Doctor Strange, the Master of the Mystic Arts, has captivated audiences since his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With his powerful magic, intriguing personality, and stylish presence, he has quickly become a fan-favorite character. If you’re wondering how many Doctor Strange movies are out there and in what order you should watch them, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will answer your question and provide a comprehensive overview of every Doctor Strange movie and significant appearance within the MCU. So, let’s dive into the mystical world of Stephen Strange and explore his journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
There are two standalone Doctor Strange movies in the MCU so far, focusing directly on his storyline:
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
However, to fully appreciate Doctor Strange’s arc and his importance in the MCU, it’s essential to consider his appearances in other Marvel films as well. Here’s a complete list of Doctor Strange’s appearances in chronological order of release, providing the best viewing order for his story:
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Let’s delve into each of these appearances to understand Doctor Strange’s evolution within the MCU.
1. Doctor Strange (2016)
This is where it all began. Doctor Strange (2016) serves as the origin story for Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon. At the peak of his career, a devastating car accident shatters his hands, robbing him of his surgical skills and his identity. Driven by desperation, Strange seeks unconventional healing methods and stumbles upon Kamar-Taj, a hidden compound in Nepal.
Here, he encounters the Ancient One and learns about the mystic arts, a realm beyond science and medicine. Initially skeptical, Strange becomes fascinated and dedicates himself to mastering these new powers. He learns to manipulate reality, travel to other dimensions, and protect Earth from mystical threats. This film showcases Strange’s transformation from a self-centered doctor to a selfless sorcerer, laying the foundation for his future role in the MCU. He faces his first major magical threat and emerges as the Sorcerer Supreme of the New York Sanctum.
2. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
In Thor: Ragnarok, Doctor Strange makes a memorable cameo, marking his first interaction with a major Avenger. Thor, in his quest to find his father Odin, seeks out Doctor Strange at the New York Sanctum. This brief but humorous scene highlights Strange’s growing reputation and his willingness to assist other heroes.
While not crucial to the overall Doctor Strange narrative, this appearance is significant as it establishes his connection to the wider MCU and showcases his ability to interact with diverse characters. It’s a fun, lighthearted moment that demonstrates Strange’s integration into the larger superhero world.
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) & Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame are essentially two parts of a single epic story, and Doctor Strange plays a pivotal role in both. Thanos, a powerful cosmic being, seeks to collect all six Infinity Stones to wipe out half of all life in the universe. Doctor Strange, as the protector of the Time Stone, becomes a crucial target.
In Infinity War, Strange confronts Thanos directly and engages in a battle of wits and magic. He famously looks into millions of possible futures to find the one path where the Avengers can win, ultimately surrendering the Time Stone to Thanos to save Tony Stark’s life, believing it to be the only way. His complex plan unfolds in Endgame, where, after being resurrected, he guides the Avengers towards their eventual victory over Thanos. These two films solidify Doctor Strange’s importance as a key player in the MCU and demonstrate his strategic brilliance and immense power.
4. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Spider-Man: No Way Home sees Doctor Strange attempting to help Peter Parker after his identity as Spider-Man is revealed to the world. Peter seeks Strange’s help to make the world forget he is Spider-Man, and Strange agrees to cast a complex memory spell. However, Peter’s interruptions during the spell cause it to go awry, breaking open the multiverse and bringing villains from alternate realities into their world.
This film is crucial for Doctor Strange as it directly leads into the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. No Way Home explores the dangers of tampering with reality and sets the stage for Strange’s deeper dive into the complexities and threats of the multiverse. It shows a more fallible side of Strange, highlighting the potential consequences of even his well-intentioned actions.
5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the second standalone Doctor Strange film and a direct continuation of the multiverse threads opened in No Way Home. Strange must protect America Chavez, a young girl with the power to travel through the multiverse, from those who seek to exploit her abilities. This film takes Strange on a perilous journey across different dimensions, forcing him to confront alternate versions of himself and face terrifying threats unlike anything he’s encountered before.
Multiverse of Madness delves deeper into the darker and more chaotic aspects of the multiverse, testing Doctor Strange’s magical prowess and his mental fortitude. It expands the scope of his powers and his responsibilities within the ever-expanding MCU, leaving audiences eager for his next chapter.
Conclusion
So, to reiterate, while there are two movies specifically titled “Doctor Strange,” his story is woven throughout the MCU in a total of six significant film appearances to date. Watching these movies in the order listed above will provide you with the most complete and satisfying understanding of Doctor Strange’s journey, from his origin to his multiverse-spanning adventures.
Doctor Strange has become an integral part of the MCU, and his future appearances are highly anticipated. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the character, exploring his movies and cameos is a rewarding journey into the mystical and magical side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Start your watch list today and witness the incredible evolution of Doctor Stephen Strange!
