Marvel has officially released a watchlist of 15 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies and television series to prepare fans for the release of Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The list is designed as "homework" to help viewers understand the multiverse plotlines and character connections pivotal to the new film [1, 2, 3].
The recommended titles include a mix of classic and recent MCU installments, namely X-Men, X2, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Loki (seasons 1-2), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Deadpool & Wolverine, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thunderbolts, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Captain America: Brave New World [1, 2, 3].
Disney+ is hosting the official "Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday" collection, featuring these titles for easy access [1, 3]. The list focuses on key stories and characters related to the multiverse and major crossovers, but it does not cover all MCU films released to date — currently totaling 38 movies [1, 3].
Notably, the watchlist omits all Thor movies, despite Thor being a lead character in the upcoming Doomsday film [2]. The inclusion of Spider-Man: No Way Home has sparked speculation about multiversal elements involving Spider-Man characters, although no specific appearances have been confirmed for Doomsday [2].
The collection balances well-known box office hits like Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame with lesser-known projects such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Thunderbolts [1, 3]. Following Avengers: Doomsday, 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars is set to conclude the MCU's Multiverse Saga storyline [3].
