10 Near-Perfect Marvel Shows No One Ever Talks About

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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ (2013 - 2020) (1)

Published May 21, 2026, 1:18 PM EDT

Jessica is a young writer from Brisbane, Australia. An avid consumer and lover of all things Film and TV, you will never tear her away from a screen. A tendency rooted from childhood, she once had dreams of becoming a member of the famed kids-band 'Hi-5'. Perhaps that's what pushed her to secure an education with a theater background. But now, as dreams evolved, her passions have turned to admiring performances from afar. Frankly, she's just grateful that she can put her binging skills to good use. Outside of work, Jessica recently completed her undergraduate double degree in Arts/Communications. Other than that, she spends most of her free time with family and friends, probably never forgetting to talk about the new movie or show she watched the day prior.

Over the years, Marvel television has slowly crept away from the shadows of its movies. Arguably due to the creation of Disney+, many of these stories have garnered traction for their ambition, creativity, and emotional layers. Sadly, not everything can be WandaVision or Loki, meaning not every show receives the praise and glory they so often deserve.

Indeed, some Marvel shows slip through the cracks. For some, it's because they arrived too early. Others potentially felt too weird or were simply overshadowed by other famous tales. Either way, there are numerous programs that showcase some of the studios' best — whether that be their writing, performances, or production qualities — and aren't celebrated to the degree that they should. Sure, they aren't completely flawless (note the rushed third acts or undeveloped subplots), but that's also part of what makes them interesting.

1 'The Punisher' (2017–2019)

The Punisher in a dark hallway looking at the camera.

Spinning off of Netflix's Daredevil, audiences were introduced to Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) — a former Marine turned vigilante who wages a brutal one-man war against the criminal underworld after the murder of his family. Across its two seasons, Frank uncovers government conspiracies, forms uneasy alliances, and struggles to reconcile his thirst for violence with the fragments of humanity he still has left.

Marvel has a knack for creating incredibly compelling side characters, and none made more of an impact on television than Frank Castle. A tragically complex "villain," The Punisher takes its time to unravel the man behind the brute, with Bernthal often giving the vigilante a level of vulnerability that the character doesn't always get in its adaptations. The action is raw, dark, and deeply physical, and yet it's the quieter, more introspective moments that give the show its weight. Season 1 is especially strong, perfectly balancing its thriller elements with the heartache of its character drama. Season 2, sadly, loses some momentum with its slightly less cohesive storytelling. Nevertheless, The Punisher remains one of Marvel's most emotionally bruising and surprisingly thoughtful shows that we hope carries into the new Punisher special, One Last Kill.

2 'Werewolf by Night' (2022)

Gael Garcia Bernal as Jack Russell/Werewolf by Night.

After the death of their leader, a secret gathering of monster hunters competes for the possession of a powerful relic known as the Bloodstone. Among them is Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal), who is hiding a monstrous secret of his own while trying to protect the mysterious creature Man-Thing from becoming prey in the upcoming hunt.

Yes, this may be a television special, but Werewolf by Night deserves all its flowers for feeling unlike almost anything else Marvel has ever produced. Blending gothic horror with classic monster movie aesthetics, the special embraces atmosphere, practical effects, and pulpy energy, stepping away from the studio's reliance on CGI spectacle. Bernal's gentle performance gives the story unexpected warmth beneath all the bloodshed. The only thing stopping it from feeling truly perfect is its runtime, with its single hour ending the story almost as soon as it fully settles into its world. Still, as a stylish experiment that proves the MCU can thrive outside its usual formula, it's kind of incredible.

3 'Hawkeye' (2021)

Hailee Steinfeld and Jeremy Renner draw their arrows in a scene from Hawkeye Season 1.

Set during the Christmas season in New York City, Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) reluctantly teams up with enthusiastic young archer Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) after she gets caught in the cross-hairs of his violent Ronin past. But what begins as a mission to clean up loose ends quickly spirals into a larger conflict that forces them to confront a criminal conspiracy and a litany of dangerous enemies the famous archer once knew.

