10 Ryan Coogler movies you can’t miss

Ryan Coogler is one of the most creative filmmakers working today. Known for his focus on storytelling, character, and social themes, his films balance entertainment with depth. From independent dramas to mainstream hits, Coogler's work is marked by authenticity and spectacle.

Raised in Oakland, California, Coogler initially considered a career in football before turning to filmmaking. His 2013 debut film, Fruitvale Station, was a critical success that launched his career, setting him on the map as a burgeoning talent worth watching. This was followed by Black Panther in 2018, which redefined the superhero genre for the entire world.

However, Coogler's directorial chops are not only confined to his blockbusters. His earlier short films bear his signature quality of being socially conscious, weaving into their plots subjects like racial injustice and personal struggles.

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10 films directed by Ryan Coogler that you can't afford to miss:

1. Fruitvale Station (2013)

Ryan Coogler's directorial debut, Fruitvale Station, is one of his most emotionally resonant films. Starring Michael B. Jordan, it depicts the final day of Oscar Grant, a young Black man who was fatally shot by police in 2009. Filmed in a raw and intimate manner, the film eschews any sensationalism and portrays Grant's humanity and the tragedy of his death, winning him the Sundance Grand Jury Prize. Even ten years later, Fruitvale Station remains a powerful commentary on racial injustice in America.

2. Creed (2015)

Reviving the Rocky franchise was an easy task, but Coogler's Creed proved to be one of the finer sports dramas we have watched in a while. Tracing the life of Adonis Creed (played by Michael B. Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed, the film blends intense boxing sequences and personal drama. With Coogler breathing new life into the franchise, it tells its audience a story of legacy and identity. The film also saw Sylvester Stallone returning to the franchise, earning him an Oscar nomination for his role as Rocky Balboa.

3. Black Panther (2018)

When Coogler's Black Panther was released, more than just a superhero movieit became a cultural milestone. The director's vision imagined Wakanda as an Afrofuturist landscape with themes of leadership, heritage, and identity. The film also earned Marvel Studios its first Oscar. Furthermore, Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger became one of the most powerful villains of the MCU, thanks to Coogler's knack for writing complex foes.

4. Creed II (2018) (Executive Producer)

Although Creed II was directed by Steven Caple Jr., Ryan Coogler remained a key creative force. The sequel matches Adonis against Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago, who'd killed Apollo Creed in Rocky IV. However, Coogler made sure that Creed II is not reduced to a simple revenge movie and retained he emotional impact of the first film. By deepening both Adonis' arc, exploring the Drago family at the same time, Creed II provides rich drama in addition to its action-packed boxing sequences, demonstrating the film series has more to say.

5. Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) (Producer)

Although Coogler did not direct Judas and the Black Messiah, he contributed to the film as a producer. This historical drama documents the betrayal of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) by FBI informant William O'Neal (LaKeith Stanfield). Coogler's role ensured historical accuracy and thematic integrity, making the film an emphatic commentary on systemic oppression. Kaluuya's performance earned him an Oscar, while the film's intense storyline received widespread acclaim.

6. Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) (Producer)

Coogler entered into family fare with Space Jam: A New Legacy, once again, a producer. Starring LeBron James, the film reimagines the original 1996 hit, but in a combination of live-action and CGI animation. Though it was met with mixed reviews, Coogler's vision sought to modernize the tale, incorporating themes of video game fandom and artificial intelligence. Polarizing responses notwithstanding, the film turned out to be a commercial success and reintroduced the Looney Tunes to a new audience.

7. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

After the unfortunate demise of Chadwick Boseman, who had played the role of the titular hero in Black Panther, as a director, Coogler had to face the challenge of looking for someone who could fill in the late actor's shoes. However, Cooger chose not to recast but rather to make a film dedicated to the legacy of Boseman and have the sequel focus on loss, resilience, and the future of Wakanda. Letitia Wright's Shuri takes center stage, her performance complemented by other strong actors, visually striking sequences, and emotional depth that is often lacking in most Marvel films.

8. Creed III (2023) (Producer)

Although Coogler did not helm Creed III, his artistic vision still held a strong influence on the film. For this installment, Michael B. Jordan stepped in as the director while also reprising his role as Adonis Creed. The movie introduces Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors), his erstwhile childhood friend and current rival. The film featured one of the most brutal showdowns of the franchise. Coogler's involvement guaranteed the film retained its trademark emotional depth while also allowing Jordan to put his own stamp on the franchise. This made Creed III a worthy addition to the saga.

9. Homeroom (2021) (Executive Producer)

Venturing into documentary filmmaking, Coogler assumed the role of Homeroom''s executive producer. It provides a glimpse of the daily struggles of Oakland high school students during the controversial 2019-2020 school year. The documentary celebrates the activism of the students who strove to drive police presence away from their school premises while also coping with COVID-19 hardships. With Coogler's Oakland roots, the film highlights the voices of the youth as potent agents of change while becoming a testament to Coogler's talent for espousing relevant current events through varying methods of storytelling.

10. Blackout (2022) (Producer)

Blackout is an anthology film produced by Coogler that tells six different love stories during a major blackout in New York City. The film weaves together narratives about romance, self-discovery, and connection in unexpected ways. Blackout features an all-star cast but is unique for the instrument-in-play approach to storytelling, combining elements of both comedy and drama. Though not as publicized as some of his other projects, Blackout, nevertheless, reflects Coogler's continued interest in supporting projects that elevate diverse and underrepresented voices and narratives.