Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot come together over the Power Stone.
Stream:Disney+
Guardians of the Galaxy Movies in Order
James Gunn’s Guardians trilogy is three films and a holiday special, released between 2014 and 2023. It’s one of the few MCU series with a proper ending.
Quick list4 releasedShow allHide
- 1Guardians of the Galaxy2014
- 2Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 22017
- 3The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special2022
- 4Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 32023
Nobody outside comic shops knew who the Guardians were in 2014. Gunn’s first film, built on a 1970s mixtape and a talking raccoon, made them one of the most popular parts of the MCU. The trilogy follows the same found family the whole way through, and Vol. 3 ends their run on purpose. Gunn has since moved to run DC Studios; our MCU vs DCU guide compares the two universes.
In between, the Guardians fight alongside the Avengers in Infinity War and Endgame, which is where Gamora’s story takes its biggest turn. Watch those before Vol. 3.
Guardians of the Galaxy in release order
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Quill meets his father, Ego. Story-wise it takes place only months after the first film.
Stream:Disney+
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
A 44-minute Disney+ special. Short, silly, and it reveals one thing that matters for Vol. 3.
Stream:Disney+
Also worth watching
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018): The Guardians meet Thor and face Thanos.
- Avengers: Endgame (2019): Matters a lot for Gamora’s story in Vol. 3.
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022): The Guardians appear briefly at the start.
- I Am Groot: Season 1 (2022): Short animated pieces with Baby Groot. Pure bonus.
- I Am Groot: Season 2 (2023): More of the same.
The best order to watch the Guardians of the Galaxy movies
Vol. 1 → Vol. 2 → Infinity War → Endgame → Holiday Special → Vol. 3. That keeps Gamora’s story intact and puts the Holiday Special where Marvel intended it.
Guardians of the Galaxy movies FAQ
How many Guardians of the Galaxy movies are there?
Three films (2014, 2017, 2023) plus The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022).
Do I need to watch Infinity War before Vol. 3?
Yes. What happens to Gamora in Infinity War and Endgame drives a big part of Vol. 3.
Will there be a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4?
Nothing has been announced. Vol. 3 was written as the end for this line-up, and James Gunn now runs DC Studios, though the film’s closing card does promise that “the Legendary Star-Lord will return.”