DOOMSDAYAvengers: Doomsday Watch Guide

Contains spoilers

Story

During World War II, Steve Rogers, small in body but strong in spirit, volunteers for the super-soldier serum and fights HYDRA as Captain America.

Key events

• The serum turns Steve into a super-soldier
• His best friend Bucky falls from a train and is presumed dead
• Steve goes into the ice with his promise of a dance with Peggy Carter unkept
• The Tesseract makes its first appearance

Characters

Steve Rogers, Peggy Carter, Bucky Barnes, Howard Stark, Red Skull

Connections to other titles

Bucky returns in The Winter Soldier. The ending of Endgame answers the promised dance from this film.

Connection to Doomsday

Steve (Chris Evans) and Peggy (Hayley Atwell) are both confirmed for Doomsday. This is where their relationship begins.

Why watch it

You understand why Steve and Peggy matter so much to each other, and where his friendship with Bucky began.

If you skip it

Without it, the ending of Endgame and a possible Steve and Peggy reunion in Doomsday lose their weight. The battle details themselves are not essential.

Post-credits

After Steve wakes up in the present day, a teaser for The Avengers plays after the credits.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

A Kree warrior with no memory crashes on 1990s Earth and discovers she was once Carol Danvers, a US Air Force pilot.

Key events

• Carol regains her true powers and memories
• The Skrulls turn out to be refugees, not villains
• Fury gets the idea for the Avengers Initiative

Characters

Carol Danvers, Nick Fury, Talos, Maria Rambeau, young Monica Rambeau

Connections to other titles

A direct prequel to The Marvels. It also explains why Carol joins in Endgame.

Connection to Doomsday

Carol is not part of the announced Doomsday cast. It does help with the mid-credits scene of The Marvels, where Beast appears.

Why watch it

You learn about Monica Rambeau's connection to Carol and the situation of the Skrulls.

If you skip it

Skipping it will not hurt your understanding of Doomsday much. Worth it if you plan to watch The Marvels.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Carol appears at Avengers headquarters (leading into Endgame). Post-credits: Goose the cat coughs up the Tesseract.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Arms dealer Tony Stark is kidnapped, builds a suit of armor in a cave to escape, and learns his company's weapons are being misused. He starts fighting as Iron Man.

Key events

• Tony becomes Iron Man
• He reveals "I am Iron Man" to the world
• S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury appear

Characters

Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Rhodey, Obadiah Stane, Phil Coulson

Connections to other titles

Everything in the MCU starts here. Tony's story ends in Endgame.

Connection to Doomsday

Robert Downey Jr. plays Doctor Doom in Doomsday, a different character from Tony. This film shows what it means for him to return as the villain.

Why watch it

You get the feel of the MCU and the origin of Tony Stark.

If you skip it

You can follow Doomsday without it, but the surprise of Downey Jr. as Doom will land with less impact.

Post-credits

Nick Fury appears and mentions the Avengers Initiative.

Contains spoilers

Story

With his identity public, Tony is pressured to hand his suits to the government, while Ivan Vanko, who holds a grudge against Howard Stark, comes after him.

Key events

• Rhodey becomes War Machine
• Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) first appears
• Tony creates a new element from his father's research

Characters

Tony Stark, Rhodey, Natasha, Pepper, Ivan Vanko, Nick Fury

Connections to other titles

Natasha's story continues in Black Widow and Endgame.

Connection to Doomsday

Little direct connection. Watch it as part of the core Iron Man story.

Why watch it

You learn about Tony and his father Howard, and see Natasha's first appearance.

If you skip it

Skipping it barely affects your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Coulson finds Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, in New Mexico.

Contains spoilers

Story

Arrogant prince Thor is stripped of his power by his father Odin and banished to Earth. His brother Loki learns he was adopted and reaches for the throne.

Key events

• Thor learns humility on Earth and wins back his hammer
• Loki learns he is a Frost Giant's child
• Loki falls from the Bifrost and disappears

Characters

Thor, Loki, Odin, Jane Foster, Heimdall

Connections to other titles

Loki returns as the villain in The Avengers. The brothers' story continues in Ragnarok and Infinity War.

Connection to Doomsday

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are both confirmed. This builds the base of their relationship.

Why watch it

You see why Loki became so bitter and how his bond with Thor began.

If you skip it

Without it, the root of Loki's need to be recognized is harder to grasp. The Avengers covers the minimum.

Post-credits

Nick Fury shows Dr. Selvig the Tesseract, and we learn Loki is controlling Selvig.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Loki steals the Tesseract and attacks New York with an alien army. Nick Fury gathers Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye.

Key events

• The Avengers form for the first time
• The Battle of New York
• Loki is defeated and captured

Characters

Tony, Steve, Thor, Bruce, Natasha, Clint, Loki, Nick Fury, Coulson

Connections to other titles

Endgame returns to this 2012 battle, and Loki's escape from it is the starting point of Loki Season 1.

Connection to Doomsday

Confirmed cast members Thor, Loki and Steve appear together. Also essential for understanding Loki.

Why watch it

You see where the Avengers began and what kind of villain Loki was.

If you skip it

Without it, the 2012 scenes in Endgame and the start of Loki are harder to follow.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Thanos shows his face for the first time. Post-credits: the heroes silently eat shawarma.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

The Dark Elf Malekith seeks the Aether to return the universe to darkness. Thor teams up with the imprisoned Loki.

Key events

• Their mother Frigga dies
• Thor and Loki fight side by side
• The Aether (the Reality Stone) appears
• Loki takes the throne disguised as Odin

Characters

Thor, Loki, Jane Foster, Odin, Frigga, Malekith

Connections to other titles

Thor's reunion with his mother in Endgame means more after this film.

Connection to Doomsday

Deepens the Thor and Loki relationship. Part of the core Thor story.

Why watch it

It shows the brothers' "want to trust, can't quite trust" relationship best.

If you skip it

You can follow Doomsday without it. The Frigga scene in Endgame will feel lighter.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the Aether is handed to the Collector. Post-credits: Thor returns to Jane.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Haunted by insomnia and anxiety after New York, Tony loses his home to attacks by the terrorist known as the Mandarin and has to fight without his suits.

Key events

• Tony suffers panic attacks
• The truth about the Mandarin
• Tony removes the reactor from his chest

Characters

Tony Stark, Pepper, Rhodey, Aldrich Killian, Harley

Connections to other titles

The real Mandarin and the Ten Rings appear in Shang-Chi.

Connection to Doomsday

Little direct connection. Part of the core Iron Man story.

Why watch it

You see Tony facing the question of whether he is a hero without the suit.

If you skip it

Skipping it barely affects your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

We learn Tony has been telling his story to Bruce Banner, who fell asleep.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

HYDRA is revealed to be hiding inside S.H.I.E.L.D. Steve fights a mysterious assassin, the Winter Soldier, who turns out to be a brainwashed Bucky.

Key events

• Sam Wilson (Falcon) first appears
• Bucky is revealed to be alive and brainwashed
• S.H.I.E.L.D. collapses

Characters

Steve, Natasha, Sam, Bucky, Nick Fury, Alexander Pierce, Sharon Carter

Connections to other titles

Sam and Bucky's relationship continues in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Thunderbolts*.

Connection to Doomsday

Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan) are both confirmed. This is where their stories begin.

Why watch it

You see why Sam became Steve's partner and how heavy Bucky's guilt is.

If you skip it

Without it, Bucky's pain and the trust between Sam and Steve are harder to understand.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the twins Wanda and Pietro first appear. Post-credits: Bucky visits his own museum exhibit.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After treasure hunter Peter Quill steals a mysterious orb, he teams up with misfits including Rocket the raccoon and Groot the tree.

Key events

• The Guardians form
• The Power Stone appears
• Gamora's connection to Thanos is shown

Characters

Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot, Nebula

Connections to other titles

Gamora and Thanos's relationship leads to key moments in Infinity War.

Connection to Doomsday

The Guardians are not part of the announced Doomsday cast.

Why watch it

You understand Gamora's scenes in Infinity War and the cosmic side of the MCU.

If you skip it

Skipping it will not hurt your understanding of Doomsday much.

Post-credits

Howard the Duck appears from the Collector's collection.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Ego, who claims to be Quill's real father, appears, and the Guardians face what family really means.

Key events

• The truth about Quill's father Ego
• Yondu's sacrifice
• Nebula and Gamora begin to reconcile

Characters

The Guardians, Ego, Yondu, Mantis, Nebula

Connections to other titles

Mantis joins, completing the team seen in Infinity War.

Connection to Doomsday

No connection to Doomsday has been confirmed.

Why watch it

You will grow even fonder of the Guardians.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Five scenes during the credits, including a tease of Adam Warlock and a teenage Groot.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Ultron, an AI built by Tony and Bruce, goes rogue and plans to wipe out humanity. The battle in Sokovia causes massive damage.

Key events

• Wanda and Vision are born as heroes
• Sokovia is destroyed
• A new Avengers lineup forms

Characters

The Avengers, Ultron, Wanda, Pietro, Vision

Connections to other titles

The damage in Sokovia leads to the Sokovia Accords in Civil War.

Connection to Doomsday

Thor and Steve appear. Shows how the team starts to fall apart.

