Thor: The Dark World

Thor is trying to restore order when Malekith returns with a threat to Earth and the Nine Realms. Asgard cannot face this enemy through strength alone, and Thor turns to Loki for an uneasy alliance. Alan Taylor directs this 2013 sequel, with Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Tom Hiddleston returning.

The draw is the alliance at the center of the adventure. Thor needs help from someone he has reason to distrust, which gives their shared scenes a tension beyond the scale of the threat. If the first film drew you toward Asgard and its family conflicts, this is a chance to spend more time in that part of the series.

Return to Asgard’s beginning

Thor ↗

2011 · 1h 55m

We suggest watching Thor first to meet Thor, Jane and Loki before this sequel. The Avengers is another useful stop if you want the broader ensemble story between the two Thor films. Choose the route that matches how much context you want.

The official synopsis places this story after Thor and The Avengers. For a focused introduction to Thor and Asgard, begin with the first Thor; for the wider ensemble context, explore The Avengers as well. The Phase 2 guide offers a release-order route through this chapter of the film series.

Allow about 1h 52m (112 minutes), the runtime used by this catalog and its viewing plans. Disney+ lists 1h 55m (115 minutes). The catalog release date is October 30, 2013; Marvel’s official trailer advertises a November 8 opening.

Optional before Doomsday. Continues Thor and Loki's story, but very little of it carries into Doomsday.