Every Netflix MCU Season of Every Show Ranked Best to Worst

Back in the spring of 2015, Marvel and Netflix teamed up to bring fans one of the greatest comics-inspired shows ever in Daredevil. The story of a young boy who is blinded during the completion of a selfless and heroic act, but grows up to become a crusading lawyer by day and brutal vigilante by night, is Marvel character building at its finest.

The story was told in a way that resonated with audiences, and soon after Netflix expanded their little corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to include private eye Jessica Jones, a character mostly unknown outside of avid comic book readers. Then, '70s staples Luke Cage and Danny Rand were brought to life onscreen. Finally, the Punisher got his own series, becoming the fifth major character to headline one of these shows for Netflix.

In less than three years, Marvel fans had been given five shows and a miniseries, and while quality varied from season to season, there's still a lot to be happy about. This platform delivered something a little more adult-themed than other Marvel projects, and while Spider-Man and Thor should be kid-friendly, this format seemed a lot better suited for the likes of bitter, hard-drinking detectives and obsessively violent war vets.

With the release of The Punisher Season 2 last week, there are now 12 seasons of Marvel goodness to digest on Netflix, and here they are, ranked from worst to first in a convenient list for you to pick apart and disagree with.

12. Iron Fist: Season 1

So, this is an easy one, as the show was almost universally panned upon its release. Iron Fist's problems laid mostly at the feet of its lead, Danny Rand, and, on the same note, star Finn Jones. For a show about a martial arts master, Jones’ seeming lack of ability was met with heavy criticism. Daredevil had set the "fight bar" so high that Iron Fist was able to walk underneath it, and fans noticed. Couple that with lots of Rand Corporation board meetings and the show’s oddly dark lighting, and this was the obvious choice for the weakest season.

11. Jessica Jones: Season 2

The most disappointing entry on the list is Jessica Jones’ sophomore effort. Coming off a stellar first season almost three years earlier, expectations were extremely high. This season explored Jessica’s family history a bit more, but followed up one of the best villains we’ve seen Marvel put onscreen with a genetically re-engineered version of Jones’ long-thought-dead mother, which just didn’t work. Additionally, Malcolm, Trish and Hogarth were all given extended spotlights, though to varying degrees of success. In the end, it set up some threads to be pulled in Season 3, but on its own resulted in a lackluster watch.

10. Iron Fist: Season 2

Season 2 corrected a lot of the earlier mistakes from Iron Fist, and by the time it aired, fans had been given a chance to watch Danny grow following his appearances on The Defenders and Luke Cage. The writers obviously got a better feel for him as well, and as the character became more likable, so did the show. They improved the fighting and by the end even found a way to make Ward and Joy seem interesting. This is one of the more underrated seasons of Marvel television, and not just because of how cool Colleen Wing is.

9. The Defenders

Despite critical acclaim, each new Marvel season on Netflix saw viewership plummet.

The Defenders was the blueprint goal that all the previous shows were building towards, combining the casts of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage to create one interlocking story. And while it turned out fine, it’s probably right behind Jessica Jones Season 2 for most disappointing. It gave us Luke and Danny together, let Jessica show off her detective skills and allowed Matt Murdock to play the selfless hero. That was all great, but it didn’t do too much else, aside from leaving us wondering why Karen Page and Foggy Nelson were the only people to show up at Matt’s funeral.

NEXT PAGE: Luke Cage Season 1 is Great... Until It Isn't

8. Luke Cage: Season 1

Luke Cage’s series started off strong as his moral compass gets the best of him and he eventually becomes Harlem’s Protector. But when the show pivoted villains in the back half of the season, it took a big hit in quality, which forced a slide down this list a bit. Trading in Cottonmouth for Diamondback was a miscalculation, but aside from that, this was a very solid season of television. Mike Colter was terrifically cast in the lead and the nightclub setting allowed the showcasing of some great musical accompaniment. The indestructible Power Man left quite the impression on fans.

7. Daredevil: Season 2

Like the Luke Cage Season 1, Daredevil's second effort suffered from a midseason change in focus. When it starts, Frank Castle's Punisher is waging war on the criminals of New York City, and his wave of violence is leaving bodies in Hell's Kitchen. Once arrested, he is represented by Nelson and Murdock. This was all great. But in the back half of the season, the focus shifted to Elektra and the story lagged. The introduction of Castle and the surprise appearance of the Kingpin still made this a fun watch, even if it's the weakest season for the Devil of Hell's Kitchen.

6. Luke Cage: Season 2

This season saw Luke's decision-making called into question and introduced a new element to the character that had been previously unexplored, even during his time in prison. The hero's heel turn at the end was a surprising, not totally embraced change for fans, but the journey to get there was worthwhile. And while the campy nature of Diamondback didn't work out, Mariah Dillard's descent into madness was a lot more entertaining. Add in Simone Missick's expanded role as Misty Knight, Shades' evolution in character and the threat of the Bushmaster and this season delivers some serious rewatch value.

5. The Punisher: Season 1

Following his intro on Daredevil, fans demanded Frank Castle get his own show, and Netflix delivered. In the first season, Frank's past comes back to haunt him in the form of Dinah Madani, who also opens the door to the truth about the slaying of the Castle family -- and Frank's culpability. Story elements like Micro's desire to go home give us a heartbreaking glimpse at the life the Punisher could have had. Sam Stein and Karen Page both shine in supporting roles, but it's all about Frank. Bernthal is perhaps the most spot on casting done in any of these shows to date.

NEXT PAGE: Daredevil's Latest Season Left Us Wanting More

4. The Punisher: Season 2

The newest addition to the canon sees Frank in more of a traditional hero-type role than he's played before. This new merciful Punisher still racks up his share of victims, but this time around he just lets some of them live. The change of heart comes from the influence of a girl who perhaps reminds him of his daughter, and the role of protector rather than just avenger suits him. This season also did a nice job of spotlighting some returning characters, like Brett Mahoney and Curtis Hoyle, and introduced some solid additions like John Pilgrim.

3. Daredevil: Season 3

Last season in Hell's Kitchen, Wilson Fisk returned to run amok once more, this time bringing with him someone who could match the Devil's abilities. Loosely adapting Frank Miller's "Born Again" story from the comics, Matt is resurrected from his assumed death following the events of The Defenders, and must immediately deal with his extreme Catholic repression, the return of the Kingpin and loss of his powers -- all while an imposter runs around wearing his suit. Season 3 also provided a good amount of story for Foggy and Karen to fill, and ultimately left us wanting more.

2. Daredevil: Season 1

The one that started it all, this show expanded our expectations of what Marvel could really do with a series. Filled with solid casting, in-depth villains and awe-inspiring fight scenes, the show was an instant hit with fans. Watching the rise of the Kingpin and the Devil of Hell's Kitchen set a standard that's been incredibly difficult to maintain, but one that created a lot of new Daredevil fans. The supporting cast provided some great moments, but it was the buildup to the showdown between Murdock and Fisk, and the delivery on that ride, that keeps Season 1 among the very best.

1. Jessica Jones: Season 1

The second season put out by Netflix starred the least known character of the five, Jessica Jones. This show, which also introduced Luke Cage, revolved around a down-on-her-luck private eye who happened to have superpowers, a drinking habit and a poor disposition. This season takes the top spot mostly thanks to the fact that it has the best villain, and the contrast of Killgrave to Jones in the noir setting of the story worked perfectly. David Tennant and Krysten Ritter were both perfectly cast, and a moody soundtrack and blue-purple city lighting all combined to forge an instant classic within the genre.