The Marvel Cinematic Universe has delivered some memorable TV series, but the greatest episodes transcend the genre. The MCU timeline’s move into television opened up entirely new ways to tell character-driven stories, allowing heroes and villains to shine in longer, serialized arcs. While some shows have struggled with pacing or tonal consistency, many episodes have stood out as masterpieces.
Whether it’s a stunning action showcase, an emotional character deep-dive, or a surprising twist that changes everything, certain MCU TV episodes represent the very best of the franchise. From tragic sacrifices to bold reinventions, these episodes showcase the MCU at its most daring. Ranked from excellent to outright unforgettable, these are the greatest episodes Marvel television has produced so far.
10
Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episode 9 “Straight to Hell”
Daredevil: Born Again brought back the same brutal tone depicted in Netflix’s Daredevil, but episode 9, “Straight to Hell,” may be its crowning achievement. This episode features Matt Murdock reluctantly teaming up with Frank Castle. They deliver a punishing, beautifully choreographed fight against Kingpin’s ruthless Anti-Vigilante Taskforce.
What elevates the episode beyond action, however, is the sharp social commentary. In a powerful subplot, the Punisher directly confronts police officers who have adopted his logo, openly criticizing the misuse of his symbol. This is a clear reference to real-world Punisher controversies over misinterpreting the iconic skull.
The moment adds unexpected depth to the vigilante’s portrayal, while also grounding the story in timely, resonant themes. Meanwhile, Daredevil’s moral struggle is front and center, creating a perfect balance between character drama and visceral combat. It’s gritty, layered, and exactly the kind of episode hoped for in the revival.
9
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier Episode 5 “Truth”
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is often remembered as one of Marvel’s more uneven Disney+ efforts. However, episode 5, “Truth,” represents everything the series was supposed to be. Here, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes retrieve Captain America’s shield from John Walker after his public downfall.
Reclaiming his shield, Sam grapples with the weight of Captain America’s mantle and the complicated history of Black heroes in America. The episode pulls no punches. It delivered emotional, thought-provoking scenes between Sam and Isaiah Bradley that give the story a richness and resonance rarely seen in superhero TV.
At the same time, Bucky’s arc reaches a cathartic turning point as he begins making amends for his past. The pacing slows down to allow these character beats to breathe, making the payoff hit harder when Sam finally steps into his destiny. The subsequent training scene quickly became everything that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier promised it would be.
8
Agatha All Along Episode 9 “Maiden, Mother, Crone”
Agatha Harkness’s spinoff was filled with surprising emotional turns, but “Maiden, Mother, Crone” stands out. The episode finally reveals Agatha’s history and the true nature of the “Ballad of the Witches’ Road.” It leans into historical fantasy as it unveils Agatha’s cursed lineage and how her pursuit of survival cost her everything – family, love, and trust.
Kathryn Hahn delivers a stunning performance, revealing the tragic tenderness behind Agatha’s biting wit. Hahn perfectly unveiled the sorrow of someone burdened by centuries of loss. The episode reframes her as more than a villain or antihero, showing how tragedy and betrayal molded her into the witch first met in WandaVision.
The episode is split into two equally thrilling parts, depicting first Agatha’s history and then her captivating final show down with Lady Death. The visual storytelling is especially effective, with eerie, magical set pieces that feel ripped from classic folklore. By grounding Agatha’s sharp edges in a deeply human backstory, “Maiden, Mother, Crone” transforms her into a truly layered character.
7
WandaVision Episode 6 “All-New Halloween Spooktacular”
WandaVision’s “All-New Halloween Spooktacular” is a fan-favorite episode for good reason. It’s both a clever sitcom homage and a love letter to Marvel Comics. The Halloween theme provides a perfect excuse to showcase comic-accurate 1960s costumes for Wanda, Vision, and even Pietro, delighting longtime viewers with playful nods to their iconic designs.
Yet the fun veneer quickly peels back to reveal something darker. Vision begins to uncover the truth behind Westview’s unnatural existence. Evan Peters’ shocking introduction as Pietro only added to the episode’s buzz, recasting Wanda’s MCU brother with his Fox X-Men counterpart.
This hinted at multiverse possibilities while layering mystery atop Wanda’s fragile reality. This balance of playful nostalgia and unsettling dread captures WandaVision at its most creative. The mix of humor, heart, and horror proved that Marvel television could embrace bold experimentation while still pushing its overarching narrative forward.
6
Loki Season 1, Episode 5 “Journey into Mystery”
In Loki’s first season, “Journey into Mystery” was the episode that captured just how wild and imaginative the MCU could be. Stranded at the end of time, Loki finds himself surrounded by countless variants of himself. These range from the regal Classic Loki to the instantly beloved Alligator Loki.
The interactions between these eccentric characters provide sharp humor and surprising emotional weight. Classic Loki sacrificing himself in a glorious, defiant final act is particularly compelling. The setting itself is a surreal wasteland ruled by the monstrous Alioth.
