Iron Man (2008)
MovieEssential
Weapons designer Tony Stark builds a powered suit to escape captivity and becomes a hero. A Phase One release, it was the first MCU film to come out and sits at #5 of 81 in story order. We grade it Essential: later films lean on what happens here. At 2h 6m, it streams on Disney+ in the US.
| Directed by | Jon Favreau |
|---|---|
| Starring | Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges |
| Release date | May 2, 2008 |
| Runtime | 2h 6m |
| Age rating | PG-13, some material may be inappropriate for under 13 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 94% critics · IMDb 7.9/10 |
| Box office | $586M worldwide |
| Phase | Phase One |
| Saga | Infinity Saga |
| Story position | #5 of 81 in chronological order |
| Timeline setting | Present day (2010) |
| Part of | Iron Man movies in order |
| Post-credit scene | Yes |
Why it matters in the MCU
The film that started the MCU; introduces Tony Stark, SHIELD, and the first-ever post-credit scene.
Post-credit scene
There’s more after the credits. Open the box if you want to know what happens; it gives away part of the ending.
Spoiler What happens after the credits of Iron Man: tap to reveal
Nick Fury appears to discuss the Avengers Initiative.
Where it fits in your watch
Iron Man FAQ
Can you skip Iron Man?
No. It’s Essential: this is where the MCU begins.
When was Iron Man released?
Iron Man was released on May 2, 2008.
Where does Iron Man fit in the MCU timeline?
Iron Man is set in the present day (2010) and sits at #5 of 81 in story order.
Does Iron Man 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.
Where to watch Iron Man in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Disney+ |
|---|---|
| Rent or buy | Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home |
Where to watch Iron Man outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Disney+ | Rent: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Sky Store |
| 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.
