As someone who’s been following the Marvel Cinematic Universe since its inception, I must say that the Disney+ series have truly revolutionized the way we consume superhero content. The shows have not only expanded the universe but also given us a deeper understanding of our favorite characters.

When the Marvel Cinematic Universe opted to venture into television shows, viewers were overjoyed. The arrival of Disney+ streaming service paved the way for an abundance of new characters and realms within the MCU that could either debut or be delved deeper into, in a more extensive format beyond movies. Initially, things kicked off well with the sensational success of WandaVision, but the quality of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Disney+ series gradually declined, oscillating between impressive peaks (such as Loki) and some of the poorest performances ever experienced by the franchise (Secret Invasion)).

Here’s one way to rephrase your statement in natural and easy-to-read language: What’s the best way to rate the Marvel Disney+ series? Generally, the highest-ranked shows are agreed upon, but it gets more challenging when we look at the shows that are not as popular. With Agatha All Along wrapping up and proving many skeptics wrong, the discussion on rankings is going to become even more intense!

REMARK: This list includes Disney+ series that align with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, meaning for now, X-Men ’97 is not being considered as part of it.

Every MCU Disney+ Series Ranked (Including Agatha All Along)

11. Secret Invasion

Is there any disagreement about this point? It is accurate to say that Secret Invasion has been widely criticized as Marvel Studios’ least successful production to date, for several reasons. The show mishandled one of the most popular modern Marvel crossover events; squandered the talent of Samuel L. Jackson; failed to deliver in the action-espionage genre with a dull and unengaging performance; and boasted an ending and “boss battles” that were preposterous, particularly Emilia Clarke’s G’iah character who was overpowered beyond belief within the entire MCU. By the time The Marvels hit the big screen, it was evident that Secret Invasion was being overshadowed. The low viewership numbers also confirmed this: It deserves to be ranked at the bottom of the list – and so does its AI-generated title sequence.

10. Echo

It’s surprising to reflect on the fact that we kicked off 2024 with “Echo,” given how much it resembles an echo of something faintly recalled at this stage. While Alaqua Cox delivered a commendable performance in her standalone spinoff, the series itself feels poorly managed and hastily put together from start to finish, creatively speaking – a casualty of the shifting dynamics within Disney’s executive suite.

9. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will always be infamous for the way it took the creative novelty and promise of WanaVision and quickly squandered it by delivering a lower-tier imitation of an MCU movie. The series cemented so many of the negative staples of MCU Disney+ series – including the disappointing boss battle finale, and disappointing “development” of essentially serving to debut new character costumes and/or transformations. Worst yet, TFATWS has had some of the lowest payoff in the MCU since its run back in 2021 – but admittedly that could finally change next year with the release of Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts.

8. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

As we delve into the more debatable aspects of the rankings, shows like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, with a robust performance by Tatiana Maslany in the lead role, were initially impressive. However, the production seemed somewhat hasty and lacked finesse, which viewers and creators both picked up on. In fact, the show’s creators jokingly acknowledged this issue in the finale episode, where it was revealed that K.E.V.I.N., an AI character representing Feige, was manipulating the narrative from behind the scenes, expressing displeasure over She-Hulk’s budget-straining attempts at a lengthy storyline involving a CGI Hulk character. Despite its shortcomings, She-Hulk earned praise for introducing engaging new characters (like Madisynn), storylines, and being the first episodic TV procedural in the MCU.

7. What If…?

Marvel’s “What If…?” initially surprised many when it debuted in 2021, following the pandemic, with its first season sparking some controversy among viewers. However, as time passed and MCU fans of all ages began to engage, the series found a strong footing. By the release of Season 2 in 2023, the show had garnered widespread acceptance from fans. Now, as we approach the end of 2024, anticipation for Season 3 of “What If…?” is building, with the show being recognized as one of the more enjoyable explorations of the Marvel Multiverse concept.

