Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (2024)

Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Homepage

Newsletters

Subscribe

Entertainment

Opinion by Gabbi Shaw

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (1)

  • Since 2008, there have been five distinct "phases" of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
  • Eight projects have been released so far in Marvel's Phase 5.
  • We ranked all eight, from "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" to "."

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (2)

Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (3)

Thanks for signing up! Go to newsletter preferences

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (4)

Advertisement

When Marvel released "Iron Man" in 2008, there was no way to know it would kick off the biggest multimedia franchise of all time.

From 2008 to 2019, the MCU went through three phases, culminating in "Avengers: Endgame" and "Spider-Man: Far From Home." Marvel head Kevin Feige has since dubbed these three phases the "Infinity Saga," which has grossed $22 billion worldwide.

But it's been difficult to restore that magic. Phases 4 and 5 have seen somewhat lackluster box-office returns, critical derision, and evidence of superhero fatigue.

Since Phase 5 kicked off in February 2023 with "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," there have been four movies and four TV shows.

Advertisement

We've ranked them from worst to best in terms of quality and significance to the MCU at large. Here's what we thought.

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Advertisement

As of now, the worst project of Phase 5 has been the Disney+ series "Secret Invasion."

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (5)

This show remains baffling a year after its release.

Why did the powers-that-be decide to make Rhodey a Skrull (a body-switching alien), potentially negating his heartbreaking goodbye to Tony Stark? Why did the finale end with G'iah (Emilia Clarke) becoming the most powerful being in the entire MCU when you know Marvel is going to ignore her in every other project?

Furthermore, why did they waste Clarke, Olivia Colman, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Dermot Mulroney on these lackluster characters?

The "Secret Invasion" arc in the comics is one of the most famous of all time and had a huge effect on the rest of the characters throughout the universe. But this series seems like it's already been memory-holed.

Advertisement

But the worst movie is "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania."

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (6)

Part of the fun of 2015's "Ant-Man" and 2018's "Ant-Man and the Wasp" was that the stakes were — no pun intended — small. Scott Lang was just an ex-con trying to reconnect with his daughter, and in the process, he got involved with the dysfunctional Pym family.

By the third film, which was the official kick-off of Phase 5, Scott and the rest of the Ant-fam had been transported to another dimension to face a time-traveling, multiverse-hopping, god-like figure named Kang.

Kang, in fact, was being set up as this phase's Thanos (aka the ultimate bad guy), so why did he get beaten by someone whose powers include changing size and controlling ants? That does not signal to fans that they should be scared of Kang.

To reiterate: He literally got swarmed by ants and was defeated.

Other issues include the wonky special effects, the underuse of William Jackson Harper, Kathryn Newton, and Katy O'Brian, and the unsatisfying ending that seems like it was reshot late into production.

Now that Jonathan Majors is out of the MCU, it seems like we won't be seeing any more of Kang anyway, making this movie seem irrelevant at best.

Advertisement

"Echo" isn't a bad show, but it just feels a bit disconnected from everything else.

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (7)

"Echo" is a spinoff of the Disney+ series "Hawkeye," focusing on the character of Maya Lopez, aka Echo.

This show is OK. Alaqua Cox really inhabits the character of Maya, the supporting cast is talented, and fans got another glimpse of Charlie Cox's Daredevil before his highly anticipated Disney+ series.

But it doesn't really justify its existence. Did anyone really come out of "Hawkeye" desperate for a series about Maya reconnecting with her family out in Oklahoma? It was a huge step forward for representation — Echo is the first Native American hero in the MCU — but she deserves a more compelling story.

I hope we continue to see Maya in the MCU, but maybe in the Young Avengers, rather than in a second season of "Echo."

Advertisement

"The Marvels" is not the huge mess headlines made it out to be.

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (8)

Much of the narrative around "The Marvels" is that it was a catastrophe. It received tepid reviews from critics, and made $206 million at the box office, making it the lowest-grossing film in the MCU. By comparison, "Captain Marvel" made over $1 billion.

But I'm here to bravely say that I think this movie is fine. It's fine! The villain, as usual, is a bit boring, and her plan is incomprehensible, but that's not out of the ordinary for the MCU.

The chemistry between Carol (Brie Larson), Monica (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala (Iman Vellani) is fun, with Vellani being one of the only standout new performers in recent MCU history. There are also some truly cool, entrancing action sequences where the three switch places.

The post-credit scene also teased the X-Men properly for the first time in the MCU, and that alone was worth the price of admission.

Advertisement

The second season of "What If...?" was solid.

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (9)

You might've missed the second season of "What If…?" when it dropped in December 2023 since it was released to little fanfare (but positive reviews).

The release strategy was different from that of other MCU series, which traditionally drop weekly. Instead, a new episode of "What If…?" dropped every day from December 22 to December 30 — a true Christmas miracle.

"What If…?" isn't essential MCU viewing — its premise is to imagine what if something else happened to our favorite characters besides what we saw in the official Marvel timeline. But it's certainly not a bad way to spend a few hours.

It's a shame that not many people seem to have watched this show. The upcoming third season has also been confirmed as its last.

Advertisement

"Deadpool & Wolverine" reunited Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman with hilarious results.

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (10)

Fans have been waiting for a third "Deadpool" film for years — "Deadpool 2" was released all the way back in 2018. When Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, it seemed like it might be over for everyone's favorite merc with a mouth.

We couldn't have been more wrong, and I, for one, am very thankful.

Wade Wilson came screaming back to our screens in "" in 2024 — and he brought friends. Not only did Jackman once again suit up to play Wolverine for the 10th (!) time, but this movie provided closure for Jennifer Garner's Elektra, Wesley Snipes' Blade, Dafne Keen's X-23, Chris Evans' Johnny Storm, and Channing Tatum's Gambit.

