“Captain America: Brave New World” is coming to theaters on Feb. 14.
Before then, you might need to freshen up on what is happening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
9 things to watch before ‘Captain America: Brave New World’
There are lots of things to understand when it comes to Marvel movies, but here are all the TV shows and movies to help you know what’s going on.
‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
Let’s start at the very beginning.
“Captain America: The First Avenger” is foundational to the Captain America character. It’s here where you meet Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and learn about the Super Soldier Serum that made him Captain America.
You also gain an understanding of the type of values he holds, what he symbolizes and why he is “one of the best,” according to GameRant.
You are also introduced to the evil organization known as Hydra — a key player that causes many things to happen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
‘The Incredible Hulk’ (2008)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
This is also a foundational movie to understand the background of the Hulk as well as other characters that will be resurfacing in “Captain America: Brave New World.”
According to ScreenRant, Thaddeus Ross (originally played by William Hurt, now Harrison Ford) was the obsessed military leader hunting down Bruce Banner (Edward Norton). He will return as the President of the United States in the upcoming movie.
“The Incredible Hulk” shows how the Super Soldier Serum was the key to Banner becoming the Hulk and will be present in the new Marvel movie, per ScreenRant.
‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
In “The Winter Soldier” you meet Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and understand his Air Force background that leads him to become the Falcon.
He quickly becomes friends with Rogers, establishing “his loyalty and sense of duty” and leading him to be recruited to fight Hydra, according to ScreenRant.
This movie also helps you understand how Steve’s childhood best friend, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), resurfaces, laying the groundwork for his eventual partnership with Sam, per ScreenRant.
‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
This is the beginning of the end.
According to GameRant, this is were the Avengers start to divide and fall apart, setting the stage for “Captain America: Civil War.” The actions of Ultron (James Spader) have left deep “scars” in the universe that can still be seen in the present day.
This is also the first time you see Falcon as an Avenger but he is more in the background while the rest of the Avengers are fighting Ultron.
‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
As the Avengers are divided, you start to see them take sides and fight among each other. Along with Barnes, Wilson aligns himself with Captain America, further strengthening the bond between them.
According to ScreenRant, this begins to establish Wilson’s “struggle to balance his personal beliefs with government oversight,” which will be a major theme in this upcoming movie.
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
It’s the divide of the Avengers that allows Thanos (Josh Brolin) to come to power and eventually “snap” half of the world’s population out of existence — including Wilson.
According to ScreenRant, Wilson’s personal experience with the Blip will, most likely, play a part in his leadership choices in the new movie.
‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
Wilson returns from the Blip with the line Rogers used when they first met: “On your left.” As the Avengers come back together, they are able to defeat Thanos and Wilson becomes Rogers’ successor.
Understanding the weight that comes with carrying the shield, Wilson hesitates at first but graciously accepts the responsibility, according to ScreenRant.
‘Eternals’ (2021)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
Notably not a fan favorite, according to GameRant, and seen as more of a stand-alone movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the final battle that shows part of a Celestial rising from the Earth will play a role in “Captain America: Brave New World.”
The new movie’s plot will focus on the Celestial’s body being harvested for adamantium — an ore stronger than the vibranium that makes up Captain America’s shield, per GameRant.
‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2020)
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Disney+
If you can’t watch everything, this TV series would be the most important one to watch.
The series completely focuses on Wilson and his journey of taking on the responsibilities of being Captain America, in a world that is still struggling with the aftermath of the Blip.
According to ScreenRant, the series will better help you understand where he will stand at the beginning of “Captain America: Brave New World.”
The show focuses on themes that will be prominent in the new movie, including “inequality, government corruption, and the consequences of unchecked power.”