The Five – Michael B. Jordan Movies
Welcome to another edition of Phoenix Film Festival’s The Five. On today’s slate is the top five Michael B. Jordan movies. For this list we looked at the top films featuring Jordan over any medium. That includes straight to DVD releases, feature film releases, and made for TV releases. There were a good amount of movies to choose from but a few of them did not make our list, here are some of them: The Awkward Moment (2014), Red Tails (2012), and Fahrenheit 451 (2018).
5. Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox (2014)
Our list begins with an animated feature that went straight to DVD for its release. This movie is a marvel as far as Superhero storytelling goes, along with a strong cast of dynamic characters. Jordan shines as Cyborg as he handles this voice over role with a conviction. It is the only voice over movie on this list but it is well-deserved. His role wasn’t a major one but it was integral to plot so it makes the list.
4. Chronicle (2012)
This box office surprise is next on our list at four. The plot is about three teens discovering they have superpowers, but their lives soon start spinning out of control. This is a very underrated film to say the least. If you need a different change of pace from the superhero movies of today you should make time to watch this flick. This movie was one of the first films to put Jordan in the Hollywood spotlight. His charming performance as Steve really showed some individuals in Hollywood that Jordan has big screen potential.
3 Fruitvale Station (2013)
This retelling of a true story really put Jordan on the map. This film was written and directed by first time filmmaker Ryan Coogler and it was about the last day of an Oakland native Oscar Grant. This was Jordan’s first lead in a movie and he did not disappoint. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Oscar Grant. The performance felt so real and relatable, it isn’t hard to see why. It might have been the start of the next best actor/director combo with himself and Ryan Coogler.
2. Creed I & Creed II (2015) (2018)
Coming in at number two is the Creed franchise. The first movie cemented Micheal’s status as a certified “A” lister. He went under a huge physical transformation for his role, and he also performed all of his fight scenes because he did not have a body double. His emotionally driven performances in these movies perfect display Jordan immense range and dedication to the character. The second move did more of the same, it also showed us that the Coogler/Jordan combo is a real showstopper.
1. Black Panther (2018)
At the top spot on our list is the cultural phenomenon that is Black Panther. Jordan performance was nothing short of spectacular as he played an adversary (N’jadaka/Eric “KIllmonger” Stevens) to Chadwick Boseman’s T’challa/Black Panther. He was grounded, charismatic and made the audience actual care for a villain. There was an incredible scene with Jordan and Boseman’s Black Panther and Killmonger said “bury me in the ocean with my ancestors that jumped from the ships. Because they knew death was better than bondage.” The movie has received worldwide praise and is the benchmark for the beginning of Jordan’s prime of his career.
