Marvel Studios has received a huge amount of criticism in recent years, but these movies and TV shows prove that theMarvel Cinematic Universedid not die after 2019’sAvengers: Endgame. The Russo brothers’Avengers: Endgameis widely regarded to be the pinnacle of the MCU. It became not only the franchise’s highest-grossing movie, but the highest-grossing movie of all time beforeAvatar’s2021 re-release.Avengers: Endgame’simmense success made it hard for the MCU to maintain this high standard, but audiences might also have been too harsh on Marvel Studios.
Some would argue thatAvengers: Endgamedestroyed the MCUby achieving such a high level of success, but this critical statement is small-minded, unnecessary and simply not true. While there was a clear drop in quality in some projects due to Marvel Studios' expansion into producinglong-form MCU TV shows for Disney+alongside its feature films,there are many projects in the Multiverse Saga that are just as good as, or even better than projects beforeEndgame. These ten movies and TV shows are just a few, proving the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not dead.
10WandaVision
WandaVision Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 4 In 2021
WandaVisionwas the first MCU project that was released afterAvengers: Endgameand delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the series set an incredibly high bar for the Multiverse Saga.Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany finally became main characters as Wanda Maximoff and Vision inWandaVision, and the series also saw Marvel branch out into new genres, cinematic styles, storytelling techniques and character developments.WandaVisionquickly became one of the MCU’s most popularinstallments, thanks in part to the work of creator Jac Schaeffer and director Matt Shakman.
Schaeffer and Shakman have both since returned to Marvel Studios, proving the work they did inWandaVisionhas been valued. The Phase 4 series also marked huge progressions for the Scarlet Witch and Vision, whileformidable new characters also joined the MCU, including Agatha Harkness, Billy and Tommy Maximoff, and Monica Rambeau, all of whom developed the entire trajectory of the MCU brilliantly.WandaVisionwill always stand out as one of the MCU’s most beloved projects - a jewel in the crown of the MCU’s Phase 4.
9Loki
Loki Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 4 In 2021
Similarly to Wanda Maximoff and Vision, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki had never been a main character before, but 2021’sLokiseason 1 and 2023’s second season put him front-and-center.This version of Loki escaped from the Avengers in 2012 duringEndgame’sTime Heist, so could have easily continued his mission for his"Glorious Purpose.“Instead, this new Loki went on to become one of the MCU’s most powerful characters yet and perhaps one of its most significant heroes, as he transformed into the protector of the entire multiverse, provingLoki’simportance in the MCU.
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Lokibegan to establishKang the Conqueror’s storyline in the Multiverse Saga, and while that might now be meaningless, it still madeLokia crucial part of the MCU. This was the first project to really explore the concept of the multiverse head-on, and, given its importance,it was great to seeLoki’sstoryline handled so faithfully and powerfully. The series was a huge success for both the MCU’s Phases 4 and 5, and it will lead directly intoAvengers: DoomsdayandSecret Wars, so it’s just another remarkable success story for Marvel Studios.
8Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings
Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 4 In 2021
It’s hard to believe thatSimu Liu’s Shang-Chi hasn’t appeared in the MCUsince his debut in 2021’s eponymousShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as his introduction was one of the most celebrated aspects of Phase 4.Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsmarked Destin Daniel Cretton’s exhilarating directorial debut in the MCU, though the movie’s $432.2 million box office earnings might not reflect that, while its 98% audience score onRotten Tomatoescertainly does. There’s little to complain about when consideringShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
The Phase 4 movie established a brand-new corner of the MCU while connecting to stories and characters from the MCU’s entire history, dating all the way back to 2008’sIron Man, which first introduced the Ten Rings.Shang-Chi is one of the most charismatic, skilled and powerful new heroes, and his debut proved that.Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdelivered laughs, action, representation and tenderness in spades, and Marvel loved Cretton’s work so much, thedirector is returning to leadSpider-Man: Brand New Day, so this is certainly a high point for the MCU.
7Moon Knight
Moon Knight Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 4 In 2022
Oscar Isaac has been one of the most exciting additions to the MCU in recent years. He has a huge amount of talent and is a very notable name, soit was brilliant to see him debut as Marc Spector, Steven Grant and Jake Lockley, the alters of Spector’s Moon Knight.Moon Knightwas a thrilling ride from beginning to end, showcasing one of the MCU’s most powerful new antiheroes, and perhaps setting up a possible Midnight Sons adaptation, which is highly anticipated among die-hard fans of Marvel Comics and Marvel’s supernatural characters.
Moon Knighthas been the subject of much discussion concerning which MCU TV shows should get second seasons, alongside the likes ofMs. Marvel, HawkeyeandShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law.Moon Knight’sstory deserves to be continued, especially since the series explored previously-unseen corners of the MCU’s pantheon. Moon Knight is one of the most popular supernatural and street-level heroes in Marvel Comics, so it would be fantastic to see him get developed in more detail in the MCU, andMoon Knight’spopularity means this is possibly quite likely.
6Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 4 In 2022
2022’sMs. Marvelseries might have had a number of its own flaws, but Iman Vellani’s inclusion in the Jersey City-set series makesMs. Marvela shining light in the MCU’s Phase 4.Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan is one of the most joyous and entertaining new characters introduced to the MCU in recent years, especially afterKamala unlocked her mutant and ClanDestine abilitiesby donning her Quantum Band.Ms. Marvelcertainly had problems with its narrative, its villains and its pacing, but there is also a lot to love about the Phase 4 series.
Kamala Khan was an Inhuman in Marvel Comics, but she was transformed into a mutant in the MCU. She was introduced as the first official on-screen mutant in the MCU’s main continuity of Earth-616.
