After dominating the box office for over 10 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe launched its next venture into the world of television with the release of WandaVision on Disney+. The show's enigmatic plot and weekly-release format quickly brought a wave of fan praise as viewers clamored to solve the mystery behind Westview, sharing their theories via social media about the latest episode each week.
Following the success of WandaVision, Disney+ has added several MCU television series to its roster, with several more planned for the franchise's fifth phase. These MCU shows have created a slew of memorable and fan-favorite moments. Insight into which episodes are most beloved by fans can be gleaned from their IMDb user ratings.
10 "We Interrupt This Program" Answers Burning Questions In WandaVision (8.7)
The first three episodes of WandaVision build up the mystery surrounding the Hex in Westview, which traps Wanda, Vision, and the other residents in a world of decade-changing sitcoms. In the fourth episode, "We Interrupt This Program," the audience is given the much-needed perspective of the outside world as Darcy Lewis, Monica Rambeau, and Jimmy Woo begin to investigate the Hex.
The episode effectively connects WandaVision to the typical MCU atmosphere without hindering the pace or minimizing the distinct style of the series. The charismatic trio of investigators also adds fresh energy to the show that balances out the tense world of the Hex.
9 "The Whole World Is Watching" Takes The MCU In A Dark Direction In The Falcon And The Winter Soldier (8.7)
Throughout its run, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explored what it truly means to be a superhero as Sam Wilson reconciles with the idea of adopting the Captain America mantle. John Walker, who is given Steve's shield after Sam gifts it to the Smithsonian, shows the danger of superhuman power in the wrong hands during "The Whole World Is Watching."
The episode ends on a cliffhanger more violent and shocking than anything seen in the MCU before when Walker uses the shield to decapitate a member of the Flag Smashers. The ending's jaw-dropping conclusion perfectly heightens the stakes of Sam's superhero journey and the show as a whole.
8 "All-New Halloween Spooktacular!" Ups The Ante In WandaVision (8.7)
WandaVision heads into the '90s with a Halloween special that perfectly amplifies the tension of the show's central mystery. Donning the costumes of their comic-book counterparts, Wanda and Vision take their sons trick-or-treating with their uncle Pietro. A suspicious Vision decides to leave the family behind to explore the boundaries of the Hex and get the answers that Wanda is refusing to give him.
"All-New Halloween Spooktacular" comes to a dramatic close as Vision attempts to leave the Hex to warn the outside world of the spell and get help for those trapped inside. When Billy informs Wanda that Vision is dying as he tries to escape, she expands the boundaries of the Hex.
7 Moon Knight's "Asylum" Gives A Look Into Marc's Childhood (8.9)
Moon Knight's fifth episode, "Asylum," follows in the footsteps of WandaVision's penultimate episode, diving deeper into the childhood of Marc Spector. The episode gives the viewers an understanding of how the present timeline came to fruition.
Oscar Isaac gives an impressive performance as Marc Spector and Steven Grant as the characters explore the painful hardships in Marc's past. The truth is more chilling than audiences could have guessed. Marc's younger brother died tragically when they were children, and his mother blamed Marc for his death. "Asylum" was a major turning point in Moon Knight.
6 "What If...Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead Of His Hands?" Explores Desperation Amid Grief In What If...? (8.9)
The sixth episode of What If...? explores a variation of the MCU timeline in which Stephen Strange was driving with his girlfriend, Christine Palmer, on the night he got into an accident. In this alternate scenario, Christine is killed while Stephen survives unscathed.
Desperate to bring back the love of his life, Stephen travels to Kamar-Taj to learn the Mystic Arts. With the Eye of Agamotto, Stephen attempts to rewind time to save Christine but is unable to, as her death is an absolute point in time. The heartbreaking episode illustrates the strength of the show's concept, telling a compelling story that is innovative while honoring the integrity of the characters.
5 "Journey Into Mystery" Is An Enthralling Variant Adventure In Loki (8.9)
"Journey Into Mystery," the fifth episode of Loki, introduces an eclectic cast of the God of Mischief's variants who are trapped in the Void at the end of time. Unlike other penultimate episodes, "Journey Into Mystery" continues to delve deeper into the primary plot rather than go backward, thus continuing the exciting pace of the prior episode and living up to the expectations set early in the series.
The episode's ominous conclusion also perfectly sets up the season's finale, which introduces the big bad of the MCU's Multiverse Saga, Kang the Conqueror. "Journey Into Mystery" was incredibly well-received by fans.
4 "Previously On..." Poignantly Captures The Devastation Of Loss In WandaVision (8.9)
Perhaps the most heartbreaking episode of an MCU series, "Previously On..." takes WandaVision viewers back in time as Wanda and Agatha explore Wanda's past and the events leading up to her creation of the Hex. Elizabeth Olsen proves her acting skills in Wanda's most heartbroken moments, particularly when she expresses her overwhelming emotions on the lot of the home she and Vision had planned to grow old in together.
Despite the timeline interruption, the episode's pacing works well in the larger structure of the series, giving fans the answers they had been scrambling for. "Previously On..." culminates in Wanda receiving her title as the Scarlet Witch, perfectly setting the stage for the series' epic finale.
3 "On A Very Special Episode" Proves The Strength Of WandaVision's Concept (8.9)
WandaVision's fifth episode is the first to intertwine the sitcom world of the Hex and the world outside as Darcy, Jimmy, and Monica attempt to understand the mystery inside. "On a Very Special Episode" is inspired by 1980s sitcoms, and it is the moment when the cracks in the glass finally emerge as Vision grows frustrated with Wanda for hiding the truth.
The episode captures much of what makes WandaVision so special. In an expert use of the show's style, Wanda attempts to end her argument with Vision by rolling the credits, but the scene pushes onward as she realizes she is losing control over the world her grief has created.
2 "What If...Ultron Won?" Wreaks Havoc In The Multiverse (9.0)
"What If...Ultron Won?" follows up the prior episode's unsettling cliffhanger as it explores an alternate reality in which Ultron was successfully transferred into Vision's body and obtained all six Infinity Stones. With the ability to travel between universes, the near-omnipotent Ultron is quickly established as a major threat to the multiverse.
The episode tugs on the heartstrings of every MCU fan with a reimagining of Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff's tragic scenes on Vormir in Avengers: Endgame. In this alternate reality, Clint sacrifices himself to Natasha instead. The devastating power of Ultron leaves the Watcher with no choice but to break his oath and intervene, imbuing the series with immense anticipation
1 "The Nexus Event" Keeps Loki Viewers On The Edge Of Their Seats (9.0)
Loki's fourth episode, "The Nexus Event," kicks off with a flashback to Sylvie's childhood that sees her abducted by the TVA. Sylvie's frustration at the TVA carries through the events of the episode as she and Loki desperately hunt for the truth about the organization's intentions.
The episode continues the show's action-packed pace as Sylvie and Loki are taken to meet the Time-Keepers, only to learn that they are fake figureheads. In another shocking twist, Loki is pruned by Renslayer and is transported to the Void. A mid-credits scene amplifies the cliffhanger ending as Loki comes face-to-face with several variants of himself.