Movies

MCU: All 11 Marvel Disney Plus shows ranked from worst to best

BBG News

As a longtime Marvel fan and enthusiast, I must say that my television-viewing life took a magical turn with the arrival of these two masterpieces: “Agatha All Along” and “WandaVision”. Both shows have left an indelible mark on me, and I can’t help but feel like I’ve stumbled upon some enchanted realm where the impossible becomes possible.

For almost two decades, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been an unparalleled force in cinema, consistently shattering box office records. With the latest releases of Deadpool and Wolverine, it’s evident that its powerful position at the top is here to stay. Indeed, despite the Infinity Saga ending more than five years ago, the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to thrive.

Marvel Studios has made a significant change in its strategy, as it is no longer solely concentrating on movies. The introduction of the Multiverse Saga saw them expanding their focus to television. On Disney Plus streaming service, they have started several TV series that are connected to the MCU films and feature some of the franchise’s beloved characters.

Initially, “WandaVision” debuted in January 2021 and it turned out to be a massive hit for the streaming platform, garnering praise from critics for Marvel Studios and even earning its first-ever Emmy nominations. There have been other victorious tales as well, such as “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”, “Loki”, “Hawkeye”, “Moon Knight”, and now a spinoff of “WandaVision” titled “Agatha All Along”.

After receiving acclaim from both fans and critics upon her comeback, it’s time to see where Agatha Harkness ranks among Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) shows on Disney Plus. To determine this, let’s evaluate each one and compare their standings!

Honorable mention: I Am Groot

In Disney Plus’ “I Am Groot,” the beloved star from “Guardians of the Galaxy” at last had his moment to shine. This collection of shorts focuses on the tiny character, providing an insight into his growth from baby to a more mature version, all set against a backdrop of a cosmic universe brimming with opportunities.

In the short videos, Vin Diesel re-appears in his familiar role, offering an insightful peek at the initial adventures of a cherished character. Through these missteps and discoveries, he learns about the world (and cosmos) around him, resulting in an entertaining journey for viewers to enjoy.

In the initial version of this list, “I Am Groot” wasn’t included because it was initially only a short series. However, since Marvel Studios has now released a second season, we can now consider it a television series, albeit a shorter or miniseries one.

Don’t jump to conclusions that “I Am Groot” is inferior based on its position in the list, as this isn’t true at all – it’s quite enjoyable! However, it may be challenging to place it higher than other shows due to their extensive storylines and character growth opportunities.

I Am Groot does a fantastic job at deepening our affection for the character, and it truly surpasses what one could hope for in this aspect.

Continued on the next slide…

11. Secret Invasion

The film “Secret Invasion” boasts several appealing aspects. To begin with, it’s adapted from one of the most renowned Marvel Comics storylines in history. Additionally, it offers Samuel L. Jackson a well-deserved leading role as Nick Fury, and boasts an impressive ensemble, including Ben Mendelsohn from “Captain Marvel”, Olivia Colman, and Emilia Clarke. However, at times, it seemed that the weight of such high expectations was too heavy to bear.

One key advantage of “Secret Invasion” was its daring approach to deviate significantly from the standard Marvel mold, taking on a vibe reminiscent of British espionage dramas instead. This switch was fitting considering the story’s core concept hinged on the uncertainty of who could be trusted. Moreover, Samuel L. Jackson shone brilliantly in his role as a battle-worn Nick Fury, determined to mount one last resistance against his most dreaded adversary.

In a different approach, the leisurely pace of its structure didn’t seem to fit with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Certainly not in terms of weekly episodes, no. It might have been more suitable for Disney Plus’ first Marvel binge-watch, given its gripping nature. The weekly releases imposed too much expectation on each episode, and in the end, its pace actually worked against it.

The series Secret Invasion had great promise, and it delivered on much of that potential. Regrettably, it fell short in several instances too.

10. She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

To start with, let me express my thoughts about She-Hulk: Attorney At Law. As someone who values television, I felt compelled to mention that this series truly embodies what television should be. It’s often said that Marvel’s projects on the Disney Plus streamer have leaned towards feeling like movies, but She-Hulk wouldn’t have succeeded anywhere other than TV. In fact, it excelled in its TV format.

