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 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. Much 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 to date. 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 crafting a compelling narrative. While the MCU has shown that fresh takes on iconic stories can be invigorating, Secret Invasion lacked the vision 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's Disney+ offerings.
Echo
Echo marks a significant leap in quality from Secret Invasion, securing the 11th spot despite not being as critically panned. 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 Daredevil villain who raised her.
Like many later Marvel Studios TV projects, Echo was condensed into fewer episodes, leaving some fans wanting more. Yet, it boasts standout action sequences, including a thrilling opening fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). The series also breaks new 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, but it didn't resonate strongly enough with our voters to climb higher. The series delves into the dark, mysterious world of Marc Spector, whose multiple personalities fuel a tale of chaos and combat. This surrealist narrative blends elements of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's own Legion.
As with many Marvel shows, Moon Knight introduces a new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who emerges as 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 had potential but couldn't secure a spot at the top of our list or earn a second season.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Despite high expectations, 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, but 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 Falcon and the Winter Soldier's production, which was halted from March to August 2020, is hard to quantify, but it undoubtedly played a role. Despite its challenges, the series has become crucial for understanding the current MCU, particularly with its connections to this year's Thunderbolts film.
