It’s that time of year when we reflect on the Marvel Cinematic Universe titles released by the studio in 2022, especially those on Disney+. 2022 was a banner year for the studio, with six TV series and specials premiering on the streaming service. And overall, each of them were entertaining and thoughtful additions to the MCU. Ultimately, some series were better than others.
6. “I Am Groot” is the worst Marvel Disney+ title of 2022
Don’t get us wrong – Marvel Studios I’m Groot was a burst of joy and a refreshing break from the other heavy 2022 MCU titles. However, something must be last; for us it’s the animated shorts.
I’m Groot takes place somewhere between the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and the film’s end credits scene where Groot is a teenager. And the series contains five short episodes that follow Baby Groot’s adventures in the galaxy.
The episodes are a joy to watch as Groot gets in and out of trouble. And who wouldn’t love a surprise appearance from Rocket Raccoon? But, I’m Groot apparently has no implications for the MCU or real-world stakes, so we had to rank it last.
5. ‘Moon Knight’
Oscar Isaac undoubtedly gave one of the best Marvel performances in Moon Knight in 2022. He mainly played Steven Grant and Marc Spector, with a sprinkling of Jake Lockley in the finale’s closing credits scene. And the actor was fantastic as a complicated superhero with dissociative identity disorder.
Aside from Isaac’s performance, Moon Knight was a bold risk that paid off tenfold. The show was unlike anything we had seen in the MCU and it was exciting every week. Plus, we know fans will be talking about the end of Episode 4 for years to come.
The reason we ranked Moon Knight fifth place on the list of Marvel Disney+ releases in 2022 is due to the underwhelming finale. It left many questions unanswered, including where Steven, Marc and Jake go next in the MCU. We don’t think this is the last we’ve seen of Moon Knight, but we hoped it was an indication of what’s to come.
4. ‘Ms. Marvel’
We never thought we needed a teen show in the MCU before Mrs. Marvel premiered in 2022. The series introduced Kamala Khan to fans and she was pure joy from the moment she appeared on our screens.
Mrs. Marvel reminded us Spider-Man: Homecoming in the way that both Kamala and Peter Parker are believable teenagers – even if they have superpowers. Before she found the bangle, Kamala was a normal awkward teenager who looked up to heroes like Captain Marvel. And then, suddenly, she was thrust into the world of those she admired.
The show sort of lost its plot line towards the end and the villains left something to be desired. But Kamala coming into her own, the final fight scene, and the revelation that Kamala is the first recognized mutant in the MCU made all of the show’s negativity disappear. And Mrs. Marvel arguably has the best end credits scene of the 2022 Disney+ titles, especially since it sets up Kamala’s next adventure in the MCU.
3. ‘Werewolf by Night’
Marvel Studios’ first attempt at a special presentation was very successful. Werewolf at night, which Disney+ released before Halloween, introduced the cartoon character of Jack Russell, aka Werewolf by Night. And like many of the Marvel Disney+ shows in 2022, the special presentation was unlike anything we’ve seen before in the MCU.
Director Michael Giacchino shot Werewolf at night mostly in black and white and took elements from old-fashioned horror films. It was thrilling, exciting, and just a tease of what’s sure to come for Werewolf by Night in the MCU.
In addition, the special presentation gave fans Man-Thing, and Laura Donnelly as Elsa Bloodstone was a welcome surprise. We can’t wait to see Werewolf at night every Halloween.
2. ‘She-Hulk: Lawyer’
The location of She-Hulk: Lawyer in our 2022 Marvel Disney+ release ranking may be controversial, but we stand by it.
The series is the first half-hour comedy in the MCU, and we appreciated the case-of-the-week format. It was fun and a much-needed break from the darkness of the MCU, which can be far too overwhelming at times. And we don’t know about anyone else, but the jaw-dropping and delightful twist in the finale has been on our minds since it aired.
Plus, Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters was a revelation, so we’re willing to overlook the not-so-great CGI in She-Hulk: Lawyer. And anything featuring Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil is automatically awesome. We don’t make the rules.
1. “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” is the best Marvel Disney+ title of 2022
The last Marvel Disney+ release of 2022 is also the best – The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. And it just shows the studio that they should produce more special presentations ASAP.
We didn’t realize how much we missed the Guardians until this holiday special aired. MCU fans haven’t seen a title solely focused on this tough group of heroes that was directed and written by James Gunn since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. And we can’t imagine having to say goodbye to this corner of the MCU after the third film premieres, but that’s an issue for another day.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special highlighted two of the unsung heroes of this group – Mantis and Drax. Their unlikely friendship is one of the best dynamics in the MCU. And their naivety when it came to giving Kevin Bacon to Peter for Christmas was hilarious and genius on Gunn’s part.
In addition, the special presentation gave fans a catchy new Christmas carol, the revelation that Peter and Mantis are siblings, and a heartfelt story that had us laughing and crying constantly.
All Marvel shows and specials from 2022 are available to stream on Disney+.
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