The parts that are hard to follow from the film alone, explained with a story summary, a character map and key terms.
Released
2014
Runtime
136 min
Set in
2014
Good to know before watchingNo spoilers
The First Avenger adds a lot
Bucky, Hydra and Peggy from the first film all play important roles.
It plays like a spy thriller
It's more about betrayal and conspiracy than flashy powers, and it's tense.
Meet Sam
Sam Wilson, the Falcon, a former soldier who flies with mechanical wings, makes his debut.
There are scenes during and after the credits
The mid-credits scene introduces characters from Age of Ultron.
Character mapSpoilers
Who's who in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), with Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff at the center. Allies are above, Hydra hiding inside S.H.I.E.L.D. below.
Because of copyright, we can't use stills, posters or any other images of the characters as they appear in the film. All face photos are freely licensed photos of the actors themselves (non-human characters are original illustrations made for this site; people without a photo are shown with initials).
Drag to move, pinch (or scroll on a computer) to zoom. Tap a person to read about them.
Face photos are freely licensed photos of the actors from Wikimedia Commons, cropped to a square and resized. Non-human characters are original illustrations made for this site, and people without a photo are shown with a placeholder (initials).
In Washington, Steve carries out S.H.I.E.L.D. missions while trying to fit into modern life. On a run, he meets former soldier Sam.
2. Doubts about Insight
Fury shows Steve Project Insight, designed to strike potential threats before they act. Steve objects that it takes away freedom.
3. Fury is attacked
Fury is attacked by the mysterious Winter Soldier and others, and collapses in Steve's apartment, warning him to trust no one.
4. On the run
When Steve holds back what he knows from S.H.I.E.L.D. official Pierce, S.H.I.E.L.D. turns on him. He follows the clues with Natasha.
5. Hydra revealed
At an old base, a computer holding Dr. Zola's mind reveals that Hydra has been hiding and growing inside S.H.I.E.L.D. for years. Insight is meant to wipe out everyone who stands in Hydra's way.
6. Behind the mask
Sam joins them. During a street battle with the Winter Soldier, his mask comes off. He is Bucky, the best friend Steve thought was dead.
7. Stop the carriers
With Fury revealed to be alive, they set out to stop the three carriers as they launch. Natasha releases S.H.I.E.L.D.'s and Hydra's secrets to the world.
8. Fighting his best friend
On the carrier, Steve fights Bucky, then stops and tells him he's with him to the end. The carriers fall, and Bucky pulls Steve out of the river before disappearing.
