From the iconic Incredible Hulk TV series to groundbreaking hits like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the gritty Netflix series that introduced characters like Daredevil and Luke Cage to streaming audiences, Marvel Comics have long been a rich source of inspiration for television adaptations. Past efforts to weave these live-action shows into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have often hit snags—think of the less remembered shows like Runaways and Cloak and Dagger. However, in 2021, Marvel Studios ushered in a new era by launching a series of interconnected shows on Disney+, their flagship streaming service, deeply integrated with their multi-billion dollar film franchise.
As the charming Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man swings into our screens as the 13th Disney+ Marvel show within just four years, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the Marvel Studios television journey thus far. Like the Avengers enjoying shawarma amidst the ruins of New York, the Marvel enthusiasts at IGN gathered to rank all 12 of the Disney+ Marvel TV shows to date. Keep an eye out for the addition of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man once the series concludes.
Every Marvel TV Show in the Disney+ Era Ranked
13 Images
12. Secret Invasion
It's surreal to discuss the underwhelming impact of the Secret Invasion series, which, despite its roots in one of Marvel Comics' most pivotal and transformative events, ended up being unanimously ranked as the weakest Marvel TV series on Disney+. The director, Ali Selim, openly admitted to not consulting the source material, claiming it wasn't necessary for crafting a compelling narrative. While the MCU has demonstrated that creative reinterpretations can breathe new life into classic tales, Secret Invasion fell short of this mark.
Aiming to capture the espionage vibe of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the series centered on Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) thwarting a Skrull invasion. Yet, it was plagued by sluggish pacing, an AI-generated opening, the abrupt killing off of a beloved female character, and the introduction of a bizarre new superpowered character unlikely to return. These elements cemented Secret Invasion's place at the bottom of the MCU television series on Disney+.
Echo
The leap in quality from Secret Invasion to Echo is significant, landing Echo in the 11th position. Despite its ranking, Echo received far less criticism than its predecessor. Alaqua Cox reprised her role as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo from Hawkeye, delving into an intimate and action-packed narrative of her return to the reservation, navigating her powers, her past, and her complex relationship with the man who raised her, the notorious villain Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio).
Echo faced challenges with a shortened episode count, leaving some viewers wanting more. Nonetheless, it featured standout action sequences, including an electrifying opening fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). The series broke new ground with its predominantly Indigenous cast and crew, offering a unique, emotionally charged, and compelling addition to the MCU.
Moon Knight
You might be surprised to find this Oscar Isaac-led series ranked so low, but Moon Knight didn't resonate enough with our voters to climb higher. The series explores the tumultuous life of Marc Spector, a dark antihero grappling with multiple personalities amidst action and mystery. Drawing from influences like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's own Legion, Moon Knight offered a surrealist take on superhero storytelling.
As with many Marvel productions, Moon Knight introduced a new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who emerged as a standout character. Alongside a strong supporting cast featuring F. Murray Abraham as Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villainous Dr. Arthur Harrow, the series boasted quality performances but couldn't secure a higher ranking or a second season.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Despite its potential to soar, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier struggled to take flight. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprised their roles from the Marvel films, and their on-screen chemistry was well-received. However, the series was weighed down by complex moral dilemmas, a heavy focus on the Blip timeline, and a shift towards espionage rather than the high-flying action fans might have expected.
As the second Marvel TV show released on Disney+, it was the first to be developed by Marvel Studios and was initially slated to premiere first. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reshuffled the release schedule, leading to WandaVision taking the debut slot. The impact of the global health crisis on the show's production, which was halted from March to August 2020, is uncertain, but it undoubtedly faced challenges. Despite these hurdles, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier laid groundwork essential to understanding the current MCU, particularly with its connections to this year's Thunderbolts film.
