10 of the best Michael B. Jordan Performances
First things first. I did see Black & White but I only remember the Robert Downey Jr. and Mike Tyson scene from that movie.
I also didn’t know Pastor Brown and Blackout were options until I started doing research for this post. So I guess this can’t be a full on ranking of Michael B. Jordan’s filmography. Either way, let’s take a look at the movies I have actually seen and remember Mr. Jordan in.
Role/Rank:
BONUS - Victor Stone/Cyborg in… Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2012)
Why Though:
I just want everyone to remember Michael B. Jordan doesn’t just play Marvel characters. He was a DC hero in a movie with a Batman I didn’t even remember to list before he went over to the house Stan Lee helped build!
Role/Rank:
#10- As Maurice Wilson in… Red Tails (2012)
Why Though:
I’m sorry, this is why I led with a BONUS. I don’t remember Michael B. Jordan’s participation in this movie at all. I know he was a pilot… probably, but that’s because I wasn’t a fan of how this movie turned out. It had so many great actors and the creator of Stinkmeaner, Aaron McGruder, as the writer. The result was underwhelming to say the least.
Role/Rank:
#9- As Johnny Storm/The Human Torch in…Fantastic Four (2015)
Why Though:
I don’t hate this movie as much as everyone else. I actually found a lot of merit in the choices the first act of this movie made. What I will concede, however, is there is a ton of wasted potential. The third act feels like there was some kind of rush to the finish line where everyone involved, including the audience, lost. This meant that while I saw the potential in Michael B. Jordan’s performance, I don’t think he had a chance to have a fully fleshed out performance. Which is weird considering his previous work with this director.
Role/Rank:
#8- As Jamal in… Hardball (2001)
Why Though:
Let’s be honest, there’s only one character everyone remembers and he doesn’t make it to the end credits… Regardless this movie is a mix of Bad News Bears and Mighty Ducks with way more opportunities for black child actors so I’m all for it, and I can only assume that if I rewatched this, it’d confirm that Michael B. Jordan is the goods.
Role/Rank:
#7- As Mikey in… That Awkward Moment (2014)
Why Though:
I guess everyone’s gotta have a rom com under their belt. At some point, you’ve gotta show people that you don’t just brood. I constantly hear that Michael B. Jordan is just doing the same thing in every movie, and I think his role in That Awkward Moment, proves he’s got different lanes. He plays a dope who doesn’t know how to rebound from his long term girlfriend. He’s actually not that cool or intense and even though the movie wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, I appreciated the way Michael B. switched things up.
Role/Rank:
#6- As Guy Montag in… Farenheit 451 (2018)
Why Though:
If there was ever evidence that Michael B. Jordan is in fact a leading man, it’s this HBO exclusive. I don’t think I would have been as engaged in this rushed material if Michael wasn’t at the center of everything. I stuck with this movie that probably would have done better as a limited series with time to breathe, a la Sharp Objects, all because Michael knows how to command the screen.
Role/Rank:
#5- As Adonis Creed in… Creed II (2018)
Why Though:
I’ll admit, I didn’t think Creed II would do that well. I’m glad I was wrong. This was a worthy follow up and Michael really did feel like he was maturing into the role. Gone were the days of his high energy compensation and we got to see a more pensive, on the verge of overthinking, Donny!
Role/Rank:
#4- As Adonis Creed in… Creed (2015)
Why Though:
I still haven’t seen a full O.G. Rocky movie! But I know that Creed is a really great boxing movie with Michael B. Jordan having a much more fun to watch performance than the sequel. I remember liking that he was actually good at his job before boxing and that he turned down a promotion. Adonis wasn’t a down and out black man with no other options. He wanted to follow his dream and that was a nice in for me.
Role/Rank:
#3- As Oscar Grant in… Fruitvale Station (2013)
Why Though:
I still can’t tell if this movie is amazing and almost made me cry or if I just think it’s amazing because it almost made me cry, but once again this movie proves that Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan are a force to be reckoned with and Mike can carry a movie! I’m even into some of the quieter moments in this movie which is saying something since I’m all about the dialogue in a movie.
Role/Rank:
#2- As Steve Montgomery in… Chronicle (2012)
Why Though:
Until recently, this was the MBJ role to beat! I never got to see black characters portrayed this way in super hero/sci-fi movies before really. It’s hard to describe, but I liked the way that Steve wasn’t defined by the colour of his skin. He actually felt like he should have been in this group of friends and that he wasn’t just a token black guy in the group of friends. I’ve heard some people have issues with colour blind casting like that, but I appreciate that there was space for Michael to not have to live up to some standard of blackness that doesn’t truly exist and that his high school experience mirrored mine more than most movies like this do… other than the fact that I got my powers from a lightning bolt instead of a meteor or whatever!
Role/Rank:
#1- As Erik Stevens/Killmonger in… Black Panther (2018)
Why Though:
Not only is Black Panther one of my favourite movies of 2018, Killmonger is one of my favoruite villains period. I do think certain people misread his true motivations, but that’s what’s cool about him. The kinds of discussions he provokes. It’s not just a forgetable character who gets killed and we forget about like other Marvel villains. This is another Coogler/Jordan gem we can appreciate for years to come!
-YG