The comedy-drama presents Jennifer Walters, portrayed wonderfully by Tatiana Maslany, who is Bruce Banner’s cousin. After she too transforms into a Hulk, her life takes an unexpected turn. Balancing her duties as a competent lawyer with her new role as a superhero becomes a challenge she never asked for. The series uses this premise to explore thought-provoking discussions on misogyny and the burdens women face in society.

The series She-Hulk offers a delightful introduction to Jen’s character, effectively honoring its original material. However, it falters slightly in certain areas, such as integrating seamlessly into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making optimal use of Titania, and maintaining consistent pacing during parts of the season. Furthermore, the meta finale was a point of contention for many viewers, as it seemed to surpass the MCU formula, only to end up complicating the narrative unnecessarily.

Overall, it’s a great fit for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it’s the first series to truly leverage its television format since “WandaVision.

9. What If…?

Instead of “What If…?”, Marvel took a significant leap into uncharted territory with this title. Prior to this, there had been numerous Marvel TV shows in animation. However, the nine-episode series on Disney Plus marked the first animated production by Marvel Studios (and it’s clear now that it won’t be their only foray into this medium).

One potential rephrasing for your text could be: Instead of any other idea, an ideal concept for this animated series would be to transform the comic book series with the same title, which explores various alternate scenarios and realities featuring beloved characters. The TV show employs a similar premise but weaves its narrative around Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) character versions, depicting possibilities such as Peggy Carter becoming the First Avenger instead of Steve Rogers, Doctor Strange spiraling into darkness to retrieve Christine, and T’Challa assuming the Star-Lord role.

While not every episode in the first season of “What If…?” reached peak brilliance, it still managed to deliver some outstanding TV hours and crafted a compelling narrative that culminated in an exceptional finale. This finale effectively introduced the concept of the multiverse into the Marvel Cinematic Universe at a time when its relevance is paramount. However, the series significantly improved during its second season, and we’re eagerly anticipating what the third and final seasons will bring!

8. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

It’s clear that “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” was among the MCU Disney Plus shows that fans were eagerly waiting for. With Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes being one of Marvel’s most popular duos, the aftermath of “Avengers: Endgame” provided a perfect backdrop for an emotional yet ambitious journey that we were all excited to witness.

The program met our expectations to some degree, offering everything mentioned and more. Yet, this is the series that faced the greatest challenges with maintaining pace, causing some viewers to ponder if it might have been better as a movie. It does excel in storytelling, indeed, but the first few episodes seemed slow within its six-episode structure, only picking up speed around the halfway mark.

The series truly excels when it delves into real-life matters, engaging in significant discussions on racism in America and PTSD, while the ghost of Captain America’s past continues to cast a long shadow. The climactic ending is particularly noteworthy, as Anthony Mackie’s Sam finally gets the limelight (and the shield) he deserved, culminating in an exciting episode. Moreover, Mackie and Sebastian Stan’s camaraderie was a highlight of the show, making their scenes enjoyable to watch, even during periods when the narrative seemed to drag slightly.

7. Ms. Marvel

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but admit that the anticipation for Ms. Marvel’s debut felt more like an eternity than just a long wait. Originally slated to join the initial wave of MCU Disney Plus shows alongside WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, and What If…?, her series was repeatedly delayed. Even Hawkeye, set in the festive season, managed to secure the final slot of the year, leaving us fans eagerly waiting.

The show will debut in Year 2 of the MCU Disney Plus venture, specifically during the summer of 2022 (sandwiched between Moon Knight and She-Hulk). However, it had already garnered significant praise even before its premiere, earning the highest score among all Marvel Studios series on Rotten Tomatoes, hinting that the wait was worthwhile.

The immediate appeal of Ms. Marvel is quite clear to understand. This series, revolving around Kamala Khan, Marvel Comics’ inaugural Muslim superhero and an ardent Captain Marvel fan, offers a compelling coming-of-age narrative. Iman Vellani, in her breakout role, has delivered an enchanting and entertaining performance that stood out among the best on TV during that year.

