Michael B. Jordan has steadily risen as a prominent figure in Hollywood, with a number of career defining movies that highlight his range and talent. From early television appearances to powerful film roles, Jordan’s journey over the past decade showcases the projects that have shaped his rise and established him as a leading actor and filmmaker.
The Breakthrough with Chronicle (2012)
While Michael B. Jordan began gaining recognition through television series like The Wire and Friday Night Lights, it was the 2012 film Chronicle that established him as a promising movie actor. This found-footage style film offered a fresh take on the superhero genre, focusing on three teenagers who gain superpowers and experience divergent paths. Jordan portrayed Steve, the popular and charismatic high school athlete, imbuing the character with both confidence and empathy.
The film’s unique storytelling and Jordan’s magnetic performance drew audiences and critics alike, securing his position as a talent destined for bigger roles. Chronicle acted as a launching pad, signaling that Jordan was ready to take on more substantial projects in cinema.
Powerful Portrayal in Fruitvale Station (2013)
The following year, Jordan delivered one of his most critically acclaimed performances in Fruitvale Station, a true story that chronicles the last day of Oscar Grant, a young man tragically killed by the police. Jordan’s nuanced portrayal went beyond heroism to reflect Oscar’s humanity, flaws, and efforts to improve his life for those he loved.
This film not only cemented Jordan’s reputation as a gifted actor but also marked the beginning of his significant professional partnership with director Ryan Coogler, who made his confident debut with this project. Their collaboration would become one of the most important creative relationships in Jordan’s career.
Mixed Reception for Fantastic Four (2015)
After the success of Chronicle, Jordan took on the role of Johnny Storm, also known as The Human Torch, in the 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four. This darker iteration of Marvel’s first superhero family aimed for a grittier tone but ultimately faced critical and commercial failure, stalling the franchise’s momentum for years.
Directed by Josh Trank, who had previously worked with Jordan on Chronicle, Fantastic Four nevertheless served as an important milestone, marking Jordan’s entry into major blockbuster films. Despite the movie’s drawbacks, Jordan’s performance was seen as a highlight, demonstrating his ability to stand out even amid a disappointing production.
Defining Stardom with Creed (2015)
The year 2015 also brought Michael B. Jordan a major breakthrough with Creed, a continuation of the Rocky saga focused on Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis. This film renewed the beloved franchise with a fresh story, emotional depth, and compelling performances, including that of Sylvester Stallone in a critically praised role.
Creed marked the second collaboration between Jordan and Coogler, solidifying a winning creative formula. Jordan’s leading performance captured the perfect balance of vulnerability and determination, anchoring the film as both a respectful tribute and a fresh new chapter. The success of Creed proved Jordan was not just a talented actor but a bona fide movie star who could drive a franchise forward.
A Complex Villain in Black Panther (2018)
Michael B. Jordan’s experience with the Marvel Cinematic Universe improved substantially with his role as Erik Killmonger in the 2018 film Black Panther. After a previous less successful Marvel attempt, Jordan embraced the role of a villain with deep emotional complexity, directly challenging the protagonist T’Challa, portrayed by Chadwick Boseman.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther became a cultural phenomenon and was notably the first Marvel film to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Jordan’s chilling yet sympathetic portrayal of Killmonger elevated the movie’s dramatic tension and made him one of the MCU’s most memorable antagonists. The film’s massive success further boosted Jordan’s stature in Hollywood.
Expanding Genres with Without Remorse (2021)
Demonstrating his versatility, Jordan took on the role of CIA operative John Clark in Without Remorse, a 2021 action thriller based on Tom Clancy’s novels. The film follows Clark’s quest for revenge after the murder of his wife, combining intense action sequences with elements of espionage.
Though the movie did not receive widespread acclaim, Jordan’s committed performance was once again praised, confirming his ability to anchor varied genres. Without Remorse also hinted at Jordan’s ambition to build a new franchise, as the film teased connections to the larger Rainbow Six universe.
Taking Command with Creed III (2023)
Michael B. Jordan’s evolution into a filmmaker became apparent with Creed III, where he made his directorial debut while reprising his role as Adonis Creed. This sequel, which did not feature Ryan Coogler or Sylvester Stallone, firmly established the franchise as Jordan’s own.
The story revolves around Adonis at the peak of his career, facing an old rival played by Jonathan Majors. Jordan’s direction introduced stylistic elements that enhanced the film’s emotional depth and intensity, showcasing his talent behind the camera as well as on screen. Creed III’s critical and box office success confirmed Jordan’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading stars and generated excitement about his future projects both as an actor and director.
Dual Roles and Genre Mastery in Sinners (2025)
Most recently, Michael B. Jordan starred in Sinners, his fifth collaboration with Ryan Coogler. This film displays Jordan’s range by having him play twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, in 1930s Mississippi. The narrative follows their efforts to open a juke joint while confronting supernatural forces in the form of a vampire threat.
Sinners has been widely praised for its inventive genre storytelling, blending horror with themes of culture and history. Jordan’s dual performance stands out as both compelling and distinct, carrying the film alongside an accomplished cast. The project quickly became a significant theatrical hit and sparked Oscar buzz for Jordan, elevating his and Coogler’s careers even further.
The film’s success also represented an important victory for original theatrical movies, highlighting a demand for fresh, immersive cinema experiences. Sinners’ acclaim sets the stage for future collaborations and further exploration of genre filmmaking by Jordan and Coogler.
Michael B. Jordan’s Lasting Impact on Film
From his early work in Chronicle to the recent triumph of Sinners, Michael B. Jordan’s career defining movies showcase a remarkable trajectory marked by dynamic performances, key collaborations—especially with Ryan Coogler—and his emergence as a director. While Jordan has experienced both critical acclaim and commercial setbacks, these projects have collectively shaped his identity as a versatile actor and filmmaker capable of leading big franchises and original stories alike.
His continued rise signals a promising future, not only in acting but also in directing and producing, making him one of the most influential figures in Hollywood today. Audiences and critics eagerly await what the next chapter in Michael B. Jordan’s career will bring.
