Now that the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s Phase 5 is over, a look back at its projects reveals how some movies and TV shows were more impactful than others. The MCU’s Multiverse Saga has faced criticism over the past few years. Phase 5 is divided by projects that were part of that and how Marvel tried to course-correct the franchise.

Some of the MCU’s best movies and TV shows come from Phase 5. That said, a few of the franchise’s most criticized projects were also released during that time. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps marking the start of Phase 6, the final one in the Multiverse Saga, the MCU’s upcoming projects can take valuable lessons from how Phase 5 performed.

17

I Am Groot Season 2

MCU Animated Shorts Released In 2023

Starting the list is I Am Groot season 2. When Marvel entered the Disney+ business, the studio explored multiple formats.

I Am Groot is a series of animated shorts aimed at kids. They are cute and funny, showing Baby Groot’s adventures.

The show is not serious at all. Due to its non-canon status and kid-aimed tone, I Am Groot is Phase 5’s least exciting entry.

16

Secret Invasion

MCU Live-Action Series Released In 2023

Secret Invasion was just a waste of potential in multiple ways. Despite having an all-star cast, an exciting premise, and a dark tone, it failed.

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The MCU series killed key characters in anticlimactic ways. There were not enough episodes to properly develop the Skrull invasion.

Finally, the big CGI final fight between G’iah and Gravik has become more famous for memes than being exciting. Secret Invasion should have been a movie.

15

Echo

MCU Live-Action Series Released In 2024

Echo is one of the MCU shows that suffered from short seasons. With 5 episodes, everything felt rushed, with little depth.

Still, there were some positives. Maya Lopez was more interesting here than in Hawkeye, and Kingpin’s relationship with her was spotlighted.

Charlie Cox’s Daredevil also showed up for an exciting fight scene. Echo‘s best aspect was showing that Marvel should explore more mature content.

14

What If…? Season 3

MCU Animated Series Released In 2024

What If…? is a show that could have gone on indefinitely. Instead, Marvel chose to make season 3 its last, which was disappointing.

Adding to this is the fact that many scenarios in the final season were not really exciting. An example was a dance battle-focused episode.

That said, What If…? season 3 had a few interesting stories. It also ended Captain Carter’s journey in an epic way.

13

Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania

MCU Movie Released In 2023

Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania was the biggest Ant-Man movie. However, it was also the franchise’s lowest-grossing entry for a few reasons.

Jonathan Majors has since been fired by Marvel, with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom taking Kang’s place in the MCU.

The Ant-Man film did a phenomenal job with Kang the Conqueror. Jonathan Majors was as menacing as expected. However, he was defeated too easily.

That, and the fact that the CGI in the Quantum Realm was rough and the story not engaging, pulled it down.

12

Captain America: Brave New World

MCU Movie Released In 2025

Sadly, Captain America Brave New World is the worst Captain America movie. That is not to say it is bad, just fine.

The film could have been a lot better. Instead of a Hulk-centric story, the focus should have been on Sam Wilson.

The Leader ended up being an underwhelming villain. That said, the movie set up the MCU’s future, with Captain America restarting the Avengers.

11

Ironheart

MCU Live-Action Series Released In 2025

Ironheart was the final release of the MCU’s Phase 5. The series showed Iron Man’s replacement becoming a criminal for some time.

Ironheart was an exciting release. It allowed Marvel to explore how magic and technology could clash and combine. The CGI felt real.

The series also debuted two major MCU characters: Zeke Stane and Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto. The latter’s arrival came after years of rumors, and his future setup is thrilling.

10

The Marvels

MCU Movie Released In 2023

The Marvels is the MCU’s lowest-grossing movie with $206.1 million (via Box Office Mojo). However, I believe it to be better than that suggests.

Beast and the X-Men universe’s arrival in the post-credits scene will lead to Avengers: Doomsday.

Sure, the MCU movie had its flaws. Dar-Benn was an uninspired villain choice, and parts of the story dragged.

However, the chemistry between Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau was on point. The fights and CGI were also spectacular.

9

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 1

MCU Animated Series Released In 2025

While its animated style takes some time to get used to, Marvel’s latest animated Spider-Man series modernizes the hero‘s classic story perfectly.

The show does not take place in the MCU, but in an alternate universe where a few key events happened differently.

Notably, instead of Iron Man, Norman Osborn is Spider-Man’s mentor. With several twists, explosive action, and magnetic characters, it is a great Spider-Man story.

8

What If…? Season 2

MCU Animated Series Released In 2023

What If…? season 2 is easily the best of the multiverse series. Many of its scenarios were large in scope and surprises.

That is what the show should have done for every season. Strange Supreme’s story ended with the character pulling several variants together.

In season 2, Marvel experimented with smaller and bigger characters. The series also knew how to be ambitious while also having fun scenarios.