Why watch it

You see the first step toward the Avengers breaking up.

If you skip it

Without it, the background of the Accords in Civil War is a little harder to follow. A summary can cover it.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Thanos takes the Gauntlet and says he will do it himself.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Ex-con Scott Lang receives the Ant-Man suit from Dr. Hank Pym and fights someone trying to misuse the shrinking technology.

Key events

• Scott becomes Ant-Man
• The Quantum Realm is shown for the first time
• His bond with his daughter Cassie

Characters

Scott Lang, Cassie Lang, Hank Pym, Hope van Dyne

Connections to other titles

The Quantum Realm leads to the time travel in Endgame and the setting of Quantumania.

Connection to Doomsday

Scott (Paul Rudd) is confirmed. His daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) has also been reported to appear.

Why watch it

You learn about Scott and his daughter, and the basic rules of the Quantum Realm.

If you skip it

You can catch up through Ant-Man and the Wasp and Quantumania.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Hope is shown the Wasp suit. Post-credits: Steve and Sam talk over the rescued Bucky (leading into Civil War).

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

The Sokovia Accords, which would put heroes under UN control, split the team into Steve's side and Tony's side.

Key events

• The Sokovia Accords
• T'Challa (Black Panther) and Spider-Man first appear
• Bucky is revealed to have killed Tony's parents
• Steve and Tony break apart

Characters

Steve, Tony, Bucky, Sam, Natasha, T'Challa, Peter Parker, Scott, Zemo

Connections to other titles

The team enters Infinity War divided. Bucky goes to Wakanda.

Connection to Doomsday

Many confirmed cast members appear, including Sam, Bucky and Scott. A team breaking apart and coming back together could be a key theme in Doomsday.

Why watch it

You understand the bond between Steve and Bucky and why the Avengers split.

If you skip it

Without it, it is hard to see why the team is scattered in Infinity War.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Bucky goes back into cryosleep in Wakanda. Post-credits: Peter tests a device Tony made.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After an accident ruins his hands, brilliant surgeon Stephen Strange studies the mystic arts in Kathmandu and becomes a sorcerer who protects the world.

Key events

• Strange becomes a sorcerer
• The Time Stone (the Eye of Agamotto)
• The existence of the multiverse is mentioned

Characters

Strange, the Ancient One, Wong, Mordo, Kaecilius

Connections to other titles

In the official timeline book, the story starts after Ant-Man, Strange trains around the time of Civil War, and the final battle comes before Black Widow. The sequel, Multiverse of Madness, explains incursions (universes colliding).

Connection to Doomsday

Strange is not part of the announced Doomsday cast. Watch it as an introduction to the multiverse.

Why watch it

You learn the basics of how the MCU treats other universes.

If you skip it

Multiverse of Madness covers what you need.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Strange meets Thor (leading into Ragnarok). Post-credits: Mordo decides there are too many sorcerers.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After his father's death, T'Challa becomes king of Wakanda. Killmonger challenges him for the throne, and Wakanda must decide how to face the world.

Key events

• T'Challa takes the throne
• The fight with Killmonger
• Wakanda reveals itself to the world

Characters

T'Challa, Shuri, M'Baku, Nakia, Okoye, Killmonger

Connections to other titles

Wakanda's story continues in Wakanda Forever.

Connection to Doomsday

Shuri (Letitia Wright) and M'Baku (Winston Duke) are confirmed.

Why watch it

You see Shuri's brilliance, her bond with her brother, and who M'Baku is.

If you skip it

Without it, Shuri's grief in Wakanda Forever hits less hard.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: T'Challa speaks at the UN. Post-credits: Bucky wakes up in Wakanda.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Given a suit by Tony, Peter Parker juggles high school and hero work while fighting the Vulture.

Key events

• Peter earns Tony's trust
• The fight with the Vulture

Characters

Peter Parker, Tony, Happy, Vulture, Ned, MJ

Connections to other titles

The Spider-Man trilogy expands into the multiverse in No Way Home.

Connection to Doomsday

Tom Holland's Spider-Man is not part of the announced Doomsday cast.

Why watch it

You learn the MCU Peter's personality and his bond with Tony.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the Vulture protects Peter's identity in prison. Post-credits: a Captain America PSA about patience.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Sony Pictures Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Hela, the goddess of death, returns and seizes Asgard. Stranded on a distant planet, Thor teams up with Hulk, Loki and Valkyrie to save his home.

Key events

• Odin dies and their sister Hela appears
• Asgard is destroyed
• Thor and Loki truly join forces

Characters

Thor, Loki, Hulk, Valkyrie, Hela, the Grandmaster

Connections to other titles

The huge ship at the end leads straight into the opening of Infinity War.

Connection to Doomsday

Thor and Loki are confirmed. Thor's lighter personality today starts here.

Why watch it

You understand who Thor is now and where his relationship with Loki ends up.

If you skip it

Without it, the opening of Infinity War and the weight of Loki's choices are harder to follow.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Thanos's ship appears in front of the Asgardian ship. Post-credits: a Grandmaster gag.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Under house arrest, Scott works with Hank and Hope to rescue Janet, who has been trapped in the Quantum Realm.

Key events

• Janet returns from the Quantum Realm
• The Quantum Realm is explained in more detail
• Scott gets stranded in the Quantum Realm

Characters

Scott, Hope, Hank, Janet, Cassie, Ghost

Connections to other titles

Scott's return from the Quantum Realm starts the plan in Endgame.

Connection to Doomsday

Scott is confirmed (Cassie has also been reported). Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who debuts here, is also confirmed.

Why watch it

You learn Ghost's past and why the Quantum Realm matters later.

If you skip it

Without it, Ghost's background in Thunderbolts* and the start of time travel in Endgame are harder to follow.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the Snap happens and Scott is left in the Quantum Realm. Post-credits: a giant ant plays the drums.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Thanos sets out to collect all six Infinity Stones and wipe out half of all life. The heroes try to stop him on Earth and in space, but he succeeds.

Key events

• Loki dies in the opening
• The battle in Wakanda
• The Snap erases half of all life

Characters

Almost every Avenger, the Guardians, Thanos, the people of Wakanda

Connections to other titles

The ending leads straight into Endgame. This Loki leaves the story here; the Loki series follows a different Loki from 2012.

Connection to Doomsday

Many confirmed cast members appear. Doomsday is likely to be framed as the biggest threat since Thanos, so this sets the scale.

Why watch it

You experience the MCU's biggest battle and the weight of the heroes' defeat.

If you skip it

Without it, Endgame makes no sense. A must-watch.

Post-credits

Nick Fury sends a distress signal to Captain Marvel just before he vanishes.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Five years later, the surviving heroes use the Quantum Realm to travel through time, gather the Stones from the past, and bring back everyone who vanished.

Key events

• Time travel to the past, including 2012
• The 2012 Loki escapes with the Tesseract
• The final battle and Tony's sacrifice
• Steve lives his life with Peggy and passes the shield to Sam

Characters

All the Avengers, Thanos, Peggy Carter

Connections to other titles

The escaped Loki becomes the lead of the Loki series. Sam's story with the shield continues in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Connection to Doomsday

Steve (Chris Evans) and Peggy (Hayley Atwell) return in Doomsday. You need to know how their story ended here for their return to mean anything.

Why watch it

You see how the Infinity Saga ends and how the baton passes to the next generation.

If you skip it

Without it, many relationships in Doomsday (Steve and Sam, Peggy, and more) will not make sense. A must-watch.

Post-credits

There is no post-credits scene; only the sound of Tony hammering his suit plays at the end.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

The Loki who escaped 2012 in Endgame is caught by the TVA, the organization that manages time, and is assigned to hunt another version of himself.

Key events

• The TVA (Time Variance Authority) appears
• Sylvie, a Loki variant, appears
• Loki meets He Who Remains at the end of time
• The Sacred Timeline branches and the multiverse is born

Characters

Loki, Mobius, Sylvie, Hunter B-15, He Who Remains

Connections to other titles

Easiest to follow right after Endgame. Its ending sets up Multiverse of Madness, Deadpool & Wolverine and other multiverse stories.

Connection to Doomsday

Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is confirmed. The best guide to how the multiverse and the TVA work.

Why watch it

You understand why other universes keep appearing.

If you skip it

Without it, the multiverse and the TVA scenes (such as in Deadpool & Wolverine) will not click.

Post-credits

As a series, there are no film-style post-credits scenes. The finale ends with the TVA completely changed.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Time begins to break down and the TVA itself is in danger. Loki moves through time looking for a way to save every timeline.

Key events

• The Temporal Loom breaks down
• Loki learns to move freely through time
• Loki becomes the one who holds the branching timelines together at the end of time

Characters

Loki, Mobius, Sylvie, Ouroboros (O.B.), Victor Timely

Connections to other titles

Continues right after Season 1. Where Loki is now also matters for the TVA in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Connection to Doomsday

Loki is confirmed. The role he takes on at the end of Season 2 is likely to shape how he appears in Doomsday.

Why watch it

You see where Loki's growth as a character finally leads.

If you skip it

Without it, you may have no idea where Loki stands in Doomsday.

Post-credits

As a series, there are no film-style post-credits scenes.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After losing Vision, Wanda wraps an entire town in magic and creates an ideal life that looks like an old sitcom.

