Throughout his career,Michael B. Jordanhas appeared in some of the most critically acclaimed shows of all time. What started as background roles in hit TV shows quickly blossomed into larger roles on the big screen. From a young age, Michael grew as a supporting actor and eventually got his opportunity for lead roles. It’s these lead performances that have fans thirsting for more and critics struggling to find negative feedback.
Perhaps what makes Michael B. Jordan so impressive is his ability to play a wide range of roles and thetraining he puts into his work. From a struggling teenager trying to overcome obstacles bigger than himself, to a full-fledged super villain, he can truly do it all at the highest level. The Hollywood superstar actor andentrepreneurhas made some big splashes in recent years, and will certainly reappear on the big screen in years to continue his all-time-great performances. Let’s look at the best Michael B. Jordan movies and see how they compare.
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InHardball, starring Keanu Reeves, Jordan plays the role of Jamal, a young teen who lives a troublesome life of gang-related activity in the projects of Chicago. The gambling addict turned baseball coach (Reeves) struggles to save Jamal from the pitfalls of gang life, after releasing Jamal from the team due to a stingy age requirement. This role would set the stage for excellent performances to come later in his career.
7Fantastic Four
Superheroes have been dominating the silver screen. InFantastic Four (2015), Jordan is one of several star-studded cast members including Miles Teller. Although this movie was good rather than great, it proved that Jordan was ready for the biggest of roles, and that his time in Hollywood had arrived.
6That Awkward Moment
Once again, Jordan works alongside Teller and former child superstar Zac Efron inThat Awkward Moment, a film that highlights the moment that seemingly arrives in every relationship, the moment when one person is ready to get serious and the other isn’t. Mikey (Jordan) soon finds himself in a similar predicament after being divorced by his wife Vera. The three buddies soon begin celebrating their new lives as single men, but par for the course when it comes to love, their love lives get complicated. This movie demonstrates Jordan’s range as he delivers a solid performance in this lighter hearted romantic comedy.
Creed, inspired by the originalRockyseries, follow Adonis “Donnie” Creed in his journey to live up to the legacy of his father Apollo (Carl Weathers). InCreed 2, Donnie is dealing with worldwide stardom and must juggle his two most important relationships – that with his trainer Rocky Balboa and his love interest in Bianca Taylor. In a somewhat cheesy and predictable chain of events, Donnie is challenged by Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago from Rocky IV. Rocky (played by Sylvester Stallone,who nearly died after filming the fight scenewith the Russian) condemns the matchup after watching Apollo die in the ring at the hands of Ivan. As you may have guessed, competitive fire wins again. This movie may not be better than the original, but it was enough to spark athird chapter which will be directed by Jordan himself.
4Just Mercy
InJust Mercy, Jordan plays the role of Bryan Stephenson. The ambitious Harvard Law graduate travels to the deep south to serve the underprivileged members of society who cannot afford proper representation. Stephenson eventually encounters a man named Walter McMillian who is convicted of murder, and begins discovering several flaws in the case, including a coerced testimony. Stephenson then works for justice, battling in the Supreme Court for a retrial and chance to have the charges dropped. It should come as no surprise that this performance by Jordan won the Outstanding Actor in motion picture award given by NAACP Image Awards.
3Fruitvale Station
Fruitvale Stationdepicts the life of a man named Oscar Grant III (played by Michael B. Jordan) who falls victim to an urban tragedy, led by violence and police brutality. The violent act was followed by a series of riots and protests throughout the city as footage of the event began to surface. Eventually, the officer in question was tried and found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. However, the wounds would take some time to heal. This performance certainly does justice to the life that was once lived by Oscar Grant III.
2Black Panther
Perhaps the only reason whyBlack Pantherdidn’t make the top of the rankings is that Jordan didn’t appear in this film until well into the plot. However, his prescense is undoubtedly felt by all once his character (Killmonger) appears on screen. In this epic story of the Wakanda nation, Jordan alongside the late great Chadwick Boseman delivers an outstanding performance.
InCreed, Adonis “Donnie” Creed (Jordan), son of the former Heavy Weight Champ Apollo Creed, finds himself in a tough spot as he bets on himself and his dream of becoming a great boxer. After quitting his job at a financial group, he reaches out to the son of his father’s trainer, Tony “Duke” Evans. Duke Jr. denies Donnie the chance to train at the Los Angeles gym. Much to the dismay of Mary Anne, Apollo’s widow, Donnie travels to Philadelphia to meet his father’s rival turned best friend, Rocky Balboa. Rocky and Donnie would then go onto tell the classic Rocky-esque story about overcoming the odds and achieving more than the critics could imagine.
