Every Marvel TV Show in the Disney+ Era Ranked

From the iconic Incredible Hulk TV series to the groundbreaking Netflix shows that introduced Daredevil and Luke Cage to streaming audiences, Marvel Comics have long been a rich source of inspiration for small screen adaptations. While earlier efforts to weave these live-action TV shows into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) often faltered—remember the likes of Runaways and Cloak and Dagger?—Marvel Studios embarked on a transformative journey in 2021. This pivotal shift began with Disney+ launching a series of shows that were intricately connected to the MCU's multi-billion-dollar 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 the perfect moment to reflect on the Marvel Studios television offerings that have come before. Much like the Avengers gathering for shawarma in the aftermath of their New York battle, the Marvel aficionados at IGN have convened to rank all 12 previous Disney+ Marvel TV shows. We'll be updating this list to include Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man once its run 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 landed with such a thud. Universally panned in our voting, it's considered the weakest Marvel TV offering to date. In the comics, Secret Invasion is a landmark event, but the show disregarded this legacy. Director Ali Selim's admission of not reading the comics and his belief that they were unnecessary for storytelling reflects the series' lack of connection to its source material. While the MCU has successfully reinvented iconic stories with creative visions, Secret Invasion fell short.

Attempting to mimic the espionage tone of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the series centered on Nick Fury's (Samuel L. Jackson) efforts to thwart a Skrull invasion. However, slow pacing, an AI-generated opening, the abrupt killing off of a beloved female character, and the introduction of a bizarre new superpowered figure who likely won't return, all contributed to its bottom ranking among MCU Disney+ series.

11. Echo

The leap in quality from Secret Invasion to Echo is significant, placing Echo in the 11th spot. Alaqua Cox reprises her role from Hawkeye as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo, delivering an intimate and action-packed narrative. The story follows her return to the reservation, where she grapples with her powers, her past, and her complex relationship with Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio), the Daredevil villain who raised her.

Despite some fans feeling the series was too short, Echo features standout action sequences, notably the thrilling opening fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). The series also broke new ground with its predominantly indigenous cast and crew, making it a unique, emotionally charged addition to the MCU, worthy of a watch despite its lower ranking.

10. Moon Knight

You might be surprised to find this Oscar Isaac-led series ranked so low, but Moon Knight didn't resonate enough with our voters to climb higher. The story delves into the multiple personalities of Marc Spector, blending mystery and mayhem in a dark antihero narrative. The series draws inspiration from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's Legion, creating a surreal atmosphere.

The introduction of Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy) adds a fresh face to the MCU, with standout performances also coming from F. Murray Abraham as the voice of Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villainous Dr. Arthur Harrow. Despite its strong cast, Moon Knight couldn't secure a spot at the top of our list or earn a second season.

9. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Expected to soar, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier struggled to take flight. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprised their roles, and their chemistry was a highlight, but the series was weighed down by murky moral dilemmas, a heavy focus on the Blip timeline, and an emphasis on espionage over action.

Originally set to be the first Marvel TV show on Disney+, its release was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing WandaVision to take the debut slot. The global health crisis undoubtedly impacted production, which was halted from March to August 2020. Despite its challenges, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier remains crucial to understanding the MCU's current narrative, particularly with its connections to the upcoming Thunderbolts film.