Get ready, true believers! Before you dive headfirst into the epic showdown of Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel has unveiled a curated watchlist to ensure you’re fully equipped with the backstory and context. Forget cramming for the MCU exam; this is your essential guide to understanding everything that’s about to go down.
Your Avengers: Doomsday Viewing Assignment
While some might have initially hoped Avengers: Doomsday would represent a clean slate, a “Phase Zero” reset for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it turns out there’s plenty of pre-existing knowledge that will significantly enhance your viewing experience. Thankfully, Disney+ has stepped up with an official watchlist”>watchlist, handpicked by Marvel themselves, featuring 15 key movies and TV shows.
This list includes the obvious heavy hitters like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, which are crucial for understanding the stakes and character arcs. It also highlights films that directly introduce characters and teams who will play pivotal roles in stopping Doctor Doom, such as last year’s Thunderbolts/The New Avengers, the somewhat divisive The Fantastic Four: First Steps, along with fan favorites like Shang-Chi, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine. Even some classic X-Men films from Fox are on the list, suggesting their relevance to the upcoming events. (While an official cast list hasn’t been released yet, the inclusion of Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in promotional materials strongly hints at their involvement.)
Several projects delve into the complexities of the multiverse, a key element that will undoubtedly play a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Loki are essential viewing here. Interestingly, Spider-Man: No Way Home also makes the list, sparking speculation about potential connections to the upcoming film. Could that post-credits scene be hinting at another Peter Parker’s involvement?
The list also includes some unexpected choices, such as the original Avengers and Captain America: The First Avenger. While enjoyable in their own right, these films arguably cover similar ground already explored in later installments. However, they do provide valuable context for character relationships and origins.
The Complete Avengers: Doomsday Watchlist
Here’s the full list of projects Marvel recommends you watch before Avengers: Doomsday:
- X-Men
- X2
- Captain America: The First Avenger
- The Avengers
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Avengers: Endgame
- Loki
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- Captain America: Brave New World
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
- Thunderbolts
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Beyond the List: Essential Viewing for MCU Newbies
If you’re completely new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are a few additional projects I’m surprised aren’t on the official list. The Marvels, with its heavy focus on the multiverse and Incursions, feels like an obvious omission. Similarly, X-Men: Days of Future Past is another surprising absence, especially considering the X-Men’s history of timeline manipulation.
Of course, every fan has their own personal favorites, and a truly comprehensive list would be endless! Some omissions are understandable, such as the lack of Guardians of the Galaxy films (the team’s current status is complicated) or WandaVision (a poignant but ultimately self-contained story). And while I’d love to see more Wonder Man, its cancellation was a blow.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a streamlined approach, just watch Avengers: Endgame. It’s a fantastic film in its own right and provides a solid foundation for understanding the events of Avengers: Doomsday. Now go forth and prepare yourselves!
Source: IGN Gaming
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