Iron Man

Tony Stark is an inventor whose weapons business has made him wealthy. Captivity forces him to put those skills to a different use: building armor to escape. Back home, a wider threat gives that invention a new purpose. Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony in this 2008 film, directed by Jon Favreau.

The appeal is watching a resourceful inventor confront what his technology can do. The story follows the creation of Tony’s armor, making this a useful introduction to the character.

For a first look at Tony’s armored origin, we suggest starting with Iron Man itself. You can explore the numbered sequels below, or use the release-order guide to include the crossover films.

Explore Iron Man alongside other releases from 2008, or follow the broader release-order guide. Release dates describe when films came out; they do not necessarily describe when their stories take place.

Allow about 2h 6m (126 minutes). Disney+ lists 127 minutes; the catalog uses 126 minutes for viewing-time totals.

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