Finally giving the underrated OG Avenger a moment in the spotlight, Hawkeye works because of the chemistry between Renner and Steinfeld, whose mentor-student dynamic gives the show a sweet, grounded charm. Kate's overeager hero worship bouncing off of Clint's exhausted cynicism creates genuinely fun energy, especially when balanced by the heartbreaking scenes highlighting Clint's vulnerabilities and the devastating cost of heroism. Its biggest flaw, however, is how its larger villains — particularly Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio) — feel underdeveloped given how much buildup surrounds them. Still, Hawkeye succeeds where many MCU shows struggle as it actually feels personal, intimate, and emotionally sincere without losing the fun and action.

Collider Exclusive · Marvel Personality Quiz Which MCU Hero Are You? Spider-Man · Daredevil · Iron Man · Punisher · Thor · Cap

Six heroes. One destiny. Answer 10 questions to discover which Marvel Cinematic Universe hero shares your personality, values, and fighting spirit. Will you swing, fly, or thunder your way to glory?

🕷️Spider-Man

😈Daredevil

🤖Iron Man

💀Punisher

⚡Thor

🛡️Cap

FIND YOUR HERO →

What drives you to do what's right? Choose the answer that feels most like you.

AWith great power comes great responsibility — I protect those who can't protect themselves. BMy faith and my conscience — I believe justice must be served, even in the dark. CLegacy and ego, honestly — but I've learned that others depend on me now. DThe system failed. Someone has to make sure the guilty actually pay. EDuty to the innocent and honour to my name — I was born to protect realms. FThe values I was raised with — freedom, decency, and never backing down from a bully.

NEXT QUESTION →

It's 2 AM. Where are you? Your answer says more about you than you'd think.

ASwinging between skyscrapers, keeping an eye on the neighbourhood. BRunning rooftops in Hell's Kitchen, listening for trouble. CIn my lab, upgrading my suit with a cold cup of coffee nearby. DStaking out a target I've been tracking for three weeks. ESomewhere between the stars, or at a feast that got out of hand. FOn a morning run — I was up at 4, actually. Couldn't sleep.

NEXT QUESTION →

How do you handle a villain who keeps escaping justice? Every hero has a method. What's yours?

AWeb them up and leave them for the police — again. BBuild an airtight case and dismantle their entire operation from the inside. CDeploy a containment system I designed specifically for them. Tech wins. DMake sure they don't escape a third time. Permanently. EChallenge them to single combat. Honour demands a decisive end. FRally allies, adapt the plan, and bring them in — by the book, even if it's hard.

NEXT QUESTION →

How do you feel about keeping a secret identity? The mask — or the lack of one — says everything.

AEssential — my loved ones would be in danger if anyone found out who I am. BCritical — the mask protects my mission as much as my face. COverrated — I announced myself to the world and I'd do it again. DI'm a ghost. The less people know about me, the better. EMy name is known across the Nine Realms. There's no hiding it. FI don't hide — but I understand why some need to. Transparency builds trust.

NEXT QUESTION →

You've lost someone important because of your heroism. How do you carry that? Every hero pays a price. The question is how they pay it.

AWith guilt that never fully goes away — it pushes me to do better, every single day. BI channel it into purpose — their memory is the reason I keep fighting. CI buried myself in work for years. I'm only recently learning to face it. DIt transformed me completely. I'm not the same person I was before. EWith warrior's grief — I honour them by fighting with everything I have. FI keep moving forward. Stopping means letting the loss win.

NEXT QUESTION →

What's your role when working with a team? Who you are under pressure is who you actually are.

AThe enthusiastic wildcard who somehow makes it work — and keeps the mood up. BThe strategist who works best alone but shows up when it matters most. CThe one who funds it, equips it, and occasionally takes over the whole operation. DI don't do teams. I'm more effective operating solo, on my terms. EThe heavy hitter — I crash in, draw fire, and turn the tide of battle. FThe leader — I earn trust, build the plan, and make sure no one gets left behind.

NEXT QUESTION →

Where do you draw the line between justice and revenge? The answer defines what kind of hero you really are.