This feels like something straight out of Jack Kirby’s imagination, blending cosmic wonder with mythic danger. This episode deepened Loki’s journey of self-discovery while also embracing the full creative chaos of the multiverse concept. It’s a thrilling mix of character drama, world-building, and pure comic-book weirdness, cementing it as a fan favorite.
5
Daredevil Season 2, Episode 3 “New York’s Finest”
Daredevil’s second season introduced Frank Castle in unforgettable fashion, and “New York’s Finest” solidified him as one of Marvel television’s greatest characters. After capturing Daredevil, the Punisher ties him to a rooftop and delivers one of the MCU’s most compelling philosophical debates. Their argument over morality, justice, and the nature of vigilantism remains a highlight of Marvel storytelling.
Charlie Cox and Jon Bernthal delivered powerhouse performances. The episode masterfully balanced dialogue-driven tension with raw action. It culminates in a brutal hallway/stairwell fight where Daredevil battles gang members while still shackled.
This juxtaposition of intimate character drama and bone-crunching combat encapsulates why Daredevil remains so beloved. “New York’s Finest” is more than a showcase for the Punisher. It’s a searing meditation on what separates a hero from a killer, and why that distinction matters.
4
WandaVision Episode 5 “On a Very Special Episode…”
WandaVision’s “On a Very Special Episode…” was the moment the series transformed from quirky sitcom experiment to full-blown MCU epic. The cracks in Wanda’s idyllic Westview façade begin to widen. This prompts Vision to confront her about the increasingly disturbing reality around them.
Their heated argument is one of the show’s most gripping scenes, forcing Wanda to acknowledge her illusions. Meanwhile, the outside world closes in as S.W.O.R.D. makes their presence more aggressive, exposing Wanda’s control of the town. The episode’s shocking final twist was a jaw-dropping reveal.
Evan Peter’s appearance as Wanda’s brother Peter ignited fan theories everywhere. By blending domestic sitcom tropes with escalating superhero drama, this episode struck the perfect balance of mystery and emotional weight. It stands as one of WandaVision’s defining, game-changing installments.
3
X-Men ’97 Season 1, Episode 5 “Remember It”
The MCU-adjacent X-Men ’97 stunned audiences with “Remember It,” a devastating and unforgettable entry that left viewers shaken. When a wild Sentinel invades the mutant haven of Genosha, several mutants leap into action. Most notably, Gambit, who finds himself making the ultimate sacrifice during a desperate battle against Bastion’s forces.
The writing gave Remy the emotional spotlight he had long deserved. It portrayed him not only as a charming rogue but as a true hero willing to lay down his life for mutantkind. The episode’s pacing is relentless, building tension until the heartbreaking climax where Gambit meets his end in a blaze of glory.
Animation and voice acting combined to deliver one of Marvel television’s most emotionally charged moments ever. Rogue’s heartbreaking grief was palpable despite the animated medium. “Remember It” wasn’t just a great episode – it was a defining chapter in X-Men history, giving the undisputed fan-favorite from X-Men: The Animated Series the valiant moment he deserved.
2
Loki Season 2, Episode 6 “Glorious Purpose”
The second season of Loki closed with “Glorious Purpose.” It offered a breathtaking finale that solidified Loki’s journey from selfish trickster to selfless god. The episode sees Loki confronting the overwhelming responsibility of maintaining the multiverse’s stability, culminating in his transformation into the very heart of the Temporal Loom.
It’s a deeply moving, almost mythological ending. It’s visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Tom Hiddleston’s performance captures the full arc of Loki’s evolution, turning what began as a mischievous villain into one of the MCU’s most noble figures. The finale ties together themes of choice, sacrifice, and destiny with elegance.
The episode’s ambition was truly awe-inspiring. Rather than ending on spectacle alone, “Glorious Purpose” delivered a character-driven conclusion worthy of its name. It marks one of Marvel’s most poetic and unforgettable television moments.
1
Agatha All Along Episode 7 “Death’s Hand In Mine”
While Marvel television has delivered countless memorable episodes, “Death’s Hand in Mine” from Agatha All Along is in a league of its own. The narrative centered on Lilia, a character who had gradually grown in importance throughout the season. This installment dives deep into her history with stunning beauty.
The heartbreaking climax sees Lillia sacrifice herself to stop the Salem Seven, memorably flipping the room during a Tarot car reading, impaling them and herself. It proves why Patti LuPone was such an exciting cast member for the series. She elevated the show to serious drama despite the superhero and horror trappings.
Lillia’s parting line, “I loved being a witch,” is a beautiful and heartbreaking final rallying cry. She both protects her sisters and reconciles her past simultaneously. Viewers and critics alike praised its bold storytelling, calling it a standout achievement in the genre.
By the end, “Death’s Hand in Mine” had transcended expectations. It’s not just an MCU story, but one of the most moving hours of television in recent memory. It’s a true testament to Marvel’s potential in television.