6. Moon Knight

As a passionate gamer, I must confess that Marvel’s “Moon Knight” was yet another title from the oversaturated MCU era, spearheaded by former Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Despite its flaws, such as the cheesy final boss battle and some bizarre plot twists, it was Oscar Isaac’s outstanding portrayal of Marc Spector/Steven Grant/Jack Lockley/Moon Knight/Mr. Knight that truly set “Moon Knight” apart from other Marvel Disney+ shows. The sheer range and depth of Isaac’s performance – encompassing no less than five distinct characters – is a testament to his skill, easily ranking among the finest performances in the entire MCU.

5. Ms. Marvel

Similar to Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel managed to shine amidst the challenges of the extensive Marvel Disney+ lineup, by securing a fitting lead actor to drive the series. Iman Vellani quickly emerged as a star, and the show itself turned into a cultural treasure. Remarkably, it has also been one of the few Disney+ shows that connected to the Multiverse Saga films. The journey of Vellani, transitioning from an unknown figure to a TV celebrity, movie star, and comic book creator is the stuff that MCU fans’ dreams are made of. Additionally, Ms. Marvel was simply entertaining, a quality that has been in short supply in the MCU.

4. Agatha All Along

Who would have thought? When Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts discovered that a spinoff centered around Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) was in the works, many were doubtful – and with good reason. However, much like a skilled or mischievous witch, Agatha managed to outsmart the odds and enchant MCU fans. In essence: the perfect actors were selected to steer the ship towards exciting new horizons, resulting in an exploration of the mystical side of the MCU, the introduction of a fan-loved character (Wiccan), and the well-received casting of Aubrey Plaza as Marvel’s latest addition. With Agatha All Along paving the way for Scarlet Witch’s comeback and the upcoming debut of another Young Avenger (Tommy Maximoff), the series ended up being more significant than we could have ever anticipated.

3. Hawkeye

Despite initial doubts about a series focused on Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton/Hawkeye, it has proven to be a groundbreaking example of how even minor characters in a franchise can become the main focus of captivating screenplays, given the right treatment and creativity. The show, Hawkeye, offered numerous appealing aspects such as its lighthearted tone (long live the Track Suit Mafia! Yelena’s mac-n-cheese!), intricate backstories for both Kate Bishop and Clint’s “Ronan” period, the introduction or reappearance of fascinating characters like Echo and Kingpin, and the commencement of a continuous storyline within the MCU on Disney+ (Kingpin’s comeback and his complex strategies to control the underworld and political power). However, what truly stood out was the exceptional chemistry between Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld on screen. Their connection was something many actors can only aspire to create. Moreover, the Christmas setting makes Hawkeye a delightful choice for annual viewings.

2. WandaVision

The groundbreaking Marvel series on Disney+, which started the wave of success for this platform, continues to be hailed as one of the best in its genre – though, regrettably, this fact becomes increasingly poignant as time passes. Nevertheless, WandaVision managed to baffle MCU fans with its unique stylistic elements (replicating classic sitcom eras) and enigmatic plotlines (the Westview Anomaly), while the acting prowess of Elizabeth Olsen (as Wanda), Paul Bettany (as Vision), Kathryn Hahn (as Agatha), and others suggested that Marvel TV could reach prestigious heights. The fervor among fans never waned, and every week WandaVision aired was the hot topic of conversation – even when it frustrated us. Despite its finale following the common trope of a hero versus mirrored villain(s), for most episodes, WandaVision served as a delightful reminder that the MCU can be eccentric in the most charming ways, and fans eagerly consumed it. It’s unfortunate that this innovative approach wasn’t applied more to other Disney+ series…

1. Loki

Loki stands out due to similar qualities as WandaVision, such as an impressive creative crew, stylish touches, a talented cast (Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Jonathan Majors), a hint of intrigue, and major Marvel Multiverse revelations, including the introduction of the new main antagonist (Kang). Unlike WandaVision, however, Loki maintained its high quality throughout two seasons, featuring some of the most impactful season finales in these types of shows. Additionally, it effectively connected to the ongoing MCU films without forced crossovers, serving as a model for future Disney+ series within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

2024-11-18 03:40

Ranking Every Marvel Studios Series on Disney+ (Including Agatha All Along)