Watch These Movies Before Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Complete MCU Order)

Tom Holland’s 4th solo movie as Spider-Man is set to hit U.S. theaters on July 31, 2026. It is based on a decision Peter Parker made at the conclusion of his previous film. If you’re looking forward to seeing Spider-Man: Brand New Day and would like the story to be a reality, the three previous films are more important than any other Marvel movie you could watch before.

This is what you should watch, in which order and the reason why each of them is important.

What Is Spider-Man: Brand New Day About?

Based on the synopsis of official release by Marvel Studios, four years have been passed from the time of No Way Home. Peter Parker is fighting crime all the time as Spider-Man in a world that has no memory of Peter Parker, and he is watching his old pals move away from them. The loneliness causes an alteration in Peter that he might not be able to control and could be the only way of stopping a danger to both the city itself and to the people that he loves: a formidable villain who no one is able to see.

Destin Daniel Cretton is the director, and the script is written by Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers and Justin Kuritzkes. Marvel Studios produced the film together with Sony Pictures distributing.

The Essential Watch Order: 3 Movies You Need to See

If you have only enough time to watch a few films prior to Brand New Day, watch these three movies following this list.

1. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

This is where Peter Parker’s journey as a teen superhero begins, with the introduction of his relationship to Tony Stark’s technology and the world around his character. It’s not necessary to understand the plot of Brand New Days immediately, but it does reveal the character Peter was before his world changed.

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

Peter’s identity as Spiderman is revealed at the conclusion of the film, which puts the entire plot of the next film in motion.

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

This is the film which is the most important. In the face of multiversal chaos triggered by the revelation of his identity, Peter asks Doctor Strange to cast an enchantment that erases all memories of Peter Parker from the world which are held by MJ, Ned Leeds and even Happy Hogan. Peter retains his memories of all the people he loves and cherishes, but they aren’t aware of who he really is. The sacrifice of Peter is the main setting of Brand New Day, which is set four years later, with Peter still living with the consequences of this decision.

If you have nothing else to watch then you must take a look at No Way Home. The ending of the film is the reason Brand New Day exists.

Optional Viewing: Does Fantastic Four: First Steps Matter?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) isn’t part of the Spider-Man tale, but is a part of the same phase in the Marvel Cinematic Universe known as Phase Six. The film isn’t required to watch Brand New Day, though it’s helpful if you need some context on where the MCU is headed towards Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Use it as a background information, not as homework.

What to Know Before Brand New Day

Release date: Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to release at U.S. theaters on July 31, 2026. There will be previews early for Amazon Prime members on July 29. The film is released later on that same day in the United Kingdom.

The Cast: Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, alongside Zendaya as MJ, Sadie Sink as Jean Grey(probably), Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/Punisher, Tillman in the role of Bill Metzger, Michael Mando as Mac Gargan/Scorpion, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk.

The MCU’s position: Brand New Day is the 38th film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and part of Phase Six, the current installment of the series’ Multiverse Saga.

The movie’s journey to theaters was not entirely easy. Development stopped mid-2023 because of the strike of writers, while the film’s release time was changed from a June 24, 2026 timeframe to the 31st of July in order to make it more different from an important IMAX release. The filming started in Glasgow, Scotland, in August 2025. According to reports from the production team, it was suspended for around one week later due to the fact that Holland suffered a concussion while on the set.

Is Brand New Day Connected to Avengers: Doomsday?

It’s a bit unclear. Director Amy Pascal has said the film will kick off the first of a series for Peter Parker, which suggests Brand New Day could largely skip over the Multiverse Saga’s primary Avengers storyline, rather than integrating straight into it. However, neither Marvel nor Sony has been able to confirm or rule out the possibility of a connection with Avengers: Doomsday, which will arrive later in 2026. If that’s not confirmed, consider any crossover that is claimed to be a rumor instead of fact.

The same cautionary tale is applicable for the villain. Marvel’s synopsis describes “a powerful villain no one can even see,” but the studio hasn’t yet revealed the person who it is. Be sure to take any villain that is being discussed on the web with some skeptical eyes as long as Marvel or Sony confirms them in person.

Conclusion

Preparing to go Spider-Man: Brand New Day does not require a complete Marvel marathon. “Homecoming,” Far From Home and No Way Home cover everything important both in terms of narrative and emotional content as well, including No Way Home’s memory-erasing ending performing the bulk of the work. Fantastic Four: First Steps gives you important Phase Six context if you have time to read it however it’s not that necessary. With the film releasing on the 31st of July, 2026 there’s plenty of time to re-watch the film with a focus prior to when Peter Parker’s next chapter starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I view the Spider-Man films in prior to Brand New Day?

Take a look at Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), in this order. Together they create the storyline that will lead directly to Brand New Day.

Do I have to see every MCU film before Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

No. It’s the three Holland-led Spider-Man films are the ones that matter most. Fantastic Four: First Steps includes the possibility of Phase Six context but isn’t necessary.

What did happen at the conclusion of Spider-Man The Last of Us: No Way Home?

Peter Parker asked Doctor Strange to cast the spell that erases every memories of his from the universe and even those of MJ as well as Ned Leeds. Peter retained his memories, but nobody other than him remembers him. The circumstances of Brand New Day pick up four years four years later.

When will Spider-Man: Brand New Day release?

It will debut at U.S. theaters on July 31 2026. There will be earlier screenings available to Amazon Prime members on July 29.

Is Spider-Man: Brand New Day linked with Avengers: Doomsday?

It’s unconfirmed. Director Amy Pascal has said the film is the beginning of an entirely new trilogy for Peter and his family, which suggests that it could be different from the Avengers story, however Marvel hasn’t officially confirmed or denied any direct connection.

What is the villain who is the villain in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

Marvel’s official synopsis provides “a powerful villain no one can even see.” The studio hasn’t confirmed the identity of the villain.

Stay tuned to USA Times Square to get ongoing news coverage on Spider-Man: Brand New Day as the release date of July 31 gets closer, including cast updates as well as the official plot details once Marvel confirms them.