Michael B. Jordan’s 10 Best TV Shows & Movies, Ranked

Michael B. Jordan, known for his role in “Sinners,” has built a remarkable career with appearances in many different TV shows and films, making it hard to choose his ten best. Even before his first superhero role, he consistently delivered strong performances, establishing himself as one of the leading actors of his generation.

Michael B. Jordan has impressed audiences both as a leading man and in memorable supporting roles. He recently delivered what many consider his best performance yet, brilliantly playing twin brothers in Ryan Coogler’s unique horror musical, Sinners.

Blending historical fiction, musical elements, and vampire horror, Sinners is a remarkably original and dark fantasy film that showcases Jordan’s willingness to take bold chances with his career. These risks were rewarded, as Sinners grossed over $360 million and shattered numerous box office records.

10. The Boondocks

Jordan started acting on television in 1999 with small parts in shows like The Sopranos and Cosby. He then appeared in several supporting roles in films such as Black and White and Hardball, which helped him gain recognition. His career really took off when he played Wallace in The Wire, leading to roles in movies like Pastor Brown, Chronicle, and Red Tails.

Aaron McGruder, the creator of the comic strip The Boondocks, wrote the final version of this. So, it’s not surprising that Michael B. Jordan appeared in season four of The Boondocks. By 2014, Jordan was becoming a major movie star, but his role as Pretty Boy Flizzy showed he could still poke fun at his own growing fame and success.

9. That Awkward Moment

In 2014, Michael B. Jordan gained further recognition while starring in one of the last popular “bromance” films before the trend declined. That Awkward Moment featured Jordan, Zac Efron, and Miles Teller as three friends realizing they were ready to stop being single and start looking for serious relationships.

Despite mixed reviews, Michael B. Jordan delivers a standout performance in That Awkward Moment, elevating a fairly average script. The romantic comedy isn’t perfect, but it’s enjoyable thanks to the great on-screen connection between Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Jordan – all actors who were beginning to make a name for themselves around 2010-2014.

8. Creed III

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All of the Creed movies are excellent, and by the end of Creed III, even longtime Rocky fans would likely agree that the Creed series has become a success on its own. It’s a fantastic trilogy, and the Creed story is probably Michael B. Jordan’s most important role to date.

As a huge fan of the Creed movies, I was really impressed with Michael B. Jordan’s performance in this latest one. He totally embodies the complex character of Adonis Creed again, bringing a lot of nuance to the role. What’s even more amazing is that he didn’t just act in Creed III – he also directed it! With Ryan Coogler tied up making Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Michael stepped behind the camera, and I think he did a fantastic job handling both roles.

7. Creed II

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Although Creed III tells a powerfully dramatic story, Creed II was more broadly entertaining. By having Michael B. Jordan’s character fight the son of Ivan Drago, Creed II successfully combined elements of the original Rocky films with the new Creed storyline, all while keeping the focus on Adonis Creed’s personal journey.

While Stallone’s Rocky is still important and it’s enjoyable to see the classic rivalry between Ivan Drago and Balboa again, Michael B. Jordan’s performance as Adonis Creed is what makes Creed II a compelling film and not just a trip down memory lane.

6. Friday Night Lights

Before becoming famous for the boxing movies, Michael B. Jordan played another memorable athlete on TV. He portrayed Vince Howard, a talented quarterback who overcame a difficult childhood to become a star, but battled with arrogance and a quick temper. Jordan brought a lot of heart and charm to the role.

The TV show Friday Night Lights was a quietly brilliant drama set in a small town, and Jordan’s portrayal of Howard perfectly captured the show’s touching and realistic style. Even with a talented cast including future stars like Jesse Plemons, Taylor Kitsch, and Adrianne Palicki, Jordan made sure Howard remained a memorable character.

5. Black Panther

While Eric Kilmonger is presented as the villain in the 2017 film Black Panther, many viewers actually consider him the most compelling character in Ryan Coogler’s first Black Panther movie for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Killmonger is a memorable and complex antagonist, and his motivations feel deeply human.

Michael B. Jordan doesn’t just play Killmonger, he brings a remarkable depth and realism to the character, making his story both heartbreaking and exciting. Beyond being a memorable villain in Black Panther, Killmonger also became a pivotal role in the future, shaping Jordan and director Ryan Coogler’s most successful partnership.

4. Creed

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After the poorly received 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four, Jordan quickly proved his talent with the film Creed that same year. The first Creed movie is widely considered the strongest in the series – a raw and realistic boxing story that doesn’t shy away from difficult moments, yet still offers a sense of optimism.

Michael B. Jordan shines in Creed, a film also featuring strong performances from Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad. It was a breakthrough role for Jordan, solidifying his place as a major movie star after previously gaining recognition in independent films.

3. The Wire

HBO’s critically acclaimed series, The Wire, features a remarkably intricate and detailed world, making it easy to overlook the many talented actors who got their start on the show. One such example is Michael K. Williams, who played Wallace, a young drug dealer. Even as a teenager, Wallace stood out as a bright and fundamentally good person beneath a tough exterior.

Wallace, like several characters in the show, is a kind person who finds it difficult to reconcile his morals with the unethical world of drug trafficking. While the conclusion of Jordan’s character arc was touching, Wallace was actually an early role in Jordan’s acting career.

2. Fruitvale Station

Honestly, I think Michael B. Jordan gave the performance of his career not in one of his huge action movies, but in this smaller drama from 2013. It was the first film from director Ryan Coogler, and it was a really brave move for both of them to tell the heartbreaking true story of Oscar Grant’s death. It was before either of them were huge stars, and it really stuck with me.

Jordan powerfully portrays Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old man tragically killed by a police officer in Oakland, California. The film Fruitvale Station earned praise for its straightforward and moving depiction of Grant’s last day, honoring his life while also criticizing the actions of those responsible for his death.

1. Sinners

More than ten years after Ryan Coogler first gained recognition with Fruitvale Station, his film Sinners proves his ability to direct large-scale, impactful movies. It’s a brilliantly crafted drama that also delivers intense horror elements, making it one of the best big-budget films Hollywood has produced in recent years.

The movie’s complex story, intense action, and moving music all rely on Michael Jordan’s incredible performance as both Smoke and Stack. These brothers are fascinating characters – they switch between being tough and reckless to showing moments of vulnerability and desperation. These roles are some of Jordan’s best work yet, clearly demonstrating their impressive acting talent.

2026-02-01 21:23