With the Avengers: Doomsday cast confirmed and the film scheduled for release in the United States on Dec. 18, 2026, viewers might want to start preparing by revisiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe's film library. The cast also suggests that viewers may need to look beyond the MCU and explore 20th Century Fox's X-Men series.
Marvel Studios has also released four short, character-focused teasers that give viewers a glimpse into what their faves have been up to since the last time we saw them. However, directors Joe and Anthony Russo clarified the purpose of these clips in a post on Instagram, saying, "What you've been watching for the last four weeks… are not teasers. Or trailers. They are stories. They are clues… Pay attention."
Since plot details are unknown, the best preparation strategy is to catch up with the MCU's Multiverse Saga and revisit the films most relevant to Avengers: Doomsday's cast. Use our guide to find out which movies you need to watch before Avengers: Doomsday and where you can watch them on platforms like Disney+ and more.
The Original X-Men Trilogy (2000-2006)
One of the biggest surprises of the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement was the presence of the original X-Men team from Fox's film series. For the first time in decades, Professor X (Sir Patrick Stewart), Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen), Beast (Kelsey Grammer), Cyclops (James Marsden), Mystique (Rebecca Romijn), and Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) will share the screen. To fully enjoy their thrilling return, you can watch the entire original movies in order, starting with X-Men (2000).
You can then watch the iconic sequel, X2 (2003), which introduced Cumming as Nightcrawler. Lastly, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) completes the trilogy and includes Grammer's debut as Beast. In addition to watching X-Men for the original stars, the trilogy is perfect for any Marvel or superhero fan. It's faithful to the comic books and action-packed. If you enjoy superhero films featuring teams, such as The Avengers (2012) and The Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), the original X-Men series will be a real treat.
Marvel's third Avengers: Doomsday teaser directly reinforces the importance of this trilogy by shining a light on the original X-Men lineup. This clue features Cyclops (Marsden), with Professor X (Stewart) and Magneto (McKellen) in a somber, ominous scene which suggests that the legacy versions of these characters (not variants) will play a big role in Doomsday's story.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
It's unclear if Avengers: Doomsday will also bring back the X-Men prequel series' cast. While X-Men: Days of Future Past is an origin story, it features actors from the original and prequel X-Men series, as Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) travels back in time to enlist the help of a young Professor X (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender). X-Men: Days of Future Past essentially changed the original trilogy's ending, making it essential viewing before Avengers: Doomsday.
Critics and fans often hail Days of Future Past as one of the best X-Men films, across both the original X-Men movies and their prequels. It boasts a darker tone than its predecessors and convincingly fixes some continuity issues. Days of Future Past especially shines because of its emphasis on character development, featuring the X-Men at some of their darkest moments with the highest stakes. Its darker tone parallels later, more mature X-Men adaptations, such as Logan (2017) and X-Men '97.
Loki (2021)
The first two seasons of Loki are crucial to understanding the Multiverse Saga, as they delve into the technical aspects of the multiverse, explaining the Time Variance Authority, branching timelines, and variants. The series is especially relevant because Tom Hiddleston's Loki is confirmed to return in Avengers: Doomsday. With Loki's close connection to the multiverse potentially playing into Avengers: Doomsday, Loki is a must-see.
