The Ultimate List of Marvel TV Shows That Will Blow Your Mind!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced TV series in 2021, but there were already Marvel Comics-based shows that most people haven't seen. The popularity of Marvel TV shows soared with the release of WandaVision, the first in a line of Disney+ originals that are essential for understanding the current state of the universe. Marvel has a wide range of shows beyond the Disney+ originals, including those on other streaming platforms and network TV.

With an extensive comic book history featuring hundreds of characters, storylines, and universes, Marvel has abundant source material for creating shows. Due to the overwhelming amount of programming available, many high-quality series have gone unnoticed by the public. Some got overshadowed by more popular releases, while others didn't achieve high ratings upon their premiere and were canceled after a few seasons. Despite these challenges, these shows still managed to convey engaging narratives with mature themes and well-crafted characters. Regardless of the reasons for their lack of recognition, there are several Marvel TV shows that people should watch.

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10 The Gifted (2017-19)

Premiering on Fox in 2017, The Gifted follows the Strucker family. Reed and Caitlin, the parents, lead ordinary lives until they uncover the startling truth that their teenage children, Lauren and Andy, possess mutant abilities. When Lauren and Andy's powers wreak havoc at their high school, Reed and Caitlin must flee in order to protect their family from a dangerous and relentless government. As they embark on a desperate journey, the Strucker family crosses paths with a clandestine group of mutants who have been forced into a life of secrecy and violence. Sadly, Fox decided to cancel The Gifted after its second season in 2019.

The Gifted stands out for its impressive visual effects, the introduction of the mutant Eclipse exclusively for the series, and its inclusion of fan-favorite X-Men characters such as Polaris and Thunderbird. While the first season received positive feedback, the second season faced dwindling ratings, ultimately leading to its cancellation. The Gifted exists within its own self-contained universe and Disney intends to reboot the X-Men franchise in order to integrate it into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with Deadpool 3 set to be the first MCU film focusing on the X-Men. Although The Gifted's story is likely to go unnoticed within the main timeline, it is still worth exploring.

9 Avengers Assemble (2013-19)

Avengers Assemble made its debut on Disney XD and aired for five seasons. The storyline revolves around Falcon, the newest addition to the Avengers, as he collaborates with the renowned superhero squad to thwart significant threats, such as Red Skull and Thanos. This series stands out with its exhilarating action sequences and unique approaches to addressing major plotlines already portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Notably, Avengers Assemble takes a bold departure by defeating Thanos in season 2, whereas the MCU portrays him as the ultimate menace throughout the first three phases. While the animated children's cartoon remains somewhat underrated compared to the dominant presence of the MCU, it still offers an enjoyable viewing experience.

8 Guardians of the Galaxy (2015-19)

7 Runaways (2017-19)

Similarly to Avengers Assemble, Guardians of the Galaxy was an animated series on Disney XD that presented a unique interpretation of the dysfunctional team of space warriors, distinct from what was shown in the MCU. Some notable elements include the introduction of the major antagonist, the High Evolutionary, the more antagonistic portrayals of Nebula and Mantis, and a crossover with the animated series Spider-Man, featuring a cameo by Stan Lee. Like Avengers Assemble, this series faces the challenge of competing with the overwhelming popularity of the MCU's version of the Guardians. However, for those seeking captivating visuals and compelling voice acting, this show is a compelling choice.

Runaways, a Hulu original series, aired for three seasons. It follows the thrilling journey of six rebellious teenagers who discover their parents' involvement in criminal activities and decide to run away. One of the standout aspects of the show is its diverse ensemble of characters, each possessing unique and fascinating abilities. For example, Gertrude Yorkes shares a telepathic connection with her genetically engineered dinosaur companion, Old Lace, while Nico Minoru practices witchcraft. While Runaways is connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and fits seamlessly into its larger narrative, none of its characters have made appearances in other MCU projects, which may explain why the show has not received widespread recognition.

6 Moon Knight (2022)

Moon Knight is an original series on Disney+ within the MCU. It follows the journey of Marc Spector, Steven Grant, and Jake Lockley, who are alters of a man with dissociative identity disorder. They all struggle with their role as the embodiment of the Egyptian god Khonshu. The story commences with Steven, unaware of his alter status, experiencing supernatural disturbances in London. Over the course of six episodes, Moon Knight confronts the truth about his alters and their intertwined past.

The series has garnered praise for its sensitive portrayal of dissociative identity disorder and its exploration of the lasting effects of grief, abuse, and trauma. It also expands the MCU mythology by incorporating Egyptian gods and showcases exceptional performances, particularly from the talented Oscar Isaac. While Moon Knight's storyline is more self-contained compared to other Disney+ originals, and its darker tones may not have resonated as strongly with audiences strictly following the main MCU narrative, the series still deserves the recognition it has received. It is expected that the Moon Knight character will make a return to the MCU in the future.

