From the iconic *Incredible Hulk* TV series to the gripping *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*, and the gritty Netflix shows that introduced characters like Daredevil and Luke Cage to streaming audiences, Marvel Comics have long been a powerhouse in small screen adaptations. While previous efforts to weave these live-action TV shows into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have often faltered—think *Runaways* and *Cloak and Dagger*—2021 marked a pivotal shift. Marvel Studios launched a new era by integrating their flagship streaming service, Disney+, with series that are intricately connected to their multi-billion dollar film franchise.
As the charming *Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* swings onto our screens as the 13th Disney+ Marvel show in just four years, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the Marvel Studios television that paved the way. Much like the Avengers enjoying shawarma amidst the ruins of New York, the Marvel experts at IGN have gathered to rank all 12 of the Disney+ Marvel TV shows to date. Stay tuned for the addition of *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* once the series concludes.
Disney+It's surprising to discuss a Secret Invasion series that fell so flat it unanimously ranked as the worst Marvel TV show yet. In the comics, Secret Invasion is a landmark event, but this adaptation seemed uninterested in its source material. Director Ali Selim openly admitted to not reading the comics, believing they were unnecessary for storytelling. While the MCU has shown that fresh takes can revitalize iconic stories, Secret Invasion lacked the vision to do so.
Attempting to capture the espionage vibe of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Secret Invasion follows Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) as he combats a Skrull invasion. However, slow pacing, an AI-generated opening, the abrupt killing off of a beloved female character, and the introduction of a bizarre, likely one-off superpowered character left this series at the bottom of the MCU's Disney+ lineup.
Disney+The jump in quality from Secret Invasion to Echo is significant, landing it in 11th place. Alaqua Cox reprises her role from Hawkeye as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo, delivering an intimate and action-packed narrative about her return to the reservation. She grapples with her powers, her past, and her complex relationship with Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio), the man who raised her.
Despite a shortened episode count that left some fans wanting more, Echo boasts impressive action sequences, including a thrilling opening fight with Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). It's also a groundbreaking series, featuring a predominantly indigenous cast and crew. While it may not have the same impact as higher-ranked shows, Echo remains a unique, emotionally charged, and compelling addition to the MCU.
Disney+You might be surprised to see this Oscar Isaac-led series ranked so low, but Moon Knight didn't resonate enough with our voters to climb higher. The series delves into the multiple personalities of Marc Spector, blending mystery and mayhem in a dark antihero tale. It draws inspiration from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's own Legion.
Like many Marvel shows, Moon Knight introduces a new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who becomes a standout by the series' end. With a strong cast including F. Murray Abraham as the voice of Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villainous Dr. Arthur Harrow, Moon Knight still couldn't secure a spot at the top of our list or earn a second season.
Disney+Despite its potential, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier struggled to take flight. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles from the Marvel films, and their chemistry was a highlight. However, the series was weighed down by murky moral dilemmas, a heavy focus on the Blip timeline, and an emphasis on espionage over action.
As the second Marvel TV show on Disney+, it was initially set to be the first released, but the COVID-19 pandemic reshuffled the schedule, allowing WandaVision to debut first. The impact of the global health crisis on the production, which halted from March to August 2020, is unclear, but it undoubtedly affected the final product. Nonetheless, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has become crucial for understanding the current MCU, especially with its connections to this year's Thunderbolts film.