Since Benedict Cumberbatch’s amazing appearances as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of the famous Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange has become one of the best-recognized Marvel characters in the history of the comic book company.
However, did you realize that past incarnations of Doctor Strange have been featured in the big picture, long until the Marvel Cinematic Universe debuted the personality?
Strange made his debut on the pages of a comic book in 1963, but the character did not make his first appearance on the big screen until the late 1970s.
Here is the definitive list of all of Doctor Strange’s films, presented chronologically, beginning with old-school live-action TV movies and continuing all the way up to the Multiverse of Madness.
A Quick Rundown Of The Films In Chronological Order Starring Doctor Strange
The Sorcerer Supreme was brought to life in real-time versions years before his appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2016. This list includes animated films as well as live-action films, and it encompasses every movie in which Doctor Strange appeared or featured in a cameo role.
- Doctor Strange (1978)
- Doctor Strange (2007)
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- What If…? (2021)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Doctor Strange In the Multiverse Of Madness (2022)
Remember that Doctor Strange will very probably show up in other Marvel Cinematic Universe productions. Meanwhile, as of this moment, there has been no information publicly released. Before we get to a third installment of the Doctor Strange film series, we will definitely see some cameo parts for Stephen Strange.
The Films of Doctor Strange, Listed In Chronological Order, With a Complete Analysis
1. Doctor Strange (1978)
IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
Thomas Lindmer, played by Sir John Mills and a globe wizard, envisages the return to the planet of his antiquity opponent Morgan LeFey, played by Jessica Walter, who was given dominion over people’s minds by The Nameless One.
Lindmer must bestow the Guardianship of the Light onto a brilliant psychiatric intern named Dr. Stephen Strange (played by Peter Hooten), who is oblivious to the fact that he is destined to fulfill his role in the fight against her dark sorcery.
This version of Stephen Strange is just as ridiculous as people were back in the day when it was produced. On the other hand, this is the very first time that Doctor Strange has ever been shown on the big screen, and the movie is certain to make you giggle.
Strange has a bushy mustache and his hair is styled in a way that is quite reminiscent of the 1970s. In addition to this, the acting is just as absurd as the outfits.
In this specific incarnation of the character, Doctor Strange is a youthful psychiatrist who was selected by an earlier Sorcerer Supreme to carry on the role of Sorcerer Supreme and battle an ancient magician by the name of Morgan LeFey.
It’s a little distinct origin narrative than the one we all remember from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where Dr. Strange was a surgeon who, after his own injury, decided to study the mystical arts.
2. Doctor Strange (2007)
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Dr. Stephen Strange goes on an incredible adventure to the summit of a Tibetan mountain, where he hopes to find solace and recovery at the feet of the enigmatic Ancient One.
However, in order for Strange’s wounds to heal, he needs to get rid of his difficult history and activate a power that is only given to a select few people.
The power to do magic. Dr. Strange, now endowed with the powers of the new Sorcerer Supreme, is putting those abilities to the test by confronting the most horrific being that humanity has ever seen. He is rising up against demons that are pushing at the gates.
Movies like Thor: Tales of Asgard, The Invincible Iron Man, Ultimate Avengers: The Movie, and Doctor Strange (2007) were among the Marvel Animated Features that were released between 2005 and 2011.
The background of this Stephen Strange, spoken by Bryce Johnson, is considerably nearer comparable to that of the Stephen Strange from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
This Stephen Strange was handicapped and sought assistance from the Ancient One before discovering that his purpose seemed to be to get rid of history and become the next Sorcerer Supreme, the supreme defender of Earth.
As a child, one of my favorite things to do was watch cartoon movies, therefore I am now not sure how legitimately wonderful this is. Simply said, it was fantastic, and its effects remain with me to this day.
3. Doctor Strange (2016)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
The superhero movie Doctor Strange was released in the United States in 2016 and is inspired by the Marvel Comics character with the exact same name.
Directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Jon Spaihts, C. Robert Cargill, and Derrickson, the film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon who, after a career-ending car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
The story opens with Dr. Stephen Strange, an arrogant and extremely accomplished neurosurgeon whose career is cut short when he is involved in a vehicle accident that causes major damage to his hands and renders him unable to operate.
Desperate for a cure, he travels to Kathmandu, Nepal to seek out the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) a powerful sorcerer who is rumored to have the power to heal him.
Along the way, Strange faces many challenges and obstacles, and with the help of the Ancient One, he becomes a powerful sorcerer, able to manipulate time and space to his will.
The movie was widely praised for its visuals, Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal as Doctor Strange, and the story which was well-written and well-paced.
The visuals of the movie used a combination of traditional visual effects, 3D animation, and motion capture, which were used to create stunning and visually complex visuals.
The story follows the Doctor’s journey from an arrogant, self-centered surgeon to a powerful and selfless sorcerer, that is willing to put the lives of others before his own.
