If you follow the Russo Brothers on Instagram, they’ve been doing a bit of a countdown in preparation of their upcoming “Avengers: Endgame.” Over the course of the last several days, the duo has posted about watching one Marvel Studios film each night, in chronological order leading up to April 26 and the release of ‘Endgame.’ But let’s be real, who has time to watch 21 films? Okay, I might have the time. But who has the motivation? Well, for those like me, who want to be prepared, the directors have laid out which films they feel are most vital to rewatch (or Heaven forbid, watch for the first time) before the ‘Avengers’ swansong.
Speaking to Comicbook.com, Joe and Anthony Russo were asked which films are the most crucial to rewatch, so that you understand the complexities going on in ‘Endgame.’ Obviously, in a perfect world, we’d all hunker down and have a big marathon before the release of the new film, but those who just want three films for homework, the Russos got you covered.
“‘Captain America: Civil War’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ without question, because the events of ‘Civil War’ directly affected ‘Infinity War,’ and we would argue that the reason they lost to Thanos is because of ‘Civil War,’” said Joe Russo. “Clearly, that carries over to ‘Endgame.’ If you’re going to add one more in there, I’d probably say ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ only in that those are the four movies we directed, and they’re all thematically connected to one another.”
It might strike as a bit self-serving (and unsurprising) that the Russos would only name their own films, but that thought aside, we can’t help but agree. Clearly, “Avengers: Endgame” is more of an end to a story that truly began in ‘Civil War,’ where Iron Man and Cap first started their feud, which fueled ‘Infinity War.’ But ‘Winter Soldier’ is also required viewing (not just for the sheer fact that it very well might be the best MCU film ever) because the journey that Captain America begins in that film has really been the heart and soul of the later MCU entries, with Steve Rogers overtaking Iron Man as the leader and symbol of the Avengers (as he should be).
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That being said, if I could so humbly advocate for some more homework, there are films in the MCU canon that feel just as crucial. I would say the first ‘Avengers’ film is great, as it really begins the relationships that we have grown to love and also is the introduction to Thanos. Then, “Iron Man 3,” which isn’t a great film, but is awfully enjoyable, and serves as that character’s ‘Winter Soldier,’ as in it gives him the PTSD angle that defines so much of his later appearances. Finally, I’d have to stump for “Thor: Ragnarok,” for much of the same reasons that ‘Winter Soldier’ and “Iron Man 3” are required, as it defines Thor and also gives more characterization to Bruce Banner/The Hulk.
And if you have even more time, why not go a little early and check out “Captain Marvel” again, since everyone needs to be reacquainted with Carol Danvers before she seemingly shows up out of nowhere in ‘Endgame.’
So there you go, Marvelites! There’s your assigned viewing. Enjoy!