AClearly — I don't kill, and I wrestle with that line constantly. BI try to hold the line, but I've come terrifyingly close to crossing it. CPractically — I do what's necessary to protect people, including hard calls. DI crossed that line long ago. What I do is justice — the system just won't admit it. EIn battle, victory is justice. Mercy is earned — not automatic. FFirmly. The moment we abandon our principles, we become what we fight against.

NEXT QUESTION →

When you're not saving the world, what does life look like? The person behind the mask is always the more interesting story.

ATrying to juggle school, a part-time job, and not failing my friends. BWorking as a lawyer by day, fighting for justice in court and on the streets. CRunning a global company, attending galas, and pretending I'm sleeping enough. DQuiet. Isolated. Surviving with a clear mission and no distractions. ENavigating a bizarre and fascinating mortal world — coffee is extraordinary. FAdapting to a world decades ahead of everything I knew. Quietly, stubbornly.

NEXT QUESTION →

What keeps you up at night? Fear is useful data — if you're honest about what you're actually afraid of.

AThe people I couldn't save — and the ones I might not reach in time tomorrow. BWhether the monster I fight every night is starting to live inside me too. CThe threats I can see coming and whether my tech is actually good enough. DNothing. Silence is the only peace I get. I've made my choices. EWhether I'm truly worthy — of the hammer, of the throne, of the people I protect. FA world where no one stands up anymore. Where good people do nothing.

NEXT QUESTION →

The battle is lost. You're outnumbered, outgunned, and exhausted. What do you do? This is your tiebreaker — choose carefully.

ACrack a joke to buy a second, then find the one web shot that changes everything. BBlock out everything except the sound of the next threat — and keep going. CActivate the emergency protocol I built for exactly this scenario. Always have a plan. DI don't accept that it's lost. I keep fighting until I physically cannot anymore. ECall the lightning. All of it. The storm answers to me. FPick up the shield. Stand up. Because as long as I can stand, it's not over.

REVEAL MY HERO →

Your Hero Has Been Identified Your MCU Hero Is…

Based on your answers, the Marvel hero who matches your spirit, values, and instincts has been revealed.

🕷️ Spider-Man

You carry the weight of the world on shoulders that are younger than they should have to be — funny, loyal, and endlessly self-sacrificing.

You do the right thing not because it's easy, but because no one else will.
You understand that responsibility isn't a burden you choose — it's one that finds you.
Whether it's a neighbourhood mugging or a multiverse crisis, you show up.
Peter Parker's lesson — that great power demands great responsibility — isn't a slogan to you. It's the code you live by, even when it costs you everything.

😈 Daredevil

You fight in the shadows between law and chaos, guided by a fierce moral compass that refuses to let the guilty walk free.

You use every tool available — your mind, your body, your faith — to protect those the system overlooks.
You've looked into the darkness and chosen not to become it, though the line has never been easy.
Matt Murdock's duality — champion in the courtroom, devil in the alley — mirrors your own.
Relentless, conflicted, and unwilling to stop. That is exactly you.

🤖 Iron Man

Brilliant, driven, and occasionally insufferable — but always the person who solves the unsolvable problem.

You lead with your mind and back it up with resources, innovation, and a stubbornness that borders on heroic.
You started out looking out for yourself, but somewhere along the way the world became your responsibility.
Tony Stark's arc — from ego to sacrifice — is your arc too.
You build, you plan, and when the moment comes, you're willing to give everything. Because in the end, you're Iron Man.

💀 The Punisher

You've been through fire that would break most people — and it did change you, completely. What's left is unyielding, relentless, and operating by a code forged in grief.

You don't ask for forgiveness, and you don't expect gratitude.
You see a corrupt, broken world and you've decided to do something about it, consequences be damned.
Frank Castle's war is born from love twisted by loss — and so is yours.
Uncompromising and unflinching — the world may not agree with your methods, but your conviction is absolute.

⚡ Thor

Powerful, proud, and on a lifelong journey to become worthy of the legend you carry.

You lead with strength but have learned — sometimes painfully — that true greatness comes from humility and growth.
You're larger than life, yet more vulnerable than you let on.
Thor's story is one of transformation: from arrogant prince to worthy king, from isolated warrior to beloved protector.
You bring the storm when it's needed — and the warmth when it matters just as much.

