Summary
TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas dominated the superhero film area since the release ofIron Man. After the Infinity Saga, though, theMCUturned to mass content production, bringing forth many series and films in Phase 4.
While many have stated that this change in pace has brought down Marvel’s spotlight on the cinematic stage, others hail the incredible depth that these new shows and movies hold. Despite the arguments for and against the mediums released in Phase 4, there are general agreements on which films and series are better received and provide more to the universe.
10Hawkeye
The Underrated Avenger and Newcomer Kate Bishop
Some fans have argued that the multiversal aspects of the MCU’s Phase 4 were taking away from grounded storytelling.Hawkeyewent back to street-level justice, which is what helped superhero films take off in the industry in the first place. InHawkeye, the audience watches Kate Bishop work together with Clint Barton to stop Kingpin.
This series also introduces Echo, a new street-level hero. With impressive action sequences, an honorable narrative, and colorful characters,Hawkeyeis a treat for any Marvel fan.
9Wandavision
A Creative Dive Into Wanda’s Psyche
Wandavisionwas the first series introduced into the MCU, making its debut on Disney+. With episodes based on old American TV, the series became incredibly popular, mainly because it was a leading event after the events of the Infinity Saga.
With each episode released,Wandavisionwas constantly discussed on social media, as fans tried to figure the show out and point out Easter eggs here and there.Wandavisionis a fantastic series that leads fans on with cliffhangers and hints at what is happening in reality.
8Moon Knight
Fan-Favorite Finally Arriving from Comic Books to Live-Action
Moon Knight is a fan-favorite hero in Marvel Comics, and many Marvel fans were very excited for the Hand of Khonshu to make his debut in the MCU. Avoiding the mistakes of multiversal storytelling,Moon Knightfocused solely on Steven and Marc’s origin story, while providing an enthralling superhero narrative.
Despite slight cinematic changes to the character, like his transformations,Moon Knightis a nice introduction to the hero. The show is also a captivating start as to what Marc and Steven can bring to the universe in the future.
7Ms. Marvel
Entertaining, Meaningful, and Grounded
Ms. Marvelis the highest-rated MCU show on Rotten Tomatoes, and it also receives fair ratings from other sources, such as IMDb (6.2/10) and Common Sense Media’s 4/5 rating. This is all for good reason, asMs. Marvelbrings yet another origin story with a unique twist on the character.
The story thatMs. Marveltells is comedic, heartfelt, and honest, which makes it such a fascinating show to watch. Despite the changes to the character, she remains loyal to and representative of her comic book adaptations.
6Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
Multiversal Threats and Cameos
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswas among the most anticipated Marvel films of 2022. While Phase 4 focused on the multiverse, the secondDoctor Strangemovie delved into the concept with much more confidence.Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswas decently received by fans and was an enjoyable watch that held many surprises throughout the film.
The antagonist in the film, Scarlet Witch, drives the story through her attempts at taking the newly introduced hero, America Chavez, for herself. With color, effects, action,and many cameos,Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessis a must-watch for any MCU fan.
5Falcon And The Winter Soldier
A Fantastic Buddy-Cop Series
The second Marvel series to debut on Disney+,Falcon and the Winter Soldieralso held a more grounded narrative than other Phase 4 mediums. Now that Steve Rodgers is gone, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes find themselves attempting to fill his shoes together, with Sam Wilson struggling to step up into the name of Captain America.
In this series, the two set forth to stop a terroristic organization, as well as the wrongly entitled Captain America, John Walker.Falcon and the Winter Soldierhas relevant storytelling, as well as practical layers that discuss society.
4Loki (S1)
Expands the Universe and Embraces Loki’s Development
Lokiwas a series that fans were excited to watch after the events ofAvengers: Endgame, where the heroes had accidentallyallowed Loki to escapewith the Tesseract. Following up on these events, Loki is captured by the TVA and put to work by Mobius, a TVA worker with a unique interest in the God of Mischief.
Lokiadds much more to theMarvel Cinematic Universe, all while providing viewers with a unique Marvel-watching experience with amazing characters.Lokiseason 2 takes the events of season 1 even further, giving fans all the more reason to watch throughLokiseason 1.
3Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings
Exceptional Introduction of an Underrated Character to Live-Action
Aside fromEternals,Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringswas the only MCU Phase 4 film to focus on a new character introduced to the evolving universe. Positively received by fans,Shang Chiperformed very well, as the film was fantastically written, directed, and performed.
Working together with theengaging narrative inShang Chi,the action sequences in the film were among the best in the entirety of the MCU. With the real Mandarin as the film’s tragic antagonist,Shang Chiexplores complex familial themes of legacy and identity, creating a dynamic that flawlessly serves as the heart of the story.
2Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
A Respectful And Honorable Film
Many viewers wondered howBlack Panther 2was going to perform after the passing of incredible actor Chadwick Boseman.Upon the trailerand movie being released, many fans were impressed by how the film respected the former Black Panther actor and honorably allowed viewers to mourn the loss.
Shuri has now taken on the Black Panther mantle and takes on Namor in this powerful sequel. Characters, new and old, are fantastically written, and the clash between Namor and Wakanda is meaningful to the modern world.
1Spider-Man: No Way Home
Grounds Multiverse Narratives
Comments, ratings, leaks, interviews, and so many other forms of media led to the massive anticipation thatSpider-Man: No Way Homeheld at the time before its release. After the trailer released, the anticipation for this film peaked, causingthe third moviein theMCUSpider-Man trilogy to become a box-office powerhouse upon hitting theaters. In this distinguished Spider-Man film, Peter Parker faces new threats as villains from across the multiverse make their way to his universe.
Along with these enemies, who all come from previous Spider-Man films since Raimi’s trilogy, comes the beloved Spider-Men. The mix of nostalgia, Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire reprising their roles, previous villains, and Tom Holland’s character development,Spider-Man: No Way Homehas made its way as one of the best Spider-Man films of all time.
