What Movie Should I Watch Before Guardians Of The Galaxy 3? Your Essential Guide

Are you wondering what movie should I watch before Guardians of the Galaxy 3 to truly get the most out of it? It's a really good question, honestly. You know, with so many stories happening in the larger movie universe, it can feel a bit like trying to find your way through a giant maze. Getting ready for a big movie like this means catching up on some key moments, so you don't miss any of the emotional hits or funny bits.

This film, as a matter of fact, wraps up a long journey for some very beloved characters. You might want to understand where they've been, what they've lost, and how they've grown. Seeing certain earlier movies will definitely make their story feel much more complete, and you'll appreciate the connections, like, a whole lot more.

So, if you're looking for the full picture, the kind of experience where every laugh and every tear means something extra, then a little movie prep is definitely in order. We're talking about getting ready to see a big, action-packed story, much like when people get excited for a new action movie to hit the screens, or even when they look for a full movie to enjoy at home. This guide will help you sort out what's worth your time.

Table of Contents

• Why Catch Up Before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
• The Absolute Essentials: Your Must-Watch List
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014)
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
  • Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
  • Avengers: Endgame (2019)
• Highly Recommended: Adding More Layers
  • Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
  • The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
• What About Other MCU Movies?
• Where to Watch These Movies
• FAQ: What Movie Should I Watch Before Guardians of the Galaxy 3?

Why Catch Up Before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?

Watching the right movies before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is, well, pretty important. This isn't just any standalone drama; it's a story that builds on years of character development and big events. You really want to know who these characters are and what they've been through.

For instance, their friendships and past struggles truly shape who they are in this newest film. If you skip those earlier parts, you might feel a bit lost on why certain moments hit so hard. It's like watching the last few minutes of a great story without knowing the beginning, you know?

Also, the main story beats and character arcs for Rocket, Groot, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, and Mantis have been building up over several films. Their emotional journeys, in a way, come to a head here. Seeing their prior adventures makes their final chapter feel much more impactful, too.

The Absolute Essentials: Your Must-Watch List

If you're asking yourself what movie should I watch before Guardians of the Galaxy 3, these are the ones you absolutely cannot miss. They lay down the groundwork for everything that happens.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014)

This is where it all started for this group of misfits, really. You get to meet Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, and see how he brings together a very unlikely team. It introduces Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Drax, and sets up their unique personalities.

The first movie establishes their bond, their humor, and their shared history. It's where they become a family, in a way, even if they argue a lot. Understanding their origins is pretty key to everything that follows, too.

This film also introduces important ideas about the universe they live in and some key figures. It’s a very fun ride, and it truly helps you get to know each character from the very beginning. So, it’s a must-see, basically.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

The second movie goes deeper into the characters' personal stories, especially Peter Quill's family background. You learn more about his father, Ego, and the emotional impact that has on him. It also develops the relationship between Gamora and her sister, Nebula.

This film really pushes the idea of family, whether it's the one you're born into or the one you choose. The group's dynamic grows even stronger, and you see their loyalties tested. It's a pretty important step in their collective story, you know.

Plus, it features some truly memorable moments and expands on their unique brand of humor. The emotional stakes are raised significantly here, which, in some respects, prepares you for the heavier themes in the later films.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

This movie is absolutely essential because it brings the Guardians into the much larger story of the universe. They meet the Avengers and face off against Thanos, the biggest threat they've ever known. The events here have massive consequences for every character, especially Gamora.

You see the Guardians dealing with truly devastating losses and facing impossible choices. Their individual strengths and weaknesses are really highlighted here. It's a very intense film, and it changes everything for the group, honestly.

The impact of this movie's ending is still felt deeply in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Understanding what happened to them during this cosmic conflict is, like, totally crucial for knowing where they stand now.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Following Infinity War, Endgame shows the aftermath of Thanos's actions and how the surviving heroes try to fix things. The Guardians, or at least the ones who survived, play a very important role in the fight to bring everyone back. This film also deals with time travel and different versions of characters.

Crucially, it brings back some characters who were lost, but not always in the way you might expect. The journey of Gamora, for instance, takes a very interesting turn here. Her situation in Endgame directly sets up a big part of the story in Vol. 3, you know.