Loki is one of the MCU’s best original series, as it delves into the fan-favorite trickster god and offers a wild story of redemption and time shenanigans. The ever-changing setting and time keep the show engaging, while Loki's character arc and development are everything MCU fans ever hoped for. Viewers who enjoyed Avengers: Endgame (2019) and The Adam Project (2022) for their blend of action and time travel but hoped for something with even more depth and character development will love Loki.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
One of the newest heroes appearing in Avengers: Doomsday is Simu Liu's Xu Shang-Chi, who debuted in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The film serves as an introduction to his character and is one of the first movies to launch the current Multiverse Saga in the MCU. It also contains an ambiguous but crucial mid-credits scene that explains how Shang-Chi first connected with some of The Avengers and strongly hints that his Ten Rings will play a significant role in the MCU’s future.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is one of the most distinctive new Marvel features, often leaning more into fantasy and kung fu than superhero action. As a more self-contained film, it's easy to forget its part of the MCU at all. Hence, it's an excellent film for viewers struggling with superhero fatigue and looking for a refreshing MCU entry. The unique tone makes it feel more in line with Eternals (2021) than the MCU films that came before.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is essential to watch before Avengers: Doomsday because it's the first official introduction to the multiverse. It marked the first time a Marvel character explored the multiverse on-screen. Understanding the multiverse will likely be the key to understanding how the MCU and X-Men collide in Avengers: Doomsday. On top of that, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness marked the most recent appearance of confirmed Avengers: Doomsday star Professor X.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is similar to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in that it’s a refreshing and unique entry in the MCU. However, it leans more into horror than fantasy with an emphasis on body horror. If you loved the blend of superhero action and body horror in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) or What If…?'s (2021) Marvel zombies, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be right up your alley.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is the only original Avengers member confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, so it's important to rewatch his adventures throughout the Multiverse Saga. Thor last appeared in Thor: Love and Thunder, where he was pulled out of retirement by the arrival of Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale) and the return of his ex-girlfriend, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). It's unclear if the events of Love and Thunder will have an impact on Avengers: Doomsday, but it will explain where we last saw Thor in the MCU.
Love and Thunder matches the tone and vibe of Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: Ragnarok, with an emphasis on comedy and good music. Director Taika Waititi's influence is evident, marked by his signature humor and absurdism. Viewers who enjoyed Jojo Rabbit (2019) and Next Goal Wins (2023) may be interested in his take on Thor: Love and Thunder. Ultimately, it's an excellent film for viewers seeking a more self-contained and irreverent MCU movie.
The second Avengers: Doomsday teaser focuses entirely on Thor (Hemsworth) in a stark tonal contrast to Love and Thunder, showing him alone, kneeling in prayer to Odin, and visibly fearful for the safety of his adopted daughter, Love. This clue hints at a more solemn, mythic direction for Thor in Doomsday and suggests that the consequences of Love and Thunder will weigh heavily on him.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Avengers: Doomsday will mark the return of multiple characters from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, including the new Black Panther (Letitia Wright), mutant-hybride Namor (Tenoch Huerta), and Wakanda's new king, M'Baku (Winston Duke). The movie explains the significant changes to Wakanda’s leadership and the Black Panther mantle. Since Wakanda’s leadership will figure into Avengers: Doomsday, you'll definitely want to revisit Black Panther: Wakanda Forever before the upcoming movie.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an excellent sequel to Black Panther (2018), which continues the story of Wakanda and pays a beautiful tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed King T'Challa in the original movie. It's a moving, emotionally raw, diverse, and powerful film that makes you excited for Marvel’s future and potential. Viewers who loved Black Panther can’t miss Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The fourth Avengers: Doomsday teaser directly builds on the story of Wakanda Forever by featuring Shuri (Wright), M'Baku (Duke), and Namor (Tenoch Huerta) alongside members of the Fantastic Four. This clue suggests a growing alliance between global powers and rival nations as they prepare for an unseen but existential threat – which is likely Doctor Doom.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man is returning for Avengers: Doomsday, and the last time viewers saw him was in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which introduced Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). Marvel has since dropped the Kang storyline, so most of the plot points tackled aren't likely to figure into Avengers: Doomsday, but it's still worth a watch to explain where Ant-Man currently is in the MCU.
Quantumania is perfect for fans of the first two Ant-Man films, as it boasts the same lighthearted tone and heartwarming themes about family. Despite its lighter tone and dropped storyline, it still contains some treats for Marvel fans with its inclusion of Kang and MODOK (Corey Stoll). Mostly, though, Quantumania stands out for its entertainment value. If you're a fan of funny superhero movies in general, from Mystery Men (1999) to Shazam! (2019), the film is a good fit for you.
The Marvels (2023)
Viewers will want to watch The Marvels before Avengers: Doomsday, primarily due to its mid-credits scene. While none of the Marvels (Brie Larson, Teyonah Paris, and Iman Vellani) are confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, the film contains a crucial mid-credits scene featuring an important Doomsday cast member, which explains how the X-Men are already in the MCU.
