With the release of 'Avengers: Doomsday' approaching, Disney+ has compiled a viewing list designed to bring fans up to speed on the Marvel Cinematic Universe's ongoing narrative. The collection, titled "Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday," features 15 movies and television series intended to cover the significant events leading up to the film.

The curated selection begins with the 2000 film 'X-Men,' followed by its 2003 sequel 'X2.' The list then progresses through 'Captain America: The First Avenger' and a series of Avengers films, including 'The Avengers,' 'Avengers: Infinity War,' and 'Avengers: Endgame.'

Notably, the list also includes the 'Loki' television series, 'Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings,' and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home.' These are followed by 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,' 'Captain America: Brave New World,' 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,' 'Thunderbolts*,' and 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps.'

This comprehensive viewing guide is particularly relevant as 'Avengers: Doomsday' and the subsequent 'Avengers: Secret Wars' are slated to conclude the 'Multiverse Saga.' This ongoing storyline has introduced characters from outside the MCU's primary timeline, a narrative thread significantly developed in the second season of the 'Loki' series. The inclusion of 'Shang-Chi' is considered a surprise by some, given its seemingly less pivotal role in the broader MCU arc.

Several films that are technically part of the Multiverse Saga, such as 'Eternals' and 'The Marvels,' are absent from the list. The omission of 'The Marvels' is speculated to be due to its primary connections to the wider MCU being through Nick Fury.

The full recommended viewing order is as follows:

X-Men X2 Captain America: The First Avenger The Avengers Avengers: Infinity War Avengers: Endgame Loki Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Spider-Man: No Way Home Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Captain America: Brave New World Deadpool & Wolverine Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Thunderbolts* The Fantastic Four: First Steps