Let’s face it, Michael B. Jordan is the reason half of us bought a gym membership in January and the other half canceled it by February. He has that rare, indefinable “it” factor that radiates through the screen, whether he’s throwing punches in a ring or silently suffering in a jail cell. As he cements his status as a leading man and auteur with Creed III, it’s the perfect time to look back at a filmography that is as impressive as it is varied. From indie darling to blockbuster juggernaut, here is how his movies stack up.
The Defining Masterpieces
At the very top of the list sits Fruitvale Station (2013). This is the performance that announced Jordan not just as a star, but as a serious actor with the gravitas to carry an entire film. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the depiction of Oscar Grant’s final day is heartbreakingly humane, and Jordan’s performance is a masterclass in vulnerability. It’s raw, real, and remains his most critical work to date.
Then comes Black Panther (2018). While he may have been the villain, Erik Killmonger undoubtedly stole the show. Jordan brought a physicality and a complex, rage-fueled philosophy to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that the franchise hadn’t seen before. He wasn’t just a bad guy; he was a revolutionary with a point, making his eventual defeat one of the most tragic moments in superhero history.
The Franchise Heavyweights
It’s impossible to discuss Jordan without acknowledging Creed. The entire trilogy represents the best of his career, blending Rocky nostalgia with fresh, stylish energy. Creed (2015) introduced us to Adonis Johnson, a kid fighting out of his father’s shadow, and Creed II (2018) doubled down on the family drama, adding emotional weight to the spectacle. However, it is Creed III (2023) that stands out as a personal triumph. With Jordan stepping behind the camera, the film lost some of the franchise’s visual poetry but gained a visceral, neon-soaked intimacy that proved his prowess extends beyond acting.
The Underrated Gems
Hidden in the middle of the pack is Just Mercy (2019). Reuniting with Fruitvale Station director Coogler, Jordan plays Bryan Stevenson, a defense attorney fighting for the wrongfully convicted. While the film leans heavily into the traditional “courtroom drama” structure, Jordan’s quiet dignity anchors the emotional core. It’s a film that deserves more respect than it received, serving as a testament to his ability to play moral righteousness without becoming boring.
Another gem often overlooked is Without Remorse (2021). While the Amazon Prime actioner suffered from a generic script, Jordan’s commitment to the physical brutalism of the role elevated it above standard direct-to-streaming fare. He made a generic Tom Clancy adaptation feel personal and grounded, even when the plot holes were gaping.
The Early Days and Missteps
Every career has a few growing pains. Chronicle (2012) was a found-footage sensation that gave Jordan an early platform to play a charismatic antagonist turning darker by the minute. It’s a clever film that holds up, but Jordan was clearly the standout talent waiting to explode.
On the lower end of the spectrum, we find Fantastic Four (2015). Oh, what a mess. Jordan was criticized for the casting choice before the movie even started filming, but he wasn’t the problem with this disaster. The film was a bland, studio-meddled slog that wasted the potential of its cast. It’s a testament to Jordan’s resilience that he survived this critical flop to become one of the biggest stars in the world.
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