Top 15 Live-Action Marvel Shows That Every Fan Should Watch

1-15

Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - August 27th 2025, 22:00 GMT+2

Cropped Luke Cage — 15. Luke Cage (2016)

Harlem has never looked this stylish or sounded this cool. This series takes a bulletproof hero and grounds him in a world of jazz clubs, political intrigue, and villains as magnetic as the hero himself. With its soulful soundtrack and smart social commentary, the show offers more than just superhero fights; it’s a love letter to a community and its culture. The storytelling shines when exploring Luke’s struggle with responsibility and identity, and it doesn’t hurt that the action scenes are satisfying and brutal in all the right ways. Few Marvel shows balance character drama and genre thrills so effortlessly. Plus, the villains – Cottonmouth and Mariah – are as compelling as Luke himself, stealing scenes with layered performances. It’s not just a superhero series; it’s a cultural statement with heart and grit. | © Marvel

Cropped Iron Fist — 14. Iron Fist (2017)

Mystical martial arts, billionaire drama, and a hero with a glowing fist – this series swings for the fences. It follows Danny Rand as he returns to New York after years in the mystical city of K’un-Lun, only to find his family legacy corrupted. While it faced some criticism early on, its second season leans deeper into the martial arts fantasy fans were craving. Beyond the kung fu fights, the show explores themes of destiny, legacy, and finding your place in a complicated world. It connects tightly to the other Netflix Marvel shows, making it a key part of The Defenders saga. Even with its flaws, there’s a unique charm in its mystical-meets-corporate tone. And hey, who doesn’t love a hero whose superpower comes with a side of ancient dragon lore? | © Marvel

Cropped Agent Carter 2015 — 13. Agent Carter (2015)

Long before *WandaVision* and *Loki* shook up the MCU, Peggy Carter proved that spy stories could be just as thrilling as superhero spectacles. Set in the post–World War II era, this series follows Peggy navigating sexism, espionage, and dangerous Hydra plots with wit and style. The period setting is dripping with retro flair, giving it a unique aesthetic that stands out among Marvel shows. Hayley Atwell carries the series with charm and toughness, making Peggy one of the MCU’s most beloved characters. Alongside Howard Stark and Jarvis, the show lays important groundwork for S.H.I.E.L.D.’s origins. It’s an underrated gem that combines mystery, action, and heart in equal measure. If you love Marvel’s cinematic side, this prequel-era adventure is a must-watch. | © Marvel

Cropped The Falcon and the Winter Soldier 2021 — 12. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

Not every superhero story involves aliens and magic – sometimes it’s about who gets to carry a shield. This series explores what it means to inherit a legacy, as Sam Wilson wrestles with the weight of becoming Captain America while Bucky Barnes tries to find his own redemption. With globe-trotting action scenes, political undertones, and a buddy-cop vibe that actually works, it digs deeper into the MCU’s human side. It also tackles timely themes like nationalism and racial identity without losing sight of its action-packed Marvel roots. The banter between Sam and Bucky is sharp, heartfelt, and hilarious, making them one of Marvel’s most entertaining duos. Add in some memorable villains and moral gray areas, and you have a series that’s as thoughtful as it is thrilling. | © Marvel

Cropped Moon Knight 2022 — 11. Moon Knight (2022)

Imagine an Egyptian god, a mercenary with dissociative identity disorder, and some of Marvel’s most surreal visuals all colliding – that’s this delightfully weird show. *Moon Knight* leans into mythology and psychological drama, giving us one of the MCU’s most complex heroes. Oscar Isaac delivers a stunning performance juggling multiple identities, making each persona distinct and memorable. The show’s globe-trotting adventure blends horror, humor, and mysticism in ways Marvel hadn’t explored before. What really sets it apart is its willingness to tackle mental health with care while still delivering jaw-dropping action sequences. It’s a bold, stylish entry that proves Marvel can take risks and tell deeply personal stories within its universe. And Khonshu’s sarcastic god commentary? Pure gold. | © Marvel

Cropped Hawkeye 2021 — 10. Hawkeye (2021)

