Guardians 3: What should I watch ahead of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?

So, you're about to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but maybe you haven't seen all three previous films (don't forget, there's the Holiday Special). Or maybe you have, but don't remember the details. Let us help.

As the concluding film of a trilogy, it goes without saying that both 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy and 2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 are required viewing before settling into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

That’s not all, though.

After those two, it’s important to check out both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, in which the Guardians play a significant role — to the point where the line-up of the team changes in ways both big and small.

'... The line-up changes?', you ask?

Why, yes, because Thor joins the team… which means you probably want to watch Thor: Love and Thunder (or, at least the opening of it), before finally tuning into the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special to really get in the mood.

That last one, especially, is essential, as it sets up the status quo of the characters headed into the third movie. Think of it as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.5 if you’re not into seasonal cheer.

As the final installment in James Gunn’s trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 promises to bring the long-running story of the team to a satisfying end after nine years, as well as opening up space just a little bit wider for future Marvel stories to explore. It's a film that Popverse's own Tiffany Babb enjoyed a lot, calling it "the best superhero movie of the past six years" - which is high praise indeed. But what is Guardians Vol. 3 actually about? We're glad you asked. Here’s everything we know about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 so far.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in most theaters May 5, 2023. Buy tickets on Fandango or Atom Tickets.

Get ready for the new film with our comprehensive Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 guide.