony Stark, played by the inimitable Robert Downey Jr., to thank for the success of the greatest shared universe ever to be projected on the silver screen.
We're talking, of course, about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it was Iron Man who started it all (Editor: I think you'll find we recommend watching Captain America first when going through the Marvel movies in order). Arguably the most popular Marvel character, Iron Man had some of the best movies in the entire franchise.
Despite this, Tony Stark's story isn't just told in the Iron Man films; it's split across Captain America's story, and he plays a major role in the Spider-Man movies. So, how do you watch all the Iron Man movies in order? Well, don't worry; we've got you covered.
Here's how to watch the Iron Man movies in order:
- Iron Man
- Iron Man 2
- The Avengers
- Iron Man 3
- Avengers: Age of Ultron
- Captain America: Civil War
- Spider-Man: Homecoming
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Avengers: Endgame
Iron Man (2008)
Where to watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV
It all starts here. After he is kidnapped and forced to engineer weapons by terrorists, tech genius Tony Stark rethinks his business dealings, his connections with the US military, and the way he's been living his life. With the damage done to his heart, both physically and from the trauma of being attacked, he creates his first Iron Man suit and decides to use it for good.
His business partner, however, is not a fan of Tony's mushy new outlook and tries to steal everything away from him. The action movie holds up incredibly, thanks in part to the solid, self-contained story and the mix of CGI and practical effects for the suit.
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Where to watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV
Iron Man 2 saw Tony get a bit over his head with the fame and fandom following the ending of the first movie, where Tony first speaks his iconic "I am Iron Man." line at a press conference.
Also, the movie introduces a new Iron Man cast member, Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow. It's a bit dated in some areas, but Disney director Jon Favreau ups the action from the first movie and expands on the more exciting parts of Tony's character.
Unsurprisingly, for an MCU solo outing, the villain isn't memorable, but it's worth watching for the development of Rhodey, who, after this project, often wears his own suit. Iron Man 2 also laid the groundwork for the first Avengers team-up.
The Avengers (2012)
Where to watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV
Watching The Avengers in 2012, seeing the seeds of something that was about to be massive, was special. You'd struggle to explain what it was like watching these characters together for the first time to a young fan now who has grown up with MCU projects flying off the production line.
Before superhero fatigue, unbearable amounts of green screen, and a decade of lore to research before a new movie, The Avengers was a great time. Exciting, fresh, and with a texture that quickly disappeared, this first Avengers movie saw Tony's difficult persona try to mesh with other heroes when Loki attacked Earth. It is a must-watch and, in our eyes, one of the best movies in the MCU, period.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Where to watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV
Iron Man 3 is still a rather novel Marvel movie. Directed by Shane Black, it prioritized exploring Tony's PTSD after almost dying near the end of The Avengers. Also focusing on his struggling relationship with Pepper Potts, Iron Man 3 set up The Mandarin as its villain, but we came to find out that it was a red herring.
Ending with Tony committed to Pepper and letting go of the past, this is the last solo Iron Man movie and the most divisive.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Where to watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV
In one of the weaker Avengers outings, Tony actually had a lot to do in Age of Ultron — even if most of that doing was making a mess other people had to clean up. Still stricken by a fear of failing to protect the world, Tony's paranoia leads him to recklessly develop an AI that, you guessed it, turns evil.
Ultron burrows into a metal suit of armor and tries to destroy the world and start fresh. While the movie is nothing to write home about, it has exciting developments when it comes to Tony's mindset and mistakes and sets up further conflict within The Avengers due to other team members resenting Tony's actions.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Where to watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV
Based on one of the most famous comic book events and made to intercept the DCU's Batman v Superman concept, Civil War is hands down one of the best Marvel movies.
At its core, it's about differing ideals between Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Tony. Disagreements over the Sokovia Accords and the HYDRA-brainwashed Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). Tony believes superheroes should be deployed by and accountable to the government, while Steve, still rocked by the events of The Winter Soldier, has lost faith in politicians and justice.
Civil War ends with a nail-biting fight between Cap, Bucky, and Tony that leaves the Avengers broken into two sides.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Netflix
Tony appears briefly in Tom Holland's first solo Spidey movie, Homecoming. He mostly shows up for short, CGI-heavy scenes in which he scolds Peter.
Not exactly essential in the character's canon, but if you want full context for what's coming up between these two, you don't want to skip this.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Where to watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV
Big bananas, now! Infinity War is the first part of the Infinity Saga's conclusion — action-heavy, satisfying, and featuring the full-weighty threat of Thanos, one of the best Marvel villains.
In this installment, Tony meets the Guardians of The Galaxy, contends with his protege being 'dusted,' and brings out the absolute best in Downey Jr.'s acting chops. Iron Man spends most of the movie in outer space with Peter and the Guardians trying desperately to disarm their enemy.
The shocking final scene sees half of the heroes we spent a decade getting to know snapped out of existence when Thanos successfully creates his Infinity Gauntlet utilizing all of the Infinity Stones, leaving Tony stranded with Nebula.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Where to watch: Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV
We're in the endgame now. Really, we are because this last movie before Phase 4 is sadly the last hurrah for Iron Man in the MCU, discounting any future comeback or variants.
Tony's journey in the fantasy movie begins when Captain Marvel rescues him from near death in space. After the five year time-jump, we find out he has had a daughter and settled down with Pepper.
At first, Tony is unwilling to risk his new life, but when he invents a time travel method, he is unable to resist doing the right thing. Tony is integral in the final stand against Thanos and uses the Infinity Gauntlet to win the day — the power of this weapon is too much for his human body, and Tony dies shortly after, surrounded by his loved ones and fellow Avengers.
Tony's final farewell is a long tear-jerker of a funeral scene. As we say in our open letter to Kevin Feige, things haven't quite been the same in the MCU post-Endgame, so maybe this was the perfect time to leave him behind.
There you have it. For more MCU, see our guide to the upcoming Marvel movies, the best Marvel series on Disney Plus, and their spots in the slate of new movies making their way to screens. We also have all the info on the latest projects heading our way, with guides on everything you need to know about The Marvels release date and the Avengers 5 release date.