Essentially, it's the 20th Century Fox version of the Island of Misfit Toys — and audiences can't get enough. This movie has grossed $1.2 billion and counting, making it the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time.

Advertisement

The second season of "Loki" was a fitting end to a beloved character.

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (11)

Tom Hiddleston began playing Loki, Thor's mischievous brother, in 2011's "Thor." Since then, he's become a fan-favorite character, one we're always delighted to see pop up on screen.

The first season of "Loki" premiered in 2021 as part of Phase 4 of the MCU. In it, Loki met multiple variants of himself, learned to evolve and trust people, and developed relationships with Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) and Mobius (Owen Wilson).

Season two, which premiered in 2023, took that foundation and built upon it. It ended with Loki, a character we first met while he was trying to take over Asgard (and eventually who tried to take over the entire world as part of a plot with Thanos), sacrificing himself to save his friends.

Advertisement

The best project from Phase 5 so far is "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3."

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (12)

You might remember when I complained that the stakes of "Quantumania" were too high for a man who can control ants. "GOTG Vol. 3" is the exact opposite scenario.

Our final (for now) outing with the Guardians was a love letter to this ragtag found-family, whom we first met in 2014's "Guardians of the Galaxy" when they were all outlaws who didn't care about anyone or anything.

Two movies later, the Guardians have established a community that they need to protect — and when Rocket (voiced impeccably as always by Bradley Cooper) is attacked, they come together to save his life.

That's it! There's no universe-ending Infinity Stone or a megalomaniacal god threatening to take over the galaxy. Our team just needs to help save their friend, and it's more emotionally affecting than almost anything else in Phase 5.

If this really is our last outing with this version of the Guardians, it was a fitting end.

Read next

Marvel Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney

More...

Advertisement

Every movie and TV show in Marvel's Phase 5, ranked (2024)

FAQs

How many movies are in Phase 5 MCU? ›

Phase Five begins with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), followed by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023), The Marvels (2023), Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), Captain America: Brave New World (2025), and Thunderbolts* (2025).

What is Phase 5 Marvel? ›

Marvel Phase 5 continues the MCU's Multiverse Saga with a whopping 13 titles. So far, we've already seen an eclectic bunch of newcomers and familiar faces alike in the Marvel timeline thanks to outings like Loki season 2, The Marvels, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Who will be in Phase 5 of Marvel? ›

At Marvel Studios' San Diego Comic-Con panel in July 2022, Feige announced that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever would conclude Phase Four, with the following films and series becoming part of Phase Five: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Marvels, Secret Invasion, and Ironheart.

Why was Kang Dynasty cancelled? ›

Jonathan Majors Controversy and Its Impact

Jonathan Majors, who was set to be a central figure in the MCU's Multiverse Saga as Kang the Conqueror, faced legal issues that led to his conviction for reckless assault in 2023.

Is Kang being recast? ›

Marvel has quietly recast Jonathan Majors' Kang, says insider.

Is Deadpool and Wolverine Phase 5? ›

Deadpool & Wolverine premiered on July 22, 2024, at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City, and was released across the United States on July 26 as part of Phase Five of the MCU.

Is Iron Man coming back? ›

Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige then announced that Anthony and Joe Russo, who helmed the smash hits Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, would return to direct the next two Avengers movies. But Feige wasn't done yet. Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but not as Iron Man.

What phase is Deadpool 3? ›

MCU Phase 5 Films

Deadpool 3 will be the MCU's first R-rated movie, with nearly all previous films earning a PG-13 rating.

Who will be in Phase 6 Marvel? ›

The films of the phase include the ensemble The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Blade, starring Mahershala Ali, as well as the ensembles Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Two unannounced films are set for release in 2026. Vision Quest starring Paul Bettany is also set to debut in 2026, during this phase.

Will Deadpool be in Avengers 5? ›

These fan favourite heroes are pretty much guaranteed

Deadpool and Wolverine isn't even playing in cinemas yet and Kevin Feige is tapping the two stars for more potential Marvel projects which all but guarantees cameos in Avengers 5.

What is Marvel releasing in 2024? ›

To date, in 2024, just two Disney+ shows (“Echo” and “X-Men '97”) and one feature film (“Deadpool & Wolverine”) have joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and only one more series, the “WandaVision” spin-off “Agatha All Along,” has a confirmed premiere date for the rest of the year.

Is there Phase 7 Marvel? ›

Summary. The Mutant Saga could be the next big thing for Marvel after The Multiverse Saga, with a focus on X-Men and mutant characters. The MCU may need a shift after struggling with momentum, making Phase 7 the perfect time to introduce a new storyline.

How long will the MCU last? ›

According to the announcement by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige at CinemaCon 2022, the stories the MCU plans to tell in the following years are planned through 2032. Considering that Phase 6 is supposed to end in 2025, it's safe to say Phase 6 won't be the last MCU phase.

How many phases will the MCU have? ›

The first three phases combined to create The Infinity Saga, while Phases Four through Six will comprise The Multiverse Saga. The Infinity Saga concluded in Phase Three, while Avengers: Secret Wars will finish up The Multiverse Saga in 2026 in Phase Six.

What is coming out in 2024 in Marvel? ›

To date, in 2024, just two Disney+ shows (“Echo” and “X-Men '97”) and one feature film (“Deadpool & Wolverine”) have joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and only one more series, the “WandaVision” spin-off “Agatha All Along,” has a confirmed premiere date for the rest of the year.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6009

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.