The latest instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe finally sees Anthony Mackie’s Captain America make his debut on the big screen. As the new Cap takes up the shield to defend the world against a new threat, recurring characters and plot points from past MCU productions are guaranteed to emerge. Brave New World is the 35th film in the MCU, and takes place in the studio’s so-called Phase Five, which started in 2023 with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. But with such a long list of movies and spinoff TV shows in the MCU, if you haven’t seen them all, which ones are the most important to watch to know what’s going on in Captain America: Brave New World?
Check out our list of every movie and TV series you should watch before seeing Captain America: Brave New World, and find out where you can stream them below!
Which movies and TV shows should I watch before Captain America: Brave New World?
With 34 movies before Brave New World making up the MCU — not to mention several spinoff TV series — it’s no wonder some audience members are worried they’ll miss out on something going into the theatre if they’re not prepared. While the context coming from all the previous MCU movies can be helpful, there are actually only two movies and one series you should watch before you see Brave New World. The big three to watch before you see Captain America: Brave New World are 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, 2021’s Eternals, and of course the MCU television series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The Incredible Hulk
2008’s The Incredible Hulk was a different time in the MCU. Edward Norton starred as Bruce Banner (aka The Hulk) — a title that was later transferred to Mark Ruffalo — going through the motions of becoming the Hulk and learning to master his rage. The film introduced cellular biologist Betty Ross (played by Liv Tyler) as Banner’s love interest and daughter to General Thaddeus Ross (aka Red Hulk). Tyler appears again in the same role in Brave New World, as does her father (now played by Harrison Ford), who is now the President of the United States. With both of their backstories playing a role in Brave New World, it’s worth watching The Incredible Hulk before seeing the latest instalment to have a better understanding of the characters’ motives. In addition, a certain Mr Blue who was first introduced in The Incredible Hulk also reappears in a key role in Brave New World.
Eternals
In the Eternals, a group of ten beings created by ‘Celestials’ known as the Eternals are tasked with bringing a new Celestial into being. The task will take up incredible amounts of energy resulting also in Earth’s destruction. When their leader, Cersei, decides to save Earth and stop the creation of the new Celestial in the middle, all that is left is a massive human-shaped form emerging from the Indian Ocean that becomes known as the Celestial Island. In Brave New World, it is discovered that adamantium — the powerful, indestructible metal that protects the likes of Wolverine and Deadpool — can be found in great quantities on the island.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Captain America: Brave New World sees Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson first don the stars and stripes, shedding his identity as Falcon to become Captain America and fight an all-new enemy. While Brave New World may be Mackie’s big screen debut as the character, he already appeared on the small screen as Cap in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In the series, Cap and Bucky Barns (aka The Winter Soldier) team up on a mission to stop a rebel group called the Flag Smashers intent on destroying all borders while powered by Super Soldier Serum. Throughout the series, Sam Wilson struggles with his new identity as Captain America, both on a personal and representational level and as a Black American, understanding the history of the role and questioning if it can truly evolve in the public’s eyes.
The series introduces characters like Isaiah Bradley, the first Black Super Soldier, and Joaquin Torres, another soldier and friend to Sam Wilson, who both reappear in Brave New World. In addition, Bucky Barns also makes a short but significant appearance in Brave New World.
Where to watch all the movies and TV series you must watch before Captain America: Brave New World streaming online
Find out how (and where) to stream movies and TV shows you must watch before Captain America: Brave New World online by scrolling down to the list below. The films and series are all available to stream online across a variety of platforms in the United Kingdom, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX and more!
