Dive into The A.V. Club‘s epic rundown of all 28 Marvel series, from Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D to Agatha All Along and everything in between.
Updated 11/9: The Marvel Cinematic Universe just keeps expanding, doesn’t it? With Agatha All Along having just concluded, we’ve taken the opportunity to slot it into our comprehensive ranking of all 28 Marvel series that have launched since 2013. Get ready for a mix of ambitious Netflix originals, solid star-driven shows, mind-bending series like Legion, and yes, a few duds like Helstrom. Let the debates begin!
28. Helstrom (Hulu: 2020)
Sometimes even Marvel misses the mark, and Hulu’s Helstrom is a prime example. Originally comic book characters Daimon and Satana Hellstrom, children of a devil-like figure, were more prominent in the ’70s horror scenes but have since faded to obscurity. Stripped of any real connection to the broader Marvel Universe, the series fails to introduce anything notably fresh or engaging, leaving it feeling empty and uninspired. [Sam Barsanti]
27. Marvel’s Inhumans (ABC: 2017)
The Inhumans was a low point for Marvel on television. This series, which follows a super-powered royal family ousted to Earth, suffers from poor visual effects and lackluster storytelling that could easily be mistaken for a low-budget production rather than a Marvel spectacle. Its clichéd dialogue and lifeless action scenes make it a tough watch, with the most relatable character being a teleporting dog. [Alex McLevy]
26. The Gifted (Fox: 2017-2019)
The Gifted floundered through two forgettable seasons on Fox, unable to escape the shadow of other superior superhero shows, despite its association with the X-Men universe. The premise of missing X-Men sets a disappointing tone from the start, and while actors like Emma Dumont brought some enjoyment to their roles, the show never found its footing. [Stephen Robinson]
25. Marvel’s Iron Fist (Netflix: 2017-2018)
The Netflix series Iron Fist was troubled from the outset, with weak lead performances and a convoluted plot that involved too much mystical jargon. Even an improvement in season two couldn’t save it from being a largely forgettable part of the Marvel Television universe. [Caroline Siede]
24. Marvel’s Runaways (Hulu: 2017-2019)
Runaways, created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, initially captivated audiences with its unique superhero teen drama blend and strong casting choices. However, as it progressed, the series struggled to maintain its momentum, particularly when it moved away from the central conflict of teens versus their villainous parents. [Gwen Ihnat]
23. Secret Invasion (Disney+: 2023)
Secret Invasion, starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, was anticipated as a high-stakes superhero spy thriller but fell short. Although introducing some intriguing concepts, the series struggled with pacing and a lackluster ending, leaving much to be desired from its execution. [Sam Barsanti]
22. Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger (Freeform: 2018-2019)
Cloak & Dagger started strong with an interesting dynamic between its two young protagonists exploring their powers, but lost its way in season two with a convoluted plot involving a supernatural antagonist that didn’t resonate. [Gwen Ihnat]
21. Marvel’s The Defenders (Netflix: 2017)
The Defenders aimed to replicate the success of The Avengers by bringing together four Netflix Marvel heroes. While the character interactions were a highlight, the series suffered from a generic plot and uninspired action sequences. [Baraka Kaseko]
20. Marvel’s The Punisher (Netflix: 2017-2019)
Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, was a dark and intense exploration of a man battling with his demons and enemies in equal measure. Despite being a grittier and more violent part of the Marvel Universe, the series offered depth and complexity in its central character. [Jarrod Jones]
19. Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. (Hulu: 2021)
The animated series M.O.D.O.K., featuring the voice of Patton Oswalt, delivered a unique blend of superhero action and domestic comedy. It successfully turned one of Marvel’s more bizarre villains into a surprisingly endearing character juggling his evil ambitions with family life. [Sam Barsanti]
18. Marvel’s Hit-Monkey (Hulu: 2021)
Hit-Monkey brought a fresh take to the Marvel series lineup with its unique premise and engaging action sequences. The series stands out for its effective blend of humor and violence, providing a distinctive and entertaining viewing experience. [Stephen Robinson]
17. Marvel’s What If…? (Disney+: 2021-)
What If…? explores alternate realities in the Marvel Universe, offering imaginative and sometimes profound variations on familiar stories. The series benefits from high-quality animation and involvement from key MCU actors, adding depth and intrigue to its speculative scenarios. [Stephen Robinson]
16. Moon Knight (Disney+: 2022)
