Marvel Assigns Viewers 42 Hours Of ‘Homework’ To Prep For ‘Doomsday’

LifestyleArtsMarvel Assigns Viewers 42 Hours Of ‘Homework’ To Prep For ‘Doomsday’Marvel has released a list of 15 titles to watch before ‘Doomsday,’ sparking online mockery from MCU fans.ByDani Di Placido, Senior Contributor. Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dani Di Placido covers film, television, and internet culture.Follow AuthorAug 18, 2026, 05:18pm EDTUpdated Aug 18, 2026, 05:21pm EDTRobert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in 'Avengers: Doomsday'Marvel/DisneyAre you going to watch Avengers: Doomsday? Better start studying, because Marvel has released a list of 15 recommended projects to prepare fans for the cameo-filled blockbuster. What Is The List Of MCU Projects To Watch Before ’Doomsday’?The full list of content includes Fox’s first two X-Men films, both of which precede the MCU and helped usher in the superhero wave, while the rest are official Marvel films and series. Here it is, in chronological order: X-Men (2000)X2: X-Men United (2003)Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)The Avengers (2012)Avengers: Infinity War (2018)Avengers: Endgame (2019)Loki (2021)Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)Captain America: Brave New World (2025)Thunderbolts (2025)The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)It would take more than 42 hours to watch every single title on the list, underlining the narrative burden that comes with a cinematic universe. Marvel Fans Mock MCU Watchlist As ‘Homework’Fans often joke that Marvel movies require “homework” before watching, as so much MCU content features pre-established plot points and character dynamics. Even Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has described the deluge of MCU content as closer to "homework" than entertainment. Marvel’s lengthy list certainly fits the description—on social media, fans were quick to respond with jokes and memes, pointing out that 15 titles of backstory might be a bit excessive, even for the MCU. Notably, the last two MCU films (Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Fantastic Four: First Steps) were far more accessible to new and casual viewers. Brand New Day is connected to the MCU without feeling chained to previous entries, while Fantastic Four doesn’t require any “homework” at all (the end credits, however, lead directly into Doomsday). ‘Doomsday’ Is The MCU’s Big Nostalgia PlayMarvel’s shared universe was once a novelty and major box office draw, inspiring many imitators (with varying degrees of success). Most of those rival cinematic universes have since withered away (DC is on its second shared universe, and it’s already started to stumble). Ever since Avengers: Endgame delivered a satisfying ending to more than a decade of MCU films, Marvel entries have been inconsistent at the box office (Spider-Man, a uniquely popular character, has remained untouchable). Doomsday sees the MCU turn to nostalgia to tempt fans, bringing back Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. to play the role of Doctor Doom, even pulling the original Captain America (Chris Evans) out of retirement to join the team. Deaths and endings have become increasingly meaningless for Marvel characters (just like the comics). One commentator even compared modern MCU content to the distortive copies of Kane Parson’s Backrooms. Some fans reckon that Doomsday is leaning too hard on classic fan favorites, while others proposed that Doctor Doom hadn’t received enough build up. ‘Doomsday’ Is Set To Clash With ’Dune 3’Marvel is set to release Doomsday on December 18, 2026, the exact same day as Dune 3. The dual release of two rival blockbusters has been dubbed "Dunesday" by fans—it will be interesting to see which film will emerge the victor. Online, the rivalry has already started brewing. When it comes to homework, Dune 3 has a lower bar, with only two previous films to catch-up on (there’s a Dune spin-off series too, but few seem to have watched it). Avengers: Secret Wars is set to follow Doomsday, the 2027 sequel said to function as a soft reset for Marvel’s aging, bloated universe. In 2028, Marvel will release the much-anticipated X-Men reboot, starring a fresh cast of young stars, including Inde Navarrette of Obsession. Hopefully, X-Men will require no homework at all. MORE FROM FORBESForbesIt’s Official—‘Obsession’ Star Inde Navarrette Joins Marvel’s ‘X-Men’ As RogueBy Dani Di PlacidoForbes‘Obsession’—What Is The One-Wish Willow, Exactly?By Dani Di PlacidoForbes‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’—Ending And Post-Credits Scene, ExplainedBy Dani Di PlacidoForbes‘The End Of Oak Street’—The Twist Ending, ExplainedBy Dani Di PlacidoEditorial StandardsReprints & Permissions