Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, has undertaken many endeavors since its launch in 2019. They began creating original series and films for fans to watch (and re-watch) from home. The new productions are very popular and have found widespread success, with many of the Disney+ original series revolving around the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Since they bought Marvel, Disney has treated fans to series exploring individual characters from the MCU; for example, Loki, Wanda, and Falcon. These series build on these characters' story arcs in the MCU, integrating their new adventures into the main timeline as Marvel progresses through its next phase. However, Marvel series aren't the only Disney+ originals that have done well.
10 "American Horror Stories" Is A Great Spin-Off
American Horror Stories is a spin-off of the popular series American Horror Story. Although American Horror Story changes its angle and focus each season, all the stories still connect in some way, whereas American Horror Stories has a new tale to tell in every episode. However, fans find themselves feeling just as much suspense and plenty of fear regardless of which series they watch.
The faster-moving story progression doesn’t allow for much time to become emotionally connected to the characters, but viewers can certainly empathize and fear for their safety and lives. Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the series is well written and features some incredible talent.
9 "Love, Victor" Encourages New Perspectives
Love, Victor depicts different perspectives in an entirely new way, allowing viewers to empathize with every character rather than just the protagonist. Simon from Love, Simon narrates the teen comedy series, which takes inspiration from the 2018 film. It's a coming-out story that's inspired many young LGBTQIA+ people.
The young actors show such promise and talent and have amazing on-screen chemistry with one another. Love, Victor takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth, and it's a real eye-opener for those who haven't had to deal with the subject matter before.
8 Ms. Marvel Is Playful And Fun
Ms. Marvel is a miniseries that recently premiered on Disney+. It follows teenager, Kamala Khan, who discovers she has superpowers and wants to follow in her hero, Carol Danvers, footsteps. It also takes a refreshing look at how she deals with school life and the struggles that come with being a Pakistani-American teenager in New Jersey. Kamala has to manage her home life and strict parents, whom she loves but doesn't want to disappoint.
The series is a playful and young take on Marvel shows and uses animation to bring some powerful scenes to life. Ms. Marvel highlights Muslim and Pakistani traditions and acknowledges how diverse and multicultural American society is these days.
7 What If...? Indulges Viewers' Curiosity
Fan predictions are so enamoring that viewers want to see their theories play out on screen. Reality is often disappointing, so What If…? explores what could’ve happened if certain situations played out differently. For example, Black Panther is Star-Lord and Doctor Strange loses his heart in two fan-favorite episodes.
The animated series has one season out now, a second on the way, and a third in development. There's even a Marvel Zombies series on its way, which is a spin-off from a What If...? episode. The investment into the series is a strong indicator of its success and the positive response it garnered.
6 "The Falcon And The Winter Soldier" Tackles Serious Topics
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explores serious themes whilst allowing for typical Marvel banter between the two protagonists. Sam and Bucky enjoy a good rapport and both express their truths to one another in a harsh and often sarcastic way.
Bucky has endured so much, including mental and physical torture and an identity crisis. The show explores his redemption following his trauma and his struggle to escape a life filled with death and fear. Sam is also struggling – primarily with Steve handing over the mantle of Captain America to him – and questions how "a Black man [can] represent a country that does not represent him."
5 Obi-Wan Helps Leia in Obi-Wan Kenobi
Ewan McGregor steps back into his iconic role, Obi-Wan, in Disney's miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi. Fans know the fate of the main characters, as shown in Star Wars. However, the series manages to maintain suspense regardless. Ten years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, Kenobi is watching over Luke when he's sent on a mission to help save Leia.
Fans were excited about the return of Hayden Christensen, who reprised his role as Darth Vader, and the series is jam-packed with action and adventure. It's well worth a watch for Star Wars lovers and any fans of Sci-Fi.
4 The Mandalorian & Baby Yoda Are An Iconic Duo
Another series from the Star Wars universe is The Mandalorian. Din Djarin is a Mandalorian who mostly keeps to himself and earns a living bounty hunting. The Mandalorian is known for featuring Baby Yoda, aka Grogu. And while Baby Yoda is a definite win for Disney and fans alike, the show is jam-packed with action as it explores the Mandalorian lore and traditions. It also features one of the best Disney duos: Grogu and Mando.
Pedro Pascal brings Din to life, although he hides his face for much of the series. Removing their helmet is against the Mandalore code and means you're no longer a Mandalorian. However, Din struggles with the code and his morals, which make for some interesting and thoughtful episodes.
3 There Is No Series Quite Like "Moon Knight"
Moon Knight introduced Steven Grant and Marc Spector to the MCU in a way fans have never seen before. The series explores such a wide range of themes and struggles, such as Steven's insomnia, memory, and, as it turns out, his entire identity as both Steven and Marc.
The mystery in Steven's life is how he keeps finding himself in strange situations and therefore cuffs himself to his bed every night. Everything about his life is a puzzle, but it all comes down to Egyptian Gods and their deal with his other identity, Marc Spector. As a result, the series keeps viewers guessing and is anything but predictable.
2 WandaVision Deep Dives Into The Dark Ways A Superhero Handles Grief
WandaVision takes on a huge task: exploring Wanda’s life after Vision’s death. As a result of Wanda's poor mental health, viewers are left in the dark about what's happening most of the time. The series travels through various decades and stylized TV series, beginning in black and white before moving into color.
Most fans are quick to admit that, upon the first watch, they didn’t know what was happening nor what was going to happen next, leaving viewers in total awe and suspense. WandaVision explores the consequences of loss and grief for someone as powerful as Wanda, and it takes the viewer on a sympathetic journey despite the pain and sorrow she causes in her efforts to move on.
1 Loki Explores Time And Variances In His Original Series
The Loki series is considered the best of the current MCU shows by many fans. It delves into Loki’s life after he disappears with the Tesseract and introduces viewers to the TVA.
Mobius, portrayed by Owen Wilson, brings out a new side to Loki while helping him take accountability for his many misdeeds and transgressions. Many viewers were already big Loki fans, despite his villain status, but this series allowed them a deeper insight into the real Loki – the intelligent, caring, and all-round strange Asgardian who's more kind than he lets on. Loki also explores the gender fluidity and bisexuality of Tom Hiddleston's character.