Ranking All The Marvel Cinematic Universe Franchises From Worst To Best

3. The Defenders

Marvel Franchises
Netflix

Shows: Daredevil (1-2), Jessica Jones

Upcoming: Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders

Almost preempting worries that being a PG-13 movie series greatly limits the type of stories that can be told, Marvel struck a deal with Netflix to produce mature TV series out of some of their more grounded properties, with the ultimate goal of uniting the street-level Defenders.

The results so far have been incredible; Daredevil wiped away all memories of Affleck and resurrected The Punisher, Jessica Jones showed grit needn't be colourful (nor that colour had to be fun), and early word for Luke Cage is incredibly positive. Each series so far has a distinct feel, yet their part in the bigger whole is clear; it's the Marvel formula infused with Netflix's unique storytelling structure.

This run has the same disconnectivity issue as Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. to a degree, especially given how an Avengers crossover has been taken off the table, but the more localised focus means it's easy to accept these happening against the backdrop of the Avengers' antics (Season 1 of Daredevil is motivated entirely by The Battle of New York). Having it form its own connected mini-universe as well (the structure is near identical to Phase 1) means this can operate fine on its own terms.

Contributor
Contributor

Film Editor (2014-2016). Loves The Usual Suspects. Hates Transformers 2. Everything else lies somewhere in the middle. Once met the Chuckle Brothers.