Disney+ Era Marvel TV Shows Ranked

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 source of inspiration for television adaptations. While previous efforts to link these live-action shows to 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 populating Disney+ with series that are intricately connected to their blockbuster 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 an opportune moment to reflect on the Marvel Studios television offerings that preceded it. 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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12. Secret Invasion

It's surprising to discuss a Secret Invasion series that fell so flat it was unanimously ranked as the weakest Marvel TV show to date. 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 successful, Secret Invasion lacked the necessary vision.

Attempting to capture the espionage vibe of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Secret Invasion centered on Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) thwarting a Skrull invasion. However, the series suffered from slow 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, leaving it at the bottom of the MCU TV series rankings on Disney+.

11. Echo

The leap in quality from Secret Invasion to Echo is significant, though Echo still lands in 11th place. Alaqua Cox reprises her role from Hawkeye as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo, delivering an intimate and action-packed story of her return to the reservation. She navigates 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 shows, Echo was condensed into fewer episodes, leaving some fans wanting more. Yet, it boasts impressive action sequences, including a thrilling opening fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). The series also broke ground with its predominantly indigenous cast and crew, making it a unique, emotionally charged, and worthwhile addition to the MCU.

10. Moon Knight

You might be surprised to see this Oscar Isaac-led series ranked so low, but Moon Knight didn't resonate strongly 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 narrative. It draws inspiration from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's Legion.

As with many Marvel shows, Moon Knight introduced a new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who emerged 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, Moon Knight had potential but couldn't secure a spot at the top of our list or earn a second season.

9. 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 chemistry was a highlight. However, the series was weighed down by ambiguous moral dilemmas, a heavy focus on the Blip timeline, and an emphasis on espionage over action.

As the second Marvel TV show on Disney+, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was initially set to be the first released. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reshuffled the schedule, allowing WandaVision to debut first. 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 affected the final product. Despite its challenges, the series has become crucial for understanding the current MCU, particularly with its influence on this year's Thunderbolts film.