Captain America is set to return in his first standalone film in nearly a decade with "Captain America: Brave New World," marking a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Originally introduced during Marvel's Phase One, Captain America has been a pivotal figure in the MCU, and now, 14 years later, he steps into Phase 5 with a new face. Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, takes up the mantle of Captain America, a role passed to him by Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) at the end of "Avengers: Endgame." This shift represents a fresh chapter for the iconic superhero.
For fans eager to revisit or catch up on Captain America's journey before diving into "Brave New World," we've curated a chronological list of his appearances in the MCU. This includes both films and the TV series where he plays a significant role.
How Many Captain America MCU Movies Are There?
There are 8 MCU movies and one TV series where Captain America has a prominent role. Including non-MCU made-for-TV and animated films, the total exceeds 20, but our focus here is on the MCU canon.
For a detailed, spoiler-filled recap of the events leading to "Brave New World," you can 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. You can find it on 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 made his MCU debut in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, the final solo superhero movie of Marvel's Phase One. This film delves into the origin story of Steve Rogers, showcasing his transformation from a rejected military recruit to a superhuman warrior. It introduces Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes, who later becomes the Winter Soldier, and pits Captain America against the Red Skull and Hydra during WWII, setting it as the earliest event in the MCU timeline.
Where to Stream: Disney+
2. The Avengers (2012)
Captain America returned in The Avengers the following year, joining forces with Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Thor, and the Hulk to stop Loki's invasion of Earth, 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 in the MCU timeline, came Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This film dives into a world of espionage and conspiracy, with Captain America and Black Widow facing off against the Winter Soldier, revealed to be 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)
The next year saw Captain America return in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where he and the Avengers battle the titular villain, Ultron, voiced by James Spader. Their victory leads to a mid-credits scene setting up a confrontation with Thanos.
Where to Stream: Disney+ or Starz
5. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
A year later, Captain America: Civil War was released, becoming the highest-grossing standalone Captain America movie with over $1.1 billion worldwide. It features a fractured Avengers team, with Captain America and Iron Man leading opposing factions, while Helmut Zemo emerges as the overarching villain.
Where to Stream: Disney+
6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
In Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America is part of the ensemble cast fighting against Thanos, who aims to eliminate half of all life in the universe. Despite their efforts, Thanos succeeds, but Captain America survives the Snap, setting the stage for "Avengers: Endgame."
Where to Stream: Disney+
7. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Endgame spans across time but concludes five years after "Infinity War." Captain America and the remaining Avengers work to undo the effects of Thanos's Snap, culminating in the epic Battle of Earth. The film ends with Steve Rogers passing his shield to Sam Wilson, marking the transition to a new Captain America.
Where to Stream: Disney+
8. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021 – TV Series)
In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson steps into the role of Captain America for the first time in an MCU project. Set six months after "Endgame," the series follows Wilson and Bucky Barnes as they confront the Flag Smashers, a group of anti-nationalist supersoldiers led by Karli Morgenthau.
Where to Stream: Disney+
9. Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" sets the stage for "Captain America: Brave New World." The official synopsis from Marvel states:
After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
The mention of a "newly elected U.S. President" suggests the film is set around late 2027 or early 2028. "Brave New World" introduces Harrison Ford as President Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk, a role previously played by William Hurt. For more insights, you can read IGN's review of "Brave New World."
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," scheduled for May 1, 2026. Reports suggest both Anthony Mackie and Chris Evans might appear, though Evans has denied his involvement. Additionally, Captain America is likely to feature in "Avengers: Secret Wars," set for May 7, 2027. While Mackie has hinted at his participation in both films, Marvel has only confirmed Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom for these projects.
