There are presently two Doctor Strange movies, namely the inaugural Doctor Strange, released in 2016, and its sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which debuted in 2022. The character has, however, appeared in six other MCU movies.
Doctor Strange, a formidable Avenger and protector of Earth against mystical and magical threats, has emerged as a pivotal character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, captivating audiences worldwide with his enigmatic sorcery and mastery of the mystic arts. Despite his significant presence within the MCU, it may come as a surprise that there have been only two dedicated Doctor Strange movies thus far.
To fully appreciate his journey, it is advisable to explore certain key films in which Stephen Strange has made appearances. These movies collectively trace the evolution of Dr. Stephen Strange from a skilled surgeon to a guardian of the mystic realm, detailing his quest to safeguard the Time Stone from Thanos, his return from the blip to aid in the battle against the Mad Titan during the final showdown for the Infinity Stones, and his inadvertent role in shattering the multiverse while assisting Peter Parker.
List of All Doctor Strange Movies
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2019)
- Avengers: Endgame (2020)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
The Doctor Strange movie series revolves around the enigmatic Dr. Stephen Strange, portrayed by the talented Benedict Cumberbatch. Dr. Strange’s journey begins as a brilliant surgeon whose career is tragically halted by a devastating accident.
Desperate for healing, he embarks on a global quest that leads him to the mystical enclave of Kamar-Taj. It is there that he unveils realms of power and knowledge beyond his wildest imagination, ultimately evolving into Doctor Strange, the formidable Master of the Mystic Arts.
How to Watch Doctor Strange Movies
To experience the complete narrative arc of Doctor Strange’s appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it’s recommended to watch these films chronologically based on their release dates. This chronological viewing provides a comprehensive understanding of Doctor Strange’s evolution within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Here’s the recommended order for watching Doctor Strange movies, along with key appearances:
1. Doctor Strange (2016)
The film delves into the journey of Dr. Stephen Strange, a highly skilled neurosurgeon whose life takes a dramatic turn after a debilitating car accident leaves him with severely injured hands, rendering him unable to continue his surgical career. Desperate to regain his former abilities, Strange embarks on a quest to heal himself.
In his pursuit of a remedy, he encounters an enigmatic sanctuary known as Kamar-Taj. Here, his path converges with the mystical arts, and he undergoes a profound transformation, ultimately emerging as the formidable sorcerer recognized as Doctor Strange.
2. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Doctor Strange makes a brief yet impactful appearance at the start of “Thor: Ragnarok.” This appearance underscores his ability to collaborate with established MCU characters, as he plays a pivotal role in reuniting the estranged brothers, Loki and Thor, a crucial catalyst for propelling the movie’s intricate plot forward. His intervention facilitates a reunion with their ailing father, Odin, a moment that precipitates the unfolding events of Ragnarok.
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Doctor Strange’s supporting role in this film is notable. As Thanos seeks to collect all six Infinity Stones, Doctor Strange joins the Avengers to thwart his plans. His responsibility is to protect the Time Stone, contained within the Eye of Agamotto, suspended around his neck. However, in a shocking turn of events, he makes the audacious decision to relinquish the Time Stone to Thanos, a move that left audiences perplexed at the time.
Doctor Strange’s enigmatic gamble ultimately proves to be the key to confronting the cosmic menace. This decision comes at a great personal cost, as he becomes one of the individuals who succumb to Thanos’ devastating actions by the film’s conclusion.
4. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
In the aftermath of the cataclysmic events depicted in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe lies in ruins, scarred by the relentless actions of the malevolent Thanos. To rectify this dire situation and restore balance, the Avengers, joined by their steadfast allies, embark on a quest to reverse the devastation.
Doctor Strange makes a pivotal return towards the conclusion of the film, offering crucial assistance to the Avengers during their climactic battle against Thanos. Strange’s remarkable foresight becomes evident as he comprehends the inevitability of past events, recognizing that the intricate sequence of occurrences was the only conceivable path to triumph over Thanos.
5. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
In this installment, Peter Parker seeks Doctor Strange’s assistance in erasing the world’s memory of his secret identity as Spider-Man.
However, the spell takes a disastrous turn, fracturing the very fabric of the multiverse. As a result, malevolent villains from alternate dimensions are unleashed, posing a dire threat to both Peter Parker and Doctor Strange as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.
6. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Doctor Strange encounters America Chavez, a teenager possessing the unique capability to traverse the multiverse. However, her extraordinary powers draw the attention of Wanda Maximoff, who seeks to harness America’s abilities for her own goals.
Doctor Strange forms an alliance with this enigmatic teenager to confront many dangers, including alternate versions of himself from other dimensions that pose a grave threat to countless worlds across the multiverse. Their mission becomes twofold: to thwart Wanda’s ambitions and rescue America Chavez from imminent peril.
Must You Watch Doctor Strange Movies in Order?
For a coherent understanding of Doctor Strange’s character arc and his role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is advisable to view these films in chronological order of their release. The journey commences with Doctor Strange, where audiences witness the compelling origin story of Stephen Strange, a formerly successful and self-absorbed surgeon who undergoes a profound transformation into a sorcerer.
In Thor: Ragnarok, we catch a glimpse of his adaptation to this newfound existence, although this film plays a less pivotal role in his character development. The narrative escalates in significance with the arrival of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, where Doctor Strange emerges as a linchpin figure in the battle against Thanos. His contributions extend beyond physical prowess to strategic insight.
The interconnectedness of the MCU continues to unfold in Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Doctor Strange intervenes to assist Peter Parker when his secret identity becomes public, inadvertently triggering the opening of the multiverse.
To culminate this immersive journey, The Multiverse of Madness confronts our hero with unprecedented challenges and forces, pushing the boundaries of his abilities. To glean the most coherent and impactful narrative experience, it is recommended to follow this viewing sequence, allowing the storyline to unfold with greater resonance and clarity.
Will There Be a New Doctor Strange Movie?
While Doctor Strange 3 has not received official confirmation, the character of Doctor Strange is poised to make appearances in upcoming Marvel productions, as indicated by the concluding events in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The film left audiences with a tantalizing cliffhanger, introducing Clea and their mysterious journey into the Dark Dimension. However, the exact timeline for their return remains uncertain.
Doctor Strange 3 is expected to be scheduled for release in 2027, likely after the Avengers have addressed the challenges posed by Kang the Conqueror and his Secret War storyline. Nevertheless, there are hints that fans may catch glimpses of Doctor Strange in Marvel Phase 5 films, as actor Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed his involvement in several Marvel projects slated for 2024. Benedict Cumberbatch expressed his enthusiasm for reprising the role of Doctor Strange, recognizing the character’s complexity and the vast uncharted territories awaiting exploration.
Should Doctor Strange 3 receive the green light, it is anticipated that the story will continue from where Multiverse of Madness left off. Stephen Strange is likely to grapple with the consequences of his use of dark magic during his clash with Wanda while also confronting the arrival of Clea, a character closely connected to the Marvel villain Dread Dormammu.
Regarding the cast for Doctor Strange 3, it is expected that the movie will feature notable figures from the previous films, including Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange and Benedict Wong as Wong. Charlize Theron is confirmed to join the cast as Clea, adding to the star-studded lineup. However, the return of Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo remains uncertain, leaving fans eager for further updates.
As the days roll into weeks, weeks into months, the excitement surrounding the forthcoming Doctor Strange 3 escalates, and it is slated for a prospective release in 2027. Enthusiasts eagerly await the return of director Scott Derrickson, while Benedict Cumberbatch’s unwavering dedication to both the character and the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe intensifies the anticipation even further.
FAQs
When Did Dr. Strange First Appear in Marvel Movies?
The cinematic debut of Dr. Strange took place in 2016 when he appeared as the character Stephen Strange in the movie Doctor Strange, released in the same year.
