Need a quick refresher? These are the 6 Marvel movies and 2 shows you should watch before seeing ‘Thunderbolts*’

Marvel’s ’Thunderbolts*' is bringing together a team of anti-heroes and misfits, many of whom have appeared in previous MCU films and shows. To fully appreciate the connections, conflicts, and motivations driving these characters, here’s a quick watchlist to get you up to speed before heading to the theater.

The 6 Marvel movies to watch

1. ‘Black Widow’ (2021)

This film introduces Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), who plays a major role in ’Thunderbolts*’. It also features Red Guardian (David Harbour) and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), both of whom return in the upcoming film. The post-credits scene sets up Yelena’s connection to Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a key figure in ?Thunderbolts*’.

2. ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014)

A must-watch for understanding Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), one of the most complex characters in the MCU. This film explores his transformation into the Winter Soldier, his struggles with brainwashing, and his eventual redemption.

3. ‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)

This movie further develops Bucky’s arc, showing his fight for freedom and his uneasy alliance with the Avengers. It also introduces Zemo (Daniel Brühl), who plays a major role in ’Thunderbolts*’.

4. ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ (2018)

This film introduces Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), a character with the ability to phase through solid objects. ’Thunderbolts*’ will explore her redemption arc, making this movie essential viewing.

5. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

While not directly tied to ’Thunderbolts*’ per se, this film sets up Yelena’s emotional journey following the death of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson). It also marks a turning point for Bucky Barnes, who begins to move beyond his past.

6. ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)

This film is essential, as ’Thunderbolts*’ directly follows its events. It features a cameo from Bucky Barnes, and the developments in this movie set the stage for the Thunderbolts team being assembled by the government. Watching this will provide important context for political and military shifts leading into ’Thunderbolts*’.

The 2 Marvel shows to watch

1. ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021)

This Disney+ series is essential for understanding John Walker (Wyatt Russell), who was briefly Captain America before becoming U.S. Agent. It also explores Bucky’s emotional struggles, making it a key watch before ’Thunderbolts*’.

2. ‘Hawkeye’ (2021)

Episodes 4 and 5 of ’Hawkeye’ feature Yelena Belova, showing her grief-driven mission against Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). This series further develops her relationship with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, setting up her role in ’Thunderbolts*’.

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Honorable mentions

‘Moon Knight’ (2022)

While ’Moon Knight’ isn’t directly tied to ’Thunderbolts*’, the series explores the concept of the Shame Room, a psychological manifestation of guilt and trauma that plays a significant role in Marc Spector’s fragmented mind, making it an interesting watch for those who want a deeper understanding of the concept.

‘The Avengers’ (2012)

This film establishes the Avengers initiative, which ’Thunderbolts*’ subverts by focusing on a government-assembled team of anti-heroes rather than true superheroes. The new movie has references to the Avengers as well.

Watching these six movies and two shows will give you a solid understanding of the characters and their backstories before diving into ’Thunderbolts*’. If you want even more context and deeper connections, the two honorable mentions can provide additional insight.

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