Ms. Marvel stands out among its peers due to its sheer enjoyability. It’s vibrant, it’s youthful, and it does an outstanding job of introducing one of the MCU’s most vital new superheroes. There may be some wandering in the latter episodes, but overall, it’s one of the most reliable and engaging Marvel series to date. We eagerly anticipate rejoining Kamala in The Marvels later this year.

6. Echo

As a die-hard Marvel fan, let me tell you, Echo on Disney Plus was an unexpected gem – a spin-off from Hawkeye, yes, but in reality, it was like a whole new ball game. Instead of following the familiar pattern, it forged its unique path, and that’s what made it a groundbreaking part of MCU history.

In the Marvel Spotlight series, a new venture by Marvel Studios where they highlight specific characters through standalone miniseries, this particular one was significant as it was the first to carry a TV-MA rating within the franchise. This classification made it edgier, more intense, and overall more captivating than most shows on Disney Plus. It was also an entertaining watch with a double meaning – a phrase often used to imply enjoyment and, in this case, a reference to its violent content.

Echo is intense and unsettling, yet it fits the narrative perfectly, as Maya Lopez seeks to establish herself by bringing down the man responsible for her father’s death – none other than the formidable Wilson Fisk, also known as the Kingpin.

In the starring role, Alaqua Cox delivers an exceptional performance that beautifully showcases the captivating nature of Maya. The writing consistently shines as well, managing to stay focused, succinct, and intriguing from the very beginning all the way to the end over the course of five episodes.

A hidden gem within the MCU, Echo deserves more attention than it gets.

5. Moon Knight

After the finale of Moon Knight, it appears a notion has been developing that the series was subpar. However, for those who followed its weekly releases, it’s clear this misconception doesn’t hold water at all.

A significant amount of importance was attached to the series’ success, primarily because Moon Knight’s career within the MCU was at stake as it marked the character’s initial live-action portrayal. Interestingly, the series seemed detached from the broader MCU narrative, with minimal or no references to previous events. In a sense, this separation was beneficial as it enabled Moon Knight to appear as an independent TV show amidst a sea of big-budget cinematic confrontations.

The show skillfully expanded the Marvel Cinematic Universe by introducing an alternate mythology centered around Egyptian deities, notably Khonshu, who chose Marc Spector (a man grappling with multiple personalities) as his representative to combat wrongdoing – a fact unknown to Mark’s other persona, Steven Grant. This daring character introduction was successfully executed in Moon Knight, resulting in a captivating narrative that maximized each of its six episodes. Despite some occasional timing inconsistencies, the series ultimately succeeded thanks to Oscar Isaac’s remarkable, award-worthy performance.

4. Hawkeye

It’s fair to assume that the show Hawkeye took everyone by surprise. Although we were all eager for the quirky-yet-melancholic veteran Avenger Clint Barton, and let’s be honest, his solo adventure was long overdue, it wasn’t necessarily the Disney Plus show fans were most excited about when they were anticipating upcoming shows. However, once the fantastic first trailer was released, showcasing the delightful holiday-themed adventure that awaited us, everything changed.

During the festive season, Hawkeye found Clint grappling with two roles: celebrating family holidays in New York City and safeguarding a young woman from harmful individuals. Predictably, this dual responsibility proved challenging, leaving him entangled between his past obligations as a hero and his current predicament, compelling him to revisit his transformation during the Blip and acknowledge how his bond with Black Widow played a pivotal role in his salvation. Friendship is a recurring motif in the series, as the woman he safeguards, Kate Bishop, evolves into an indispensable ally, collaborating with him to neutralize one of New York’s most formidable adversaries.

In a surprising twist, Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld find themselves starring in an unanticipated buddy comedy which plays a crucial role in shaping the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future narrative. This unique pairing also introduces another Young Avenger character and brings Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin into the picture.

We anticipated that Hawkeye would deliver captivating, profound, and potent storytelling, and it certainly did not disappoint on that front. However, what we weren’t prepared for was the delightful, cheerful, and heartwarming holiday-themed escapade that came alongside it. This unexpected bonus element elevates Hawkeye as a remarkable addition to Phase Four, one that far exceeded expectations in numerous ways – making it a seasonal must-watch every year during the holidays.

