Essential MCU Movies and Shows to Watch Before Captain America: Brave New World

Overview

Start your journey with Captain America: The First Avenger to understand Steve Rogers’ origin and Hydra’s emergence.
Watch Captain America: The Winter Soldier to witness the debut of Sam Wilson and Hydra’s infiltration of S. H.I. E.L. D.
Experience Sam Wilson’s first episode as Captain America in The Falcon And The Winter Soldier available on Disney+.

After a nine-year break, the Captain America franchise re-emerges with Captain America: Brave New World, featuring performances by Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford. This fourth installment integrates into Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), compelling both new and longtime fans to dive into a wealth of interconnected narratives.

While watching every film and series in the MCU is an option, focusing on key titles will enhance your understanding of Captain America: Brave New World. Certain films and series provide pivotal context and introduce characters central to the narrative ahead.

1. Captain America: The First Avenger

Steve Rogers: The Birth of a Hero

To appreciate the legacy Sam Wilson carries as Captain America, it is essential to begin with Captain America: The First Avenger. This film chronicles Steve Rogers’ transformation from a weak young man in Brooklyn into a national emblem during World War II, illustrating his intrinsic values and heroism.

Notably, the film depicts the rise of Hydra—a malevolent organization whose influence continues to resonate throughout the MCU. Additionally, it establishes how Captain America joins the Avengers in contemporary story arcs.

2. The Incredible Hulk

Key Characters Reemerge in Brave New World

The Incredible Hulk serves as both the introduction of the Hulk into the MCU and the introduction of vital characters who will play roles in Brave New World. Thaddeus Ross, originally portrayed by the late William Hurt, now transitions to Harrison Ford, taking on an evolved character arc as the Red Hulk.

This film also brings Samuel Sterns into the mix—an ally to Bruce Banner—who comic enthusiasts will recognize as The Leader, a formidable antagonist for the upcoming film. Additionally, rumors suggest the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, possibly leading to her role as Red She-Hulk.

3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Falcon’s Cinematic Debut Against Hydra

In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, emerges as Steve Rogers’ ally—the Falcon. This sequel exemplifies Steve’s adjustment to contemporary society while highlighting Hydra’s pervasive threat, now infiltrated within S. H.I. E.L. D.and government structures.

Wilson’s loyalty and combat prowess quickly endeared him to audiences, and the film introduces the Winter Soldier, whose complex redemption arc unfolds across various MCU entries.

4. Eternals

Understanding the Celestials and Their Impact

Despite being a largely standalone narrative, Eternals offers insights into superpowered immortals who shaped human history. Although some critiques position the film as less relevant to the MCU, it foreshadows upcoming events as the final battle involves a Celestial, whose remains will be pivotal for adamantium—a material stronger than vibranium—in Brave New World.

5. Avengers: Age Of Ultron

The Ripple Effects of Ultron’s Actions

Avengers: Age Of Ultron marks a crucial turning point in the MCU where the Avengers face the consequences of their actions. Tony Stark’s guilt spurs him to create Ultron, an artificial intelligence with catastrophic intentions that splinters the team.

Here, Falcon makes his debut as a member of the Avengers, albeit briefly, and the aftermath of this conflict continues to shape the narrative landscape of the MCU.

6. Captain America: Civil War

A Fractured Alliance

The events in Captain America: Civil War escalate the rift within the team, forcing the Avengers to choose between government oversight or imprisonment. The film delves into the ethical and political dilemmas faced by heroes and portrays the tragic fallout of divided allegiances.

This narrative sets the stage for future conflicts and lays the groundwork for the vulnerability that the Avengers experience in subsequent events.

7. Avengers: Infinity War

Thanos’ Ascendance and its Consequences

In Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos emerges as the major threat, exploiting the Avengers’ discord to pursue the Infinity Stones. The shocking conclusion, which sees many heroes fall, reshapes the MCU landscape and leaves audiences eagerly anticipating the resolution.

8. Avengers: Endgame

The Conclusion of the Infinity Saga

Avengers: Endgame deftly addresses the aftermath of Infinity War, providing a resolution to the saga that had captivated audiences for over a decade. The blend of time travel and epic showdowns in the climactic finale reaffirms the Avengers’ resilience, culminating in Steve Rogers passing the iconic shield to Sam Wilson.

9. The Falcon And The Winter Soldier

Sam Wilson’s Journey to Becoming Captain America

Conflict in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Although the aftermath of Thanos’ actions restored the fallen, the Marvel Cinematic Universe retains an altered reality.The Falcon And The Winter Soldier follows Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as they navigate life post-Steve Rogers and grapple with the weight of the legendary shield.

This series not only assesses the global response to past events but also highlights Sam’s personal growth as he transitions into the role of Captain America, while his friend Joaquín Torres steps in as the new Falcon, setting the stage for Captain America: Brave New World.

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