7 top Michael B. Jordan films, ranked
Michael B. Jordan has had a lengthy journey to achieve stardom, and at 38 years old, he has positioned himself as one of the top talents under 40. He began to shine as Wallace on The Wire, which opened doors for further success on shows like Friday Night Lights and Parenthood. Over the past 15 years, Jordan has evolved from a commendable television actor into a genuine movie star.
Jordan aims even higher than just acting, having successfully transitioned into a skilled producer and emerging director. With the release of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, here are the seven best films featuring Jordan's first portrayal of a character.
This list focuses solely on films where Jordan debuted his character. Apologies to the Creed sequels and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
7. That Awkward Moment (2014)
Focus Features
Every great actor needs a moment in romantic comedy. For Jordan, this occurred in 2014’s The Awkward Moment, a comedy that featured three rising stars at the time—Jordan, Miles Teller, and Zac Efron. Jason (Efron) is adept at the art of picking up women, and with Daniel (Teller) as his ally, he embraces the hookup culture, often heading home with a new girl nightly.
When their best friend Mikey (Jordan) encounters marital issues, the trio decides to remain single and avoid relationships. However, all three end up involved in romantic entanglements, jeopardizing their agreement. While That Awkward Moment might follow a predictable formula, it serves as a charming bro-com (bromantic comedy) featuring three handsome and charismatic leads who are destined to be Hollywood stars.
Rent or buy That Awkward Moment on Apple or Amazon.
6. Chronicle (2012)
20th Century Fox
Before Black Panther, Chronicle served as Jordan's introduction to superhero culture. Filmed in a found-footage style, the story centers on Andrew (Dane DeHaan), a troubled teenager dealing with bullying at school and abuse at home from his father (Michael Kelly). His only sources of support are his cousin Matt (Alex Russell) and a video camera.
Andrew, Matt, and popular student Steve Montgomery (Jordan) discover a mysterious hole in the forest and unearth a glowing object that grants them superpowers—telekinesis and the ability to fly. While they enjoy their new abilities, Andrew's darker side emerges, leading to villainous actions. In a genre saturated with films, Chronicle stands out with its fresh perspective on a well-trodden theme.
Rent or buy Chronicle on Apple or Amazon.
5. Just Mercy (2019)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Moving on to superheroes of a different kind, Jordan portrays an inspiring figure in Just Mercy, a compelling courtroom drama. Harvard graduate Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) travels to Alabama to assist those lacking adequate legal representation. He swiftly establishes the Equal Justice Initiative alongside Eva Ansley (Brie Larson).
One of Stevenson's first clients is Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), an African American man wrongfully sentenced to death for the murder of a white teenager. As Stevenson investigates the case, he uncovers evidence that could free McMillian. However, he faces obstacles from racism and systemic injustices that complicate his fight. With a stoic performance from Jordan and a fantastic supporting role from Foxx, Just Mercy illustrates the essence of true courage.
Rent or buy Just Mercy on Apple or Amazon.
4. Fruitvale Station (2013)
The Weinstein Company
The first collaboration between Coogler and Jordan may be their most significant. Fruitvale Station chronicles the last day of Oscar Grant’s (Jordan) life, a 22-year-old striving to get back on track after his release from prison. Grant works to secure a job to support his girlfriend (Melonie Diaz) and young daughter (Ariana Neal).
After attending his mother’s birthday celebration, Oscar boards a train to San Francisco for New Year’s Eve fireworks, unaware that a tragic encounter with the police will mark his last moments with his mother. Fruitvale Station immerses viewers in a torrent of emotions, from anger and hatred to sadness and despair. This tragic narrative is handled with remarkable grace and empathy by Coogler, who has emerged as one of Hollywood's finest young directors.
Stream Fruitvale Station on Hulu.
3. Sinners (2025)
Warner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures
Though it's early, Sinners quickly ascends to the top tier of Jordan’s career. As a long-time star, this film gives him the rare opportunity to elevate an original story alongside Coogler. Set in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, twins Smoke and Stack (Jordan in dual roles) return home after a stint in Chicago. They use stolen money to buy an abandoned mill, aiming to create a juke joint for the Black community.
Their opening night begins in celebration, filled with drinks, music
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7 top Michael B. Jordan films, ranked
Michael B. Jordan is one of Hollywood's most notable stars. In celebration of Sinners, here are Jordan's top films.