Key events

• Wanda's fake town
• Wanda awakens as the Scarlet Witch
• White Vision is created
• Monica Rambeau gains powers

Characters

Wanda, Vision, Monica Rambeau, Agatha Harkness

Connections to other titles

Wanda's story continues in Multiverse of Madness, Agatha's in Agatha All Along, and Vision's in VisionQuest.

Connection to Doomsday

Wanda and Vision are not part of the announced Doomsday cast. For viewers who want to understand Multiverse of Madness more deeply.

Why watch it

You understand why Wanda is pushed so far in Multiverse of Madness.

If you skip it

Skipping it will not hurt your understanding of Doomsday much.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: a Skrull recruits Monica. Post-credits: Wanda studies the Darkhold.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Living quietly in San Francisco, Shang-Chi is confronted by the Ten Rings, led by his father Wenwu, who wants to break a dangerous seal to see his late wife again.

Key events

• Shang-Chi breaks from his father
• He inherits the power of the Ten Rings
• His sister Xialing takes over the organization

Characters

Shang-Chi, Katy, Xialing, Wenwu, Wong

Connections to other titles

Wong, Bruce and Carol appear, connecting it to the Avengers' world.

Connection to Doomsday

Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is confirmed. This is his only solo story so far, so it is the only way to get to know him.

Why watch it

You learn how Shang-Chi fights, his family, and what the Ten Rings really are.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not know who Shang-Chi is in Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Wong, Bruce and Carol study the Ten Rings and find they are sending a mysterious signal. Post-credits: Xialing becomes the new leader of the Ten Rings.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Sam gives the shield Steve passed to him back to the government, which names John Walker the new Captain America. Walker starts to spiral.

Key events

• John Walker becomes the government's Captain America and later loses the title
• Joaquin Torres first appears
• Bucky faces his past crimes
• Sam chooses to become Captain America

Characters

Sam, Bucky, John Walker, Joaquin Torres, Zemo, Sharon Carter, Valentina

Connections to other titles

Sam and Torres continue in Brave New World. Walker and Bucky continue in Thunderbolts*.

Connection to Doomsday

Sam, Bucky, Walker (Wyatt Russell) and Torres (Danny Ramirez) are all confirmed. The most important story for the next generation.

Why watch it

You understand what it means for Sam to carry the shield as a Black Captain America, and who Walker and Torres are.

If you skip it

Without it, you miss Sam's struggle before taking the shield and why Walker is in Thunderbolts*.

Post-credits

The finale's mid-credits scene reveals Sharon Carter's secret identity as the Power Broker.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Grieving Tony, Peter meets Mysterio, who claims to come from another Earth, on a school trip to Europe.

Key events

• Mysterio's lie about coming from the multiverse
• Peter's identity is revealed to the world

Characters

Peter, MJ, Ned, Happy, Mysterio, Nick Fury

Connections to other titles

His exposed identity sets up No Way Home.

Connection to Doomsday

Tom Holland's Spider-Man is not part of the announced Doomsday cast.

Why watch it

You see where No Way Home begins.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Peter's identity is made public. Post-credits: Fury is revealed to be the Skrull Talos.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Sony Pictures Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

With his identity exposed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for a spell that makes the world forget who he is. The spell goes wrong and people from other universes who know his identity arrive.

Key events

• Villains from past Spider-Man films appear
• Tobey Maguire's and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Men appear
• The whole world forgets Peter Parker

Characters

Peter, MJ, Ned, Strange, Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Spider-Men from other universes

Connections to other titles

Watching the Tobey Maguire trilogy makes it more moving. The multiverse chaos here continues in Multiverse of Madness.

Connection to Doomsday

Tom Holland and Tobey Maguire are not part of the announced Doomsday cast (Tobey's appearance is only a rumor). Recommended as a look at what happens when universes connect.

Why watch it

It is the original version of heroes from different universes sharing the screen.

If you skip it

You can follow Doomsday without it, but it is worth watching to get a feel for the multiverse.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Eddie Brock is sent back to his universe, leaving part of the symbiote behind. Post-credits: a trailer for Multiverse of Madness.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Sony Pictures Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Wanda hunts America Chavez, a girl who can travel between universes. Strange protects her as they travel across other universes.

Key events

• Incursions (two universes colliding and destroying each other) are explained
• The Illuminati, a team of heroes from another universe, appear
• Patrick Stewart appears as another version of Professor X

Characters

Strange, Wanda, America Chavez, Wong, heroes from another universe

Connections to other titles

Shows concretely how dangerous the multiverse born in Loki has become.

Connection to Doomsday

Strange is not part of the announced cast, but the idea of incursions may be the key to the "universes colliding" in Doomsday. Patrick Stewart is confirmed (though here he plays a Xavier from another universe).

Why watch it

You learn about incursions, the most dangerous event in the multiverse.

If you skip it

Without it, an explanation about universes colliding may not click.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: a mysterious woman, Clea, tells Strange he caused an incursion. Post-credits: a Pizza Poppa gag.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After losing T'Challa, Wakanda is confronted by Namor, king of the underwater kingdom of Talokan. Grieving and angry, Shuri has to make a choice.

Key events

• T'Challa's death
• Namor and the Talokan empire appear
• Shuri becomes the new Black Panther
• Shuri and Namor make a truce

Characters

Shuri, Ramonda, M'Baku, Okoye, Namor, Riri Williams

Connections to other titles

Riri continues in Ironheart. Shuri and Namor's relationship is left open.

Connection to Doomsday

Shuri, M'Baku and Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) are all confirmed. Essential for knowing where Wakanda stands now.

Why watch it

You know that Shuri is now Black Panther and understand her uneasy relationship with Namor.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not understand why Shuri appears as Black Panther in Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: T'Challa and Nakia are revealed to have a son.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Gorr is killing gods, and Thor reunites with his ex Jane, now the Mighty Thor, to fight him.

Key events

• Jane becomes the Mighty Thor and dies
• Thor takes in Gorr's daughter Love
• Zeus appears

Characters

Thor, Jane, Valkyrie, Korg, Gorr, Zeus, Love

Connections to other titles

Thor's latest solo film, showing his life now as Love's father figure.

Connection to Doomsday

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is confirmed. The last time we saw Thor before Doomsday.

Why watch it

You know where Thor is and what he is doing now.

If you skip it

Without it, Thor's situation in Doomsday (such as becoming a father) may be unclear.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Zeus sends his son Hercules after Thor. Post-credits: Jane is welcomed into Valhalla.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Scott and his family are pulled into the Quantum Realm and fight Kang the Conqueror, who has been trapped there.

Key events

• Cassie fights as a hero
• Kang the Conqueror appears and is defeated
• Countless Kangs are shown to exist

Characters

Scott, Cassie, Hope, Hank, Janet, Kang

Connections to other titles

Kang's variant Victor Timely appears in Loki Season 2.

Connection to Doomsday

Scott is confirmed, and Cassie has been reported. The latest look at how Cassie has grown. The original Kang-centered plan was later changed, and Doctor Doom became the villain of Doomsday.

Why watch it

You see Cassie become a hero who can fight, and how big the multiverse threat is.

If you skip it

Without it, it is unclear why Cassie fights. The Kang story itself may not connect directly to Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: a Council of Kangs gathers. Post-credits: Loki and Mobius spot Victor Timely.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

To save the dying Rocket, the Guardians take on the High Evolutionary, who created him.

Key events

• Rocket's past
• The Guardians go their separate ways

Characters

The Guardians, the High Evolutionary, Adam Warlock

Connections to other titles

A close to the Guardians' story.

Connection to Doomsday

No connection to Doomsday has been confirmed.

Why watch it

A moving end to the trilogy.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the new Guardians in action. Post-credits: Quill has breakfast with his grandfather.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

In a world where mutants face discrimination, Professor X runs a school to build peace with humans, while Magneto wants to fight humanity with force. A young Rogue and the amnesiac Wolverine arrive at the school.

Key events

• Professor X's school and the X-Men
• Magneto's plan to turn humans into mutants
• The final battle at the Statue of Liberty

Characters

Professor X, Magneto, Cyclops, Mystique, Wolverine, Jean, Storm, Rogue

Connections to other titles

The first film to bring together the actors who return in Doomsday.

Connection to Doomsday

Professor X (Patrick Stewart, who died on October 28, 2026, at 86; Doomsday is reported to be his final screen role), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Cyclops (James Marsden) and Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) are all confirmed.

Why watch it

You see the origin of Xavier and Magneto as friends who are also enemies.

If you skip it

Without it, it is hard to tell who is who when the classic X-Men appear.

Post-credits

No post-credits scene.

Contains spoilers

Story

Colonel Stryker, who wants to wipe out mutants, raids the school. The X-Men team up with Magneto for a while to stop him.

Key events

• Nightcrawler's first appearance
• The X-Men and Magneto join forces
• Jean's sacrifice

Characters

The X-Men, Nightcrawler, Stryker, Lady Deathstrike

Connections to other titles

Jean's fate leads into X-Men: The Last Stand.

Connection to Doomsday

Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) is confirmed. All five confirmed classic X-Men appear together.

