"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 from the gritty Netflix shows that brought us Daredevil and Luke Cage, Marvel Comics have been a rich source of inspiration for television adaptations. While past efforts to weave these shows into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe often fell short—remember the likes of Runaways and Cloak and Dagger?—2021 marked a turning point. Marvel Studios ushered in a new era by launching a series of shows on Disney+ that were intricately linked to their blockbuster film franchise.

As the charming Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man swings into view as the 13th Disney+ Marvel show within 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, our team of Marvel enthusiasts at IGN gathered to rank all 12 Disney+ Marvel TV shows up to now. Stay tuned for the addition of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man once the series concludes.

Every Marvel TV Show in the Disney+ Era Ranked

13 Images12. Secret Invasion

Disney+It's surprising to find ourselves discussing a Secret Invasion series that fell so flat, unanimously ranked as the least successful Marvel TV show to date. In the comic world, Secret Invasion is a landmark event, but the series disregarded this legacy. Director Ali Selim openly admitted to not reading the comics, believing they were unnecessary for storytelling. While the MCU has shown that creative deviations can breathe new life into familiar tales, Secret Invasion simply didn't deliver.

Attempting to capture the espionage vibe of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the series followed Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) in his battle against a Skrull invasion. However, slow pacing, an AI-generated opening, the abrupt killing off of a beloved female character, and the introduction of a strange new superpowered character that's unlikely to return, left Secret Invasion at the bottom of our rankings for MCU television series on Disney+.

11. Echo

Disney+The jump in quality from Secret Invasion to Echo is significant, placing Echo in our 11th spot, though it's far from being as critically panned. Alaqua Cox reprised her role from Hawkeye as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo, in a deeply personal and action-packed narrative. The story follows her return to the reservation, grappling with her powers, past, and her complex relationship with her mentor, the notorious villain Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio).

Echo, like other later Marvel Studios TV projects, faced challenges with a reduced episode count, leaving some viewers wanting more. Yet, the series boasts impressive action sequences, highlighted by an electrifying opening fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). It's also a trailblazer, featuring a predominantly indigenous cast and crew. Though it may not match the impact of our higher-ranked entries, Echo remains a compelling, emotionally resonant, and unique addition to the MCU.

10. Moon Knight

Disney+You might be surprised to find this Oscar Isaac-led series ranked so low, but Moon Knight failed to resonate strongly enough with our voters to climb higher. The series delves into the complex psyche of Marc Spector, with his multiple personalities driving a dark, mysterious narrative filled with action and turmoil. Moon Knight blends elements of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's own surrealist series, Legion, from the Fox era.

As with many Marvel productions, Moon Knight introduced a new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who emerged as a fan favorite by the series' end. With a strong supporting cast including F. Murray Abraham voicing Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villainous Dr. Arthur Harrow, Moon Knight had the makings of a hit but couldn't secure a spot at the top of our list or earn a second season.

9. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Disney+Despite its potential to soar, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier struggled to take flight. The chemistry between Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, reprising their roles from the Marvel films, was a highlight for fans. However, the series was weighed down by moral ambiguity, an over-reliance on the Blip's timeline, and a focus on espionage rather than the expected high-flying action.

This was the first TV show fully developed by Marvel Studios and was initially slated to be the first released on Disney+. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reshuffled the schedule, with WandaVision ultimately taking the debut slot. The impact of the global health crisis on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's production and final quality is debatable, but it undoubtedly faced significant delays, halting production from March to August 2020. Nevertheless, the series has contributed key narrative elements to the MCU, notably setting the stage for this year's Thunderbolts film.