Avengers: Doomsday is listed for release on 15 December 2026, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, with Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Pedro Pascal in the cast list. The official description promises "beloved heroes from three distinct universes" on "a deadly collision course".

You do not need to watch every Marvel film to be ready. This is the short list, in the order we would watch it, for anyone who wants to catch up without losing a month.

1. The Avengers (2012)

2012 · 8.1 TMDBThe AvengersWhen an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins!

The one that started the team-up. Nick Fury assembles a team to save the world from an unexpected enemy. Joss Whedon directed it, and it runs 2h 23m. It is a good reminder of who these characters are and why their chemistry matters. It is on Disney+ and Hulu.

2. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

2016 · 7.5 TMDBCaptain America: Civil WarFollowing the events of Age of Ultron, the collective governments of the world pass an act designed to regulate all superhuman activity. This polarizes opinion amongst the Avengers, causing two factions to side with Iron Man or Captain America, which causes an epic battle between former allies.

The film that splits the Avengers into two camps after governments pass an act to regulate superhuman activity. It is the best way to understand the rivalries and friendships between the heroes. The Russo brothers directed it, and it runs 2h 27m.

3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

2018 · 8.2 TMDBAvengers: Infinity WarAs the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment - the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

The cosmic threat of Thanos and the cost of facing him. It runs 2h 29m and has an 8.2 rating on TMDB. It is directed by the Russo brothers, the same pair returning for Doomsday.

4. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

2019 · 8.2 TMDBAvengers: EndgameAfter the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

The conclusion of the first great chapter. The remaining Avengers assemble once more to undo what Thanos did. At 3h 1m it is the longest film on the list, and the one Doomsday will be measured against. It is on Disney+.

5. Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)

2026 · 7.9 TMDBSpider-Man: Brand New DayFighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn't remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter Parker he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves - a powerful villain no one can even see.

The most recent Marvel film on this list. Peter Parker fights crime full-time in a world that does not remember him. Destin Daniel Cretton directed it, with Tom Holland, Zendaya and Mark Ruffalo, and it runs 2h 25m. Viewers have rated it 7.9 so far.

Pressed for time?

Watch Infinity War and Endgame back to back, which gives you the emotional stakes in a single evening of around five and a half hours. Add Brand New Day if you want the latest chapter.

Marvel not your genre? Our best science fiction films is a good place for something different, and Pick a film will find you one in four questions. If you would rather watch something gentler with the family, try the best animated films of 2026 so far.