Why watch it

You see Nightcrawler's personality and the bond of the classic team.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not know who Nightcrawler is.

Post-credits

No post-credits scene. At the end of the film, the shadow of a phoenix appears in the lake.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)20th Century Studios (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

A "cure" that removes mutant powers shakes the mutant world, and Jean, thought to be dead, returns as the Phoenix.

Key events

• Beast (Kelsey Grammer) first appears
• Cyclops and Professor X leave the story
• Mystique and Magneto lose their powers

Characters

The X-Men, Beast, Phoenix (Jean), Multiple Man (Eric Dane, who died of ALS on February 19, 2026, at 53)

Connections to other titles

This ending is rewritten in X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Connection to Doomsday

Beast (Kelsey Grammer) is confirmed. Shows how the classic X-Men story ended. Cyclops and Professor X, who die in this film, both return in Doomsday. In an August 2025 interview, James Marsden joked about Cyclops: "I'm dead. Well, maybe not." How they come back has not been officially revealed.

Why watch it

You learn who Beast is and what happened to the classic X-Men world.

If you skip it

You can follow the main story without it. Watch it if you want Beast's background.

Post-credits

Post-credits: Professor X, believed dead, wakes up in another person's body.

Contains spoilers

Story

In a future overrun by mutant-hunting Sentinels, Wolverine's mind is sent back to 1973 to change history.

Key events

• The classic and younger casts share the screen
• History is changed in 1973
• At the end, a new future appears where fallen friends are alive

Characters

The classic X-Men, young Xavier, young Magneto, young Mystique, Wolverine

Connections to other titles

Undoes the sad ending of the original trilogy.

Connection to Doomsday

The classic Xavier and Magneto appear. Kelsey Grammer's Beast and James Marsden's Cyclops also appear at the end. It has not been announced which point in time the X-Men in Doomsday come from.

Why watch it

You see the final ending of the classic X-Men story.

If you skip it

You can probably follow Doomsday without it. For viewers who want to sort out the classic X-Men story.

Post-credits

Post-credits: a powerful mutant (Apocalypse) gathers power in ancient Egypt.

Contains spoilers

Story

In 1983, in the history rewritten by Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, the first mutant, wakes up in Egypt and recruits Magneto and others to remake the world. The young students of Professor X's school stand against him.

Key events

• Apocalypse returns with his Four Horsemen
• Young Jean, Cyclops and Nightcrawler join the team
• Jean unleashes the Phoenix power for the first time
• Professor X loses his hair

Characters

Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, Beast, Jean, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Quicksilver, Apocalypse (all played by the younger cast)

Connections to other titles

Continues the new history created by Days of Future Past. The story continues in Dark Phoenix.

Connection to Doomsday

[Site owner's guess] We think the classic X-Men who return in Doomsday may come from the history rewritten in Days of Future Past, the same timeline as this film and Dark Phoenix. This is our own guess, not an official announcement. Note that the younger cast plays these roles here, while the confirmed Doomsday cast are the actors from the original trilogy.

Why watch it

You see what happened in the classic X-Men's world after the timeline changed. If the guess is right, it adds depth to the X-Men in Doomsday.

If you skip it

No official connection to Doomsday has been announced, so skipping it most likely will not hurt.

Post-credits

Post-credits: mysterious men take a vial of Wolverine's blood from the Weapon X facility, in a case marked Essex Corp.

Contains spoilers

Story

In 1992, during a rescue mission in space, Jean Grey absorbs an unknown cosmic force. As she loses control, and the alien D'Bari come after the power, the X-Men face a hard choice.

Key events

• Jean absorbs a cosmic force (the Phoenix)
• Mystique dies
• The fight with the alien D'Bari
• Jean sacrifices herself, and the school is renamed the Jean Grey School

Characters

Jean, Professor X, Magneto, Cyclops, Beast, Storm, Nightcrawler (all played by the younger cast), Vuk

Connections to other titles

Continues X-Men: Apocalypse. The last main film of Fox's X-Men series.

Connection to Doomsday

[Site owner's guess] We think the classic X-Men in Doomsday may come from the same timeline as this film and Apocalypse. This is our own guess, not an official announcement. The confirmed Doomsday cast are the actors from the original trilogy, not the younger cast in this film.

Why watch it

You see how Fox's X-Men world finally ended.

If you skip it

No official connection to Doomsday has been announced, so skipping it most likely will not hurt.

Post-credits

No post-credits scene. At the end, Professor X and Magneto play chess in Paris as the Phoenix appears in the sky.

Contains spoilers

Story

When Deadpool learns his universe is about to be erased, he fights the TVA and brings in the worst Wolverine from another universe.

Key events

• The TVA and "anchors" that hold universes together
• Forgotten heroes appear in the Void
• Channing Tatum's Gambit debuts

Characters

Deadpool, Wolverine, Cassandra Nova, Mr. Paradox, Gambit, Elektra, Blade, X-23

Connections to other titles

Continues the TVA story from Loki. Knowing Logan helps with the jokes.

Connection to Doomsday

Gambit (Channing Tatum) is confirmed. The film that brings the Fox world into the MCU multiverse, key to understanding the classic X-Men's return.

Why watch it

You see how Fox characters can enter the MCU and the latest state of the TVA.

If you skip it

Without it, it is hard to understand why the classic X-Men and Gambit are in the MCU.

Post-credits

During the credits, behind-the-scenes footage from past Fox Marvel films. Post-credits: a bonus scene with Johnny Storm (Chris Evans).

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Powerless witch Agatha gathers a mysterious teen and other witches to face the trials of the Witches' Road.

Key events

• The Witches' Road
• The teen's true identity is revealed

Characters

Agatha, Teen (Billy), Rio Vidal

Connections to other titles

A sequel to WandaVision.

Connection to Doomsday

No connection to Doomsday has been confirmed so far.

Why watch it

For fans of the magical side of the MCU.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Nothing related to Doomsday.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

President Ross asks Sam to rebuild the Avengers, but after an attempt on the president's life, it becomes clear someone is pulling strings behind the scenes.

Key events

• Sam officially works as Captain America
• Joaquin Torres becomes the new Falcon
• President Ross becomes the Red Hulk
• Adamantium is discovered

Characters

Sam, Joaquin Torres, President Ross, Samuel Sterns, Isaiah Bradley

Connections to other titles

Ross and Sterns continue from The Incredible Hulk. Rebuilding the Avengers continues in Thunderbolts*.

Connection to Doomsday

Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Torres (Danny Ramirez) are confirmed. Shows what Sam was doing just before Doomsday.

Why watch it

You see Sam stepping into the role of leading the Avengers.

If you skip it

Without it, Sam's position in Doomsday and the state of the Avengers are harder to grasp.

Post-credits

Post-credits: Sam visits Sterns in prison, who warns that other worlds exist and are coming.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

The Fantastic Four live on another Earth with a retro-futuristic feel. As Reed and Sue's child is about to be born, Galactus, who devours planets, approaches Earth.

Key events

• Introducing the four members of the Fantastic Four
• The Silver Surfer and Galactus arrive
• Reed and Sue's son Franklin is born

Characters

Reed, Sue, Johnny, Ben, Franklin, the Silver Surfer, Galactus

Connections to other titles

Set in a universe separate from the MCU's Earth (Earth-616). The post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* shows the link to 616.

Connection to Doomsday

Reed (Pedro Pascal), Sue (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny (Joseph Quinn) and Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are all confirmed. They are also the team most deeply tied to Doctor Doom.

Why watch it

You get to know the four leads of Doomsday, their family bond, and Franklin.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not know the Fantastic Four at all. A must-watch.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: while Sue reads to Franklin, a masked figure, apparently Doctor Doom, approaches him.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

About to be discarded by Valentina, Yelena, Walker, Ghost and others reluctantly team up. The hidden power of a mysterious man named Bob threatens to swallow New York.

Key events

• A team forms around Yelena
• Bob (Sentry) and the Void emerge
• The team is introduced to the public as the "New Avengers"

Characters

Yelena, Bucky, Alexei, Walker, Ghost, Bob, Valentina

Connections to other titles

Brings together characters from Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Connection to Doomsday

Yelena, Bucky, Alexei, Walker, Ghost and Bob (Lewis Pullman) are all confirmed. One of the most important films for Earth's situation right before Doomsday.

Why watch it

You see what Earth's "Avengers" look like now and who the powerful Bob is.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not understand the relationships on Earth's team. A must-watch.

Post-credits

Post-credits: 14 months later, a spaceship from another dimension (apparently the Fantastic Four's) appears in front of the team.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After No Way Home, the whole world has forgotten Peter Parker, and he keeps working alone as Spider-Man.

Key events

• Detailed notes are in preparation

Characters

Peter Parker and others

Connections to other titles

Continues No Way Home.

Connection to Doomsday

Tom Holland is not part of the announced Doomsday cast. It is the MCU film released just before Doomsday, and whether it connects is not officially known. A connection cannot be ruled out.

Why watch it

It may show what the MCU's Earth feels like right before Doomsday.

If you skip it

There is no information so far suggesting Doomsday will be hard to follow without it.

Post-credits

Detailed notes are in preparation.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Sony Pictures Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

During World War II, Steve Rogers, small in body but strong in spirit, volunteers for the super-soldier serum and fights HYDRA as Captain America.