Watching this film will clarify why certain characters are where they are and why some relationships are, perhaps, a bit complicated. It’s the direct lead-in for their next big adventure, too, in a very real way.

Highly Recommended: Adding More Layers

While the previous four are absolute must-sees, these next two films add important context and character development that will make your Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 viewing experience even richer. They're not strictly essential, but they really help.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

The Guardians appear at the very beginning of this Thor movie, and their time with him sets up some of the group's dynamic going into Vol. 3. You see them trying to figure out their place in the universe after the big events of Endgame.

Their brief appearance here shows their current state and how they are working together. It gives you a little peek into their lives before their next big solo adventure. It's a bit of a fun warm-up, really.

While their role is not huge, it does offer a snapshot of their personalities and where they are emotionally. It’s worth a watch if you have the time, just to see their current vibe, you know.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)

This short special, released on a streaming service, is actually much more important than it might seem at first. It's a very sweet and funny story that focuses on Mantis and Drax trying to cheer up Peter Quill for Christmas. It's set just before Vol. 3.

The special offers some really important character moments and reveals a big secret about Peter Quill's family. This secret, in fact, has a direct impact on the emotional core of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It's not just a silly holiday story, honestly.

It also gives you a good sense of the team's current home base and their day-to-day interactions. If you want to understand all the emotional beats in the new movie, this special is, like, pretty much a required viewing. It's short and very enjoyable, too.

What About Other MCU Movies?

You might be wondering if you need to watch every single Marvel movie to understand Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The short answer is, well, no, not really. The films listed above give you all the key information you need about the Guardians themselves and their direct story.

There are many other amazing movies in the larger universe, of course, like those with Captain America or Iron Man. They build a big, interconnected world. But for the Guardians' specific journey, those aren't directly needed.

If you're a big fan of action movies or drama, you might enjoy exploring the full range of what's out there. But for the purposes of understanding the Guardians' story, sticking to their core appearances is totally fine. You can always go back and watch more later, you know.

Some people, actually, just like to watch the movies that focus on certain characters or teams. That's a very valid way to enjoy the universe. You don't need to know every single detail from every single film to appreciate this one, basically.

It's kind of like how some people might be really into a specific action movie series, like the Naked Gun movies, and only watch those. You don't need to see every comedy ever made to get those, right? Similarly, for the Guardians, focus on their direct path.

Where to Watch These Movies

Finding these movies is pretty straightforward these days, thankfully. Most of them are available on major streaming platforms. You can often find them on subscription services, or you can rent or buy them digitally.

For instance, many of these films are often available on Disney+, which is the main home for a lot of these kinds of stories. It’s a good place to start if you want to catch up on a full movie or two. You might find a whole collection there, too.

Sometimes, you can also find trailers or clips on platforms like YouTube, which is, you know, a very popular platform for online video streaming and sharing. While you won't get a full movie there usually, it can give you a taste. So, too, it's almost always possible to find them.

Keep an eye out for special deals or bundles if you're looking to watch a few. Many digital stores offer discounts if you buy a collection. Just like you might look for a new action movie to watch, these older ones are usually easy to find, honestly.

Remember that availability can change over time, so always check your preferred streaming service or digital store. You might even find some "full, free movie" options if a service offers a trial, or if they rotate their library. It's worth a look, anyway.

Learn more about movie watch orders on our site, and link to this page for streaming guides.

FAQ: What Movie Should I Watch Before Guardians of the Galaxy 3?

Do I need to watch all MCU movies before Guardians of the Galaxy 3?

No, you really don't need to watch every single one. The most important films are the first two Guardians of the Galaxy movies, plus Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. These give you the main story for the team. The Holiday Special is also very helpful, you know.

Is Thor: Love and Thunder important for Guardians of the Galaxy 3?

It's not strictly essential, but it is highly recommended. The Guardians appear briefly at the start of Thor: Love and Thunder. It shows their current situation and how they are traveling, which helps set the stage for their next adventure. It's a quick watch, too.

What about The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special?

This special is actually very important, even though it's short and fun. It reveals a big secret about Peter Quill that directly impacts the emotional story of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It also shows where the team is living now. So, you should definitely watch it, basically.