Movie Recommendations to Watch Before Thunderbolts So You Won't Be Confused

Kapanlagi.com - The film Thunderbolts from Marvel Studios, set to release in 2025, is one of the most anticipated projects as it features a unique antihero team from various backgrounds. However, before witnessing their actions on the big screen, it’s best to watch some previous Marvel films and series that serve as important foundations for the Thunderbolts story.

Without understanding the backgrounds of its members like Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and Ghost, viewers may be confused by the plot and dynamics of this team. Summarized by KapanLagi.com from various sources on Friday, (2/5/2025), here are the Marvel movie recommendations that you must watch before seeing Thunderbolts, to enhance your viewing experience and keep the context intact!

1. Ant-Man & The Wasp (2018): The Origin of Ghost Introduced

Photo: Disney Movies.

In this film, we are first introduced to the character Ava Starr aka Ghost, an important member of the Thunderbolts team. She is depicted as someone who can manipulate her form in the quantum dimension due to a failed experiment.

Although initially an antagonist, her tragic background makes Ghost a complex character worth understanding.

This film provides an early glimpse into how the character Ghost functions within a larger team dynamic. Understanding her origins will help you see how she interacts with other characters in the Thunderbolts.

2. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021): The Transformation of Bucky Barnes

Photo: Marvel.

This series is key to understanding the development of the character Bucky Barnes aka Winter Soldier. From a brainwashed assassin of HYDRA, Bucky begins to come to terms with his past and chooses a new path as a hero.

His presence in the Thunderbolts team is closely tied to his journey in this series, especially his relationship with the US government and its agents.

Watching this series will provide deeper context about how Bucky functions in this high-risk team. His interactions with other characters are crucial for understanding the team dynamics.

3. Hawkeye (2021): Yelena and the Revenge for Natasha's Death

Photo: Disney Plus.

Yelena Belova appears in the Hawkeye series with a mission to avenge her sister's death, Natasha Romanoff. Her interactions with Clint Barton are very important as they reveal the emotional and vulnerable side of a character that previously seemed cold.

This series provides a deeper understanding of Yelena's motivations, which will later influence the dynamics in the Thunderbolts team.

By understanding Yelena's journey, viewers can better appreciate the inner conflict she will face in Thunderbolts.

4. Black Widow (2022): The Origin of Yelena and the Red Room

Photo: Marvel.com.

The Black Widow film further introduces the relationship between Natasha Romanoff and her sister, Yelena Belova. Here, we learn about Yelena's dark background as a Red Room agent and how her past influences her current personality.

This understanding is crucial as it shapes the reasons why Yelena fits into the Thunderbolts team.

Knowing Yelena's origins will help the audience understand her motivations and how she interacts with other team members.

5. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022): The Appearance of Val and Ironheart

Photo: Prime Video.

Although not very prominent, this film features the character Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who quietly recruits individuals for a major mission—ultimately leading to the Thunderbolts. The audience is also introduced to Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, although it has not been confirmed whether she will play a role in Thunderbolts.

Understanding Valentina's role is very important as she acts as a link between the characters within the team.

This film provides insight into how Valentina operates and what can be expected from the characters she recruits.

(kpl/sfh)