Key events

• The serum turns Steve into a super-soldier
• His best friend Bucky falls from a train and is presumed dead
• Steve goes into the ice with his promise of a dance with Peggy Carter unkept
• The Tesseract makes its first appearance

Characters

Steve Rogers, Peggy Carter, Bucky Barnes, Howard Stark, Red Skull

Connections to other titles

Bucky returns in The Winter Soldier. The ending of Endgame answers the promised dance from this film.

Connection to Doomsday

Steve (Chris Evans) and Peggy (Hayley Atwell) are both confirmed for Doomsday. This is where their relationship begins.

Why watch it

You understand why Steve and Peggy matter so much to each other, and where his friendship with Bucky began.

If you skip it

Without it, the ending of Endgame and a possible Steve and Peggy reunion in Doomsday lose their weight. The battle details themselves are not essential.

Post-credits

After Steve wakes up in the present day, a teaser for The Avengers plays after the credits.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

A Kree warrior with no memory crashes on 1990s Earth and discovers she was once Carol Danvers, a US Air Force pilot.

Key events

• Carol regains her true powers and memories
• The Skrulls turn out to be refugees, not villains
• Fury gets the idea for the Avengers Initiative

Characters

Carol Danvers, Nick Fury, Talos, Maria Rambeau, young Monica Rambeau

Connections to other titles

A direct prequel to The Marvels. It also explains why Carol joins in Endgame.

Connection to Doomsday

Carol is not part of the announced Doomsday cast. It does help with the mid-credits scene of The Marvels, where Beast appears.

Why watch it

You learn about Monica Rambeau's connection to Carol and the situation of the Skrulls.

If you skip it

Skipping it will not hurt your understanding of Doomsday much. Worth it if you plan to watch The Marvels.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Carol appears at Avengers headquarters (leading into Endgame). Post-credits: Goose the cat coughs up the Tesseract.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Arms dealer Tony Stark is kidnapped, builds a suit of armor in a cave to escape, and learns his company's weapons are being misused. He starts fighting as Iron Man.

Key events

• Tony becomes Iron Man
• He reveals "I am Iron Man" to the world
• S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury appear

Characters

Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Rhodey, Obadiah Stane, Phil Coulson

Connections to other titles

Everything in the MCU starts here. Tony's story ends in Endgame.

Connection to Doomsday

Robert Downey Jr. plays Doctor Doom in Doomsday, a different character from Tony. This film shows what it means for him to return as the villain.

Why watch it

You get the feel of the MCU and the origin of Tony Stark.

If you skip it

You can follow Doomsday without it, but the surprise of Downey Jr. as Doom will land with less impact.

Post-credits

Nick Fury appears and mentions the Avengers Initiative.

Contains spoilers

Story

With his identity public, Tony is pressured to hand his suits to the government, while Ivan Vanko, who holds a grudge against Howard Stark, comes after him.

Key events

• Rhodey becomes War Machine
• Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) first appears
• Tony creates a new element from his father's research

Characters

Tony Stark, Rhodey, Natasha, Pepper, Ivan Vanko, Nick Fury

Connections to other titles

Natasha's story continues in Black Widow and Endgame.

Connection to Doomsday

Little direct connection. Watch it as part of the core Iron Man story.

Why watch it

You learn about Tony and his father Howard, and see Natasha's first appearance.

If you skip it

Skipping it barely affects your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Coulson finds Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, in New Mexico.

Contains spoilers

Story

Arrogant prince Thor is stripped of his power by his father Odin and banished to Earth. His brother Loki learns he was adopted and reaches for the throne.

Key events

• Thor learns humility on Earth and wins back his hammer
• Loki learns he is a Frost Giant's child
• Loki falls from the Bifrost and disappears

Characters

Thor, Loki, Odin, Jane Foster, Heimdall

Connections to other titles

Loki returns as the villain in The Avengers. The brothers' story continues in Ragnarok and Infinity War.

Connection to Doomsday

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are both confirmed. This builds the base of their relationship.

Why watch it

You see why Loki became so bitter and how his bond with Thor began.

If you skip it

Without it, the root of Loki's need to be recognized is harder to grasp. The Avengers covers the minimum.

Post-credits

Nick Fury shows Dr. Selvig the Tesseract, and we learn Loki is controlling Selvig.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Loki steals the Tesseract and attacks New York with an alien army. Nick Fury gathers Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye.

Key events

• The Avengers form for the first time
• The Battle of New York
• Loki is defeated and captured

Characters

Tony, Steve, Thor, Bruce, Natasha, Clint, Loki, Nick Fury, Coulson

Connections to other titles

Endgame returns to this 2012 battle, and Loki's escape from it is the starting point of Loki Season 1.

Connection to Doomsday

Confirmed cast members Thor, Loki and Steve appear together. Also essential for understanding Loki.

Why watch it

You see where the Avengers began and what kind of villain Loki was.

If you skip it

Without it, the 2012 scenes in Endgame and the start of Loki are harder to follow.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Thanos shows his face for the first time. Post-credits: the heroes silently eat shawarma.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

The Dark Elf Malekith seeks the Aether to return the universe to darkness. Thor teams up with the imprisoned Loki.

Key events

• Their mother Frigga dies
• Thor and Loki fight side by side
• The Aether (the Reality Stone) appears
• Loki takes the throne disguised as Odin

Characters

Thor, Loki, Jane Foster, Odin, Frigga, Malekith

Connections to other titles

Thor's reunion with his mother in Endgame means more after this film.

Connection to Doomsday

Deepens the Thor and Loki relationship. Part of the core Thor story.

Why watch it

It shows the brothers' "want to trust, can't quite trust" relationship best.

If you skip it

You can follow Doomsday without it. The Frigga scene in Endgame will feel lighter.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the Aether is handed to the Collector. Post-credits: Thor returns to Jane.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Haunted by insomnia and anxiety after New York, Tony loses his home to attacks by the terrorist known as the Mandarin and has to fight without his suits.

Key events

• Tony suffers panic attacks
• The truth about the Mandarin
• Tony removes the reactor from his chest

Characters

Tony Stark, Pepper, Rhodey, Aldrich Killian, Harley

Connections to other titles

The real Mandarin and the Ten Rings appear in Shang-Chi.

Connection to Doomsday

Little direct connection. Part of the core Iron Man story.

Why watch it

You see Tony facing the question of whether he is a hero without the suit.

If you skip it

Skipping it barely affects your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

We learn Tony has been telling his story to Bruce Banner, who fell asleep.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

HYDRA is revealed to be hiding inside S.H.I.E.L.D. Steve fights a mysterious assassin, the Winter Soldier, who turns out to be a brainwashed Bucky.

Key events

• Sam Wilson (Falcon) first appears
• Bucky is revealed to be alive and brainwashed
• S.H.I.E.L.D. collapses

Characters

Steve, Natasha, Sam, Bucky, Nick Fury, Alexander Pierce, Sharon Carter

Connections to other titles

Sam and Bucky's relationship continues in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Thunderbolts*.

Connection to Doomsday

Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan) are both confirmed. This is where their stories begin.

Why watch it

You see why Sam became Steve's partner and how heavy Bucky's guilt is.

If you skip it

Without it, Bucky's pain and the trust between Sam and Steve are harder to understand.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the twins Wanda and Pietro first appear. Post-credits: Bucky visits his own museum exhibit.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After treasure hunter Peter Quill steals a mysterious orb, he teams up with misfits including Rocket the raccoon and Groot the tree.

Key events

• The Guardians form
• The Power Stone appears
• Gamora's connection to Thanos is shown

Characters

Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot, Nebula

Connections to other titles

Gamora and Thanos's relationship leads to key moments in Infinity War.

Connection to Doomsday

The Guardians are not part of the announced Doomsday cast.

Why watch it

You understand Gamora's scenes in Infinity War and the cosmic side of the MCU.

If you skip it

Skipping it will not hurt your understanding of Doomsday much.

Post-credits

Howard the Duck appears from the Collector's collection.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Ego, who claims to be Quill's real father, appears, and the Guardians face what family really means.

Key events

• The truth about Quill's father Ego
• Yondu's sacrifice
• Nebula and Gamora begin to reconcile

Characters

The Guardians, Ego, Yondu, Mantis, Nebula

Connections to other titles

Mantis joins, completing the team seen in Infinity War.

Connection to Doomsday

No connection to Doomsday has been confirmed.

Why watch it

You will grow even fonder of the Guardians.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Five scenes during the credits, including a tease of Adam Warlock and a teenage Groot.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Ultron, an AI built by Tony and Bruce, goes rogue and plans to wipe out humanity. The battle in Sokovia causes massive damage.

Key events

• Wanda and Vision are born as heroes
• Sokovia is destroyed
• A new Avengers lineup forms

Characters

The Avengers, Ultron, Wanda, Pietro, Vision

Connections to other titles

The damage in Sokovia leads to the Sokovia Accords in Civil War.

Connection to Doomsday

Thor and Steve appear. Shows how the team starts to fall apart.

Why watch it

You see the first step toward the Avengers breaking up.

