All 7 Ryan Coogler Movies, from ‘Fruitvale Station’ to ‘Sinners’

✦ Edited and fact-checked by Randy Harward, our Entertainment Editor with 25 years years covering entertainment and TV.

Whether he’s taking us to the sovereign nation of Wakanda or the boxing rings of Philadelphia, Ryan Coogler has proven himself to be a master of the modern blockbuster. We’ve watched his career skyrocket from grounded indie dramas to Christopher Nolan-esque technical marvels, and let’s be real—the “Jordan” factor is undefeated. Every single one of Coogler’s feature films has starred the incomparable Michael B. Jordan, a partnership that arguably defines this generation of cinema.

From the historic 16 Academy Award nominations for his latest supernatural epic “Sinners” to his upcoming shift into high-end television with “The X-Files” on Hulu, we are living in the Coogler era. Let’s look at seven of Coogler’s top films, from his directorial debut “Fruitvale Station” to the upcoming (someday) “Black Panther 3.”

“Fruitvale Station” (2013)

This is where the magic began. Coogler’s directorial debut is a heartbreaking, grounded indie drama that recounts the final day of Oscar Grant’s life. Michael B. Jordan delivers a powerhouse performance that immediately puts both him and Coogler on the map. It’s a raw look at systemic injustice that remains just as relevant today as it was over a decade ago.

“Creed” (2015)

We didn’t know we needed a “Rocky” spinoff until Coogler showed us the fire in Adonis Creed’s eyes. By revitalizing a dormant franchise, Coogler brought a modern, hip-hop sensibility to the boxing genre while keeping the heart of the original series intact. That single-take fight scene is still one of the most technically impressive sequences in sports movie history.

“Black Panther” (2018)

“Black Panther” isn’t just a superhero movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It remains one of the most widely seen films ever made, blending Afrofuturism with a complex Shakespearean drama between T’Challa and Killmonger. The world-building of Wakanda is unparalleled, and the film’s exploration of isolationism versus global responsibility gave the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) a much-needed injection of political depth.

“Creed II” (2018)

Though Steven Caple Jr. took the director’s chair for this one, Coogler stayed on as an executive producer and developed the story, so we’re counting it in his essential filmography. It doubles down on the “Rocky IV” legacy, bringing back Ivan Drago for a high-stakes grudge match. The emotional weight of fatherhood and legacy makes this a rare sequel that hits just as hard as the original.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022)

Taking on a sequel after the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman was a massive undertaking, but “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” managed to be a moving tribute while expanding the MCU’s Phase Four. It’s a dense, emotional journey that proves the mantle of the Panther is about more than just a suit; it’s about the resilience of a nation.

“Sinners” (2025)

Ranking at the top is Coogler’s most ambitious work to date. “Sinners” is a supernatural thriller set in the 1930s Jim Crow South that completely shattered records this past awards season. This film is a technical marvel—cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by shooting the entire feature in 65mm and IMAX.

While some fans on Reddit are polarized by the abrupt shift from a slow-burn drama to high-octane vampire horror, we think the genre-bending is brilliant. It’s the only horror film in 35 years to earn an “A” CinemaScore, proving that Coogler can turn a “masterpiece vs. mess” debate into a global juggernaut.

“Black Panther 3” (2028)

While this project is currently in pre-production, the hype is already at a fever pitch. Coogler is confirmed to return to Wakanda, and rumors suggest we’ll see an even deeper dive into the technological and spiritual history of the Black Panther lineage. After the emotional weight of the second film, we expect this third installment to bring the scary-as- hell” energy Coogler has been perfecting in his more recent work.

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