The movie also features a strong cast, including Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo, and Mads Mikkelsen as the main villain Kaecilius.
The movie also introduced the audience to the concept of the multiverse, a key part of the Doctor Strange comics and the wider Marvel universe, adding new dimensions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Doctor Strange was a commercial success, grossing over $677 million worldwide and it was widely praised by critics and audiences.
It was the 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and it set the stage for Doctor Strange’s appearance in future MCU films such as Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Infinity War.
Overall, Doctor Strange (2016) was a well-received and successful addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The film was praised for its visuals, performances, and story, and for introducing the concept of the multiverse to the MCU.
The movie was a solid origin story for the Doctor Strange character, which set the stage for his future appearances in the MCU.
4. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Thor: Ragnarok is a 2017 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor. The film is directed by Taika Waititi and is the 17th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The story of Thor: Ragnarok picks up after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron and Thor: The Dark World. Thor, who is portrayed in the film by Chris Hemsworth, ends up being imprisoned on the planet Sakaar and is forced to take part in a gladiatorial competition in order to get free.
Along the way, he reunites with his former Avenger teammate, the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, and faces off against his sister, Hela, played by Cate Blanchett, who has taken over Asgard and plans to destroy it.
One of the key elements of the film is its comedic tone, which sets it apart from the previous Thor films and other entries in the MCU. Director Taika Waititi, known for his comedic work on films like Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows, infuses the film with his signature brand of humor, and the film’s cast, which includes comedic actors like Jeff Goldblum and Tessa Thompson, also contribute to the film’s lightheartedness.
The film also introduces several new characters to the MCU, such as Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, and Korg, played by Taika Waititi himself, who quickly became fan favorites.
Critics generally gave the film positive reviews, praising its humor, visuals, and performances, particularly Hemsworth and Ruffalo’s chemistry as Thor and Hulk. It grossed over $854 million worldwide, becoming the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2017 and the fifth-highest-grossing film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Overall, Thor: Ragnarok is a welcome departure from the previous Thor films, bringing a fresh and comedic take on the character, that also successfully tied into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With its impressive cast, stunning visuals, and entertaining storyline, Thor: Ragnarok is a film that is sure to please both fans of the comics and newcomers to the franchise alike.
Doctor Strange appears in the 2017 film Thor: Ragnarok. He is played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Doctor Strange plays a small but important role in the film, as Thor goes to him in order to find Odin, Thor’s father. Doctor Strange uses the Time Stone to locate Odin and sends Thor to Asgard.
Although the role is brief it was an important stepping stone to connect the movie to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, and also to set up the characters for the Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
5. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Avengers: Infinity War is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.
The story of Avengers: Infinity War revolves around the villainous Thanos, played by Josh Brolin, who seeks to collect all six Infinity Stones to wipe out half of all life in the universe.
The Avengers and their allies, including the Guardians of the Galaxy, must come together to stop Thanos and his minions from obtaining powerful stones and destroying the universe.
One of the major draws of the film is the vast array of characters it brings together, including Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and many more. The film also marks the first time that the Guardians of the Galaxy appear in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film alongside the Avengers.
The film was well received by both critics and audiences, praised for its ambitious scale and its ensemble cast performances, particularly Josh Brolin as Thanos. It grossed $2.048 billion worldwide, making it the fourth highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release.
Additionally, Infinity War also marks the first of a two-part crossover event and it ends with an unexpected and emotionally-charged cliffhanger, creating high anticipation for the following Avengers: Endgame, which concludes the story and is released the year after.
In conclusion, Avengers: Infinity War is an epic, action-packed film that brings together an incredible cast of characters from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe to face off against one of the most powerful villains in the franchise.
The film’s ambitious scale, stunning visuals, and emotional performances make it a must-see for fans of the comics and the MCU.
Doctor Strange does appear in the movie Avengers: Infinity War. He is played by actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Doctor Strange is a powerful sorcerer who possesses the Time Stone, one of the six Infinity Stones that Thanos is seeking to collect.
Doctor Strange plays a key role in the film’s plot, as he works alongside other members of the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy to try and prevent Thanos from collecting all of the stones.
Alongside Iron Man, Spider-man, and a few others, Doctor Strange engages Thanos in a battle on Earth and later at the climax of the movie is seen fighting Thanos in the final Battle in Wakanda.
6. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The Avengers: Endgame is a superhero film that was released in the United States in 2019 and is based on the Marvel Comics superhero team known as the Avengers. The film is the 22nd installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and it is the direct sequel to Avengers: Infinity War, which was released in 2018. The screenplay for the movie was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and it was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who were also responsible for directing Infinity War.
The film picks up after the events of Infinity War, in which the villainous Thanos, played by Josh Brolin, successfully wiped out half of all life in the universe. The remaining Avengers and their allies, including Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and others, must come together to find a way to undo Thanos’ actions and save the universe.
