Source: IGN
Introduction
With the release date for Avengers: Doomsday fast approaching on December 18, Marvel Studios has officially unveiled a curated watchlist intended to help fans prepare for the upcoming cinematic event. While the studio previously suggested that the film would serve as a "Phase Zero" reset for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it has become increasingly clear that a foundational understanding of previous entries is essential for the full experience.
Rather than requiring viewers to endure the entire catalog of 38 feature films and countless television episodes, Disney+ has launched an official preparation guide. This selection highlights 15 specific projects deemed vital for context, ranging from cornerstone Avengers epics to surprising legacy inclusions.
What Happened
Marvel has distilled its vast, interconnected narrative into a focused "homework" list for audiences. By narrowing the scope to 15 key titles, the studio aims to bridge the gap between historical MCU lore and the multiversal stakes expected in Avengers: Doomsday. This move acknowledges the complexity of the current narrative landscape while attempting to make the transition into the next blockbuster more accessible for the casual viewer.
The list includes a mix of high-profile blockbusters and legacy titles that provide crucial context for the return of Doctor Doom. Notably, the inclusion of Fox-era films suggests that the studio is leaning heavily into the broader history of Marvel character rights and multiversal integration.
Background
The conversation surrounding the necessity of this watchlist stems from the filmâs unique position in the franchise. Despite early marketing rhetoric pointing toward a total reset of the cinematic universe, the inclusion of characters from Deadpool & Wolverineâwho have been featured in recent promotional material at San Diego Comic-Con and D23âindicates that the film will rely on established history. While official casting updates regarding these characters are pending, their presence on the watchlist aligns with widespread plot leaks and recent promotional activity.
The selection process for this list appears to prioritize multiversal mechanics, character debuts, and team dynamics. By focusing on projects that introduce key players or explain the nature of "Incursions," Marvel is setting the stage for a narrative that demands at least a baseline knowledge of how different realities interact.
Key Details
The finalized list of 15 essential projects is provided below for viewers looking to get up to speed before the December premiere.
| Order | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | X-Men |
| 2 | X2 |
| 3 | Captain America: The First Avenger |
| 4 | The Avengers |
| 5 | Avengers: Infinity War |
| 6 | Avengers: Endgame |
| 7 | Loki |
| 8 | Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings |
| 9 | Spider-Man: No Way Home |
| 10 | Black Panther: Wakanda Forever |
| 11 | Captain America: Brave New World |
| 12 | Deadpool & Wolverine |
| 13 | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness |
| 14 | Thunderbolts |
| 15 | The Fantastic Four: First Steps |
Impact
The decision to exclude certain titles while highlighting others has sparked debate regarding the narrative focus of Avengers: Doomsday. For instance, the absence of The Marvelsâa film explicitly focused on Incursions and multiversal instabilityâis a notable omission. Similarly, the exclusion of X-Men: Days of Future Past leaves out significant character history regarding Professor X, which could prove relevant if the new film intends to explore timeline manipulation.
Some selections on the list, such as the original Avengers or Captain America: The First Avenger, offer foundational character building but may seem redundant to viewers already familiar with the broader arcs of characters like Steve Rogers. Conversely, the inclusion of Captain America: Brave New World suggests that the film will bridge recent political tensions within the MCU directly into the conflict with Doctor Doom.
What Happens Next
As the December 18 release date draws closer, fans are expected to consume these projects to better understand the stakes of the upcoming film. With the narrative landscape currently in flux, these 15 projects serve as the official roadmap for the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether or not these selections will be sufficient to cover every plot point remains to be seen when the film arrives in theaters.
