What to Watch Before 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day': Essential MCU Movies

August 3, 2026 | 04:28 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Spider-Man: Brand New Day is finally arriving in theaters, marking Tom Holland’s return as Peter Parker four years after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home.

While the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment continues Peter’s story, viewers do not need to watch dozens of Marvel movies to understand it.

For audiences who have not kept up with the MCU, the amount of backstory may seem overwhelming. However, Brand New Day requires far less preparation than many previous Marvel crossover films.

According to TheWrap and Forbes, only a handful of movies are essential to fully appreciate Peter Parker’s latest adventure.

Movies to Watch Before Spider-Man: Brand New Day

1. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) — Essential

The first film in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy introduces Peter Parker as a high school student balancing life as a neighborhood superhero while being mentored by Tony Stark.

Brand New Day includes flashbacks to this period, making Homecoming an important introduction to Peter’s early journey and relationships. It also establishes Peter’s bond with Aunt May and his life in Queens, which continue to shape his character.

2. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) — Essential

Set after Avengers: Endgame, the film follows Peter as he struggles with Tony Stark’s death while facing Mysterio.

It also features the post-credit scene that dramatically changes Peter’s life and directly sets up the events of No Way Home. The film further develops Peter’s friendships with MJ and Ned, making the emotional consequences in Brand New Day even more meaningful.

3. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) — Must Watch

Among all the previous films, No Way Home is the most important.

Brand New Day takes place directly after its ending, where Doctor Strange's spell erases Peter Parker from everyone's memory, forcing him to start over without his friends or loved ones remembering him.

Although Peter briefly explains these events in the new film, watching No Way Home provides the emotional and narrative context that makes the sequel far more meaningful. Nearly every major conflict in Brand New Day stems from Peter's final decision in this film.

Optional MCU Titles for More Context

4. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

This film marks Tom Holland's MCU debut as Spider-Man after Tony Stark recruits the teenage Peter Parker to fight alongside the Avengers.

While not essential to understanding Brand New Day, it introduces Peter's relationship with Stark and his first steps as a superhero. It also marks the beginning of Peter's role in the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.

5. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Peter's role is relatively small, but the film expands his relationship with Tony Stark and also provides important background for Bruce Banner, who returns in Brand New Day.

It also explains Bruce Banner's struggle with the Hulk, adding context to his appearance in the latest Spider-Man film.

6. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Although Peter appears mainly during the final battle after returning from the Blip, Endgame explains Tony Stark's sacrifice, a loss that shapes Peter's emotional journey in Far From Home and beyond.

Tony Stark's death remains one of the defining moments in Peter's life and continues to influence his choices in Brand New Day.

Do You Need to Watch The Punisher?

No. Jon Bernthal reprises his role as Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher, in Brand New Day. However, viewers do not need to watch Daredevil, The Punisher, or Daredevil: Born Again to understand his role in the movie.

Those series simply offer additional background for the character, while his appearance in Brand New Day works as a standalone role for new viewers.

Is Thunderbolts Worth Watching?

Yes, if you want extra context. Marvel's Thunderbolts helps explain Yelena Belova's latest role after Florence Pugh reprises the character in Brand New Day. While the film can still be enjoyed without it, it provides useful background for her appearance ahead of Avengers: Doomsday.

It also offers additional context on the MCU's evolving storyline as Marvel heads toward its next Avengers crossover event.

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