Marvel Studios is preparing for another major theatrical event with Avengers Doomsday, one of the most anticipated superhero films in the current Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on December 18 and is being directed by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo.
With the release approaching, Disney Plus has highlighted 15 Marvel films and shows that fans can revisit before watching the new Avengers movie. The recommendation is intended to help viewers refresh their memories about important characters, storylines and events that could be relevant to Avengers Doomsday. (indiatoday.in)
One of the recommended films is X, the 2000 superhero movie directed by Bryan Singer. The film introduced audiences to the X-Men in a major cinematic franchise. Its sequel, X2, is also included in the recommended viewing list.
Both X and X2 are currently available to stream on JioHotstar in India. Their inclusion is significant because the X-Men and their characters are expected to have a connection with Marvel’s expanding multiverse storyline.
Another major pair on the list is Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame. Both films were directed by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo and remain among the most important entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Avengers Infinity War follows Thanos as he attempts to collect all six Infinity Stones. Avengers Endgame continues the story after the devastating events of Infinity War and brings together several major Marvel characters.
These films are particularly important for fans revisiting the larger Marvel storyline because the consequences of the Infinity Saga continue to influence the franchise. Both titles are available on JioHotstar in India. (indiatoday.in)
Captain America The First Avenger is another recommended title. Released in 2011, the film introduced Steve Rogers as Captain America and established several important elements of the Marvel universe.
The recommended list also includes Deadpool. The character has become an important part of Marvel’s broader cinematic universe following the introduction of Deadpool and Wolverine. Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds star in the film, and their characters have generated considerable interest among Marvel fans.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is also part of the recommended viewing list. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film explores alternate universes and different versions of characters, making it particularly relevant to Marvel’s multiverse narrative.
Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is another film Disney Plus has recommended. Released in 2021, the movie introduced Shang Chi to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and expanded the franchise into a new mythology.
The Avengers, the 2012 film that brought Marvel’s original group of superheroes together, is also included. The film remains an important chapter for understanding the development of the Avengers team.
Black Panther Wakanda Forever is another recommended film. The movie explores Wakanda following the death of King T Challa and introduces new developments involving the country and its people.
Captain America Brave New World is also on the list. The film continues the story of Sam Wilson as Captain America and explores the challenges associated with his new role.
The Fantastic Four First Steps is another important recommendation. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film brings Marvel’s Fantastic Four into the wider cinematic universe and introduces another major superhero team.
Thunderbolts is also included among the projects viewers are encouraged to revisit. The film brings together a group of characters who operate outside the traditional Avengers structure.
Spider Man No Way Home is another major title on the list. Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, the film became a major multiverse story by bringing together different versions of Spider Man.
The final title is Loki, the Disney Plus series starring Tom Hiddleston. Loki became especially important to Marvel’s multiverse storyline through its exploration of timelines, variants and the nature of reality.
The recommendation of these 15 projects reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While not every film or series is directly connected to the same storyline, the titles collectively cover several characters, worlds and events that have become important to Marvel’s evolving multiverse.
Avengers Doomsday is expected to bring together characters from different corners of the Marvel universe. The film has generated significant interest because Robert Downey Jr is returning to the franchise in a new role as Doctor Doom, following his previous portrayal of Tony Stark and Iron Man.
The return of Downey is particularly notable because Iron Man’s death in Avengers Endgame marked the conclusion of one of the MCU’s most important character arcs. His appearance as Doctor Doom represents a major change and has raised questions about how the new character will be connected to the broader story.
The filmmakers have already offered fans glimpses of Doctor Doom, increasing curiosity about his background and role in the upcoming movie.
The Russo brothers are also returning to direct the next major Avengers project. Their previous work includes Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame, two films that became defining chapters in Marvel’s Infinity Saga.
The recommended watchlist therefore gives fans an opportunity to revisit several of the filmmakers’ earlier Marvel projects as well as stories involving the multiverse, Avengers, X-Men and other major characters.
For viewers who want to watch all 15 titles before Avengers Doomsday, the list covers a wide range of Marvel storytelling across films and streaming series. It includes older X-Men films, major Avengers chapters, standalone superhero stories and Disney Plus series.
The watchlist also provides an opportunity for newer Marvel viewers to understand how different characters and storylines developed over time.
As the December 18 theatrical release approaches, anticipation surrounding Avengers Doomsday is expected to grow. The film is positioned as another major crossover event for Marvel Studios, with a combination of established characters and newer additions to the franchise.
Fans can therefore use Disney Plus's recommended list as a preparation guide before heading to theatres. From X and X2 to Avengers Infinity War and Endgame, from Loki to Spider Man No Way Home and The Fantastic Four First Steps, the 15 titles cover several key areas of Marvel's expanding universe.
The list ultimately reflects how the franchise has evolved from a relatively connected group of superhero stories into a much larger universe involving multiple timelines, characters and realities.
With Avengers Doomsday approaching, revisiting these films and shows could help audiences better understand the background and connections behind the upcoming story.