Top 10 Must-Watch MCU Phase 4 Films & TV Series

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Summary

  • Many Phase 4 Marvel shows and films receive high praise for their unique narratives and character depth, despite criticisms.
  • Hawkeye, Moon Knight, and Wandavision are amongst the well-received Phase 4 series, bringing new heroes and engaging stories.
  • Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home offers exciting multiverse explorations, impressive action, and fan-favorite cameos.

Ever since the debut of Iron Man, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has held a strong grip on the superhero movie genre. Post the Infinity Saga, the universe shifted its focus towards producing large amounts of content, resulting in numerous series and movies during Phase 4.

While some claim that Marvel’s shift in tempo has dimmed its luster on the big screen, others applaud the rich complexity these recent shows and movies offer. Regardless of the debates surrounding the releases of Phase 4, there is a consensus about which films and series are more favorably received and enrich the Marvel universe.

10. Hawkeye

The Underrated Avenger and Newcomer Kate Bishop

Critics claim that the interdimensional elements of the MCU’s Phase 4 were detracting from realistic storytelling, but the series “Hawkeye” returned to the grassroots justice genre, which initially propelled superhero films in the industry. In “Hawkeye”, viewers witness Kate Bishop and Clint Barton teaming up to thwart Kingpin.

In addition, this show brings forth Echo, a fresh street-level superhero. Packed with thrilling action scenes, a noble storyline, and vibrant personalities, Hawkeye is a delightful watch for any Marvel enthusiast.

9. Wandavision

A Creative Dive Into Wanda’s Psyche

Wandavision marked the beginning of shows within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), premiering on Disney+. The series gained massive popularity due to its unique approach, which mimicked classic American TV formats, and was particularly well-received following the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, serving as a significant follow-up event.

As each new episode of “Wandavision” dropped, it sparked intense conversations across social media platforms, as viewers attempted to decipher the show’s mysteries and spot hidden references. This captivating series keeps fans guessing with its cliffhangers and subtle hints suggesting the real-world events unfolding.

8. Moon Knight

Fan-Favorite Finally Arriving from Comic Books to Live-Action

The character Moon Knight is widely loved among Marvel Comics readers, and many Marvel enthusiasts were eager for the appearance of the Hand of Khonshu in the MCU. Steering clear from complexities of multiverse narratives, Moon Knight primarily delved into the backstory of Steven and Marc, offering a captivating superhero tale instead.

Although Moon Knight undergoes minor film adaptations in terms of his transformations, the series provides an engaging debut for the character. This intriguing beginning hints at the potential contributions that both Marc and Steven could make to the universe in the future.

7. Ms. Marvel

Entertaining, Meaningful, and Grounded

The TV series titled “Ms. Marvel” holds the top spot among MCU shows on Rotten Tomatoes, and it garners decent ratings from other platforms like IMDb (6.2/10) and Common Sense Media (4/5). This popularity is well-deserved, as “Ms. Marvel” presents another origin story with a fresh take on the character’s backstory.

The tale spun by Ms. Marvel is both amusing and sincere, with an authenticity that makes it utterly captivating. Although some adjustments have been made to her character, she still stays true to and reflects her original comic book portrayals.

6. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

Multiversal Threats and Cameos

2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” was one of the most eagerly awaited Marvel movies, standing out as a particularly exciting installment due to its focus on the multiverse. In contrast to Phase 4, this second Doctor Strange film explored the concept with greater conviction. The movie was generally well-received by fans and provided an entertaining viewing experience filled with numerous unexpected twists and turns.

In the movie, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it’s Scarlet Witch who propels the narrative as she makes efforts to seize America Chavez. With vibrant colors, stunning effects, exhilarating action sequences, and several notable guest appearances, this film is a must-see for any fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

5. Falcon And The Winter Soldier

A Fantastic Buddy-Cop Series

In a more relatable storyline compared to other Phase 4 productions on Disney+, the second Marvel series, “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” follows Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as they grapple with the responsibility of taking over from Steve Rogers, who is now absent. Specifically, Sam Wilson faces challenges in embracing the role of Captain America.

In “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” series, they embark on a mission to dismantle a terroristic group and confront the mislabeled Captain America, John Walker. This captivating narrative also delves into thought-provoking societal issues.

4. Loki (S1)

Expands the Universe and Embraces Loki’s Development

Fans eagerly anticipated watching Loki, a series, following the incidents from Avengers: Endgame, where the heroes unintentionally let Loki escape with the Tesseract. Picking up on these events, Loki is apprehended by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and assigned tasks by Mobius, an unusual TVA agent who takes a particular interest in the Trickster God.

In a natural and easy-to-understand way: Loki significantly enriches the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering viewers a distinctively enjoyable Marvel experience with captivating characters. The second season of Loki delves deeper into the storyline from season 1, making it even more compelling for fans to catch up on Loki’s first season.

3. Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings

Exceptional Introduction of an Underrated Character to Live-Action

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films released during Phase 4, only “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” introduced a fresh character to the expanding universe. The movie was generally well-liked by fans, and it did exceptionally well due to its impressive writing, direction, and acting.

Collaborating with an enthralling plot in the movie “Shang Chi”, the action scenes were some of the most impressive within the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. The real Mandarin, who served as the film’s sorrowful villain, allows “Shang Chi” to delve into intricate family-oriented themes such as legacy and self-discovery, making these elements the emotional core of the story.

2. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

A Respectful And Honorable Film

After the sad demise of the remarkable actor Chadwick Boseman, there was much curiosity among viewers about how well “Black Panther 2” would fare. However, when the trailer and movie were finally released, many fans were touched by the film’s sensitive handling of the former Black Panther actor, appreciating the dignified approach that allowed viewers to grieve his loss.

In the thrilling follow-up, Shuri steps into the role of the Black Panther and faces off against Namor. Both familiar and fresh characters are skillfully crafted in this narrative, and the confrontation between Namor and Wakanda resonates significantly with today’s global context.

1. Spider-Man: No Way Home

Grounds Multiverse Narratives

Media such as comments, ratings, leaks, interviews, and more generated immense excitement for the movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home” prior to its premiere. Once the trailer dropped, anticipation soared, making the third MCU Spider-Man film a box office juggernaut upon release. In this exceptional Spider-Man adventure, Peter Parker confronts new perils as villains from different realms invade his universe.

In addition to these adversaries who originate from various Spider-Man movies starting with Raimi’s trilogy, we also have the well-liked versions of Spider-Man. The blend of nostalgia, actors like Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire returning to their roles, recurring villains, and the growth of Tom Holland’s character has contributed to Spider-Man: No Way Home being hailed as one of the top Spider-Man films ever produced.

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2025-01-19 11:04