Ironheart is the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) original Disney+ TV series, and the first solo project for one of the MCU’s newest, brightest heroes. The series sees Dominique Thorne reprise her role as Riri Williams (aka Ironheart), as she navigates the fallout from her creation of an iron suit that rivals that of Iron Man.
Newcomers interested in the series or fans in need of a refresher can use our guide to find out which MCU movies and shows they should watch to best understand and enjoy Ironheart.
The Iron Man Trilogy (2008-2013)
The Iron Man movies are perfect to prepare for Ironheart, especially since Ironheart is considered Iron Man’s successor. Iron Man follows Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.), who goes from a playboy billionaire to a superhero after building an iron suit to free himself from a hostage situation. Iron Man 2 and Iron Man 3 see the consequences of his decision as unsavory figures covet his technology, and he suffers the anxiety and weight of being a hero.
While Ironheart isn’t in the Iron Man trilogy, the films explain her situation, including the inspiration for her suit and the problems that technology like hers and Stark's have created, as they continuously struggle to keep it out of the wrong hands. The Iron Man trilogy is an excellent watch to learn about the hero who passed the torch to Ironheart in the MCU.
Doctor Strange (2016) & Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Doctor Strange tells the story of Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), an acclaimed surgeon whose life changes when a car accident damages his hands. As he searches for an unconventional cure, he finds himself swept into a world of magic where the dark dimension threatens to take over Earth. In the sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Doctor Strange embarks on a universe-hopping adventure to protect America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) from the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen)
Doctor Strange isn’t directly connected to Ironheart, but it holds an essential introduction to magic in the MCU. Not only does Ironheart’s main antagonist, The Hood (Anthony Ramos), boast magical abilities and a mystical cape not unlike Doctor Strange’s cloak, but the trailer teased Riri herself practicing magic, suggesting Doctor Strange lore may figure significantly into the show.
Back Panther (2018) & Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
The most important movies to watch before Ironheart are the Black Panther films, especially Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marks Riri’s MCU debut as the unsuspecting MIT student who is pulled into a bitter feud between Wakanda, Talokan, and the rest of the world when her technology is used to detect Wakanda’s precious vibranium. She quickly takes Wakanda’s side and dons her suit to protect its inhabitants. The lasting impact of the events in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be explored in Ironheart. Meanwhile, the first Black Panther movie is vital to understanding the sequel and the origins of the vibranium race.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law centers on Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), the cousin of Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), who struggles to balance her life as a lawyer with her life as the superhero She-Hulk. The miniseries is relevant to Ironheart due to Episode 4, “Is This Not Real Magic.” In the episode, Donny Blaze (Rhys Coiro) misuses the mystic arts and sends a woman, Madisynn King (Patty Guggenheim), to an alternate dimension where she meets a demon. It’s a rare instance of demons in the MCU that could prove crucial to Ironheart, given that The Hood gains his powers and mystical artifacts from a Nisanti demon.
‘What If…?’ Season 3, Episodes 5-6 (2024)
Viewers will want to watch two episodes of the anthology series What If…? to see alternate versions of The Hood and Riri. What If…? Season 3, Episode 5, “What If… the Emergence Destroyed Earth?,” follows Riri in an alternate world where the Emergence split the Earth apart and led to the rise of the oppressive Federation. Riri joins several other heroes in the Alliance to end the Federation's power. The episode is a wonderful, touching exploration of Riri’s spirit and passion, and also demonstrates how much of an asset she truly is to the superhero world.
Meanwhile, What If…? Season 3, Episode 6, “What If… 1872?,” takes place in an alternate universe where Xu Xialing (Meng'er Zhang) flees to America for a better life, only to succumb to The Hood’s plan to brainwash and enslave Chinese immigrants. While The Hood isn’t the same Hood seen in Ironheart, the episode is a fun introduction to the character, their powers, plans, and those who yearn for their mantle.
Where To Watch MCU Movies And TV Shows Online
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