Sometimes the best superhero stories are about the heroes who don’t have gods or gamma rays backing them up. *Hawkeye* gives Clint Barton his long-overdue spotlight, balancing sharp humor with a heartfelt passing of the torch. It introduces Kate Bishop with charisma to spare, turning this into a mentor-protégé story that feels fresh and fun. The holiday backdrop adds extra charm, and the street-level action makes every arrow count. What really makes the series shine is its focus on Clint’s humanity – his grief, his guilt, and his desire to just make it home for Christmas. Add in some incredible cameos and a standout performance from Hailee Steinfeld, and you’ve got one of Marvel’s most grounded and lovable shows. It’s proof that sometimes the smallest heroes make the biggest impact. | © Marvel

Cropped Agents of S H I E L D 2013 — 9. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013)

Long before Disney+ reshaped Marvel TV, this series was carrying the MCU torch on network television. What started as a procedural about an elite team of agents quickly evolved into a sprawling, time-hopping, universe-spanning saga. Phil Coulson’s return anchored the show with heart, but the ensemble cast grew into fan favorites over its seven-season run. It tackled Inhumans, Hydra, and even trips to space, proving it wasn’t afraid to get wild with Marvel lore. The beauty of *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.* lies in how it balanced massive sci-fi concepts with deeply personal character arcs. It may have started small, but by the end, it felt as epic and ambitious as any Marvel movie. For fans who want to see how far the MCU can stretch, this is essential viewing. | © Marvel

Cropped Jessica Jones 2015 — 8. Jessica Jones (2015)

Forget the spandex – this series brought a noir edge to Marvel with a heroine who drinks whiskey, cracks sarcastic one-liners, and refuses to play by anyone’s rules. *Jessica Jones* dives deep into trauma, agency, and survival while delivering a hard-hitting detective story with superpowers. Krysten Ritter’s performance gives Jessica an authenticity that makes her one of Marvel’s most relatable and complex leads. The first season’s villain, Kilgrave, remains one of the MCU’s most chilling antagonists, and the show never shied away from exploring difficult topics with honesty and grit. Its grounded tone and street-level stakes made it stand out from flashier Marvel projects. For those who prefer their heroes flawed and fiercely human, Jessica is an unforgettable force of nature. | © Marvel

Cropped Agatha All Along 2024 — 7. Agatha All Along (2024)

What happens when Marvel’s breakout witch finally gets her own spellbook? You get a wickedly clever series that leans into magic, mischief, and a deliciously dark sense of humor. Building off her scene-stealing role in *WandaVision*, Agatha’s solo outing promises a deeper dive into the MCU’s magical side. Expect sharp wit, supernatural shenanigans, and a lead performance that oozes charm and menace in equal measure. What makes this series special is its potential to expand Marvel’s mystical lore while giving one of its best side characters room to shine. It’s a love letter to fans who wanted more witchcraft and a good cackle with their Marvel shows. And if the catchy theme song was stuck in your head before, this series is only going to make it worse – in the best way. | © Marvel

Cropped The Punisher 2017 — 6. The Punisher (2017)

Sometimes the MCU’s brightest stars live in its darkest corners, and Frank Castle is proof of that. *The Punisher* is raw, unflinching, and emotionally intense, tackling themes of grief, vengeance, and justice with brutal honesty. Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of Frank is both terrifying and deeply sympathetic, grounding the ultra-violent action in a human story about loss and redemption. The fight sequences are visceral, but the quiet moments – the ones where Frank grapples with his own morality – are what make this series stand out. It’s a show that doesn’t shy away from hard truths while delivering some of Marvel’s most intense storytelling. For those who like their superheroes with a side of grit and gravitas, Frank Castle’s saga is a must-watch. | © Marvel

Cropped Daredevil Born Again 2025 — 5. Daredevil: Born Again (2025)