🛡️ Captain America

You believe in something bigger than yourself — and you fight for it even when the world has moved on and nobody else will.

You don't bully the small guy, and you never stop when it gets hard.
Steve Rogers didn't become a hero when he got the serum — he was always one. So were you.
Your strength isn't in your fists; it's in your refusal to compromise what's right, no matter the cost.
In a world full of people taking the easy road, you're the one who picks up the shield and stands up — every single time.

↻ RETAKE THE QUIZ

4 'Jessica Jones' (2015–2019)

Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) staring ahead with a distressed expression while Kilgrave (David Tennant) hovers close

Plagued with PTSD and reeling from her short-lived stint as a superhero, which ended in tragedy, Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) attempts to rebuild her life as a cynical, hard-drinking private investigator. Sadly, her efforts are quickly complicated when Kilgrave (David Tennant), the manipulative man who once abused her through mind control, resurfaces in New York. This leaves Jessica to not only investigate dangerous cases, but also confront the trauma she has spent years trying to suppress.

Blending noir detective storytelling with deeply personal psychological horror, Season 1 of Jessica Jones is widely considered one of Marvel's best television achievements. Tennant's Kilgrave is easily one of the most terrifying (and underrated) villains precisely because his power feels so invasive and intimate, while Ritter gives Jessiva a bruised humanity that makes her impossible not to root for. Plus, the show's exploration of trauma, consent, and survival feels far more mature than the standard superhero fare. Unfortunately, the later seasons struggle to reach the same heights. Even so, at its best, Jessica Jones is a phenomenal superhero tale — one that's grounded by the darkness and tragedies of life.

5 'X-Men '97' (2024–Present)

Wolverine, Cyclops, and Jean Grey in X-Men '97 look at a console intently

Serving as a continuation of the beloved 1990s animated series, X-Men '97 picks up after Professor Xavier's apparent death, with the X-Men attempting to move forward while mutant-human tensions continue escalating worldwide. Familiar characters are pushed into new emotional and political conflicts, while the show adapts some of the franchise's most iconic comic storylines with surprising ambition.

Rather than simply relying on nostalgia, this animated hit dives headfirst into themes of grief, prejudice, identity, and radicalization — often with a confidence that surpasses Marvel's live-action films. Expanding the lives of fan-favorites, many of the episodes aren't afraid of devastation, perfectly balancing comic-book melodrama with real emotional stakes. The only thing holding it shy of perfection is occasional pacing issues that often arise from juggling such a massive ensemble. Still, it's one of the rare revivals that actually justifies its existence.

6 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' (2021)

Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes in therapy together in 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'

Following the events of the Blip, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) struggles with the responsibility of taking up Captain America's shield while Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) attempts to confront the trauma and guilt left behind by his years as the Winter Soldier. Soon enough, the two are quickly reunited as they are pulled into a global conflict involving anti-nationalist revolutionary groups and the rise of a new government-appointed Captain America, John Walker (Wyatt Russell).

The greatest strength of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier stemmed from its willingness to directly engage with the symbolism of Captain America in the context of modern America. Sam's hesitation to take on the mantle is treated with genuine weight, particularly in conversations surrounding race, legacy, and public perception. Meanwhile, Bucky's journey to psychologically heal is finally given time to breathe. Add on Mackie and Stan's well-known chemistry, and you have an entertaining buddy dynamic that fans can't help but love. Its biggest weakness is how some storylines — particularly the Flag Smashers — feel underdeveloped due to pacing and structural issues. Still, when the show zeroes in on its characters rather than the MCU setup, it's genuinely exciting.

7 'Moon Knight' (2022)

The life of Steven Grant (Oscar Isaac) — a mild-mannered museum employee — changes forever when he discovers his blackouts are a result of having dissociative identity disorder. Sharing a body with former mercenary Marc Spector, things become more complicated when it's revealed he serves as the avatar of the Egyptian moon god Khonshu (F. Murray Abraham). But as supernatural threats emerge, Steven and Marc are forced to navigate both external danger and the fractured nature of their own identity.

