Since I’m being tight lipped on spoilers, I did want to come to the spoiler free page to answer one critical question - how many of these movies do I need to see to maximize Infinity War? Lucky for you all, I have time on my hands. Let’s have a look, point by point, in preferred viewing order.
Iron Man - Absolutely you must. Honestly, if you haven’t seen this one yet, what are you even doing here?
Iron Man 2 - I’d say yes since it does set Tony and SHIELD and some other stuff up. Important if not critical.
Thor - Yes. Thor, Loki, his relationships et al are all important for what is to come.
The Incredible Hulk - I’d have to say no, unless you need an explanation for Thunderbolt Ross and a reminder that Avengers are coming. Pass.
Captain America: The First Avenger - Yes. You’d be shocked what stuff introduced here pays off later. Besides, it’s Cap, one of our prime movers.
Avengers - Yes. This pays off stuff from Iron Man, Thor and Cap, plus introduces for the first time the stakes. Absolute must.
Iron Man 3 - Pass. Aside from Tony’s mindset and justifications, there is not a must watch reason here. Pass.
Thor: The Dark World - I’d say yes, since we have the cosmic stuff enhanced, the Aether is important and it moves Thor and Loki along.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Absolutely. Pays off Cap stuff and SHIELD and intros a lot of characters for later. Plus, it’s one of the best of any of the Marvels.
Guardians of the Galaxy - Yes. Another great movie, more characters to widen the scope, expand on Thanos. Important to watch
Avengers: Age of Ultron - Yes. Vision’s introduction and Scarlet Witch are important for later, plus the scale is reinforced for later. Important.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - I’m actually leaning no here. Aside from character building for the team and the introduction of Mantis, I just don’t view this as critical. Maybe pass.
Ant-Man - You could probably pass on this one too. It does tie in with stuff later, but is not critical. Maybe pass.
Captain America: Civil War - Must watch. Pay off a metric ton from two Iron Man and two Cap movies, plus Avengers. Plus, there’s this Black Panther guy in the movie, he might be important later. Another wall crawler too. Important.
Black Panther - I’d say yes, as Wakanda and it’s tech is important, plus the movie is awesome.
Doctor Strange - Yes. It’s not as critical, but introducing the character, his powers and his motivations are important.
Spider-Man: Homecoming - In the big picture, it is not critical, but it’s fun and the relationship between Spider-Man and Iron Man is important. Maybe watch.
Thor: Ragnarok - This leads directly into Infinity War, so yes, if just to set the board and go over the Thor and Loki relationship again and set the new standards for Thor.
So, out of 19, only four can be skipped with no damage to the core story. My soul weeps if you have seen none, but the journey is all the sweeter if you do.