From the iconic *Incredible Hulk* TV series to the gripping *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*, and the gritty Netflix shows that brought characters like Daredevil and Luke Cage to streaming audiences, Marvel Comics have been a powerhouse of inspiration for television 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 flooding Disney+ with series that are intricately linked to their blockbuster film franchise, setting a new standard for interconnected storytelling.
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 journey so far. Just like the Avengers enjoying shawarma amidst the ruins of New York, the Marvel aficionados at IGN have gathered to rank all 12 of the Disney+ Marvel TV shows. Stay tuned for the addition of *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* once the series concludes.
Every Marvel TV Show in the Disney+ Era Ranked
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Secret Invasion
It's surreal to discuss a Secret Invasion series that fell so flat it unanimously landed at the bottom of our rankings. 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 visions can revitalize iconic tales, Secret Invasion lacked the depth to pull it off.
Attempting to capture the espionage vibe of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the series 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 Secret Invasion at the bottom of the MCU TV barrel on Disney+.
Echo
Echo marks a significant leap in quality from Secret Invasion, securing the 11th spot. Alaqua Cox reprises her role from Hawkeye as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo, delivering an intimate, 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 Daredevil villain who raised her.
Despite a shortened episode run that left some fans wanting more, Echo boasts thrilling action sequences, including a standout opening fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). The series also breaks ground with its predominantly indigenous cast and crew, making it a unique, emotionally charged addition to the MCU, even if it didn't reach the heights of our top-ranked shows.
Moon Knight
You might be surprised to see Moon Knight, starring Oscar Isaac, ranked so low. The series delves into the dark, mysterious world of Marc Spector, whose multiple personalities add layers of intrigue and chaos. This surrealist narrative blends elements of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's Legion.
Moon Knight introduces Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who emerges as a standout character. With a strong cast including F. Murray Abraham as the voice of Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villainous Dr. Arthur Harrow, the series had potential but couldn't secure a higher spot or a second season.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Despite the promise of a soaring adventure, 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 was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing WandaVision to take the debut slot. The impact of the global health crisis on the show's production, which halted from March to August 2020, is uncertain, but it undoubtedly affected the final product. Nonetheless, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has become crucial for understanding the current MCU, particularly with its connections to this year's Thunderbolts film.