The excitement surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to grow, particularly with the highly anticipated return of Robert Downey Jr. in “Avengers: Doomsday.” This film is being positioned as a dramatic sequel to “Endgame” and is expected to be one of Marvel’s most significant releases yet. However, for those who wish to fully grasp the intricacies of the story and character arcs, the viewing list is extensive.
A recent post from an X account, Marvel Updates, compiled a comprehensive list of movies and TV shows essential for understanding the upcoming film. This includes iconic titles such as “X-Men,” “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings,” “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness,” and several others. In total, viewers would need to invest around 35 hours—approximately 2,100 minutes—to catch up on the necessary content.
While enjoying a Marvel movie is certainly possible without viewing every prior title, there is a strong argument for some level of familiarity with the characters and their backstories to enhance the experience. Fans have expressed concern over the increasingly complicated interconnected narratives that may deter casual moviegoers. As the MCU continues to expand, there seems to be a fine line between storytelling depth and viewer accessibility.
Many hope that Marvel will find a balance where excellent storytelling can thrive without necessitating exhaustive preparation for audiences. An ideal scenario would allow casual viewers to step into theaters and enjoy these blockbusters without feeling overwhelmed by the extensive homework often required.
Comments from fans suggest a longing for a simpler approach to storytelling, where newcomers won’t feel discouraged when engaging with major releases. As Marvel looks to the future, finding that sweet spot could be key to maintaining its success in a rapidly evolving cinematic landscape.