5 The Punisher (2017-19)

The Punisher, a Marvel Netflix original, is a spinoff of Daredevil. It follows the story of Frank Castle, a vigilante filled with rage, who seeks to punish criminals in New York City. His merciless mindset dictates that punishment equals death. In Daredevil season 2, Frank's brutal methods strike fear into the hearts of Hell's Kitchen residents. The Punisher's own series delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding his family's demise. Regrettably, the show was canceled after two seasons.

Jon Bernthal, the actor portraying Frank, expertly captures the character's anger and violence, making him a standout in the series. Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ben Barnes also deliver exceptional performances as Micro and Jigsaw respectively. However, The Punisher has faced criticism for lacking a compelling protagonist compared to other Marvel shows and for its violence not translating well outside the realm of comic books. Nonetheless, the series offers intriguing insights into the treatment of military veterans, coping with grief, and grappling with a code of morality.

4 Daredevil (2015-18)

Daredevil, Marvel's first Netflix original series, introduced viewers to a new version of the masked vigilante Matt Murdock. By day, Matt is a lawyer, but by night, he fights crime with heightened non-visual senses acquired through a childhood accident involving chemicals. Despite not being a Disney+ original, the show, which ran for three seasons, is considered part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Matt made a memorable appearance as Peter Parker's attorney in Spider-Man: No Way Home and will also star in the upcoming Disney+ original, Daredevil: Born Again.

One of Daredevil's notable strengths lies in its well-developed characters, particularly Matt's close friends Foggy and Karen. The series also distinguishes itself by being darker and more violent compared to the usual PG-13 tone of MCU theatrical releases. Despite garnering more attention than other non-Disney+ titles, Daredevil's own storyline doesn't receive enough recognition. Many audiences only became acquainted with Matt's character after his cameo in No Way Home. Though the show references the larger MCU, its narratives largely remain contained within Hell's Kitchen. With Matt now playing a central role among the latest MCU heroes, it is time for more people to revisit his original series.

3 Black Panther (2010)

Eight years prior to the rise of Black Panther on the big screen in the MCU, a captivating six-episode miniseries revolving around the character aired on BET. Similar to the MCU, the Black Panther motion comic centers on T'Challa confronting the grief of his father's demise and embracing his role as the Black Panther. However, it diverges as T'Challa finds himself pitted against his father's killer, Klaw, and the nefarious gang he has assembled, rather than engaging in a battle for the Wakandan throne with his cousin Killmonger. Despite being overshadowed by the MCU's popularity and the targeted Black audience on BET, this series is often overlooked. Nonetheless, it boasts distinct animation and explores thought-provoking mature themes.

2 Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023-present)

Scheduled for release in 2023, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is an exciting, vibrant animated series presented by Disney Channel. The show revolves around the adventures of Lunella Lafayette, a young and intelligent crime-fighting prodigy, and her trusted companion, Devil Dinosaur, a prehistoric creature. A mishap causes Lunella to accidentally summon a Tyrannosaurus Rex from another dimension through a portal, but she quickly discovers a means to communicate with the colossal creature. Together with her friend Casey Calderon, Lunella becomes the hero of her local community, combatting small-time criminals in the bustling metropolis of New York City. The first season of the series has been met with enthusiastic acclaim, leading to the green light for a second season set to premiere in 2024.

Moon Girl's striking color palette, memorable character designs, and abundant cultural nods to the Black American experience set it apart. Lunella, the protagonist, exudes a compelling mix of confidence and playfulness similar to Riri Williams, with the geeky charm of Peter Parker and the technological brilliance of Tony Stark. As a Disney Channel original, the show targets a specific audience, particularly Black children, making it a relatively niche offering within the Marvel fandom, potentially contributing to its lower visibility. Lunella's story may feel somewhat detached from the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it should not be dismissed as a mere cartoon, as it delivers a captivating narrative accompanied by visually stunning imagery.

1 Cloak & Dagger (2018-19)

In 2018, Freeform premiered Cloak & Dagger, a series that revolved around two teenagers residing in New Orleans. Both individuals, Tyrone Johnson and Tandy Bowen, experienced a shared tragedy, resulting in them acquiring extraordinary abilities related to light and darkness. Despite their contrasting backgrounds - Tyrone being a privileged student from a wealthy family and Tandy residing in poverty and resorting to minor criminal activities - they discovered an inexplicable bond that significantly enhances their powers whenever they are in each other's presence. Unfortunately, the show was discontinued after just two seasons.

Cloak & Dagger excels in its thoughtful exploration of race, gender, and class, successfully immersing itself in the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans by intertwining Tyrone and Tandy's extraordinary abilities with Louisiana Voodoo and captivating local legends. Additionally, the undeniable chemistry between the show's two leads adds further depth to its appeal. Despite garnering attention upon its initial release, the series unfortunately went unnoticed following its abrupt cancellation. This may be attributed to its unfortunate timing amidst the highly anticipated MCU Phase 3, as viewers may have prioritized watching Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame instead, particularly due to the series' lack of immediate connections to the overarching storyline.