by Michael May 22,2025
From the iconic *Incredible Hulk* TV series to the gripping narratives of *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*, and the gritty Netflix street-level shows that brought characters like Daredevil and Luke Cage to streaming audiences, Marvel Comics have long been a powerhouse for small screen adaptations. Efforts to link these live-action TV shows with the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe have often faced challenges—remember *Runaways* and *Cloak and Dagger*? However, in 2021, Marvel Studios ushered in a new era by launching a series of interconnected shows on Disney+, their flagship streaming service, closely tied to the lucrative Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As the delightful *Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* swings onto our screens as the 13th Disney+ Marvel show within just four years, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the Marvel Studios television journey so far. Much like the Avengers gathering to enjoy shawarma amidst New York's ruins, the Marvel aficionados at IGN have come together to rank the first 12 Disney+ Marvel TV shows. Here's our comprehensive look back, with *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* to be added once the series concludes.
Disney+It's bewildering to discuss how a series inspired by the monumental Secret Invasion event in Marvel Comics could falter so significantly, earning the unanimous vote as the lowest-ranked Marvel TV show on Disney+. Director Ali Selim's admission of not reading the source material and his belief that it was unnecessary for crafting a compelling narrative underscored the show's disconnect. While the MCU has thrived on innovative takes on classic stories, Secret Invasion missed the mark entirely.
The series attempted to channel the espionage atmosphere of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, focusing on Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) thwarting a Skrull invasion. However, its sluggish pacing, an AI-generated opening, the abrupt and insensitive killing off of a beloved female character, and the introduction of a peculiar superpowered character likely never to return, cemented its place at the bottom of our list.
Disney+The leap in quality from Secret Invasion to Echo is substantial, and though it lands at our 11th spot, it's far from the criticism that plagued our last entry. Alaqua Cox reprises her role from Hawkeye as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo, delivering a deeply personal and action-packed narrative. As Echo returns to her reservation, she navigates her powers, past, and complex relationship with her adoptive father, the notorious Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio).
Echo faced its share of challenges, including a reduced number of episodes that left some viewers wanting more. Yet, it boasts some exhilarating action sequences, notably the opening fight with Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). Additionally, Echo broke new ground with a predominantly indigenous cast and crew, making it a unique and emotionally resonant addition to the MCU, despite not ranking as high as others.
Disney+It might come as a surprise to see Moon Knight, featuring Oscar Isaac, ranked so low, but it simply didn't capture the imagination of our voters as much as other series. The story dives into the tumultuous life of Marc Spector, whose multiple personalities drive a narrative filled with mystery and action. This series blends elements of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's own Legion, creating a surrealist experience.
Despite introducing a compelling new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), and featuring strong performances from F. Murray Abraham as the voice of Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villain Dr. Arthur Harrow, Moon Knight struggled to climb higher in our rankings and has yet to secure a second season.
Disney+Despite high expectations, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier didn't soar as anticipated. Starring Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, the series benefited from the duo's chemistry but was weighed down by ambiguous morals, a heavy focus on the Blip's timeline, and a shift towards espionage rather than the expected aerial heroics.
As the second Marvel TV show released on Disney+, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was initially set to be the first, but the release schedule shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with WandaVision taking the lead. The impact of the health crisis on the show's production—from March to August 2020—may have influenced its final form. Nonetheless, it remains crucial for understanding the MCU's current trajectory, especially with its ties to this year's Thunderbolts film.
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