If you skip it

Without it, the background of the Accords in Civil War is a little harder to follow. A summary can cover it.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Thanos takes the Gauntlet and says he will do it himself.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Ex-con Scott Lang receives the Ant-Man suit from Dr. Hank Pym and fights someone trying to misuse the shrinking technology.

Key events

• Scott becomes Ant-Man
• The Quantum Realm is shown for the first time
• His bond with his daughter Cassie

Characters

Scott Lang, Cassie Lang, Hank Pym, Hope van Dyne

Connections to other titles

The Quantum Realm leads to the time travel in Endgame and the setting of Quantumania.

Connection to Doomsday

Scott (Paul Rudd) is confirmed. His daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) has also been reported to appear.

Why watch it

You learn about Scott and his daughter, and the basic rules of the Quantum Realm.

If you skip it

You can catch up through Ant-Man and the Wasp and Quantumania.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Hope is shown the Wasp suit. Post-credits: Steve and Sam talk over the rescued Bucky (leading into Civil War).

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

The Sokovia Accords, which would put heroes under UN control, split the team into Steve's side and Tony's side.

Key events

• The Sokovia Accords
• T'Challa (Black Panther) and Spider-Man first appear
• Bucky is revealed to have killed Tony's parents
• Steve and Tony break apart

Characters

Steve, Tony, Bucky, Sam, Natasha, T'Challa, Peter Parker, Scott, Zemo

Connections to other titles

The team enters Infinity War divided. Bucky goes to Wakanda.

Connection to Doomsday

Many confirmed cast members appear, including Sam, Bucky and Scott. A team breaking apart and coming back together could be a key theme in Doomsday.

Why watch it

You understand the bond between Steve and Bucky and why the Avengers split.

If you skip it

Without it, it is hard to see why the team is scattered in Infinity War.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Bucky goes back into cryosleep in Wakanda. Post-credits: Peter tests a device Tony made.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After an accident ruins his hands, brilliant surgeon Stephen Strange studies the mystic arts in Kathmandu and becomes a sorcerer who protects the world.

Key events

• Strange becomes a sorcerer
• The Time Stone (the Eye of Agamotto)
• The existence of the multiverse is mentioned

Characters

Strange, the Ancient One, Wong, Mordo, Kaecilius

Connections to other titles

In the official timeline book, the story starts after Ant-Man, Strange trains around the time of Civil War, and the final battle comes before Black Widow. The sequel, Multiverse of Madness, explains incursions (universes colliding).

Connection to Doomsday

Strange is not part of the announced Doomsday cast. Watch it as an introduction to the multiverse.

Why watch it

You learn the basics of how the MCU treats other universes.

If you skip it

Multiverse of Madness covers what you need.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Strange meets Thor (leading into Ragnarok). Post-credits: Mordo decides there are too many sorcerers.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After his father's death, T'Challa becomes king of Wakanda. Killmonger challenges him for the throne, and Wakanda must decide how to face the world.

Key events

• T'Challa takes the throne
• The fight with Killmonger
• Wakanda reveals itself to the world

Characters

T'Challa, Shuri, M'Baku, Nakia, Okoye, Killmonger

Connections to other titles

Wakanda's story continues in Wakanda Forever.

Connection to Doomsday

Shuri (Letitia Wright) and M'Baku (Winston Duke) are confirmed.

Why watch it

You see Shuri's brilliance, her bond with her brother, and who M'Baku is.

If you skip it

Without it, Shuri's grief in Wakanda Forever hits less hard.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: T'Challa speaks at the UN. Post-credits: Bucky wakes up in Wakanda.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Given a suit by Tony, Peter Parker juggles high school and hero work while fighting the Vulture.

Key events

• Peter earns Tony's trust
• The fight with the Vulture

Characters

Peter Parker, Tony, Happy, Vulture, Ned, MJ

Connections to other titles

The Spider-Man trilogy expands into the multiverse in No Way Home.

Connection to Doomsday

Tom Holland's Spider-Man is not part of the announced Doomsday cast.

Why watch it

You learn the MCU Peter's personality and his bond with Tony.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the Vulture protects Peter's identity in prison. Post-credits: a Captain America PSA about patience.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Sony Pictures Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Hela, the goddess of death, returns and seizes Asgard. Stranded on a distant planet, Thor teams up with Hulk, Loki and Valkyrie to save his home.

Key events

• Odin dies and their sister Hela appears
• Asgard is destroyed
• Thor and Loki truly join forces

Characters

Thor, Loki, Hulk, Valkyrie, Hela, the Grandmaster

Connections to other titles

The huge ship at the end leads straight into the opening of Infinity War.

Connection to Doomsday

Thor and Loki are confirmed. Thor's lighter personality today starts here.

Why watch it

You understand who Thor is now and where his relationship with Loki ends up.

If you skip it

Without it, the opening of Infinity War and the weight of Loki's choices are harder to follow.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Thanos's ship appears in front of the Asgardian ship. Post-credits: a Grandmaster gag.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Under house arrest, Scott works with Hank and Hope to rescue Janet, who has been trapped in the Quantum Realm.

Key events

• Janet returns from the Quantum Realm
• The Quantum Realm is explained in more detail
• Scott gets stranded in the Quantum Realm

Characters

Scott, Hope, Hank, Janet, Cassie, Ghost

Connections to other titles

Scott's return from the Quantum Realm starts the plan in Endgame.

Connection to Doomsday

Scott is confirmed (Cassie has also been reported). Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who debuts here, is also confirmed.

Why watch it

You learn Ghost's past and why the Quantum Realm matters later.

If you skip it

Without it, Ghost's background in Thunderbolts* and the start of time travel in Endgame are harder to follow.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the Snap happens and Scott is left in the Quantum Realm. Post-credits: a giant ant plays the drums.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Thanos sets out to collect all six Infinity Stones and wipe out half of all life. The heroes try to stop him on Earth and in space, but he succeeds.

Key events

• Loki dies in the opening
• The battle in Wakanda
• The Snap erases half of all life

Characters

Almost every Avenger, the Guardians, Thanos, the people of Wakanda

Connections to other titles

The ending leads straight into Endgame. This Loki leaves the story here; the Loki series follows a different Loki from 2012.

Connection to Doomsday

Many confirmed cast members appear. Doomsday is likely to be framed as the biggest threat since Thanos, so this sets the scale.

Why watch it

You experience the MCU's biggest battle and the weight of the heroes' defeat.

If you skip it

Without it, Endgame makes no sense. A must-watch.

Post-credits

Nick Fury sends a distress signal to Captain Marvel just before he vanishes.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Five years later, the surviving heroes use the Quantum Realm to travel through time, gather the Stones from the past, and bring back everyone who vanished.

Key events

• Time travel to the past, including 2012
• The 2012 Loki escapes with the Tesseract
• The final battle and Tony's sacrifice
• Steve lives his life with Peggy and passes the shield to Sam

Characters

All the Avengers, Thanos, Peggy Carter

Connections to other titles

The escaped Loki becomes the lead of the Loki series. Sam's story with the shield continues in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Connection to Doomsday

Steve (Chris Evans) and Peggy (Hayley Atwell) return in Doomsday. You need to know how their story ended here for their return to mean anything.

Why watch it

You see how the Infinity Saga ends and how the baton passes to the next generation.

If you skip it

Without it, many relationships in Doomsday (Steve and Sam, Peggy, and more) will not make sense. A must-watch.

Post-credits

There is no post-credits scene; only the sound of Tony hammering his suit plays at the end.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

The Loki who escaped 2012 in Endgame is caught by the TVA, the organization that manages time, and is assigned to hunt another version of himself.

Key events

• The TVA (Time Variance Authority) appears
• Sylvie, a Loki variant, appears
• Loki meets He Who Remains at the end of time
• The Sacred Timeline branches and the multiverse is born

Characters

Loki, Mobius, Sylvie, Hunter B-15, He Who Remains

Connections to other titles

Easiest to follow right after Endgame. Its ending sets up Multiverse of Madness, Deadpool & Wolverine and other multiverse stories.

Connection to Doomsday

Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is confirmed. The best guide to how the multiverse and the TVA work.

Why watch it

You understand why other universes keep appearing.

If you skip it

Without it, the multiverse and the TVA scenes (such as in Deadpool & Wolverine) will not click.

Post-credits

As a series, there are no film-style post-credits scenes. The finale ends with the TVA completely changed.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Time begins to break down and the TVA itself is in danger. Loki moves through time looking for a way to save every timeline.

Key events

• The Temporal Loom breaks down
• Loki learns to move freely through time
• Loki becomes the one who holds the branching timelines together at the end of time

Characters

Loki, Mobius, Sylvie, Ouroboros (O.B.), Victor Timely

Connections to other titles

Continues right after Season 1. Where Loki is now also matters for the TVA in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Connection to Doomsday

Loki is confirmed. The role he takes on at the end of Season 2 is likely to shape how he appears in Doomsday.

Why watch it

You see where Loki's growth as a character finally leads.

If you skip it

Without it, you may have no idea where Loki stands in Doomsday.

Post-credits

As a series, there are no film-style post-credits scenes.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After losing Vision, Wanda wraps an entire town in magic and creates an ideal life that looks like an old sitcom.

