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Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s biggest crossover events. With characters from the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, X-Men, and other corners of Marvel’s multiverse expected to share the screen, viewers may be wondering which previous MCU movies and series are worth revisiting before the film arrives.
While Marvel Studios has not published an official mandatory watch list, publicly announced cast information, previous MCU releases, and the studio’s ongoing Multiverse Saga provide a clear roadmap. The guide below highlights the films and series that offer the most relevant background before Avengers: Doomsday.Doctor Doom Explained: Why He’s the MCU’s Most Dangerous Villain Yet
The Core Avengers Films
The foundation of Avengers: Doomsday remains the original Avengers storyline. These four films establish the team’s history, key relationships, and many of the events that continue to influence the MCU.Matchbox Trailer Breakdown: John Cena Turns Toy Cars Into a Spy Thriller
The Avengers (2012)
The first Avengers film brings Earth’s Mightiest Heroes together for the first time and establishes the team’s dynamic that continues throughout the franchise.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
This sequel introduces important character developments, expands the Avengers roster, and plants several storylines that later films revisit.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
The battle against Thanos reshapes the MCU and sets up events that affect nearly every hero in later phases.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Endgame concludes the Infinity Saga while introducing timeline-related events that continue to be discussed throughout the Multiverse Saga.
These four movies provide the essential background for understanding many returning characters in Avengers: Doomsday.
Understanding the Multiverse
The Multiverse Saga introduces concepts that appear increasingly important across Marvel’s recent projects.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Although primarily an origin story, Shang-Chi expands the MCU’s mythology and introduces characters confirmed to return in future crossover films.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
This film explores alternate realities, variants, and the broader multiverse, making it one of the most relevant entries leading into Avengers: Doomsday.
Loki Season 2 (2023)
Although a Disney+ series rather than a theatrical release, Loki Season 2 significantly expands the MCU’s multiverse mythology and timeline concepts. Many fans consider it one of the most valuable companion pieces for understanding the Multiverse Saga.
Heroes Returning in Doomsday
Several recent MCU projects introduce characters who are expected to play important roles in Avengers: Doomsday.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Continues Thor’s journey and sets up the next chapter of his story.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Introduces new leaders and expands Wakanda’s role while bringing Namor into the MCU.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Explores the Quantum Realm and advances storylines that remain important within the Multiverse Saga.
The Marvels (2023)
Brings together Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan while continuing several interconnected MCU storylines.
Why Deadpool & Wolverine Matters
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) embraces Marvel’s multiverse storytelling more directly than almost any previous MCU film. By exploring alternate realities and legacy characters, it helps audiences become familiar with the narrative style that has increasingly defined the Multiverse Saga.
While the film tells its own story, it also demonstrates how Marvel is using the multiverse to connect characters from different franchises.
Captain America and the Thunderbolts
Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
Sam Wilson’s journey as Captain America continues, making this an important stop before his next major appearance.
Thunderbolts* (2025)
The film introduces a new team of antiheroes, many of whom are expected to appear in Avengers: Doomsday. Watching it provides valuable context for characters including Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, John Walker, and Bob Reynolds.
The Fantastic Four’s MCU Introduction
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
One of the most anticipated MCU films introduces Marvel’s First Family to the current cinematic universe.
Given Doctor Doom’s long-standing connection to the Fantastic Four in Marvel Comics, many fans expect their history to become an important part of future MCU storytelling. While Marvel has not revealed the full extent of that relationship in Avengers: Doomsday, this film is likely to provide valuable background for new audiences.
Recommended Watch Order Before Avengers: Doomsday
For viewers looking to revisit the MCU before Avengers: Doomsday, this viewing order follows the broader story progression of the Multiverse Saga:
- The Avengers (2012)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
- Loki Season 2 (2023)
- The Marvels (2023)
- Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
- Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
- Thunderbolts* (2025)
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
Short on Time? Watch These First
If you don’t have time for a complete MCU rewatch, these titles provide the strongest foundation:
- The Avengers
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Avengers: Endgame
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
- Loki Season 2
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Together, these projects introduce the core Avengers, explain many of the Multiverse Saga’s biggest concepts, and introduce characters expected to play significant roles in Avengers: Doomsday.
Final Thoughts
With Avengers: Doomsday bringing together heroes from across multiple Marvel franchises, catching up on key MCU stories can make the experience even more rewarding. Although Marvel Studios has not identified any projects as mandatory viewing, the films and series above provide the strongest narrative foundation based on currently available information.FC Cincinnati 4-2 San Jose Earthquakes
As with any upcoming Marvel release, additional trailers, interviews, and official announcements may reveal new connections before the film reaches theaters.
Editorial Note: This guide is based on officially released Marvel Studios films and series, publicly announced cast information, and officially available promotional material as of publication. It does not rely on leaked plot details or unverified rumors, and recommendations may evolve as Marvel releases new official information.
