Top 10 Coolest Things About Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan has built a career defined by standout performances across film and television, smart creative choices behind the camera, and a hands-on approach to producing stories he believes in. From early TV roles that signaled big potential to franchise-leading turns and a successful directorial debut, his timeline is packed with projects that resonated with audiences and influenced the industry. Below are ten concrete highlights, focused first on the movies and shows that made it happen, plus a few production milestones that shaped how those projects came together.

‘Fruitvale Station’ (2013) – the breakout role that launched a powerhouse collaboration

Jordan headlined ‘Fruitvale Station’ as Oscar Grant in a fact-based drama that premiered at major film festivals and drew widespread critical acclaim. The film kicked off his enduring partnership with writer-director Ryan Coogler, a creative pairing that would steer several of his biggest hits. Jordan’s nuanced lead performance drew awards attention and put him firmly on the map with audiences and studios. The movie’s success opened doors to prestige and franchise opportunities soon after.

‘Creed’ (2015) – revitalizing the ‘Rocky’ saga with a new lead

As Adonis Creed, Jordan anchored a legacy sequel that rebooted the boxing universe for a new generation. He trained extensively to perform fight scenes convincingly, with much of the action staged in long, immersive takes. The film balanced fresh characters with callbacks to the original series, helping it connect with longtime fans and newcomers. Its strong box office and critical response cemented Jordan as a bankable franchise star.

‘Black Panther’ (2018) – a defining antagonist with cultural impact

Jordan’s Erik Killmonger became one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most discussed villains, pairing gripping motivations with a physically commanding presence. His performance deepened the film’s themes around diaspora, inheritance, and power. The role turned him into a global marquee name, driving massive audience engagement and merchandise recognition. He later revisited the character in animation and additional appearances tied to the franchise.

‘Creed III’ (2023) – a successful directorial debut while starring

Jordan stepped behind the camera to direct ‘Creed III’ while returning as Adonis Creed. The film blended intimate character drama with large-scale boxing spectacle, including sequences captured with premium large-format cameras for theatrical presentation. It topped the series’ previous opening-weekend performances, reflecting strong audience demand. The project showcased his ability to lead both creative and on-screen execution at franchise scale.

‘Just Mercy’ (2019) – championing a true-story legal drama on and off screen

Jordan portrayed civil-rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson in ‘Just Mercy’ and also served as a producer through his Outlier Society banner. The film highlighted systemic issues in the criminal-justice system and brought widescale attention to Stevenson’s work. Jordan’s company supported an inclusion-focused hiring approach across the production. The release spurred educational screenings and community discussions tied to justice reform.

‘The Wire’ (2002) – early TV turn that hinted at major range

Before his film leading roles, Jordan’s portrayal of Wallace on ‘The Wire’ delivered a memorable arc that drew critical praise. The character’s storyline remains one of the series’ most referenced emotional beats. That performance helped him transition to larger parts and demonstrated maturity beyond his age at the time. It also built relationships with creatives who tracked his rise into film.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2009–2011) – carrying a beloved drama through its final stretch

On ‘Friday Night Lights’, Jordan played quarterback Vince Howard, a character central to the show’s late-series resurgence. His athletic presence and dramatic beats anchored key plotlines for the Dillon and East Dillon programs. The role expanded his television profile and broadened his fanbase ahead of major film work. It also gave him sustained experience leading an ensemble under tight production schedules.

‘Chronicle’ (2012) – a genre hit that widened his audience

Jordan co-starred in ‘Chronicle’, a found-footage super-powered thriller that became a sleeper success. The movie’s grounded approach to fantastical abilities helped it cut through in a crowded market. Jordan’s turn as a popular student added balance and tension within the core trio. Its success expanded his reach into genre filmmaking and set up later tentpoles.

‘What If…?’ (2021–2024) – returning to Killmonger in animation

Jordan reprised Erik Killmonger in Marvel’s anthology series ‘What If…?’, voicing alternate-timeline versions of the character. The episodes explored different choices and outcomes than in the live-action story. His participation maintained continuity for fans and extended the character’s presence across media. The role demonstrated his adaptability between on-camera and voice performance.

‘Raising Dion’ (2019–2022) – nurturing new superhero storytelling as producer

Through Outlier Society, Jordan executive produced ‘Raising Dion’, focusing on a young boy discovering extraordinary abilities and the single mother guiding him. He appeared on screen in a supporting capacity while steering the show’s development. The series emphasized family dynamics and representation within the superhero space. It also exemplified Jordan’s broader strategy of building franchises beyond his own starring vehicles.

Got another favorite Michael B. Jordan role or moment I missed? Drop your pick in the comments!