3. Loki

In an earlier iteration of this ranking, Loki was slightly further down, but the exceptional performance of its second season on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) platform significantly boosted its position, propelling it higher in our list.

Before the Disney Plus era, Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, would likely have been on any list of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters deserving their own spinoff. Known as the God of Mischief, he consistently brought joy to the Thor films and quickly became one of the MCU’s most beloved characters among fans. Unsurprisingly, fan excitement soared when it was announced that Loki would be part of Phase Four.

In the first-person perspective as a gamer:

Loki lived up to its grand expectations in the second season. Although the first season had lengthy speeches and explanations, the second season effectively addressed these issues, resulting in a more impactful and consistent narrative. It’s clear that this series stands out as a significant piece within the Multiverse Saga. The struggle of Loki with time, its significance, and his own identity was beautifully portrayed in Loki season 2, making it evident why he is such a crucial character.

Loki offers an exhilarating journey that leaves viewers eager for more. If only Marvel were to approve another season, it would truly be wonderful!

2. Agatha All Along

Initially, when the announcement of “Agatha All Along” came out, Marvel fans reacted with either delight or bewilderment. On one side, it seemed logical; Kathryn Hahn garnered an Emmy nomination for her outstanding portrayal of Agatha Harkness/Agnes the neighbor in “WandaVision“, making it a sensible choice to give her her own show. However, there were concerns that it was released too late after “WandaVision” (and, let’s face it, Agatha was under a spell that made her Agnes again). As a result, there was a lot of pressure to meet expectations.

In simple terms, the series “Agatha” exceeded all anticipations, as it was tailor-made for television and Halloween season. Not only did it align perfectly with current times, but it seemed to have a clear objective, which has been a challenge for Marvel Cinematic Universe shows in the past. Unlike a six-part movie that often faces issues with smooth flow and an unconvincing color scheme, “Agatha” was a delightful TV show that excelled because, like “WandaVision”, it acknowledged its television format.

In her leading role, Kathryn Hahn powerfully embodies Agatha Harkness, making us remember why we initially adored her character. She’s joined by an array of exceptional talents such as Patti LuPone, Debra Jo Rupp, Aubrey Plaza, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn and Joe Locke from ‘Heartstopper’. Together, they create a harmonious ensemble that stands out as one of the strongest in recent productions.

The enchanting production of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” its skillful effects, breathtaking scenery, or the persistent aura of mystery surrounding it made “Agatha All Along” an unforgettable journey that surpassed all anticipations. It remains a source of wonder and delight – simply put, it’s always been magical.

1. WandaVision

Experiencing WandaVision for the first time on a weekly basis is something I’ll always remember, and I know I’m not alone. This was Marvel Studios’ first show to air on Disney Plus, and it shone a light on two of the MCU’s most underestimated (yet powerful) heroes. To say it wasn’t what we anticipated would be an understatement; it surpassed our expectations and turned out to be an unexpected treasure.

The show WandaVision took an unexpected turn, a massive one, steering us towards unanticipated territories. Initially presented as a traditional sitcom concealing a complex enigma, the series cleverly leveraged classic television tropes to make its debut on Marvel Studios’ TV platform both captivating and distinctive. It also thrived on defying our assumptions, as nothing in Westview was as straightforward as it appeared. Absolutely nothing.

Elizabeth Olsen delivers an outstanding performance in her Emmy-nominated portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, revealing the factors propelling her character in ways the films didn’t manage. Paul Bettany brings charm to his reimagined role as Vision, while Kathryn Hahn steals the show in her captivating supporting part that left viewers impressed.

WandaVision was a story that cleverly disguised sorrow and misfortune as flawless humor, and among Marvel’s series on Disney Plus, it stands out as the most exquisite of them all.

Read More

2024-10-31 06:02

Previous post Love it or hate it, Disney Star Wars is here for the long haul
Next post Best celebrity Halloween costumes of 2024