As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) builds toward Avengers: Doomsday on May 1, 2026, fans are eager to catch up on the films that set the stage for this monumental crossover. With major characters from the X-Men franchise making their MCU debut and returning Avengers assembling for their biggest battle yet, here’s a must-watch list of movies to prepare you for the next epic chapter.
Deadpool & Wolverine
This film is a game-changer, officially bringing characters from the X-Men universe into the MCU. With Avengers: Doomsday featuring Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and James Marsden’s Cyclops, it’s crucial to see how the X-Men timeline connects. Deadpool & Wolverine hints at the multiversal chaos that allows these mutants to enter the larger MCU, making it an essential watch before Doomsday arrives.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
With King T’Challa gone, this film follows Shuri (Letitia Wright) as she reluctantly takes on the Black Panther mantle. It also introduces Namor (Tenoch Huerta), the ruler of Talokan. Both Shuri and Namor are confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, making Black Panther: Wakanda Forever essential to understand their backstory, their uneasy alliance, and what role Wakanda and Talokan might play in the upcoming battle.
Black Widow
Set before Avengers: Infinity War, Black Widow dives into Natasha Romanoff’s past and introduces Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and her father figure, Red Guardian (David Harbour). Both characters will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, making this film crucial for understanding their bond. With Yelena and Red Guardian also starring in Thunderbolts, this movie helps lay the foundation for their important future roles.
Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World cements Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the new Captain America and showcases Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) stepping up as the new Falcon. With Wilson expected to play a key leadership role in Avengers: Doomsday, understanding his transformation from Falcon to Cap will make his arc even more impactful in the upcoming battle.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
While Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is no longer happening, this film is still crucial in understanding the impact of time-traveling, multiversal threats like Kang. With Doomsday rumored to feature Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom as its main villain, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania provides a glimpse into how these timeline-altering adversaries operate in the MCU.
Thor: Love and Thunder
As one of the longest-serving Avengers throughout the MCU, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor has been confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday. He latest solo adventure, Thor: Love and Thunder, explores his personal journey and saw him rekindle with Jane Foster. Thor has always been a powerhouse in the Avengers lineup, and this film helps set up his role in what’s coming next.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
As one of the newer heroes in the MCU, Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is returning for Avengers: Doomsday. This origin film introduces his mystical Ten Rings, which could play a significant role in the upcoming battle. Watching Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings again will remind audiences of his journey, his growing powers, and the larger threats connected to his family’s legacy.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
As the mystical Marvel character's second solo adventure, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness dives deep into the multiverse and the consequences of altering reality. While Doctor Strange’s role in Avengers: Doomsday is still unclear, the film’s exploration of alternate dimensions and supernatural forces will likely tie into the massive crossover ahead. The multiverse is key to how certain characters—like the X-Men—enter the MCU, making this film an important piece of the puzzle. Doctor Strange played a pivotal part in the fight against Thanos, and his powers will surely be just as important to the Avengers' survival in Doomsday.
Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel’s 'First Family' is finally joining the MCU, and their debut adventure will introduce Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) before Doomsday's crossover event. Watching Fantastic Four: First Steps will be crucial for understanding their team dynamics, their abilities, and how they fit into the grander MCU narrative.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
With many X-Men icons officially returning in Avengers: Doomsday, revisiting Days of Future Past is a smart move. This film blends time travel, alternate realities, and major X-Men character arcs—elements that will likely come into play in Doomsday. While there are still plenty of mysteries regarding the X-Men's involvement in Doomsday, understanding the past struggles of these mutants will make their MCU debut even more exciting.
By watching all 10 of these movies, you’ll be fully prepared for the multiversal madness and high-stakes action of Avengers: Doomsday. This streaming guide shows you how and where you can watch these movies on streaming services in India. You can also use JustWatch to find out the latest options to buy, rent or watch these movies for free.
