Guardians of the Galaxy

A stolen orb puts Peter Quill in Ronan’s sights and brings him together with Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot. Their alliance begins as a matter of survival. Directed by James Gunn, this 2014 adventure introduces a new team in the cosmic corner of the MCU, far from the familiar streets of Earth.

Start here for a different kind of ensemble. The pleasure is in the friction: five strong personalities have to share the same adventure before they can feel like a team. The comedy makes their clashes inviting, while the space setting gives this chapter its own visual identity. It is a good change of pace after the Earth-based stories of Phase 2.

Begin with this film for the Guardians’ introduction. We suggest enjoying their first adventure before moving to Vol. 2; the related films below offer a choice between continuing their story and exploring another MCU team.

This is the first Guardians film and our suggested entry point for the group. You can meet these characters here, then continue with Vol. 2. If you prefer to keep every film in release order, use the Phase 2 guide to place this adventure alongside the wider MCU.

Allow about 2h 1m (121 minutes), matching this catalog and Disney Movies. The catalog release date is July 30, 2014; Disney lists August 1, 2014 for the US release.

This film is not on the current reviewed Doomsday preparation list. That is separate from its value as a film or a starting point.