When a blind lawyer with a penchant for justice puts the mask back on, you know Hell’s Kitchen is in for another unforgettable chapter. *Daredevil: Born Again* continues Matt Murdock’s saga with a fresh but faithful take that ties even more tightly into the MCU. With Charlie Cox back as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin once again making his presence felt, the series delivers the intense hero-villain dynamic fans love. It offers brutal hallway brawls, courtroom drama, and the moral complexities that made the original a standout. What sets this continuation apart is its mix of fan service and bold new storytelling, giving Matt deeper emotional arcs without losing the grit. As a released and fully realized series, it proves that Marvel’s street-level heroes can still hit just as hard emotionally as they do physically. | © Marvel

Cropped Legion 2017 — 4. Legion (2017)

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Marvel met a surrealist painter, this show is the answer. *Legion* is a psychedelic exploration of mental illness, mutant powers, and reality itself, told through some of the most visually inventive storytelling on TV. David Haller’s journey is as much an internal battle as it is an external one, making it unlike any other superhero show. The series plays with timelines, perspectives, and even entire genres from episode to episode, keeping you constantly off balance in the best way. It’s trippy, emotional, and at times deeply unsettling, but always anchored by powerful performances and a surprising amount of heart. For viewers willing to embrace its weirdness, *Legion* offers one of the most unique Marvel experiences ever put to screen. | © Marvel

Cropped Wanda Vision 2021 — 3. WandaVision (2021)

Who knew a superhero sitcom mash-up could deliver one of Marvel’s most emotional stories? *WandaVision* starts with a quirky love letter to classic TV eras and slowly unravels into a powerful exploration of grief and identity. Wanda Maximoff’s journey from domestic bliss to Scarlet Witch destiny is heartfelt, visually inventive, and full of surprises that had fans theorizing weekly. The chemistry between Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany carries the series, but it’s the emotional gut punches that make it unforgettable. It balances comedy, heartbreak, and MCU spectacle with ease, proving Marvel can innovate while still connecting to its larger universe. And yes, “It was Agatha all along” is still stuck in everyone’s head. | © Marvel

Cropped Loki 2021 — 2. Loki (2021)

The God of Mischief finally takes center stage, and the result is a wild, time-bending ride through the multiverse. *Loki* manages to make its titular trickster more complex and sympathetic without losing his mischievous charm. The Time Variance Authority setting lets Marvel dive into sci-fi territory while exploring destiny, free will, and identity. Tom Hiddleston delivers his most nuanced performance as Loki yet, and the introduction of characters like Sylvie and Mobius added depth and heart to the chaos. With its stylish visuals, witty writing, and multiverse-shattering stakes, this series reshaped the MCU’s future. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best heroes are the ones who started out as villains. | © Marvel

Cropped Daredevil 2015 — 1. Daredevil (2015)

Long before Marvel Studios made Disney+ shows, *Daredevil* set the bar for superhero television. Its grounded tone, brutal fight choreography, and complex character arcs turned Matt Murdock into a household name outside comic circles. The series doesn’t just deliver thrilling action; it dives deep into morality, justice, and the cost of vigilantism. Charlie Cox’s Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin give some of the most compelling hero-villain performances ever seen in live-action comic adaptations. Each season layered new challenges for Matt while fleshing out a cast of characters you truly care about. It proved that superhero TV could be prestige-level storytelling with real emotional weight. For many fans, this remains the gold standard of Marvel shows – and for good reason. | © Marvel

1-15

From gritty street-level vigilantes to cosmic heroes and multiverse-bending sorcerers, Marvel has built an impressive lineup of live-action TV shows that rival even its blockbuster films. Over the past decade (and beyond), Marvel Studios and Marvel Television have delivered series that dive deeper into character backstories, explore new corners of the MCU, and bring iconic comic book moments to life.

Whether you’re craving the raw intensity of Netflix’s Daredevil and Jessica Jones, the heartfelt coming-of-age story of Ms. Marvel, or the high-stakes intrigue of Loki and WandaVision, there’s a Marvel show for every kind of fan. These series aren’t just side quests – they expand the Marvel Universe in meaningful ways, often connecting directly to the films and adding emotional depth to beloved heroes.

In this list, we’re breaking down the top 15 live-action Marvel shows worth binge-watching. From the early days of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to the latest Disney+ hits, here’s your ultimate guide to the Marvel TV shows you can’t miss.