Moon Knight stands out in the MCU for its unique approach to storytelling and its deep dive into themes of identity and mental health. Oscar Isaac’s dual role is a highlight, bringing complexity and humor to the series. [Manuel Betancourt]
15. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (Disney+: 2021)
While it had its ups and downs, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier provided a thoughtful exploration of its characters’ legacies and responsibilities, with particularly strong development for Sam Wilson as he assumes the role of Captain America. [Shanicka Anderson]
14. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Disney+: 2022)
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law struggled initially to find its tone but eventually delivered a fun and insightful look into the everyday life of a superhero trying to balance her career and powers. Tatiana Maslany shines in the dual role, bringing charisma and depth to the series. [Mary Kate Carr]
13. Echo (Disney+/Hulu: 2024)
Echo starts the year strong by focusing on its compelling lead, Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez, and providing a grounded story enriched with cultural depth. The series successfully expands on its connections to the broader Marvel Universe while staying true to its unique perspective. [Saloni Gajjar]
12. Marvel’s Luke Cage (Netflix: 2016-2018)
Luke Cage blends superhero narrative with social commentary, tackling themes of race and identity with a strong lead performance by Mike Colter. The series stands out for its cultural significance and stylistic confidence. [Danette Chavez]
11. Hawkeye (Disney+: 2021)
Hawkeye excels by focusing on the more personal aspects of heroism through the dynamic between Clint Barton and his protégé Kate Bishop. The series balances action with character development, making it a standout addition to the MCU. [Sam Barsanti]
10. Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC: 2013-2020)
Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. evolved from a tie-in to a key part of the Marvel TV landscape, offering consistently entertaining and engaging storylines across its seven seasons. The series carved out its own niche within the MCU with creativity and flair. [Alex McLevy]
9. Legion (FX: 2017-2019)
Legion redefines what a Marvel show can be, with its avant-garde style and complex narrative. The series is a deep dive into the psyche of its troubled protagonist, played brilliantly by Dan Stevens, making it a unique and visually captivating experience. [William Hughes]
8. Marvel’s Agent Carter (ABC: 2015-2016)
Agent Carter is a stylish period piece that stands out for its strong writing and Hayley Atwell’s charismatic performance. The series combines action, humor, and historical intrigue to create a compelling narrative that deserved a longer run. [Baraka Kaseko]
7. Ms. Marvel (Disney+: 2022)
Ms. Marvel focuses on the personal growth and cultural identity of its young protagonist, bringing a refreshing perspective to the superhero genre. The series is notable for its heartfelt storytelling and vibrant visual style. [Sarah Shaffi]
6. Agatha All Along (Disney+: 2024)
Agatha All Along delves into the backstory of Kathryn Hahn’s character from WandaVision, blending witchcraft and intrigue to craft a compelling narrative. The series builds on its mystical elements to deliver a satisfying exploration of its titular character. [Saloni Gajjar]
5. Marvel’s Jessica Jones (Netflix: 2015-2019)
Jessica Jones is a gripping series that combines noir elements with superhero tropes, anchored by Krysten Ritter’s powerful performance. The show delves into dark themes with sensitivity and intelligence, making it a standout in Marvel’s TV offerings. [Saloni Gajjar]
4. Loki (Disney+: 2021-)
Loki captures the charm and complexity of its central character, offering a fresh take on the anti-hero with a mix of humor and heart. The series is a creative exploration of identity and redemption, with standout performances and rich storytelling. [Saloni Gajjar]
3. X-Men ’97 (Disney+: 2024-)
The revival of the beloved X-Men animated series, X-Men ’97, brings a modern twist to the classic show, blending nostalgia with contemporary themes. The series strikes a balance between honoring its roots and addressing new challenges facing its characters. [William Hughes]
2. Marvel’s Daredevil (Netflix: 2015-2018)
Daredevil sets a high bar for superhero TV shows with its intense action and compelling character arcs. The dynamic between Daredevil and his nemesis Kingpin is particularly noteworthy, providing a rich narrative filled with moral complexity. [Jarrod Jones]
1. WandaVision (Disney+: 2021)
WandaVision reimagines the superhero narrative, focusing on personal loss and existential dilemmas. The series blends different television styles to create a unique and emotionally resonant story, showcasing the depth and versatility of its characters. [Saloni Gajjar]
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Avery Sandridge has an unmatched love for storytelling and the screen. From detailed analyses of your favorite shows to behind-the-scenes scoops, Avery offers a fresh and engaging take on everything TV series.