Key events

• Wanda's fake town
• Wanda awakens as the Scarlet Witch
• White Vision is created
• Monica Rambeau gains powers

Characters

Wanda, Vision, Monica Rambeau, Agatha Harkness

Connections to other titles

Wanda's story continues in Multiverse of Madness, Agatha's in Agatha All Along, and Vision's in VisionQuest.

Connection to Doomsday

Wanda and Vision are not part of the announced Doomsday cast. For viewers who want to understand Multiverse of Madness more deeply.

Why watch it

You understand why Wanda is pushed so far in Multiverse of Madness.

If you skip it

Skipping it will not hurt your understanding of Doomsday much.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: a Skrull recruits Monica. Post-credits: Wanda studies the Darkhold.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Living quietly in San Francisco, Shang-Chi is confronted by the Ten Rings, led by his father Wenwu, who wants to break a dangerous seal to see his late wife again.

Key events

• Shang-Chi breaks from his father
• He inherits the power of the Ten Rings
• His sister Xialing takes over the organization

Characters

Shang-Chi, Katy, Xialing, Wenwu, Wong

Connections to other titles

Wong, Bruce and Carol appear, connecting it to the Avengers' world.

Connection to Doomsday

Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is confirmed. This is his only solo story so far, so it is the only way to get to know him.

Why watch it

You learn how Shang-Chi fights, his family, and what the Ten Rings really are.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not know who Shang-Chi is in Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Wong, Bruce and Carol study the Ten Rings and find they are sending a mysterious signal. Post-credits: Xialing becomes the new leader of the Ten Rings.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Sam gives the shield Steve passed to him back to the government, which names John Walker the new Captain America. Walker starts to spiral.

Key events

• John Walker becomes the government's Captain America and later loses the title
• Joaquin Torres first appears
• Bucky faces his past crimes
• Sam chooses to become Captain America

Characters

Sam, Bucky, John Walker, Joaquin Torres, Zemo, Sharon Carter, Valentina

Connections to other titles

Sam and Torres continue in Brave New World. Walker and Bucky continue in Thunderbolts*.

Connection to Doomsday

Sam, Bucky, Walker (Wyatt Russell) and Torres (Danny Ramirez) are all confirmed. The most important story for the next generation.

Why watch it

You understand what it means for Sam to carry the shield as a Black Captain America, and who Walker and Torres are.

If you skip it

Without it, you miss Sam's struggle before taking the shield and why Walker is in Thunderbolts*.

Post-credits

The finale's mid-credits scene reveals Sharon Carter's secret identity as the Power Broker.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Grieving Tony, Peter meets Mysterio, who claims to come from another Earth, on a school trip to Europe.

Key events

• Mysterio's lie about coming from the multiverse
• Peter's identity is revealed to the world

Characters

Peter, MJ, Ned, Happy, Mysterio, Nick Fury

Connections to other titles

His exposed identity sets up No Way Home.

Connection to Doomsday

Tom Holland's Spider-Man is not part of the announced Doomsday cast.

Why watch it

You see where No Way Home begins.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Peter's identity is made public. Post-credits: Fury is revealed to be the Skrull Talos.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Sony Pictures Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

With his identity exposed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for a spell that makes the world forget who he is. The spell goes wrong and people from other universes who know his identity arrive.

Key events

• Villains from past Spider-Man films appear
• Tobey Maguire's and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Men appear
• The whole world forgets Peter Parker

Characters

Peter, MJ, Ned, Strange, Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Spider-Men from other universes

Connections to other titles

Watching the Tobey Maguire trilogy makes it more moving. The multiverse chaos here continues in Multiverse of Madness.

Connection to Doomsday

Tom Holland and Tobey Maguire are not part of the announced Doomsday cast (Tobey's appearance is only a rumor). Recommended as a look at what happens when universes connect.

Why watch it

It is the original version of heroes from different universes sharing the screen.

If you skip it

You can follow Doomsday without it, but it is worth watching to get a feel for the multiverse.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Eddie Brock is sent back to his universe, leaving part of the symbiote behind. Post-credits: a trailer for Multiverse of Madness.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Sony Pictures Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Wanda hunts America Chavez, a girl who can travel between universes. Strange protects her as they travel across other universes.

Key events

• Incursions (two universes colliding and destroying each other) are explained
• The Illuminati, a team of heroes from another universe, appear
• Patrick Stewart appears as another version of Professor X

Characters

Strange, Wanda, America Chavez, Wong, heroes from another universe

Connections to other titles

Shows concretely how dangerous the multiverse born in Loki has become.

Connection to Doomsday

Strange is not part of the announced cast, but the idea of incursions may be the key to the "universes colliding" in Doomsday. Patrick Stewart is confirmed (though here he plays a Xavier from another universe).

Why watch it

You learn about incursions, the most dangerous event in the multiverse.

If you skip it

Without it, an explanation about universes colliding may not click.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: a mysterious woman, Clea, tells Strange he caused an incursion. Post-credits: a Pizza Poppa gag.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After losing T'Challa, Wakanda is confronted by Namor, king of the underwater kingdom of Talokan. Grieving and angry, Shuri has to make a choice.

Key events

• T'Challa's death
• Namor and the Talokan empire appear
• Shuri becomes the new Black Panther
• Shuri and Namor make a truce

Characters

Shuri, Ramonda, M'Baku, Okoye, Namor, Riri Williams

Connections to other titles

Riri continues in Ironheart. Shuri and Namor's relationship is left open.

Connection to Doomsday

Shuri, M'Baku and Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) are all confirmed. Essential for knowing where Wakanda stands now.

Why watch it

You know that Shuri is now Black Panther and understand her uneasy relationship with Namor.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not understand why Shuri appears as Black Panther in Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: T'Challa and Nakia are revealed to have a son.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Gorr is killing gods, and Thor reunites with his ex Jane, now the Mighty Thor, to fight him.

Key events

• Jane becomes the Mighty Thor and dies
• Thor takes in Gorr's daughter Love
• Zeus appears

Characters

Thor, Jane, Valkyrie, Korg, Gorr, Zeus, Love

Connections to other titles

Thor's latest solo film, showing his life now as Love's father figure.

Connection to Doomsday

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is confirmed. The last time we saw Thor before Doomsday.

Why watch it

You know where Thor is and what he is doing now.

If you skip it

Without it, Thor's situation in Doomsday (such as becoming a father) may be unclear.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: Zeus sends his son Hercules after Thor. Post-credits: Jane is welcomed into Valhalla.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Scott and his family are pulled into the Quantum Realm and fight Kang the Conqueror, who has been trapped there.

Key events

• Cassie fights as a hero
• Kang the Conqueror appears and is defeated
• Countless Kangs are shown to exist

Characters

Scott, Cassie, Hope, Hank, Janet, Kang

Connections to other titles

Kang's variant Victor Timely appears in Loki Season 2.

Connection to Doomsday

Scott is confirmed, and Cassie has been reported. The latest look at how Cassie has grown. The original Kang-centered plan was later changed, and Doctor Doom became the villain of Doomsday.

Why watch it

You see Cassie become a hero who can fight, and how big the multiverse threat is.

If you skip it

Without it, it is unclear why Cassie fights. The Kang story itself may not connect directly to Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: a Council of Kangs gathers. Post-credits: Loki and Mobius spot Victor Timely.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

To save the dying Rocket, the Guardians take on the High Evolutionary, who created him.

Key events

• Rocket's past
• The Guardians go their separate ways

Characters

The Guardians, the High Evolutionary, Adam Warlock

Connections to other titles

A close to the Guardians' story.

Connection to Doomsday

No connection to Doomsday has been confirmed.

Why watch it

A moving end to the trilogy.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: the new Guardians in action. Post-credits: Quill has breakfast with his grandfather.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

In a world where mutants face discrimination, Professor X runs a school to build peace with humans, while Magneto wants to fight humanity with force. A young Rogue and the amnesiac Wolverine arrive at the school.

Key events

• Professor X's school and the X-Men
• Magneto's plan to turn humans into mutants
• The final battle at the Statue of Liberty

Characters

Professor X, Magneto, Cyclops, Mystique, Wolverine, Jean, Storm, Rogue

Connections to other titles

The first film to bring together the actors who return in Doomsday.

Connection to Doomsday

Professor X (Patrick Stewart, who died on October 28, 2026, at 86; Doomsday is reported to be his final screen role), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Cyclops (James Marsden) and Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) are all confirmed.

Why watch it

You see the origin of Xavier and Magneto as friends who are also enemies.

If you skip it

Without it, it is hard to tell who is who when the classic X-Men appear.

Post-credits

No post-credits scene.

Contains spoilers

Story

Colonel Stryker, who wants to wipe out mutants, raids the school. The X-Men team up with Magneto for a while to stop him.

Key events

• Nightcrawler's first appearance
• The X-Men and Magneto join forces
• Jean's sacrifice

Characters

The X-Men, Nightcrawler, Stryker, Lady Deathstrike

Connections to other titles

Jean's fate leads into X-Men: The Last Stand.

Connection to Doomsday

Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) is confirmed. All five confirmed classic X-Men appear together.

Why watch it

You see Nightcrawler's personality and the bond of the classic team.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not know who Nightcrawler is.

