As the Marvel Cinematic Universe approaches nearly two decades of storytelling, catching up on every installment before the release of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ can be overwhelming. With an extensive catalog that includes almost 40 films and 17 television series, fans face a complex web of narratives that span multiple phases and even extend beyond the MCU itself.
To streamline the viewing experience, Marvel has unveiled an official watchlist on Disney+ designed to prepare audiences for the upcoming blockbuster. This curated selection trims down the vast content library to just 14 films and a two-season series, focusing on the essential stories that lead directly into the new chapter.
Essential Viewing Before ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Interestingly, the checklist includes titles that predate the MCU, such as the original X-Men films, highlighting their relevance to the overarching storyline. The list features X-Men and X2, followed by pivotal MCU entries like Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, and the universe-altering sagas of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
The inclusion of Loki marks the significance of the Disney+ series in shaping the multiverse narrative, while recent films such as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are also part of the streamlined list. Furthermore, upcoming or recent releases like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts (noted with an asterisk), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps underscore the evolving nature of the MCU storyline.
Additional characters and storylines are represented by the inclusion of Deadpool & Wolverine and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, emphasizing the interconnectedness across different franchises within the Marvel universe.
This carefully selected lineup aims to guide viewers through the critical narrative beats necessary to fully engage with ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, offering a focused path through nearly 16 years of complex, interwoven storytelling.