Following “Avengers: Endgame”, the Marvel Cinematic Universe extended into the world of television via Disney+. The year 2021 saw the introduction of five epic new series, and the MCU continued to dominate the pop culture conversation, after taking a brief hiatus in 2020. It now feels commonplace for major Marvel characters to be featured on a TV series, but this was a risk and major gamechanger for the franchise, which ended up paying off both financially and critically.
Fortunately, we don’t have to wait long for the return of MCU stories and characters, with the new releases popping up on a regular basis. But which has stood above the rest, especially as new series and specials continue to come available.
Like any superhero, we’re always up for a challenge, so let’s strap on our titanium suit and dive in.
14. I Am Groot
Baby Groot is King. He’s the most adorable thing to come out of the MCU and nothing is likely to compete. However, it’s only animated shorts in which Groot does cute things. Technically it’s part of the MCU cannon, but it’s not really fair to say it’s better than any of the other series that have actual storylines and acting involved. Even though it’s last on the list, we still give it a 10/10.
13. What If?
This anthology series was a mixed bag, with every epic episode like T’Challa is Starlord or Zombies, there were a handful of just okay episodes like Captain Carter were the First Avenger and Kilmonger Rescued Tony Stark. The visuals were nice but nothing to write home about and small details really stuck out in some good ways (Easter eggs to the movies), and some not so good ways (the strangeness of hearing other actors being the voices of fan favourites like Iron Man and Black Widow). Overall, “What If?” was harmless fun that, as of now, doesn’t feel like it has a deep connection to the overall franchise like the rest of the below series did, and thus felt like less critical viewing.
12. Secret Invasion
This was disappointing. “Secret Invasion” should have been an epic battle of Skrulls and the human race in an all-out invasion attempt. Instead it’s a very slow burn tale in which major MCU fan favourites are killed in a lackluster way and a couple of twists that don’t feel paid off in the slightest. While Samuel L. Jackson gives a good performance as Nick Fury, digging deeper into a character we don’t know much about despite being featured in so many films, every other character is misused or underused. Considering the stacked cast like Emilia Clark and Olivia Coleman, it’s upsetting how mediocre this entire series felt, potentially hurting the MCU instead of helping it in the long run.
11. Moon Knight
Depending on your taste, “Moon Knight” could very well be your favourite amongst the MCU series. It blends a lot of sci-fi and fantasy elements from films and shows of the past to deliver a mind bending adventure. Unfortunately for this writer, “Moon Knight ” bent the mind a little too much and just became a head scratcher after a couple of episodes. The show, thanks in large part to Oscar Isaac’s performance, kicked-off in an interesting way. Isaac mastered the dual personalities of Marc and Steven. Yet, the show seems to lose its focus early on with confusing Egyptian mythology that’s hard to follow and the very few glimpses we get to actually see the Moon Knight led to a disappointing conclusion. Hopefully, it can find its footing again in Season 2.
10. Werewolf by Night
Unlike everything else on this list, “Werewolf by Night” is, as of now, a standalone story that introduces Marvel’s Man-Thing and Elsa Bloodstone in a less than one-hour television special. Without any ties to the greater MCU, this film celebrates elements of classic monster movies like “Frankenstein” and “Dracula” with its mainly black-and-white narrative, and leniency towards more gore and violence. The performances from the main two leads and the pacing of the film are well done and leave you wanting to see more of these characters. Due to it being a special, the side characters are very underwhelming and not enough time is spent to feel fully invested in the hero’s journey. However, it is a nice change of pace for anyone who is tired of a formulaic Marvel story.
9. Echo
It’s a slow building story that focuses on Maya Lopez, the secondary adversary on Hawkeye. Echo strays away from the MCU formula and leans into a lot of crime thriller elements, which is its strong suit. Maya’s plot to takeover Kingpin’s organization as well as her reconnection with her Native American heritage in her small Oklahoma town adds significant depth to an intriguing character. Unfortunately, the few episodes we received didn’t provide enough time to let her story breathe and grow in scale. Elements of Echo getting powers also gets a little lost in translation at certain points, but overall it’s a well-deserved story to be shared.
8. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
The concept behind “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” has so much meat behind it, a Black man trying to figure out what it means for him to hold the Red and White Shield and all it represents. Yet, the journey to get there was a bit clunky at times and had a really slow start to the finish. The Flag-Smasher villains could have been fleshed out more, and frankly, Bucky Barnes deserved a more compelling story considering he’s one of the few original MCU Phase 1 characters remaining. However, after a couple of average episodes, the story does pick up with the reintroduction of Sharon Carter and the violent turn of John Walker. Plus, Sam and Bucky’s chemistry is off the charts, and ensures an entertaining watch.
7. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Marvel shows always dabble with some light humour, but She-Hulk fully embraces it and is even framed as the main character Jennifer Walters puts it, as a “legal comedy”. Jennifer breaks the fourth wall, openly mocks the Kevin Feige formula, and has no desire to save the world with The Avengers. She-Hulk’s journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance of what she has become, but not without losing who she was before. The cameos are also excellently executed, but not all nine episodes are a hit, and some of the supporting characters fall flat. Overall, the show is so much fun and Tatiana Maslany does a remarkable job of filling the shoes of this quirky character who isn’t always taken seriously due to there being a more popular male counterpart.
6. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
The lead into the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise finale, this holiday special doesn’t break any barriers or introduce any new heroes or villains, but it does provide a lot of laughs. Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff especially get to showcase their comedic chops alongside Kevin Bacon. The holiday special does what Guardians does best, blend heart and humour and also pays homage to some of the most beloved Christmas movies of all-time. The ending is incredibly sweet and it’s sure to be a fan-favourite holiday outing for Marvel fans for years to come.
5. Ms. Marvel
It’s hard not to instantly fall in love with Kamala Khan given the charming performance of Iman Vellani. The MCU’s first Muslim superhero may have broken barriers, but she also told a simple, relatively low stakes story which was a breath of fresh air after so many complex and complicated additions to the MCU cannon. “Ms. Marvel” was an origin story done well that combines superhero fantasy with real life Pakistani history that is often ignored. Kamala’s world is vibrant and colourful, capturing the spirit of a real life teen who must balance family, friends, crushes, societal and cultural pressures all of which connect to her emerging powers. While Kamala will return in “The Marvels” movie, we hope to also see her journey continue with a second season!
4. Loki
Time travel movies and shows can hurt the brain. “Loki” was no exception, but somehow, despite all the confusion, there is still so much to love about our favourite anti-hero’s journey on his unexpected quest to finding his person. The series as a whole is a cinematic high stakes adventure, but, in the end what grounds “Loki” is the developing relationship between the God of Mischief and his variant Sylvie. Although it was released weekly, it’s a show that is much more exciting and understandable when watching all the way through the second time around. It also deserves extra brownie points for being the series that will have the biggest impact on the future of the MCU, launching its expansion into the multiverse.
3. Hawkeye
After so many MCU shows that really made you have to think, “Hawkeye” was a breath of fresh air that was more buddy comedy than anything else. Hailee Steinfeld shines as Kate Bishop and gels perfectly with the OG Avenger. What “Hawkeye” does is not anything new, but instead leans into the formula that Marvel has perfected, while building out a universe of new characters and villains in Echo and Kingpin. It’s a linear story with a satisfying beginning, middle and end, and the best part is that it only feels like the beginning of Kate’s journey as the new Hawkeye. Now our only hope is that we get more Kate and Yelena banter in our lives because that’s the Marvel movie/series we deserve.
2. Agatha All Along
Who knew going down the witches road would be such a blast?! Certainly the best to come out of the MCU Multiverse Saga since WandaVision and Spider-Man: No Way Home. With an incredibly dynamic lead in Agatha, with another stellar performance from Kathryn Hanh, and the perfect group of supporting characters that are each compelling in their own way, Agatha All Along captures the spirit of what a fantastical superhero show should be like, with twists and turns that will be sure to leave ripples for the future of the MCU (looking at you Teen). Every performance is top notch and the storytelling matches it beat by beat. Now let’s just hope we can go down the road again!
1. WandaVision
Wanda and Vision have always been the most underrated Avengers, and after Vision’s death in Infinity War, it seemed as though any opportunity for the characters to have their own standalone movie would never come to surface. Fortunately, “WandaVision” gave us more than a movie, it gave an experience that was unlike anything ever done before. Blending elements from classic sitcoms with classic Marvel action, with an underlying theme of grief and loss, this Marvel series set high standards that are nearly impossible to meet. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany deliver such powerful performances, and Agatha might be one of the best new villains in the MCU. The ending was satisfying, but also heartbreaking, leaving us wanting more Scarlet Witch than ever before.
What has been your favourite MCU Disney+ series so far? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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