Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters on December 18, 2026, bringing together heroes from three separate universes for a fight against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom . The film pulls threads from more than two decades of Marvel movies, including Fox’s original X-Men series and every phase of the MCU. With a cast that includes Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Florence Pugh, Tom Hiddleston, and Patrick Stewart, catching up on the right films makes the story easier to follow . Disney+ has even posted an official watch list on its streaming platform to help viewers prepare . Here are the ten movies that matter most before Doomsday hits the big screen.
X-Men (2000)
Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen first played Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto in the 2000 film X-Men, and both actors return in Avengers: Doomsday . The movie introduced the core idea of mutants living among humans and set up the Xavier-Magneto relationship that still drives the X-Men stories. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, James Marsden’s Cyclops, and Rebecca Romijn’s Mystique also debuted here. Understanding how these characters relate to each other makes their arrival in the MCU feel grounded rather than confusing.
X2: X-Men United (2003)
X2 deepened the Xavier-Magneto conflict and introduced Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler, who returns in Doomsday . The film also showed how far Magneto will go to protect mutants, a theme that carries into his role in the multiverse story. Brian Cox’s William Stryker served as the human antagonist, adding a layer of political tension that the X-Men films carried forward. For viewers who only know the MCU version of these characters, X2 explains why the Xavier-Magneto bond is so complicated.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Chris Evans first played Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger . The movie establishes Steve’s sense of duty, his relationship with Peggy Carter, and his sacrifice at the end of World War II. Doomsday reportedly ties back to Steve’s time travel in Endgame, which means his origin story matters more than ever . Rogers returns in Doomsday as a father, according to trailer footage, so knowing where his story began gives that return its weight.
The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers brought Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye together for the first time . The film defined how the MCU handles team dynamics, and Doomsday follows that same template with a much larger roster. Robert Downey Jr. is not playing Tony Stark this time, but his presence as Doctor Doom makes the original Avengers lineup a useful reference point. The 2012 film also introduced the idea that Earth’s heroes need to work as a unit, a theme Doomsday revisits with the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Age of Ultron expanded the Avengers roster with Scarlet Witch, Vision, and Quicksilver. The film’s central question about preemptive protection against global threats connects directly to Doctor Doom’s ideology in Doomsday . Tony Stark’s line about “a suit of armor around the world” has become a talking point among fans who see it as an early hint at Doom’s worldview. The movie also deepened the conflict between Stark and Rogers that Civil War later pushed to its breaking point.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Civil War split the Avengers over the Sokovia Accords and ended with Steve Rogers and Tony Stark on opposite sides. The Russo brothers, who directed Civil War and are returning for Doomsday, have said the unresolved dynamic between these two characters carries into the new film. Even though Downey Jr. now plays Doom, the emotional wounds from Civil War still shape how the Avengers trust each other. The film is essentially Avengers 2.5, and the official Marvel countdown podcast included it as one of the five essential rewatches before Doomsday.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Infinity War showed what happens when the Avengers lose. Thanos wiped out half of all life, and the film ended on a bleak note that no previous MCU movie had attempted. Doomsday is the first chapter of a two-part finale, much like Infinity War was, and the Russos have said the new film will not simply repeat that structure . The scale of Infinity War, the way it balanced dozens of characters, and the emotional cost of defeat all set expectations for what Doomsday needs to deliver.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Endgame closed the Infinity Saga and featured Steve Rogers’ time travel, which Doomsday director Anthony Russo has confirmed triggered the events of the new film . Endgame also marked Robert Downey Jr.’s final appearance as Tony Stark before his return as Doctor Doom. A special re-release called Avengers: Endgame: Encore is currently in theaters with new footage that directly sets up Doomsday . The Russo brothers have called the re-release required viewing before the new film.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Simu Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in 2021, and his post-credits scene left a major question about the origin of the Ten Rings. That question appears to matter in Doomsday, where the Ten Rings may be connected to Loki and the multiverse . Merchandise for Doomsday even hints that Shang-Chi may be the only hero powerful enough to stop the threat Doom represents . The film also introduced Trevor Slattery and the real Mandarin, adding layers to the MCU’s mystical side that could play into the multiverse conflict.
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Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Deadpool & Wolverine brought Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman into the MCU through the multiverse and ended with a scene that fans have connected to Doomsday . The film also featured a version of the Fantastic Four and explored the idea of anchor beings, which are characters whose deaths destabilize entire universes. Doctor Doom is a multiversal threat, and Deadpool & Wolverine explained how the Fox universe fits into the larger MCU picture. Ryan Reynolds has been reported to appear in Doomsday, though Marvel has not officially confirmed his role.
Where to Watch Before Doomsday
Every movie on this list is available on Disney+ in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most global markets . Spider-Man: No Way Home is not on Disney+ in some regions due to Sony’s distribution rights, but it is available on other platforms depending on the country. Avengers: Endgame: Encore is currently playing in theaters worldwide with tickets on sale for Infinity Vision certified screens . Avengers: Doomsday releases exclusively in theaters on December 18, 2026, with international rollout beginning December 17, 2026 .
Also Read: Tom Hiddleston Says Avengers: Doomsday Continues Loki’s Story From Season 2 Ending
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