Marvel's small-screen adaptations have a rich history, spanning from the classic "Incredible Hulk" to the more recent Netflix series featuring Daredevil and Luke Cage. While previous attempts to integrate these shows into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) often faltered, Marvel Studios launched a new era in 2021 with Disney+. This marked a significant shift, with new series directly connected to the hugely successful film franchise.
With the recent release of "Spider-Man: Freshman Year," the 13th Disney+ Marvel show in just four years, we've compiled a ranking of the preceding 12 series. This ranking is an aggregate of opinions from IGN's Marvel experts. "Spider-Man: Freshman Year's" position will be added after its conclusion.
Disney+ Marvel TV Shows Ranked
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Secret Invasion
Disney+ Widely considered the weakest Marvel Studios TV series to date, "Secret Invasion" fell short of expectations. Despite the source material's significance in Marvel Comics, the series lacked a compelling narrative. Director Ali Selim's admission of not reading the comics highlights a disconnect from the source material. While MCU adaptations often successfully reinterpret stories, "Secret Invasion" suffered from slow pacing, a poorly received AI-generated opening, the unfortunate death of a key female character, and the introduction of a forgettable new character.
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Echo
Disney+A significant improvement over "Secret Invasion," "Echo" still ranks lower due to a shortened episode count that left some viewers wanting more. Alaqua Cox's return as Echo delivers an action-packed story exploring her life on the reservation. The series features impressive fight sequences, including a standout confrontation with Daredevil. Its groundbreaking representation of Indigenous creatives is a notable positive.
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Moon Knight
Disney+Starring Oscar Isaac, "Moon Knight's" lower ranking is surprising to some. The series explores the multiple personalities of Marc Spector, blending mystery, action, and surrealism. While featuring strong performances from Isaac, May Calamawy (Scarlet Scarab), F. Murray Abraham (Khonshu), and Ethan Hawke (Dr. Arthur Harrow), it failed to resonate enough with viewers to secure a higher position or a second season.
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The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Disney+Despite the strong chemistry between Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" fell short of expectations. Murky moral dilemmas, over-reliance on the Blip storyline, and a focus on espionage rather than action contributed to its lower ranking. The series' development was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially affecting its final product. Nevertheless, its narrative elements have become crucial to the current MCU, particularly in relation to the "Thunderbolts" film.
