For many years marvel has been a leading source of comic books and superhero narratives. They have created numerous adaptations and advancements of their iconic characters. While cinematic successes are often highlighted Marvel has also significantly impacted television. Their TV projects range from unique live-action and animated shows of the 1960s and 70s to recent universe-expanding parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With a rich history of Marvel series selecting the absolute best is challenging. Many well-regarded shows could not be included. The top Marvel shows stand out due to their inherent appeal ability to be watched again and again and skill in transforming characters and stories to suit the episodic format. Each series is a key part of Marvel's television history and has contributed to the studio's current standing.
10. What If...? (2021 - 2024): Exploring the Multiverse of Marvel Possibilities
What If...? is an animated series within the modern Marvel Cinematic Universe. It uses the concept of the multiverse to explore infinite story possibilities with Marvel characters. Each episode in this anthology series examines a different alternate reality. These realities often stem from a simple change that leads to significant consequences. From character swaps to dystopian worlds where villains triumphed each universe is observed by the mysterious Watcher.
What If...? is more than just references to the MCU and Marvel history. It demonstrates appreciation for the established universe and characters. While strong as standalone stories the series also develops a larger multiversal narrative as it progresses.
9. The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2010 - 2012): Animation Showcasing Team Dynamics
The avengers are known for blockbuster films but animated series explorations are less common. The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is a notable exception. This series focuses on the classic superhero team including Hulk Hawkeye Thor and Ant-Man. They confront various well-known villains after a large-scale breakout from a S.H.I.E.L.D. prison.
Earth's Mightiest Heroes draws from classic superhero team shows to provide The Avengers with proper animated representation. Each team member is handled with care and respect. Their interactions display a team dynamic closer to the comics than the MCU films. Villain storylines receive considerable depth resulting in strong interpretations of these characters' narratives.
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is a 2D-animated series based on the Marvel Comics team. It features Iron Man Thor Hulk Captain America Wasp Hawkeye and other heroes in comic-inspired storylines. Despite its popularity it was replaced by Avengers Assemble after only two years from 2010 to 2012.
8. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013 - 2020): Expanding the MCU on Television
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was the initial MCU television companion series. It showed the operations of S.H.I.E.L.D. during and between MCU movie events. Clark Gregg returns as Agent Phil Coulson leading the agency against threats like aliens and Hydra. They even deal with time travel.
Unlike current directly connected MCU series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s focused scope and universe expansion gave it a unique appeal. The series also connected to MCU movie events such as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s fall in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and the monster attack in Thor: The Dark World.
7. Ms. Marvel (2022): A Fresh and Energetic Hero Introduction
Ms. Marvel is among the first modern MCU series centered on a new character not previously featured in movies . Its charm and energy have made it a favorite within the post-Endgame MCU. The series follows Kamala Khan played by Iman Vellani a 16-year-old Avengers fan who struggles to fit in. Her life changes when she gains superpowers and decides to become a hero like her idols.
Ms. Marvel exhibits clear passion and joy throughout. This is evident in Vellani's performance and the creative visuals. Free from prior story constraints Ms. Marvel develops its own coming-of-age story and stands out as an individual work.
6. The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008-2009): A Beloved Animated Web-Slinger
Spider-Man has been adapted into animated series more than any other Marvel hero. The Spectacular Spider-Man is arguably the best. The series depicts a teenage Peter Parker struggling to balance school with his responsibilities as Spider-Man in New York City.
Despite lasting only two seasons The Spectacular Spider-Man is still considered a top animated comic adaptation. It blends elements from the comics the Sam Raimi movies and other Spider-Man stories to create a definitive teenage Spider-Man narrative. Even after 15 years fans hope for its revival especially due to its cliffhanger ending.
5. Loki (2021 - 2023): Multiversal Adventures of a Fan-Favorite Villain
Loki has been a popular and complex MCU villain often considered a standout character in the franchise. The Loki series demonstrates why Tom Hiddleston's portrayal became iconic. It uses his charisma and wit in a multiversal story. The series shows Loki working with the TVA an organization that maintains multiverse order and stops timeline threats.
