Every MCU film you need to watch before The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier takes us back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but just which MCU films do you need to see before you start the Disney Plus show?
Disney Plus had the world consuming its content every weekend between mid-January and early-March. WandaVision united fans all over the world, who watched in awe as the new chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was started.
This was Marvel Studios’ first foray into TV (though not the first MCU TV series), so it’s not surprising that it brought back the old-fashioned notion of water-cooler TV through its weekly episodes on Disney Plus. Yes, even non-MCU fans were consuming the innovative show, so you can bet they will be doing the same again for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Are you one of those viewers? Have you seen the trailers and thought “oh that looks good”? Have you worried about watching it because you’re not familiar with the Marvel movies? If so, fear not as we have compiled a list of movies you should watch if you want to enjoy The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
MCU movies to watch before The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Where to watch: Disney+
Steve Rogers’ very first adventure as the MCU’s Star-Spangled Man with a plan, this period-piece classic highlights the importance of both the Captain America mantle and the man who wields that shield. It also marks the first appearance of Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes and depicts how close he and Steve truly were.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Where to watch: Disney+
Now a fully-fledged Avenger fighting in the modern day, Captain America tackles corrupt government organizations. The film is widely considered one of the very best that the MCU has to offer and it’s also notable for introducing Sam Wilson himself, allowing Steve to make a new best friend in a new time. It also introduces Emily VanCamp’s Sharon Carter and, in case the film’s title didn’t give it away, it’s a big one for Bucky Barnes too.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Where to watch: Disney+
Yet another Captain America movie, Civil War remains one of the biggest and most pivotal stories the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever told. With Captain America protecting Bucky Barnes from paying for crimes he wasn’t entirely guilty of in the midst of a split between the Avengers, it really sets up the final chapter of the first three phases, creating a new normal that is still felt in MCU properties today. It also showcases Bucky and Sam’s love/hate relationship really well, giving us a teaser of what to expect here.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Where to watch: Disney+
The epic two-parter that brought a close to the MCU’s first three phases, Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame bring the titular team of superheroes together one more time, as the warring remnants must put their differences aside to take on the greatest threat the world has ever faced: Thanos.
Resetting the status quo, Endgame gives the MCU its new normal, setting up a fourth phase that will look quite different to the ones that came before it. And in order to truly understand The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, you need to understand the gravity of what went down in these two movies.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier premieres on Disney+ on Friday, March 19, at 12:00 a.m. PT and 3:00 a.m. ET, with a new episode streaming every Friday for the next five weeks.
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