The representation of Pakistani culture and Kamala Khan’s own family dynamic was beautiful to watch, while Kamala coming to terms with her newfound abilities while also struggling with being a regular teenager was relatable and convincing.Iman Vellani’s joy and emotional dedication at every moment translated into 2023’sThe Marvels, and will likely be captured in every future MCU project she appears in.Ms. Marvelmight not have been perfect, but the series was certainly still a fun debut for Kamala Khan, so it still acts as proof that the MCU isn’t dead.
5Werewolf By Night
Werewolf By Night Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 4 In 2022
Werewolf by Nightwas a huge experiment for Marvel Studios, but it certainly paid off. This was theMCU’s first Special Presentation, and the first Marvel project to be directed by composer Michael Giacchino. Released initially in black and white, with only hints of color to highlight the Bloodstone and the ending moment shared between Jack Russell and Man-Thing,Werewolf by Nightwas a stylistic phenomenon for the MCU. It’s a shame that Marvel Studios hasn’t capitalized on the Special Presentation format followingWerewolf by Night, since it was such a success story.
Reinaldo Marcus Green
Some have criticized Marvel’s recent experimentation and disconnection between projects in the Multiverse Saga, andWerewolf by Nightmay have contributed to this.The exploration of Jack Russell and some of Marvel Comics' weirdest and most monstrous characters in a seemingly standalone story was a risk for the MCU. However, it’s this experimentation that makes storytelling in the MCU so exciting, as we never know what’s on the horizon next.Werewolf by Nightis remarkably strongand something completely fresh for the MCU. It’d be great to see more of this.
4Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 5 In 2023
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3was a long time coming, but it was the perfect ending toJames Gunn’sGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy.Vol. 3released during a troubled time for the MCU, but was just another project that acted as proof the MCU hasn’t died at all, and is, in fact, still going strong, as long as creatives put in the effort.James Gunn has always been dedicated to theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise, andVol. 3was testament to that, despite it being his last hurrah before departing to lead DC Studios.
Wrapping up the story of the MCU’s premiere cosmic team after their adventures in two feature films, twoAvengersmovies and a Special Presentation,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3struck the perfect balance of heart, action, comedy and intensity.It’s unclear what the future holds for the Guardians of the Galaxy, but, if it’s going to be the end,Vol. 3was the perfect way to conclude their story.Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3almost hit the $900 million mark a the box office, making it an immense success in Phase 5, which was laced with disappointing installments.
3Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool & Wolverine Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 5 In 2024
One MCU movie that didn’t have a problem far surpassing the billion-dollar mark at thebox office was 2024’sDeadpool & Wolverine, which bridged the gap between the MCU and 20th Century Fox’sX-Menfranchise.Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s debut in the MCU proper was seriously impressive, packing in laughs, drama and high-intensity action sequencesall with an emotional and heartfelt backbone. It was incredible to finally bring some iconic X-Men characters into the MCU, and some cameo appearances from other heroes we haven’t seen in years.
Deadpool & Wolverinequickly became the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history, which is more than enough proof that the MCU hasn’t died. With moreX-Men-related characters and other mutantsexpected to debut very soon, it only makes sense thatthe success ofDeadpool & Wolverinewill extend into upcoming stories after the Multiverse Saga, revitalizing the MCU.Deadpool & Wolverineis emblematic of where the MCU is headed, which is an incredibly exciting prospect, especially with the introduction of Ryan Reynolds' Merc-with-a-Mouth into the MCU.
2Agatha All Along
Agatha All Along Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 5 In 2024
Following on from the success of Phase 4’sWandaVision, 2024’sAgatha All Alongmarked Jac Schaeffer’s return to the MCU to better exploreKathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harknessand expand this witchy corner of the MCU.Agatha All Alongwas an entertaining, representative, celebratory and dramatic storyline from beginning to end, putting an almost-all-female-led cast in the spotlight while introducing some of the MCU’s most powerful characters. This includes the likes of Aubrey Plaza’s Death and Joe Locke’s Wiccan, who could have key roles in the MCU going forward.
Agatha All Alongwas the first spinoff from 2021’sWandaVision, while 2026’s upcomingVisionshow is expected to continue the story of the Phase 4 series by bringing Paul Bettany’s White Vision back to the MCU.
Agatha All AlongcontinuedWandaVision’sthemesbeautifully, especially with Billy Maximoff’s creation of the Witches' Road and exploring the Scarlet Witch’s death inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.Kathryn Hahn’s magnetism and the charisma and performances of her supporting cast helped makeAgatha All Alongone of the MCU’s most popular installments very quickly. Released shortly afterDeadpool & Wolverine,Agatha All Alongcontinued the MCU’s successful streak that now doesn’t show any sign of slowing down.
1Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again Premiered As Part Of The MCU’s Phase 5 In 2025
Despite its problems in production, including a massive creative overhaul that occurred in late 2023,Daredevil: Born Againstill managed to become one of the MCU’s most popular and talked-about projects.Born Againcontinued the story of Netflix’s originalDaredevilstoryline and the recently canonized Defenders Saga perfectly, and perhaps capitalized on the success of the Defenders Saga. It was fantastic to see actors such as Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, Ayelet Zurer and more return, establishing clear continuity and highlighting the series' strong history.
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Daredevil: Born Again’sstreet-level narrative will surely be game-changing for the MCU. Wilson Fisk became Mayor of New York City and outlawed vigilantism, which will no doubt impact a great many heroes in the MCU. WithDaredevil: Born Againseason 2 currently filming, and the possibility of the Man Without Fear crossing over into some more street-level projects, this is the beginning of a massive new chapter for theMarvel Cinematic Universe. This has us very excited for Marvel Studios' future, soAvengers: Endgamecertainly did not kill the franchise whatsoever.