Post-credits

No post-credits scene. At the end of the film, the shadow of a phoenix appears in the lake.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)20th Century Studios (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

A "cure" that removes mutant powers shakes the mutant world, and Jean, thought to be dead, returns as the Phoenix.

Key events

• Beast (Kelsey Grammer) first appears
• Cyclops and Professor X leave the story
• Mystique and Magneto lose their powers

Characters

The X-Men, Beast, Phoenix (Jean), Multiple Man (Eric Dane, who died of ALS on February 19, 2026, at 53)

Connections to other titles

This ending is rewritten in X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Connection to Doomsday

Beast (Kelsey Grammer) is confirmed. Shows how the classic X-Men story ended. Cyclops and Professor X, who die in this film, both return in Doomsday. In an August 2025 interview, James Marsden joked about Cyclops: "I'm dead. Well, maybe not." How they come back has not been officially revealed.

Why watch it

You learn who Beast is and what happened to the classic X-Men world.

If you skip it

You can follow the main story without it. Watch it if you want Beast's background.

Post-credits

Post-credits: Professor X, believed dead, wakes up in another person's body.

Contains spoilers

Story

In a future overrun by mutant-hunting Sentinels, Wolverine's mind is sent back to 1973 to change history.

Key events

• The classic and younger casts share the screen
• History is changed in 1973
• At the end, a new future appears where fallen friends are alive

Characters

The classic X-Men, young Xavier, young Magneto, young Mystique, Wolverine

Connections to other titles

Undoes the sad ending of the original trilogy.

Connection to Doomsday

The classic Xavier and Magneto appear. Kelsey Grammer's Beast and James Marsden's Cyclops also appear at the end. It has not been announced which point in time the X-Men in Doomsday come from.

Why watch it

You see the final ending of the classic X-Men story.

If you skip it

You can probably follow Doomsday without it. For viewers who want to sort out the classic X-Men story.

Post-credits

Post-credits: a powerful mutant (Apocalypse) gathers power in ancient Egypt.

Contains spoilers

Story

In 1983, in the history rewritten by Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, the first mutant, wakes up in Egypt and recruits Magneto and others to remake the world. The young students of Professor X's school stand against him.

Key events

• Apocalypse returns with his Four Horsemen
• Young Jean, Cyclops and Nightcrawler join the team
• Jean unleashes the Phoenix power for the first time
• Professor X loses his hair

Characters

Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, Beast, Jean, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Quicksilver, Apocalypse (all played by the younger cast)

Connections to other titles

Continues the new history created by Days of Future Past. The story continues in Dark Phoenix.

Connection to Doomsday

[Site owner's guess] We think the classic X-Men who return in Doomsday may come from the history rewritten in Days of Future Past, the same timeline as this film and Dark Phoenix. This is our own guess, not an official announcement. Note that the younger cast plays these roles here, while the confirmed Doomsday cast are the actors from the original trilogy.

Why watch it

You see what happened in the classic X-Men's world after the timeline changed. If the guess is right, it adds depth to the X-Men in Doomsday.

If you skip it

No official connection to Doomsday has been announced, so skipping it most likely will not hurt.

Post-credits

Post-credits: mysterious men take a vial of Wolverine's blood from the Weapon X facility, in a case marked Essex Corp.

Contains spoilers

Story

In 1992, during a rescue mission in space, Jean Grey absorbs an unknown cosmic force. As she loses control, and the alien D'Bari come after the power, the X-Men face a hard choice.

Key events

• Jean absorbs a cosmic force (the Phoenix)
• Mystique dies
• The fight with the alien D'Bari
• Jean sacrifices herself, and the school is renamed the Jean Grey School

Characters

Jean, Professor X, Magneto, Cyclops, Beast, Storm, Nightcrawler (all played by the younger cast), Vuk

Connections to other titles

Continues X-Men: Apocalypse. The last main film of Fox's X-Men series.

Connection to Doomsday

[Site owner's guess] We think the classic X-Men in Doomsday may come from the same timeline as this film and Apocalypse. This is our own guess, not an official announcement. The confirmed Doomsday cast are the actors from the original trilogy, not the younger cast in this film.

Why watch it

You see how Fox's X-Men world finally ended.

If you skip it

No official connection to Doomsday has been announced, so skipping it most likely will not hurt.

Post-credits

No post-credits scene. At the end, Professor X and Magneto play chess in Paris as the Phoenix appears in the sky.

Contains spoilers

Story

When Deadpool learns his universe is about to be erased, he fights the TVA and brings in the worst Wolverine from another universe.

Key events

• The TVA and "anchors" that hold universes together
• Forgotten heroes appear in the Void
• Channing Tatum's Gambit debuts

Characters

Deadpool, Wolverine, Cassandra Nova, Mr. Paradox, Gambit, Elektra, Blade, X-23

Connections to other titles

Continues the TVA story from Loki. Knowing Logan helps with the jokes.

Connection to Doomsday

Gambit (Channing Tatum) is confirmed. The film that brings the Fox world into the MCU multiverse, key to understanding the classic X-Men's return.

Why watch it

You see how Fox characters can enter the MCU and the latest state of the TVA.

If you skip it

Without it, it is hard to understand why the classic X-Men and Gambit are in the MCU.

Post-credits

During the credits, behind-the-scenes footage from past Fox Marvel films. Post-credits: a bonus scene with Johnny Storm (Chris Evans).

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

Powerless witch Agatha gathers a mysterious teen and other witches to face the trials of the Witches' Road.

Key events

• The Witches' Road
• The teen's true identity is revealed

Characters

Agatha, Teen (Billy), Rio Vidal

Connections to other titles

A sequel to WandaVision.

Connection to Doomsday

No connection to Doomsday has been confirmed so far.

Why watch it

For fans of the magical side of the MCU.

If you skip it

Skipping it does not affect your understanding of Doomsday.

Post-credits

Nothing related to Doomsday.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

President Ross asks Sam to rebuild the Avengers, but after an attempt on the president's life, it becomes clear someone is pulling strings behind the scenes.

Key events

• Sam officially works as Captain America
• Joaquin Torres becomes the new Falcon
• President Ross becomes the Red Hulk
• Adamantium is discovered

Characters

Sam, Joaquin Torres, President Ross, Samuel Sterns, Isaiah Bradley

Connections to other titles

Ross and Sterns continue from The Incredible Hulk. Rebuilding the Avengers continues in Thunderbolts*.

Connection to Doomsday

Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Torres (Danny Ramirez) are confirmed. Shows what Sam was doing just before Doomsday.

Why watch it

You see Sam stepping into the role of leading the Avengers.

If you skip it

Without it, Sam's position in Doomsday and the state of the Avengers are harder to grasp.

Post-credits

Post-credits: Sam visits Sterns in prison, who warns that other worlds exist and are coming.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

The Fantastic Four live on another Earth with a retro-futuristic feel. As Reed and Sue's child is about to be born, Galactus, who devours planets, approaches Earth.

Key events

• Introducing the four members of the Fantastic Four
• The Silver Surfer and Galactus arrive
• Reed and Sue's son Franklin is born

Characters

Reed, Sue, Johnny, Ben, Franklin, the Silver Surfer, Galactus

Connections to other titles

Set in a universe separate from the MCU's Earth (Earth-616). The post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* shows the link to 616.

Connection to Doomsday

Reed (Pedro Pascal), Sue (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny (Joseph Quinn) and Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are all confirmed. They are also the team most deeply tied to Doctor Doom.

Why watch it

You get to know the four leads of Doomsday, their family bond, and Franklin.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not know the Fantastic Four at all. A must-watch.

Post-credits

Mid-credits: while Sue reads to Franklin, a masked figure, apparently Doctor Doom, approaches him.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

About to be discarded by Valentina, Yelena, Walker, Ghost and others reluctantly team up. The hidden power of a mysterious man named Bob threatens to swallow New York.

Key events

• A team forms around Yelena
• Bob (Sentry) and the Void emerge
• The team is introduced to the public as the "New Avengers"

Characters

Yelena, Bucky, Alexei, Walker, Ghost, Bob, Valentina

Connections to other titles

Brings together characters from Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Connection to Doomsday

Yelena, Bucky, Alexei, Walker, Ghost and Bob (Lewis Pullman) are all confirmed. One of the most important films for Earth's situation right before Doomsday.

Why watch it

You see what Earth's "Avengers" look like now and who the powerful Bob is.

If you skip it

Without it, you will not understand the relationships on Earth's team. A must-watch.

Post-credits

Post-credits: 14 months later, a spaceship from another dimension (apparently the Fantastic Four's) appears in front of the team.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Marvel Entertainment (official channel)

Contains spoilers

Story

After No Way Home, the whole world has forgotten Peter Parker, and he keeps working alone as Spider-Man.

Key events

• Detailed notes are in preparation

Characters

Peter Parker and others

Connections to other titles

Continues No Way Home.

Connection to Doomsday

Tom Holland is not part of the announced Doomsday cast. It is the MCU film released just before Doomsday, and whether it connects is not officially known. A connection cannot be ruled out.

Why watch it

It may show what the MCU's Earth feels like right before Doomsday.

If you skip it

There is no information so far suggesting Doomsday will be hard to follow without it.

Post-credits

Detailed notes are in preparation.

Watch the official trailer (YouTube)Sony Pictures Entertainment (official channel)