While multiversal concepts in the MCU can be confusing Loki presents a clear and engaging narrative. Its story fits well within its two seasons. The show's blend of classic characters with a nihilistic yet empowering multiverse approach makes it a top MCU series of the 2020s.
4. Jessica Jones (2015 - 2019): A Mature and Emotionally Driven Narrative
The Marvel-Netflix collaborations allowed for tackling mature themes in television format. This is a major reason why Jessica Jones a neo-noir psychological thriller is unique in Marvel's offerings. It is one of their most emotionally engaging series. The show functions effectively as both a Marvel adaptation and a compelling television drama .
The series follows Jessica Jones played by Krysten Ritter a former superhero who became a private investigator after an incident caused by Kilgrave played by David Tennant. Kilgrave's return forces her back into the superhero world to confront him again.
3. WandaVision (2021): A Groundbreaking Blend of Sitcom and MCU Drama
WandaVision was the MCU's first significant miniseries aiming for movie-level production quality. It quickly established the MCU's potential in episodic storytelling. The series features Wanda Maximoff played by Elizabeth Olsen and Vision played by Paul Bettany in a sitcom-inspired suburban life in Westview New Jersey. However their seemingly perfect world reveals cracks as Wanda struggles with Vision's loss from Avengers: Infinity War.
Unlike some MCU miniseries WandaVision is designed for the episodic format. It uses episode-by-episode mysteries evolving sitcom styles and respects television as a medium. While not flawless it is a high point for MCU television and solidified Scarlet Witch as a key MCU character.
2. X-Men: The Animated Series (1992 - 1997): Defining the Mutant Team for a Generation
While the X-Men franchise remains popular X-Men: The Animated Series is still a definitive adaptation for many. The series follows a team of mutants fighting villainous mutants and humans who threaten mutant-kind. It stays true to the comics' core values and became a defining action cartoon of the 1990s.
X-Men: The Animated Series understands that the mutant team is more than superheroes with powers. It is a way to explore social issues. This series updated the social aspects for the 1990s addressing topics like religion divorce and AIDS concerns. Its powerful messaging remains relevant making it a long-standing fan favorite.
1. Daredevil (2015 - 2018): A Dark and Gritty Crime Drama Success
Considering the poorly received 2003 Daredevil movie the success of the darker Daredevil television series is surprising. Daredevil excels in nearly all aspects of an action crime-drama. The series follows Matt Murdock played by Charlie Cox a blind lawyer who becomes a vigilante at night. His actions uncover a criminal conspiracy led by Wilson Fisk played by Vincent D'Onofrio.
Daredevil successfully develops the character in a mature setting. It features intense action topical legal drama and political elements. The show embraces the character's darker side earning its TV-MA rating with its heavy look at crime. Even after its conclusion Daredevil remains a major Marvel critical success. It is being integrated into the main MCU with the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again series.
Marvel Studios has created many MCU shows but few have matched the level of quality seen in some of the best series. The MCU's television projects have provided opportunities to highlight characters and stories that might not have been fully explored in films. While some shows have faced criticism for pacing or format others have demonstrated the ability to craft compelling narratives specifically for television.
WandaVision stands out for its unique approach blending sitcom homages with deep character study and mystery. Its rewatchability and emotional impact are notable. The performances of Elizabeth Olsen Paul Bettany and Kathryn Hahn were widely praised. WandaVision's success lies in its ability to function as a television show using episodic structure to enhance its narrative rather than simply being a multi-part movie.
While Marvel Rivals and related mods are mentioned in some contexts they are separate from the core discussion of best Marvel television series. The focus remains on the ranked shows and their contributions to Marvel's television legacy.
In conclusion Marvel's television history is rich with diverse and impactful series. From animated classics to modern MCU shows Marvel has consistently delivered engaging content. As the MCU continues to expand its television universe the standard set by series like WandaVision and Daredevil provides a benchmark for future projects.