You Have To Watch These Movies & Shows Before ‘The Marvels’

As excitement builds for the upcoming ‘The Marvels,’ fans of the MCU are gearing up to dive back into the cosmic chaos and superpowered showdowns that the franchise does best. But before you strap in for this sequel, there’s a homework list of movies and shows that will catch you up and deepen your experience. Whether you’re meeting some characters for the first time or revisiting familiar faces, these essential picks will get you ready for all the action and adventure that ‘The Marvels’ promises.

Essential movies and shows to watch before ‘The Marvels’

These films and series weave a complex tapestry of stories and characters that will converge in ‘The Marvels,’ providing context and depth to the unfolding narrative. Whether it’s to catch up on pivotal plot points or to understand the significance of the returning characters, these are the MCU milestones you won’t want to miss.

1. ‘Captain Marvel’

As the movie that introduced us to Carol Danvers’ superhero persona, ‘Captain Marvel’ is a cornerstone for understanding ‘The Marvels.’ It showcases her origin story, her powerful abilities, and her intricate ties to the Kree and Skrull races. Watching Carol’s journey to becoming Captain Marvel is essential, not just for the character’s backstory but also for her relationships with pivotal characters like Nick Fury and the young Monica Rambeau.

2. ‘Avengers: Endgame’

‘Avengers: Endgame’ is a cinematic landmark in the MCU, demonstrating Captain Marvel’s full might against Thanos and highlighting her role in the broader universe post-snap. It’s a crucial watch to appreciate her strength and place among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, setting up expectations for her impact in ‘The Marvels.’

3. ‘WandaVision’

‘WandaVision’ reintroduces us to the now-adult Monica Rambeau, who was a child in ‘Captain Marvel.’ It reveals her trajectory within S.W.O.R.D. and her newfound powers. Understanding Monica’s character development and her mother’s legacy is significant as it adds layers to her reunion with Carol Danvers in ‘The Marvels.’

4. ‘Ms. Marvel’

The series ‘Ms. Marvel’ marks the debut of Kamala Khan, a teenager who idolizes Captain Marvel and gains powers from a mysterious bangle. Her introduction is critical because ‘The Marvels’ will continue her story, and her connection to Carol Danvers is set to deepen. Plus, the bangle’s origins and powers may play a pivotal role in the upcoming film.

5. ‘Secret Invasion’

‘Secret Invasion’ delves into the Skrull infiltration on Earth and Nick Fury’s deepening involvement with their species. Although the full impact of ‘Secret Invasion’ on ‘The Marvels’ is not yet clear, it’s likely to provide vital background on Fury’s activities and the continuing Skrull storyline, both of which are integral to the cosmic side of the MCU where ‘The Marvels’ will operate.

Bonus movies and shows to watch before ‘The Marvels’

Before venturing into the star-studded narrative of ‘The Marvels’, delving into a few additional cinematic gems can enrich your understanding and enjoyment of the MCU’s interwoven storylines. These selections not only highlight the cosmic scope of Marvel’s universe but also touch on the terrestrial implications of its otherworldly events. From the whimsical guardianship of the galaxy to the earthly aftermath of infinity wars and the emergence of new heroes, these tales provide context and color to the backdrop against which ‘The Marvels’ will unfold.

1. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

This galactic adventure introduces key cosmic elements of the MCU and characters like Ronan the Accuser, who has ties to the Kree, an alien race that’s significant in Captain Marvel’s story. The Guardians’ dynamic with the wider universe, their interaction with the Infinity Stones, and their eventual tie-in to Earth’s heroes set the stage for understanding the cosmic playground in which ‘The Marvels’ will likely play.

2. ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

As the precursor to ‘Endgame,’ ‘Infinity War’ offers a stark view of the heroes’ first stand against Thanos and the catastrophic snap. It’s pivotal to see how the characters cope with the greatest threat they’ve ever faced and how their individual stories converge, leading to the moments before ‘Endgame’ and setting up the emotional stakes that may resonate in ‘The Marvels.’

3. ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’

In the aftermath of ‘Endgame,’ ‘Far From Home’ deals with the personal impact of the universe-altering events from a ground-level perspective. Understanding the societal shift and the notion of ‘the Blip’ provides a lens through which the events of ‘The Marvels’ may be further contextualized, especially in how Earth’s populace has adapted to a new normal with superheroes.

4. ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’

In ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,’ a cameo by Carol Danvers hints at broader cosmic connections within the MCU. Her brief post-credits scene invites speculation on how the enigmatic Ten Rings organization could intertwine with ‘The Marvels’, especially considering the possible links to Kamala’s bangle. This suggests that the events and revelations of ‘Shang-Chi’ might ripple into the narrative of ‘The Marvels’, offering viewers essential context for the unfolding story.

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