AVENGERS: ENDGAME, opening on April 26, is more than just another Marvel movie. It’s the final film in a story that’s been over a decade in the making, a celebration of everything Marvel Studios has done to date. If you’re like us, a binge-watch of the entire MCU is in order to prepare for the big event. Here’s the big question: How should you watch the Marvel movies in order?

There are two common ways to build a Marvel movies timeline. The first is in release order, kicking off with 2008’s IRON MAN. The second is in chronological Marvel movie order, following the order of events. That means moving CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER to the pole position and shuffling Phase Three’s movies in some interesting ways.

One smart fan suggested another approach — a thematic structure that may be the best viewing order yet. Here it is, updated for the latest Marvel movie releases.

Writer @VictoriaAveyard put together a list of Marvel films for a friend in the order she thinks they’re best watched. She also added some of her thoughts on each film.

4. The Avengers Trilogy

Directors: Joss Whedon, Joe and Anthony Russo

Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston with Josh Brolin and Samuel L. Jackson

• Avengers : This is a natural fit after the events of THOR, continuing many of that film’s themes and character arcs. Loki returns as a villain; the concept of the Tesseract is explored; and the existence of dangerous alien beings becomes public knowledge when the Chitauri invade New York. There’s also a more subtle detail as this is the first film to really hint that S.H.I.E.L.D. isn’t just “good guys.” THE AVENGERS includes a disturbing sequence in which the World Council orders a nuclear attack on American soil.
• Age of Ultron : Tony Stark builds an artificial intelligence system named Ultron with the help of Bruce Banner. When the sentient Ultron makes plans to wipe out the human race, the Avengers set out to stop him.
• Infinity War : Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers — Thor, Black Widow, Captain America and Bruce Banner — must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos — the evil demigod who decimated the planet and the universe.

When your roommate asks for a Marvel watch list with commentary

To be clear, I like The First Avenger more than most, particularly for setting, but my roommate hates war so the comments were for her. And let’s be real, it has some story telling problems even the setting and Peggy can’t fix.

Careful not to watch the post-credit scene on Ant Man and the Wasp. Spoils Infinity War.

— Michael Sullivan (@sullyhasthots) March 16, 2019

she was made aware

— Victoria Aveyard (@VictoriaAveyard) March 16, 2019

This is outstanding.

— Rainbow Rowell (@rainbowrowell) March 16, 2019

I had time today

— Victoria Aveyard (@VictoriaAveyard) March 16, 2019

skip incredible Hulk’s the best advice pic.twitter.com/O8KluT7QCc

— Leo Oliveira (@souoleoedai) March 16, 2019