With over 25 films and 86 awards to his name, Michael B. Jordan is one of the most prolific and accomplished actors of the 21st century so far. An internationally recognizable industry icon, the Oscar-nominated actor has appeared in a vast range of shows and movies, from lighthearted comedies to intense dramas, soap operas to action flicks. His extensive filmography includes several high-grossing films and some of the greatest movie masterpieces made in recent years, particularly his work with frequent collaborator Ryan Coogler.
Jordan’s filmography includes highly popular franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Creed trilogy, with the latter also including his directorial debut, but he’s also delivered superb performances in grounded, realistic dramas with sharp, heartbreaking narratives. Though he’s had his fair share of duds and disappointments, Jordan has proven time and again that he’s one of the best actors working in the industry today, bringing intense charisma and emotional vulnerability to each and every role he takes on. So, without further ado, here’s a look at some of Michael B. Jordan’s best movies that can be called masterpieces.
7
‘Black Panther’ (2018)
An MCU superhero film, Black Panther was co-written and directed by Ryan Coogler and is based on characters created by Marvel Comics. Chadwick Boseman stars as the titular hero, the king of the hidden nation of Wakanda, who faces an unexpected challenge from the violent revolutionary Killmonger (Jordan) that forces him to question the country’s isolationist policies. The movie’s ensemble cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Sterling K. Brown, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.
Released in 2018, Black Panther was a resounding success for Marvel, winning near-universal acclaim from critics and audiences for its politically charged story, high production values, and compelling performances, particularly those by Boseman and Jordan. The role of Killmonger is arguably one of Jordan’s best yet, a genuinely interesting villain whose charisma at times overshadows that of the hero. The film was hailed as one of the best of the year by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute, broke several box office records, and became the first superhero movie to receive a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
6
‘Creed’ (2015)
A spin-off of the iconic Rocky franchise, Creed is a sports drama directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler, with Jordan and Sylvester Stallone leading the cast. The movie follows young boxer Adonis Creed (Jordan), the illegitimate son of former heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed, as he travels to Philadelphia to train under his father’s old rival-turned-friend, Rocky Balboa (Stallone). The film also stars Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Tony Bellew, Graham McTavish, and more in supporting roles.
Essentially a legacy sequel to Stallone’s legendary Rocky movies, Creed was a critical and commercial success when it hit theaters in 2015, widely hailed as one of the best films of the year and kicking off a new sequel franchise. It’s easily one of Jordan’s most beloved movies, and a masterfully crafted boxing drama with impeccable direction, writing, and performances. Creed also earned numerous accolades, with Stallone winning a National Board of Review Award, Critics’ Choice Award, and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, as well as being nominated for an Academy Award in the same category.
5
‘Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox’ (2013)
Directed by Jay Oliva and written by Jim Krieg, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is an adult animated superhero film adapted from Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert’s 2011 DC comic book event “Flashpoint.” The film follows Barry Allen / The Flash in a world that has been inexplicably altered as he attempts to figure out why the timeline has changed and find a way to make things right. Justin Chambers leads the voice cast as The Flash, with C. Thomas Howell as Eobard Thawne / Professor Zoom, Michael B. Jordan as Victor Stone / Cyborg, Kevin McKidd as Thomas Wayne / Batman, and Cary Elwes as Aquaman, as well as Kevin Conroy, Nathan Fillion, Ron Perlman, Dana Delany, Vanessa Marshall, and Dee Bradley Baker in other key roles.
While the “Flashpoint” comics and the New 52 reboot that followed were quite divisive among DC fans, their movie counterparts are widely regarded as some of the best animated superhero films ever. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the first film of the rebooted DC Animated Movie Universe, is an undeniable masterpiece that presents a gritty story anchored by a twisty mystery. Jordan’s role as Cyborg is a highlight, with the character playing a significant part in the film’s dark world.
4
‘Chronicle’ (2012)
Written by Max Landis and directed by Josh Trank in his feature directorial debut, Chronicle is a found-footage film that explores a dark take on superhero stories. The film stars Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan as three Seattle high school seniors who gain mysterious telekinetic powers from a strange object. Michael Kelly, Ashley Hinshaw, Bo Petersen, Anna Wood, and more star in supporting roles.
Chronicle premiered at the 2012 Gérardmer Film Festival, receiving positive reviews from critics ahead of a successful theatrical run, grossing $127 million against a budget of $15 million. An innovative and underrated sci-fi film, the movie masterfully uses the found-footage format to tell a dark and original superhero story. Jordan plays a pivotal and endearing role in the film, and it’s easily one of the most overlooked roles in his filmography. Chronicle also earned a number of accolades, including a Saturn Award nomination for Best Science Fiction Film.
3
‘Just Mercy’ (2019)
Co-written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Just Mercy is a biographical legal drama starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. Set in Alabama in the late 1980s, the film follows young attorney Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) as he fights for the wrongfully convicted Walter McMillian (Foxx), who was sentenced to death for the murder of a young white girl. Based on Stevenson’s 2014 memoir, the true story drama also stars Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, and Brie Larson in key roles.
Just Mercy was highly acclaimed by critics after its world premiere at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to have a successful theatrical run, grossing $50 million against a $25 million budget. A harrowing and influential social drama, the film has been praised for the compelling performances by Jordan and Foxx, both of whom received NAACP Image Awards for their roles. Foxx additionally received a SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, and the movie is an underrated masterpiece with a truly eye-opening exploration of real events.
2
‘Fruitvale Station’ (2013)
Written and directed by Ryan Coogler in his feature directorial debut, Fruitvale Station is a biographical drama that explores the real events leading up to the 2009 killing of 22-year-old Oscar Grant by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer Johannes Mehserle at the titular station in Oakland, California. Jordan stars as Grant in this painful drama that explores the last day of his life, and the film also features real archival footage of what happened just before the shooting. Kevin Durand and Chad Michael Murray star as the two BART police officers involved, with Melonie Diaz, Ahna O’Reilly, and Octavia Spencer appearing in key supporting roles.
The film that kicked off Ryan Coogler’s celebrated career and collaboration with Jordan, Fruitvale Station had its world premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim and won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film. Later screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival the same year, the movie won the festival’s award for Best First Film. Fruitvale Station is a devastating watch with great writing and direction, as well as a heartbreaking performance by Jordan in the lead role.
1
‘Sinners’ (2025)
Produced, written, and directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a 2025 period horror film that’s easily one of the most celebrated movies of the year. Set in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, the film follows twin brothers (both played by Jordan) who return to their hometown after a seven-year stint working for the Chicago Mob and attempt to create a new life for themselves, only to find their dreams and lives threatened by a supernatural evil. Besides Jordan, the film also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, Delroy Lindo, and Miles Caton in his film debut.
Sinners was one of the biggest critical and commercial successes of 2025, receiving near-universal acclaim and grossing over $368 million. A masterpiece of audiovisual storytelling, the film has been widely hailed as the best so far of Coogler and Jordan’s respective careers. The film was listed among the top 10 films of 2025 by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute, and it has received several accolades, including two Golden Globes, four Critics’ Choice Awards, and a record 16 Oscar nominations.
Sinners
- Release Date
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April 18, 2025
- Runtime
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138 minutes
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