The Marvels is a must-see for fans of Ms. Marvel (2022) and Captain Marvel (2019), bringing together a trio of women with similar powers and satisfactorily bringing Carol Danvers' (Larson) story full circle. In addition to appealing to fans of female-centered superhero movies like Wonder Woman (2017) and Birds of Prey (2020), The Marvels will also appeal to fans of the MCU's lighter movies. The comedy parallels the tone of the Ant-Man films and Thor: Love and Thunder, while its musical scenes and character dynamics add a nice touch of creativity.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Deadpool & Wolverine is another must-see because it's a major multiverse film introducing a key Avengers: Doomsday cast member. Although neither Wolverine (Jackman) nor Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) has been confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, Deadpool & Wolverine marked the debut of Avengers: Doomsday’s surprise cast member, Gambit (Channing Tatum). In addition to explaining the multiverse and featuring Gambit, Deadpool & Wolverine is easily the most entertaining of the Deadpool movies.
It's violent, irreverent, vulgar, and delivers the one thing viewers have wanted for nearly a decade: a Deadpool and Wolverine crossover. Like Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Deadpool & Wolverine capitalizes on its multiversal premise by offering plenty of shocking and exciting fan service cameos. However, it's a lot less serious and even more enjoyable than the MCU's previous multiversal film due to its R-rating, a lack of restraint, and emphasis on adult humor.
Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
With Captain America (Anthony Mackie) and his sidekick Falcon (Danny Ramirez) confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, viewers will want to catch up with them in Captain America: Brave New World. Captain America: Brave New World is a reasonably self-contained film that doesn't involve the multiverse. However, it's necessary to understand the current status of Falcon and Captain America in the MCU. The movie is an excellent addition to the Captain America films and the 2021 The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series.
It's also filled with nods to The Incredible Hulk (2008), bringing back many familiar faces from the movie and helping them reach their full potential. Viewers who enjoyed The Incredible Hulk despite the MCU largely erasing it from the timeline will feel some closure with Captain America: Brave New World. Meanwhile, fans of Mackie's Falcon and Captain America won't want to miss his first official solo film.
The first Avengers: Doomsday teaser echoes the Captain America legacy by focusing on Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and his newborn baby in a quiet, domestic setting. This clue reinforces the theme of legacy passing and the emotional weight carried by those who once held the shield. It's worth noting that even though Steve does not have the shield anymore he is still a super soldier.
Thunderbolts* (2025)
Even before Thunderbolts* premiered, almost the entire Thunderbolts team was confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, including Yelena (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and newcomer Sentry (Lewis Pullman). Given that the Thunderbolts are returning for Avengers: Doomsday, viewers won't want to miss their MCU debut beforehand. Thunderbolts* is the MCU's best superhero crossover since the Avengers movies.
For the past few years, viewers have watched the wildly different arcs of Yelena, Bucky, and U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), and seeing them converge in unexpected and hilarious ways is immensely satisfying. It perfectly captures their dynamic and the way they relate to one another, giving viewers an underdog superhero team that is highly reminiscent of The Suicide Squad (2021) and The Guardians of the Galaxy. However, Thunderbolts* sets itself apart from most MCU entries with its commentary on mental health.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
The Fantastic Four and the team's archenemy, Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.), are confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday. The team made their MCU debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The movie delivers the best Fantastic Four adaptation yet, as Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach wholly embody Marvel's first family. It also delivers a supersized MCU villain in Galactus (Ralph Ineson) that will leave fans breathless.
First Steps also boasts strong emotional undertones with its tale of family, sacrifice, and regret. Viewers seeking a strong MCU entry with serious themes and star power can't go wrong with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In addition to introducing the team, one of the movie's post-credits scenes directly sets up Doctor Doom's role in Avengers: Doomsday, showing him looming over Reed and Sue's young son, much to the horror of his mother.
Although Doctor Doom (Downey Jr.) does not appear in any of the four teasers (clues), the inclusion of some members of Marvel's First Family in the Wakanda-focused teaser reinforces the Russo's decision to frame Doom as a massive off-screen presence whose influence and plotting is felt long before he is properly seen.
