TheMCUhas come a very long way since 2008’sIron Man. Now with 15 years behind it and the curtain closing on Phase 4, it’s time to look back at theMCU’smost divisive, longest, and most experimental phase and the abundance of content that was involved. Phase 4 featured 18 pieces of content, whether that was as a Disney Plus series, Special Presentation, or film.
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The rabid array of content that the MCU produced for its Phase 4 means that not all of it can be of the quality that one expects of its earlier phases. Some of the MCU Phase 4 is disappointing compared to the climactic events ofAvengers: Endgame, though there were also a few gems along the way.
18Eternals
Immortal beings recount the centuries that they have spent alongside humanity, living secretly among them with their own unique set of powers.Eternalsfeatures the characters forced out of hiding as the threat of Deviants remerges, and they mustassemble once more.
AlthoughEternalsfeatures an interesting and new direction for the MCU, audiences are not given enough time with the characters to understand them and their dynamics.Eternalsfeel quick and with not much going on.
17Thor: Love And Thunder
Thor is forced out of his very quick retirement when a god-killing and galactic threat emerges. Gorr the God Butcher vows to kill every god, and Thor makes it his newest mission to ensure that Gorr’s plan is squandered. Thor is also joined by his ex-girlfriend,now the Mighty Thor.
There’s a lot of potential ruined inThor: Love and Thunder. What could have been an interesting character study about Thor and his grief over the years becomes a light-hearted comedy with no real stakes or memorability forThor 4.
16I Am Groot
Everyone loves Groot, and when the character began to age again, many were sad that they wouldn’t see theadorable Baby Grootat his highest potential. Luckily,I Am Grootfollows the silly adventures of the young character before his teen years.
The series of animated shorts ofI Am Grootare more for laughs and goofs than they are for serving any real storytelling in the MCU.I Am Grootis a quick display of the character at his cutest moments but isn’t entirely important for the future.
15Black Widow
As a member of the Avengers, Natasha Romanoff has perhaps the darkest part of her team.Black Widowexplores her character more in-depth and allows her to lead in a new environment and confront that dark past with her family.
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Considering thatBlack Widowis set before her death inAvengers: Endgame, the stakes in the film are low and explaining her backstory and family dynamic seems too little too late in the service of the MCU. However, it’ll be interesting to see those characters again.
14She-Hulk: Attorney At Law
As an up-and-coming lawyer, and someone who was recently infected with the blood of the Hulk to become the same green monster, Jennifer Walters is about to lead quite an exciting andbizarre lifeinShe-Hulk: Attorney At Law.
The MCU’s first fourth-wall-breaking comedy series,She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, stumbles at a few turns and seems to be more of an attempt to roast the Marvel legacy rather than to build upon its series and universe.
13Ms. Marvel
As a huge fan of Captain Marvel, Kamala soon finds herself in the same position as her hero, as she is imbued with mystical powers that cause her to struggle even more at fitting in at school and home. Kamala becomes a hero to strive towards inMs. Marvel.
AlthoughMs. Marvelis more aimed toward child audiences, it certainly features a fewsurprising moments for the MCU, including the first mention of Mutants. Ms. Marvel has a bright future in the MCU, one that will be explored withThe Marvels.
12What If…?
Each tale ofWhat If…?Takes pivotal moments and characters from the MCU and explores them differently. Whether that’s with a new scenario or character, the possibilities of the Multiverse are infinite.
This anthology series is a way for Marvel to experiment with their writing and place fan-favorite heroes into strange narrative threads. The Multiverse is a pathway to infinite possibilities, andWhat If…?Explores the MCU in manyinteresting scenarios, but one that harbors no real importance outside of its series.
11The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
The mismatched and troubled duo ofthe Falcon and the Winter Soldierteam up in a globe-trotting adventure as they test their skills and friendship and further explore the legacy that Steve Rogers’ Captain America left in their hands.
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There’s safety inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldierthat fans of the MCU can expect. It further continues the journeys of these characters with the familiar action and comedy blend the MCU is known for.
10WandaVision
Westview is the new home of Wanda Maximoff and herdead/not-dead husband, Vision. Living their bizarre and super-powered lives, Wanda and Vision make a family work, but not everything seems like sunshine and rainbows.
The very first MCU Disney Plus series tried something rather unique, and each episode featured a new sitcom style, with a lot of mystery in its weekly releases.
9Hawkeye
Clint Barton returns inHawkeye, a Disney Plus series that follows Jeremy Renner’s characteralongside a protégé, Kate Bishop. Together, these bow and arrow-wielding heroes must avoid becoming a target themselves as they navigate through a crime-riddled New York City.
There’s a great level of shock inHawkeye, and seeing Jeremy Renner thrive as Clint Barton is always a treat.Hawkeyeis an interesting enough miniseries that involves new characters and a shocking returning face of old.