The film’s plot is built around time travel, as the Avengers attempt to use the Quantum Realm to travel back in time to retrieve the Infinity Stones before Thanos can get them.
Along with the time-travel element, Endgame also features multiple powerful and emotional storylines that bring back many fan-favorite characters and concludes the arcs of several long-running characters.
One of the highlights of the film is the character development, the way the storyline progresses, and how the character’s arc is concluded. It’s also significant for its emotional impact and the feeling of closure for the audience.
The film was both critically and commercially successful and grossed $2.798 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release. It was widely praised for its emotional impact, direction, acting, and satisfying conclusion to the story arcs of several key characters.
In conclusion, Avengers: Endgame is a fitting conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first decade. It brings together an all-star cast, a well-crafted story, and masterful direction to deliver a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the Avengers’ journey. It’s a must-see film for fans of the MCU, and it stands as one of the most successful and beloved films in the franchise.
Doctor Strange appears in the movie Avengers: Endgame which was released in 2019. He is one of the main characters in the film, and his powers and abilities play an important role in the Avengers’ final battle against Thanos and his army, also Doctor Strange plays an important role in the time-travel plan that the Avengers use to try to undo Thanos’s victory.
7. What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead Of His Hands? (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Although Dr. Stephen Strange makes it out of the vehicle accident alive, his love Christine Palmer does not. When Strange learns that the accident occurred at a certain period in time, he makes it his mission to acquire as much power as possible in order to bring Christine back to life, regardless of the cost.
The only other item on this list is also animated, however, it’s an episode of a TV show, not a movie. But despite that, I couldn’t help but add it since it was so fantastic. It demonstrated what might occur if Strange were corrupted by sorrow and how far a strong person might go to attain their aims. It also highlighted the extent to which such a person may go.
If you haven’t already, I highly suggest that you do so since it has received the highest ratings of any episode in the 1st season of What If…?. If you haven’t already, I strongly suggest that you do so.
8. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is a 2021 American superhero film directed by Jon Watts, and starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The film is a sequel to both “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017) and “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019), and serves as the conclusion of the “Homecoming” trilogy.
The plot of “No Way Home” revolves around Peter Parker and his friends as they attempt to fix a problem caused by Peter’s use of the Stark Industries’ Webware in the previous film, “Far From Home”. The problem opens a portal to other dimensions, bringing villains from the past back to the present.
Peter teams up with other versions of Spider-Man, including Tobey Maguire’s and Andrew Garfield’s versions, in order to save the multiverse and stop the villains from destroying everything they know.
“No Way Home” also stars Zendaya as MJ, Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, Marisa Tomei as Aunt May, and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, who returns to the franchise after his death in “Avengers: Endgame” (2019). The film also features appearances from other characters from the Spider-Man comics, such as Doctor Strange and the Green Goblin.
The film was highly anticipated by fans of the franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film had a highly successful box office debut, grossing over $190 million worldwide in its first weekend of release.
Critics and audiences were generally positive about the movie, with many praising the performances of the lead actors and the film’s references to the previous Spider-Man films.
However, the film was also criticized for the inclusion of controversial elements from the previous Spider-Man films, such as the return of characters who had been killed off in previous films and the use of elements from previous Spider-Man franchises.
The film has been also criticized for feeling somewhat convoluted and overstuffed, though some fans have defended the film and praised the references to previous Spider-Man films as fun Easter eggs.
Overall, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is a highly-anticipated conclusion to the “Homecoming” trilogy that promises to be an action-packed and emotional journey for fans of the franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Doctor Strange appears in the movie Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). He plays a crucial role in helping Spider-Man and other versions of Spider-Man from other dimensions to fix the problem caused by Peter’s use of the Stark Industries’ Webware in the previous film, “Far From Home”.
His presence in the movie is also significant because his actions will affect the future of the MCU after the movie, and he was also a key character in the multiverse storyline in the comics.
9. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Doctor Strange enlists the help of a mystical adolescent girl from his dreams who has the ability to travel between different universes in order to combat different threats, some of which include parallel reality forms of himself that pose a risk to the lives of millions of people throughout the multiverse.
They look for assistance from people like Wong, Wanda the Scarlet Witch, and several others.
Not to be outdone, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is the last film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (so far) in which the character of Doctor Strange was featured.
The film, directed by Sam Raimi, is very stunning to look at, and the story is hilariously entertaining. It featured new characters, explored the universe, and demonstrated who Stephen Strange is as a person in addition to revealing who he is as a Sorcerer.
It’s worth noting that Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed 3 different incarnations of Doctor Strange in this film, but the zombie form was my favorite of the bunch. That did in fact take place.
Even though it is unknown when or where we will next meet Doctor Strange, we can be assured that he will reappear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) relatively soon, particularly in light of the post-credit sequence that appears in this specific movie.
