Before watching Marvel's Thunderbolts , it is recommended to watch the following key movies and shows to understand the characters and their backstories:
Must-Watch Movies and Shows
- Black Widow (2021) : Introduces Yelena Belova and Red Guardian, exploring their family dynamics and motivations. This is crucial for understanding Yelena's character and her emotional journey in Thunderbolts.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) : Introduces Ghost (Ava Starr), explaining her powers and background, which are important for her redemption arc in Thunderbolts.
- Captain America: Brave New World (2025) : Directly precedes Thunderbolts , featuring Bucky Barnes and setting up political and military shifts relevant to the new team.
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) : Essential for understanding John Walker (U.S. Agent) and his fall from grace, plus Bucky's emotional struggles and the introduction of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who plays a key role in Thunderbolts.
- Hawkeye (2021) (especially episodes 4 and 5): Develops Yelena Belova’s grief and her relationship with Valentina, providing context for her motivations.
Honorable Mentions
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) : Provides insight into Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s character and her agenda, which ties into Thunderbolts.
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) : Sets up emotional arcs for Yelena and Bucky, important for their development.
Optional for Deeper Context
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Moon Knight (2022) for thematic depth on trauma and guilt, though not directly tied to Thunderbolts.
Watching these will give you a solid understanding of the characters and storylines leading into Thunderbolts , making your viewing experience richer and more coherent.