There's no doubt that Isaac carries the show almost entirely on his back. His ability to completely differentiate both men gives the show emotional depth that lingers far beyond its action sequences. Better still, alongside its blend of rich mythology and psychological thrills, the exploration of trauma adds real poignancy to the show. The main criticism lies in the finale falling back on the more familiar CGI-heavy Marvel spectacle after several episodes of more intimate storytelling. Regardless, the ambition, performance, and psychological weirdness make Moon Knight one of Marvel's most distinctive experiments. How this hasn't been renewed for a second season is beyond me.

8 'Wonder Man' (2026)

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley talking near a vista in Wonder Man Episode 6.

Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) struggles to balance his personal life and stagnant acting career while hiding his powers from the public. Unfortunately, this becomes increasingly difficult as he attempts to land the lead role in a new superhero movie. Unexpectedly befriending the infamous Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) along the way, Simon navigates the absurd and dangerous landscape of Hollywood — unaware that his newest ally might just be his downfall.

An intelligent satire of both the entertainment industry and the MCU itself, Wonder Man shines for its lack of cynicism. Leaning into the self-aware showbiz comedy, it still treats Simon as a sincere and emotionally grounded protagonist, giving the show a tonal freshness that completely separates it from more formulaic MCU entries. In many ways, it's a deep character study, praised for its creativity, storytelling intimacy, and willingness to experiment stylistically. If there's a lingering issue, it's that some of its meta-commentary occasionally risks overshadowing the emotional stakes. Still, as one of the MCU's strangest and most ambitious tonal swings, it deserves far more attention than it gets — especially with it breaking the slump of this post-Endgame era.

9 'Legion' (2017–2019)

Dan Stevens as David Haller with his head tilted to the side under a beam of light in Legion.

David Haller (Dan Stevens) was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age and has been in and out of various psychiatric hospitals ever since. But after an encounter with a new patient, Syd (Rachel Keller), David gradually realizes his disturbing visions and fractured perception of reality may actually be tied to being a profoundly powerful mutant.

Legion is arguably the most artistically daring Marvel show ever made. Visually, it's stunning — constantly experimenting with color, editing, sound design, and nonlinear storytelling in ways that feel closer to prestige arthouse television than superhero content. Stevens gives a mesmerizing performance as the unreliable narrator, while the show's exploration of mental illness, identity, and power remains genuinely unsettling. The only reason some would fault it is because of its abstract surrealism, which occasionally distracts audiences from the emotional impact. But even at its most confusing, Legion is never boring (and that alone makes it remarkable).

10 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D' (2013–2020)

Mack, Coulson, May, Daisy, Deke and Sousa going up against Enoch in 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'

After the events of the first Avengers, a newly revived Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) acquires a new team to investigate various superhuman threats and global conspiracies that appear across the world. But what begins as a fairly straightforward procedural quickly turns into something far more ambitious as the team deals with the likes of Inhumans, alternate realities, and time travel arcs that spread across multiple seasons.

The greatest strength of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is how dramatically it improves over time. Early episodes can feel formulaic as the series attempts to find its footing, but once the Hydra infiltration is revealed, the show transforms into wildly entertaining television with great grit and surprisingly strong emotional payoffs. The cast develops incredible chemistry, with their relationships forming the backbone of the series. Plus, it adapts various comic-book storylines with far more zeal than any other Disney+ show has been able to achieve (just look at Season 4). Sure, it never quite escapes some network-TV clichés, but its willingness to push boundaries and invest in character development makes it one of Marvel's most underrated successes.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Release Date 2013 - 2020-00-00

Showrunner Jed Whedon

Directors Kevin Tancharoen, Jesse Bochco, Billy Gierhart, Vincent Misiano, Bobby Roth, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Brad Turner, David Solomon, Eric Laneuville, Kate Woods, Kevin Hooks, Milan Cheylov, Ron Underwood, Roxann Dawson, Wendey Stanzler, Clark Gregg, David Straiton, Holly Dale, John Terlesky, Joss Whedon, Stanley M. Brooks, Keith Potter, Dwight H. Little, Elodie Keene