Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Year: 2014

Runtime: 136 min

Language: English

Director: Anthony RussoJoe Russo

Budget: $170M

ActionAdventureSci-FiThriller

While adjusting to life in the modern world, Steve Rogers finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. When a colleague is attacked, Captain America is drawn into a dangerous investigation where he questions who he can trust. Partnering with Black Widow, he confronts deadly enemies and uncovers a shocking truth that threatens the organization and those he cares about.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Captain America: The Winter Soldier yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Trace every key event in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Steve Rogers Adjusts to Modern Life

Two years after the Battle of New York, Steve Rogers, known as Captain America, struggles to adapt to life in the modern world. Despite his super-soldier abilities, the challenges of contemporary society weigh heavily on him.

Two years after the Battle of New York Washington, D.C.
2

Mission with S.H.I.E.L.D.

Rogers embarks on a high-stakes mission with Agent Natasha Romanoff and her counter-terrorism team. They confront pirates led by Georges Batroc, only for Rogers to uncover that Romanoff has a secret agenda to secure critical data.

On a S.H.I.E.L.D. ship
3

Briefing on Project Insight

Upon returning to the Triskelion, Rogers meets with Director Nick Fury. Fury reveals details about Project Insight, which involves Helicarriers designed to eliminate threats before they materialize, raising concerns about privacy and security.

Triskelion, S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters
4

Fury Attacked by Winter Soldier

During a scheduled meeting with Maria Hill, Nick Fury is suddenly attacked by the shadowy figure known as the Winter Soldier. This brutal encounter forces Fury to escape and seek refuge with Rogers.

Triskelion
5

Fury Reveals Truth

In a desperate moment, Fury confides in Rogers that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been compromised. Tragically, he is fatally shot by the Winter Soldier, leaving behind crucial data on a flash drive.

Rogers' apartment
6

Rogers Becomes a Fugitive

After Fury's death, Alexander Pierce labels Rogers a fugitive for withholding information about S.H.I.E.L.D.'s infiltration. Rogers goes on the run, seeking answers and safety.

7

Discovering Zola's Secrets

Rogers and Romanoff discover a hidden S.H.I.E.L.D. bunker in New Jersey, containing a supercomputer that holds the consciousness of Arnim Zola. Zola reveals Hydra's infiltration into S.H.I.E.L.D. and the dark history behind the Winter Soldier.

New Jersey
8

Narrow Escape from the Bunker

As the revelations sink in, Rogers and Romanoff narrowly escape when a missile obliterates the bunker. This close call highlights the ever-present danger posed by Hydra.

New Jersey
9

Team Up with Sam Wilson

Realizing they need help, Rogers and Romanoff enlist Sam Wilson, a former pararescueman. With his Falcon wingpack technology, they prepare for the ultimate confrontation against Hydra.

10

Confrontation with Jasper Sitwell

In an intense confrontation, they capture Jasper Sitwell, who reveals that Zola's algorithm targets individuals as future threats. This revelation emphasizes the moral implications of the Insight initiative.

11

Bucky Barnes' True Identity

Rogers discovers the painful truth: Bucky Barnes, his former best friend, is the Winter Soldier and has been brainwashed by Hydra. This personal connection adds a layer of emotion to their impending confrontation.

12

Helicarrier Launch Day

On the day of the Insight Helicarriers' launch, Rogers exposes Hydra's plot to the world. In a battle against time, he and Wilson replace the Helicarrier’s controller chips, while facing a fierce fight with Barnes.

13

Rogers vs. Winter Soldier

Amidst the chaos, Rogers finds himself at odds with Bucky. He strives not to fight his old friend, but in the fray, he is plunged into the Potomac River by the intense battle around them.

Potomac River
14

Aftermath and New Resolve

In the wake of the destruction, Romanoff defends both herself and Rogers at a Senate inquiry. Meanwhile, Rogers, steadfast in his quest, teams up with Wilson to locate Bucky.

15

Hints of New Threats

In a mid-credits scene, Baron Wolfgang von Strucker is seen with a powerful energy scepter, foreshadowing future challenges. In the post-credits, Bucky visits his memorial, marking the deep ties of friendship and sacrifice.

Smithsonian Institution

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 19:06

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Captain America: The Winter Soldier Summary

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Captain America: The Winter Soldier Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Captain America: The Winter Soldier Spoiler-Free Summary

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