Venom: This is how you see the Marvel films in the correct chronological order

Venom is one of the most popular Marvel characters and was written by Todd McFarlane. Venom originally made his first appearances in the “Spider-Man” comics of the 90s.

These were so successful and the character immediately enjoyed such great popularity that Marvel dedicated his own comic series to him: “Lethal Protector” (1993, in the German edition: “Tödlicher Protector or Protector of Innocence”) and “Planet of the Symbiotes ” (1995, “Planet of the Symbiotes”).

The film series “Venom” around the main actor Tom Hardy (“Dunkirk”, “Peaky Blinders”) is based on this. We’ll tell you the order in which the individual films and the series were released and whether there is an alternative order in which you can watch them.

Sony’s Spider-Man Universe

In addition to the two live-action films “Venom” (2018) and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (2021), Venom also appeared in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man 3”, where he was portrayed by Topher Grace (“Mona Lisa’s Smile” , “The wild nineties!”).

Raimi-Verse: Spider-Man 3 (2007)

In cult director Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” series with Tobey Maguire, Venom, played by Topher Grace, appeared on the big screen for the first time in “Spider-Man 3”.

The anti-hero Venom only aims his evil intentions at Spider-Man and otherwise leaves bystanders unaffected. As a result, Venom became a fan favorite and his character became an integral part of pop culture.

The character is portrayed a little differently here than in the solo films with Tom Hardy, but remains a little closer to the comic original. The symbiote first affects Spider-Man and enhances his powers by possessing his character. This is felt not only by Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire), but also by Eddie Brook (Topher Grace), who becomes Venom.

Venom (2018)

The first live-action adaptation of one of the dark but also most popular characters in the Marvel universe was directed by director Ruben Fleischer (“Zombieland”, “Uncharted”).

Investigative journalist Eddie Brook (Tom Hardy) exposes injustice and leaves no stone unturned to get the next story for his publisher. His current case concerns the billionaire Dr. Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed) and his company, the “Life Foundation”, which is said to be conducting experiments on humans.

Eddie gets to the bottom of his suspicions, but he can’t provide any solid evidence and his publisher also advises him to stay away from it because of Drake’s influence and power. During a personal interview at the Life Foundation, Eddie confronts Dr. Drake for the first time with the allegations made against him.

Eddie then loses his job and his girlfriend, the successful lawyer Anne Weyning (Michelle Williams). He withdraws more and more, but doesn’t want to let go of the story. Eddie unexpectedly receives a call from Dr. Dora Skirth (Jenny Slate), a laboratory manager at the Life Foundation, who confirms his suspicions and wants to give Eddie access to the Life Foundation so that he can collect evidence to bring it to light.

In the laboratory, Eddie learns about the experiments with extraterrestrial matter, the so-called symbiotes. These mix with humans and from then on feed as hosts. Most people suffer great pain and die during the symbiosis, but those who survive the symbiosis gain superhuman strength.

Eddie, who behaves strangely and suffers from binge eating for days afterwards, begins to doubt what may have happened in the laboratory. His powers develop and he begins to harmonize with one of the symbiotes without realizing it.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

“Venom: Let there be Carnage” takes place one year after the events of “Venom” and is the second part of the series. This time it was directed by “Lord of the Rings” star Andy Serkis. The serial killer Cletus Kassidy (Woody Harellson, “Zombieland 2”), who appeared at the end of the first part, is waiting on death row to be executed by lethal injection.

Kassidy, who grew up in an orphanage, remembers his childhood sweetheart Frances (Naomie Harris), whom he believes died as a result of police violence. In the last hours before his execution he wants to give an interview and only talk to reporter Eddie Brook (Tom Hardy).

While the two of them scuffle during the interview, Cassidy receives matter from the symbiote that Eddie is carrying. He asks Eddie to attend his execution, who fulfills his last wish. During the execution, the symbiote bonds with Cassidy and blocks the injection of the poison syringes. Cassidy is then able to free himself and causes a massacre in the prison.

Venom 3 (2024)

“Venom 3” was originally scheduled to be released in 2023 and was pushed back to July 2024. This time the film will be directed by Kelly Marcel, who already wrote the screenplay for “Venom” (2018).

There are numerous rumors about the third part, so different universes could be connected within the framework of the Marvel multiverse. This would mean that viewers might see two versions of the anti-hero Venom.

As with “Spider-Man No Way Home”, an overlap in universes could mean that characters from the “Spider-Man Raimi-Verse” appear and actor Topher Grace, who once portrayed Venom in “Spider-Man 3”, one will have an appearance.

As with the plot, there are a number of speculations about possible antagonists that remain to be seen. In addition to the main actor Tom Hardy, Juno Temple (“Black Mass”) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, “12 Years a Slave”) will play a role.

New Spider-Man (90s animated series)

In the popular 90s animated series “New Spider-Man”, Spider-Man as Peter Parker meets the alien symbiote Venom for the first time. Alongside other supervillains such as Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, the Kingpin and Hobgoblin, Venom is an important part of the series.

Do you also want to watch all the Marvel films in the correct order? We’ve explained the entire MCU chronologically correctly! If you are looking for an overview of all DC films: We will show you all the films and series of the DCEU and DC Universe in chronological order.