The 12 Essential Earths In The MCU, Explained

The Marvel Cinematic Universe was once a single exciting universe that adapted many storylines and characters we've come to know and love. Anything that came before no longer counted until the Multiverse was born and multiple timelines erupted from it.

Not only was the MCU redesignated from Earth-199999 to Earth-616, but many other realities were also introduced and made canon. Thus, we've decided to compile a list of the 12 most important to watch out for and what makes them so special, especially with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) hitting theaters on December 18, 2026.

1. Earth-616

This Earth is where the MCU was born and continues to thrive. The universe started on screen with Iron Man (2008) and has continued on, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) being the most recent. In almost 20 years, the universe has changed drastically, with heroes evolving, dying, or passing on a legacy, and it's shocking to see the state of things now versus what they were before. But with the Multiverse, it's also under threat in Avengers: Doomsday of being destroyed.

2. Earth-828

Earth-828 is the primary universe of the Fantastic Four in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025). Based on the film, this is also the only universe where the FF are the main heroes we see and are likely the world's only heroes, considering how beloved they are. The universe also exists in a retro-futuristic version of the '60s where tech is still analog. However, the world still exists in a utopia thanks to the advancements of the Future Foundation. Doctor Doom also resides in this universe, though he hasn't appeared yet.

3. Earth-838

First seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), this universe diverged from the main one when Tony Stark's Ultron project worked as it was supposed to. He got his suit of armor around the world, but society was now run as an authoritarian police state. In place of the Avengers, this universe also had the Illuminati, which consisted of Captain Marvel (Maria Rambeau), Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Mordo, Captain Carter, and Professor X. However, the Scarlet Witch killed all of them while trying to get to America Chavez.

4. Earth-10005

This Earth is technically the alternate Fox X-Men universe and started with X-Men: First Class (2009) and encompassed all the prequel films until Dark Phoenix (2019). It also includes the Deadpool films and The New Mutants (2020). However, what makes this universe unique is that it branches off with Days of Future Past, and the choices made in the past section of that film alter the future. As a result, the movies that started with X-Men (2000) likely didn't happen or didn't happen in the same way we know.

5. Earth-41578

This universe is the one the original X-Men films are set in and runs from X-Men to X-Men: Days of Future Past, but also includes The Wolverine (2013), not X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009). In this world, everything is far more grounded but also much darker. This is technically the universe with the film that started it all and kicked off a new era of comic book movies. But even with all its history, it ended tragically when the Sentinel Program started and nearly eradicated mutants from the planet.

6. Earth-17315

This universe is where the Logan (2017) storyline is set, as it's meant to be considered a separate reality from past X-Men films. However, there is a lot of debate and discrepancy in this, as its ties to Transigen and Mr. Sinister could set it in Earth-10005. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) also states that this version of Logan was an Anchor Being for his universe. But with the X-Men in the Deadpool films, it's hard to say if this is a variant of this Earth's Logan or not. No matter what, though, the film itself firmly establishes itself in a continuity that's wholly its own.

7. Earth-92131

This universe chronicles the animated X-Men universe, specifically X-Men '97 (2024). Building off of X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997), this universe follows one of the best X-Men projects of all time while also confirming the larger animated universe it's tied to. Featuring cameos from Spider-Man and confirmations of other heroes like the Fantastic Four and Thor, this Earth also harbors universes like Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994-1998).

8. Earth-96283

Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films are in this universe and cover Spider-Man (2002) to Spider-Man 3 (2007). In another universe with one hero, we see Peter Parker take on enemies like the Green Goblin, Doc Ock, and the Sandman. Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films are considered some of the best superhero movies ever, and with good reason. With Tobey Maguire as everyone's favorite Spider-Man and an amazing score that gets stuck in your head, it's hard not to love Sam Raimi's Spider-Man. 

9. Earth-120703

Another universe with a solo hero, Earth-120703 features Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). This universe takes on a more tech- and biology-based approach to its characters and slightly alters Peter Parker's origin in the process. While not the most beloved films, there's so much they do to help define the character, from the web-swinging shown in the film to the effects. Whether he's fighting Electro or the Lizard, these films are a fun time, even if they were cut short.

10. Earth-1610B

In Marvel Comics, the original Ultimate Universe was Earth-1610. However, with the animated Spider-Verse movies, the designation of this Earth became Earth-1610 B. Not only are these the first animated Spider-Man movies, but this is a series that focuses heavily on multiversal travel. Miles Morales' Earth isn't the only one in his films, but it's the main one. Through him, we also see how artistically distinct other Earths are and how visiting each one has consequences, as seen in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023).

11. Earth-121347

This universe is all about Spider-Man and exists as a direct parallel world where, instead of Tony Stark mentoring Peter, it's Norman Osborn. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2025) is a fun world to explore, with amazing animation and scary villains. This universe has one of the best iterations of Spider-Man out there and cleverly explores the larger Multiverse. From Doctor Strange to Daredevil, there's a lot to enjoy in this series, and it never loses focus on Spider-Man.

12. Earth-688B

Earth-688B centers around Tom Hardy's Venom movies, from Venom (2018) to Venom: The Last Dance (2024). There is no Spider-Man in this canon, and no other heroes, but Eddie Brock and Venom have to navigate a few attempts at an invasion of the symbiotes. This universe is filled with humor and unique lore but remains largely self-contained. Eddie has traveled into the Multiverse before, but he never met Spider-Man, and with Venom seemingly dead, he likely never will.