With just half a year until Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters, Marvel fans are already warming up by revisiting the film that started it all. The 2012 blockbuster The Avengers has surged onto Hulu's streaming charts, landing at #4 on the platform's Top 10 Movies list in the U.S. and #7 on its overall Top 10. It's a clear sign that audiences are brushing up on their superhero history before Robert Downey Jr. returns—this time as the villainous Doctor Doom.
Directed by Joss Whedon, The Avengers was the sixth entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first to bring together Iron Man (Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). The film earned over $1.5 billion globally and holds a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences. Its streaming resurgence comes as Marvel prepares for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the next two ensemble films that will unite heroes from across the Infinity Saga and beyond.
The upcoming Doomsday cast list, announced in March 2025, includes several familiar faces from the original team. Downey Jr. will play Doctor Doom, while Evans returns as Captain America—despite passing the shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame. Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston (Loki) are also set to reprise their roles, though how Loki returns after his death in Infinity War remains a mystery. However, Johansson and Ruffalo have confirmed they won't be back, and Renner's involvement is still unconfirmed. Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, last seen in The Marvels, is also a question mark.
This nostalgic streaming spike isn't just about the original six. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to feature a massive roster, including characters from Phases 4, 5, and 6, as well as the return of the X-Men. For fans eager to see how the team evolves, revisiting the 2012 classic is a perfect primer. And with the Marvel heroes with the power to take down Doctor Doom already being debated, the original film's themes of teamwork and sacrifice feel more relevant than ever.
The streaming success of The Avengers also highlights the enduring appeal of the MCU's early days. While recent phases have expanded into cosmic realms and multiversal chaos, the 2012 film remains a grounded, character-driven story about a team learning to work together. It's a reminder of why fans fell in love with these characters in the first place—and why they're so excited for what's next.
As the countdown to Doomsday continues, expect more Marvel classics to climb streaming charts. For now, The Avengers is available to stream on Hulu. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on the MCU's next big event.
