Every Movie and TV Show You Must Watch Before Captain America: Brave New World
After a long wait, Captain America is back on the big screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Captain America: Brave New World. The film sees Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson take on the mantle of Captain America following Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) stint as the patriotic hero.
For newcomers to the franchise or fans needing a refresher, this guide will explain how and where to watch all the Marvel movies and TV shows you need to be familiar with before watching Brave New World.
The Incredible Hulk follows Bruce Banner (Edward Norton), who seeks a cure for his Hulk condition while on the run from Gen. Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt), who wants to weaponize him. At the time of its release, the movie bore little connection to the MCU, but it's now very relevant because it introduces Ross. Ross, now portrayed by Harrison Ford, plays a significant role in Captain America: Brave New World, as his alter-ego, Red Hulk, is finally introduced to the MCU.
Captain America: The First Avenger tells the origin story of its titular hero. In the film, Rogers is a young man from Brooklyn who is determined not to let his poor health keep him from serving in World War II. Eventually, his bravery wins him the opportunity to become a Super Soldier. Along his journey, he establishes a relationship with Peggy Carter (Haley Atwell) and encounters the villain Red Skull (Hugo Weaving). This movie is a must-see for viewers wanting a full history of Captain America before Captain America: Brave New World.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier sees the return of Rogers as he adapts to modern life and is confronted by old enemies and his former friend, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). It’s a must-see before Captain America: Brave New World because it marks Wilson’s MCU debut, exploring his history and friendship with Rogers back when he was the Falcon rather than Captain America.
Avengers: Age of Ultron follows the Avengers as they confront Ultron (James Spader), an AI creation of Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) who develops villainous tendencies. While the film is not directly related to the Captain America movies, it’s essential because it serves as a lead-in to the current MCU and helps explain Captain America’s relationship with the Avengers and Wilson.
Captain America: Civil War follows the breakup of the Avengers. Divided over the Sokovia Accords, which would give the UN control of the Avengers, the heroes split into sides based on allegiance to Iron Man or Captain America, with their tensions sparking a civil war. Captain America: Civil War is one of the most important movies to watch before Captain America: Brave New World because it provides vital context for Captain America’s fraught relationship with Ross and the government in general.
Avengers: Infinity War sees the Avengers attempt to stop Thanos (Josh Brolin) from collecting the Infinity Stones and wiping out half of Earth. Its direct sequel, Avengers: Endgame, centers on the remaining team members’ efforts to bring back those lost in Thanos’ attack. Since these movies are two parts of the same story, one must watch them together. However, the really important film here is Avengers: Endgame because it explains why Rogers is no longer Captain America in the MCU.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier miniseries is a direct lead-in to Captain America: Brave New World. In the series, Wilson struggles to embrace the mantle of Captain America as he and Bucky try to combat the anti-Nationalist group The Flag Smashers, who believe life was better during the Blip. In addition to tracking Wilson’s transition into Captain America, it introduces several Captain America: Brave New World characters, including Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) and Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly).
Eternals follows a group of ten immortal, superpowered beings sent to Earth by a Celestial to fight the DeViants. The group has lived quietly on Earth after seemingly killing the last DeViant centuries again. However, when a DeViant appears in the modern-day, the Eternals are forced to come out of hiding and confront the real reason they were sent to Earth. Eternals is a self-contained movie, but it is surprisingly relevant to Captain America: Brave New World since the MCU confirmed the Captain America movie would feature Adamantium after Eternals subtly revealed the source of that Adamantium.
