Which Marvel Movies Were Released in 2017
In 2017, the Marvel Cinematic Universe delivered two feature films that shaped the trajectory of the saga. This guide focuses strictly on theatrical releases bearing the Marvel Studios banner (and their distributor-year partners) that premiered in 2017. We distinguish between core MCU episodes and related projects, clarifying what counts as a Marvel movie in release-year context. The following overview lists each film by theatrical release date and summarizes its narrative center within the larger universe.
2017 Marvel Movies: The List
The only two films with a primary Marvel Studios release in 2017 were Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Thor: Ragnarok. Both arrived in the second half of the year, expanding the cosmic and mythic branches of the MCU. No Avengers-titled feature, no Black Panther, and no Spider-Man headline film debuted under the Marvel banner in 2017, though artifacts from earlier phases continued to influence ongoing storylines.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Released May 5, 2017)
Narrative Focus and Place in the Saga
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 shifts the focus to the origins of the Guardians and the legacy of Ego, Peter Quill’s father. The film deepens the found-family dynamics established in the 2014 original while introducing new cosmic stakes that ripple into later MCU stories. Although it arrived between Phase Two and Phase Three, its character arcs and comedic voice remain closely tied to the larger ensemble trajectory.
Key Cast and Leadership
Chris Pratt returns as Star-Lord alongside Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper. The film also features Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, and Kurt Russell as Ego. Pratt shares leadership duties among the ensemble, with Drax and Mantis playing prominent supportive roles.
Verified Release and Runtime Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Theatrical Release Date | May 5, 2017 | Studio Schedule / Distributor Records |
| Runtime | 136 minutes | Studio Credits |
| MPAA Rating | PG-13 | Classification Board |
| Primary Language | English | Production Notes |
Thor: Ragnarok (Released November 3, 2017)
Narrative Focus and Tone Shift
Thor: Ragnarok reorients the Thor franchise by blending mythic spectacle with vibrant comedy. Set largely on the alien planet Sakaar, the film follows Thor’s attempt to return to Asgard and confront the dictator Hela. Director Taika Waititi’s influence is evident in the colorful palette, irreverent humor, and streamlined mythic stakes, marking a notable tonal departure from the darker second Thor film.
Key Cast and Character Roles
Chris Hemsworth leads as Thor alongside Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Tessa Thompson. The supporting cast includes Karl Urban, Anthony Hopkins, and Idris Elba, whose roles serve both narrative and emotional throughlines in Hela’s conquest of Asgard.
Verified Release and Runtime Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theatrical Release Date | November 3, 2017 | Studio Schedule / Distributor Records | ||
| Runtime | 130 minutes | Studio Credits | ||
| MPAA Rating | PG-13 | |||
| Primary Language | English | Production Notes |
Context Within the MCU Timeline
Both films anchor pivotal moments in the broader MCU timeline. Guardians Vol. 2 deepens the cosmic mythology introduced in the first film and lays groundwork for later convergence events, while Thor: Ragnarok resets the Asgardian arc and directly reshapes the geopolitical landscape that informs later saga phases. Their placement between Infinity War and its conclusion gives them connective tissue importance, even though neither film directly references the Snap or Multiverse concepts developed later.
Distinguishing Marvel-Labeled Releases in 2017
It is common to confuse films marketed alongside Marvel properties with true Marvel Studios releases. In 2017, the only movies carrying the Marvel Studios logo in wide theatrical distribution were Guardians Vol. 2 and Thor: Ragnarok. Other titles with Marvel associations—such as Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)—were produced by Columbia Pictures in partnership with Marvel, but bear a different studio imprint and are officially categorized as Sony properties within the MCU licensing structure.
Quick Reference: 2017 Theatrical Marvel Releases
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 — Released May 5, 2017; runtime 136 minutes; PG-13
- Thor: Ragnarok — Released November 3, 2017; runtime 130 minutes; PG-13
How These Films Fit the Larger MCU Architecture
Each 2017 Marvel movie advances distinct subplots while contributing to overarching continuity. Guardians Vol. 2 explores Peter Quill’s paternal lineage and the sentient planet premise, influencing cosmic power structures seen in later phases. Thor: Ragnarok dismantles the Asgardian monarchy and introduces Hela as a mythic-level antagonist, consequences of which resonate in both the remainder of Thor’s arc and the wider universe. Together, they represent a bridge between the character-driven adventures of the early MCU and the galaxy-spanning conflicts that escalate in the late 2010s.
Common Questions About 2017 Marvel Releases
- Were there any Avengers movies in 2017? No; the next Avengers title after Age of Ultron (2015) was Infinity War in 2018.
- Does Spider-Man: Homecoming count as a Marvel movie? It features Marvel characters, but it is published by Sony and not a Marvel Studios production.
- Which Marvel movie came first in 2017? Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in May; Thor: Ragnarok followed in November.
- Are both films considered part of the official MCU canon? Yes; both are canonical entries produced by Marvel Studios.
- Do these movies resolve major cliffhangers from earlier phases? They build toward later resolutions but do not conclude overarching saga arcs introduced in prior phases.
Closing Note on Defining a Marvel Movie
When asking what Marvel movies came out in 2017, it is important to differentiate between studio-branded releases and films with Marvel characters licensed to other studios. In 2017, only two theatrical features carried the Marvel Studios banner, both essential links in the chain toward the culmination of the Infinity Saga and beyond.