Marvel's The Avengers (2012)
MovieEssential
Earth's mightiest heroes assemble to stop Loki and his alien army from conquering the planet. It was the 6th MCU film released, part of Phase One, and it’s #11 of 81 in story order. We grade it Essential: later films lean on what happens here. At 2h 23m, it streams on Hulu in the US.
| Directed by | Joss Whedon |
|---|---|
| Starring | Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner |
| Release date | May 4, 2012 |
| Runtime | 2h 23m |
| Age rating | PG-13, some material may be inappropriate for under 13 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 91% critics · IMDb 8.0/10 |
| Box office | $1,521M worldwide |
| Phase | Phase One |
| Saga | Infinity Saga |
| Story position | #11 of 81 in chronological order |
| Timeline setting | Present day |
| Part of | Avengers movies in order, Hulk movies in order |
| Post-credit scene | Yes |
Why it matters in the MCU
The first team-up; first appearance of Thanos; defines the MCU event-film formula.
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 Marvel's The Avengers: tap to reveal
The Other reports to Thanos, who smiles at the camera.
Where it fits in your watch
Marvel's The Avengers FAQ
Can you skip Marvel's The Avengers?
No. It’s Essential: it’s the centerpiece of Phase One.
When was Marvel's The Avengers released?
Marvel's The Avengers was released on May 4, 2012.
Where does Marvel's The Avengers fit in the MCU timeline?
Marvel's The Avengers is set in the present day and sits at #11 of 81 in story order.
Does Marvel's The Avengers 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 Marvel's The Avengers
These earlier titles set up the characters and events Marvel's The Avengers builds on, in release order:
- Iron Man (2008)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- Thor (2011)
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Where to watch Marvel's The Avengers in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Hulu |
|---|---|
| Rent or buy | Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home |
Where to watch Marvel's The Avengers outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Disney+ | Rent: Apple TV, Amazon, CosmoGo |
| India | JioHotstar | None needed |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
All streaming options for Marvel movies and shows, by service and country.