Summary
Phase 4 of theMarvel Cinematic Universeunveiled an evolution of the expanded universe by introducing series and connecting older Marvel movies and shows to the larger canon. With anticipation and readiness to pull more and more viewers onto the streaming service, Disney+ immediately had many different Marvel series available to stream on its app. This included older Marvel series, such asDaredevil.
While the many series released on Disney+ proved ‘too much,’ in a sense, many fans have hailed the various series as incredible ways of going into depth about characters and specific settings in theMarveluniverse. All the series in hand, some of them have performed better than others, whether due to the excitement built up for its release, or the fantastic quality within the shows.
10Hawkeye
Featuring the Avenger and His Newest Protégé
The underrated Avenger in theMCUfinally receives his own series. While not a movie, this series allows fans to delve deep into the characters of Hawkeye and the newly introduced Kate Bishop. InHawkeye, viewers are taken on a grounded, action-filled, and high-stakes narrative through the streets of New York.
The Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, makes his officialMCUdebut inHawkeyeas the primary villain and crime boss. Echo, who also has her own series, is introduced inHawkeyeas well. This street-level series is a great way Phase 4 has stepped back from its multiversal themes.
9Moon Knight
The Live-Action Debut of The Hand of Knonshu
As one of the series that acts as the origin story for a Marvel hero being welcomed into the cinematic universe,Moon Knightwas highly anticipated. Moon Knight is a fan-favorite street-level hero that many fans had long been waiting to be introduced into live-action.
The series follows Steven Grant and his other identity, Marc Spector, as they fight villains under the direction of Khonshu. With exceptional themes, anotable performance by Oscar Issac,and dark, rugged action,Moon Knighteasily earned the title as one of the best Marvel series that fans can watch on Disney+.
8Luke Cage
Fighting Crime in Harlem
Luke Cagewas one of the original Marvel Netflix series that debuted on the streaming service. Now available on Disney+, each series that follows the Defenders Saga has been welcomed to the MCU canon. InLuke Cage, which takes place after season 1 ofJessica Jones, Luke is brought into a plot of crime in his part of New York City.
Villains like Cottonmouth and Mariah find their places in Luke Cage’s heroic fight. Like the other Netflix Marvel shows,Luke Cageis grounded, truthful, and fierce.
7Jessica Jones
Investigative Crime Thriller with Superhero Elements
Jessica Joneswas the second Marvelseries on Netflix to be released, which was right after the first season ofDaredevil.Jessica Jonesexpands on the street-level universe of New York City in whichDaredeviland the other Netflix Marvel shows take place.
In her series, Jessica Jones is self-employed as a private investigator and faces harrowing villains such as Kilgrave and Foolkiller.Jessica Jonesis brooding, excels in its themes of grounded storytelling, and promises a psychological spiral as the narrative drives forward.
6Falcon and the Winter Soldier
An Imperfect Duo Attempting to Follow in Steve Rodgers' Footsteps
The buddy cop-esqueshow thatFalcon and the Winter Soldierstands to be has been one of the most well-receivedMCUseries that debuted on Disney+. LikeHawkeye,Falcon and the Winter Soldiersteps back from the multiverse narrative and remains on Earth through terrorist plots and Sam Wilson’s personal trials into becoming Captain America.
The series is founded on solid societal themes and presents fans with intense storytelling. These elements, along with notable action and diverse characters, make the show is a must-watch in Phase 4 of theMCU.
5Ms. Marvel
An Origin Series Filled with Heart
As one of the highest-rated Marvel series ever,Ms. Marvelbrings Kamala Khan into live-action with a new origin story. Despite the changes to the character,Ms. Marvelstill proves itself a strong watchwith a heartfelt narrativeand fantastically written characters.
In this series, Kamala Khan delves into her family’s history and fends off various foes that pose a threat to her friends, her family, and her city.Ms. Marvelalso serves as the character’s prequel to the film that immediately takes place afterMs. Marvel’sseason 1,The Marvels.
4The Punisher
Brutal, Dark, and Unforgiving
After his introduction inDaredevilseason 2, Netflix went even further to expand the Marvel live-action universe by granting this anti-hero a TV show of his own.The Punishertakes place immediately after the events ofDaredevilseason 2 and follows Frank Castle as the narrative behind his family’s attack continues to unravel.
Frank also begins to own his given vigilante name, The Punisher. Just asDaredevilis dark and vicious, so isThe Punisher, with emphasis on violence, since the character chooses to kill his enemies.
3Wandavision
A Nostalgic and Enthralling Delve into Wanda’s Powers
Phase 4 brought a lot of new content for fans to enjoy, along with its first series,Wandavision.Wandavisionhad created excitement and anticipation for the entire Marvel audience, as each episode hinted at the reality of Scarlet Witch’s situation.Wandavisionwas so popular that viewers were constantly picking apart each episode. Creators online would point out each Easter egg hinted in every scene, which started the infamous ‘Mephisto’ theory.
Through each episode,Wandavisionresembles old sitcoms and doesn’t truly answer questions until the end of the series. This immersive and incredible series is necessary viewing beforewatchingDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
2Daredevil
Crime-Fighting in Hell’s Kitchen with Law and Violence
WhenDaredevilwas released, many Marvel fans were skeptical. But, the first Netflix Marvel show proved that street-level TV shows held intense potential.Daredevilis one of the most well-crafted superhero series of all time. The casting, acting, plots, villains, driven storytelling, and other elements make it a beloved series for fans.
This led to the fan-favorite character leading the Defenders into theMCUwith his reintroduction inSpider-Man: No Way Homeas Peter’s lawyer.Daredevilis action-oriented,known for its flawless one-take action scenes, and necessarily catastrophic.
1Loki
A Series about Glorious Purpose
Out of all the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows that have been released,Lokihas been one of the most well-received of them all.Lokitakes place right after he escapes with the Tesseract inAvengers: Endgame. This leads to him being captured by the TVA, and eventually shows him working to stop threats to the timeline.
Season 2, which takes the narrative ofLokiand theGod of Mischeif’s rolein the universe much further, had capitalized on the multiverse and yet remained emotionally grounded.Lokiis, through and through, an astounding watch for all Marvel fans.
