Doctor Strange (2016)
MovieEssential
A brilliant surgeon discovers the mystic arts and defends reality from otherworldly threats. A Phase Three release, it was the 14th MCU film to come out and sits at #30 of 81 in story order. We rate it Essential: the main saga depends on it. It runs 1h 55m and streams on Disney+ in the US.
| Directed by | Scott Derrickson |
|---|---|
| Starring | Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen |
| Release date | November 4, 2016 |
| Runtime | 1h 55m |
| Age rating | PG-13, some material may be inappropriate for under 13 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 89% critics · IMDb 7.5/10 |
| Box office | $678M worldwide |
| Phase | Phase Three |
| Saga | Infinity Saga |
| Story position | #30 of 81 in chronological order |
| Timeline setting | Present day |
| Part of | Doctor Strange movies in order |
| Post-credit scene | Yes |
Why it matters in the MCU
Introduces magic, the Time Stone, and the multiverse concept.
Post-credit scene
Yes, stay through the credits. The box below says what happens, but it gives away part of the ending.
Spoiler What happens after the credits of Doctor Strange: tap to reveal
Two scenes: mid-credits, Strange agrees to help Thor find Odin; after the credits, Mordo strips Pangborn of his powers and decides there are too many sorcerers.
Where it fits in your watch
Doctor Strange FAQ
Can you skip Doctor Strange?
No. It’s Essential: the Time Stone and Strange himself are central to Infinity War.
When was Doctor Strange released?
Doctor Strange was released on November 4, 2016.
Where does Doctor Strange fit in the MCU timeline?
Doctor Strange is set in the present day and sits at #30 of 81 in story order.
Does Doctor Strange have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Stay through the credits for at least one extra scene. What happens in it is in the spoiler box on this page.
What to watch before Doctor Strange
To get the most out of Doctor Strange, these are the earlier titles it builds on, in release order:
- Thor (2011)
- Marvel's The Avengers (2012)
- Thor: The Dark World (2013)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Where to watch Doctor Strange in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Disney+ |
|---|---|
| Rent or buy | Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home |
Where to watch Doctor Strange outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Disney+ | Rent: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Amazon |
| Canada | Disney+ | Rent: Apple TV, Amazon, CosmoGo |
| Australia | Disney+ | None needed |
| India | JioHotstar | None needed |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
All streaming options for Marvel movies and shows, by service and country.
