Ryan Coogler stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the best things to have happened in the history of superhero filmmaking. The inclusion of Wakanda not only changed the state of technology as the characters know it, but the incomparable production level of Black Panther gave the MCU its first-ever Academy Award Best Picture nomination, along with a few wins in Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design.
While T'Challa makes an appearance in Marvel's What If…? (which can be watched out of order given the nature of isolated storytelling within each episode), the films are where he shines. Here are all Black Panther movies in order and where to watch them.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
The first introduction to the late and inimitable Chadwick Boseman occurs in Captain America: Civil War. He isn't Team Cap or Team Tony, but rather there to avenge his father, fueled by the belief that Bucky Barnes' bomb killed him. With a sleek costume design, thrilling strength, and an incredible entrance, the character's introduction is among one of the best moments in the film. With it and the end, it adds exciting anticipation of seeing more of him and the Wakandans.
Black Panther (2018)
Now set to become king after his father's death, T'Challa grapples with his new responsibilities, grief, and the interference brought on by his cousin demanding his inheritance to the throne. Rich in storytelling and gorgeously shot from start to finish, there's a reason Black Panther is a top-five Marvel film for countless viewers and one of the most critically acclaimed films in the genre. It isn't merely an origin story for the hero we'll get to see more of, but it's an introduction to a world that's beautifully modeled to protect and shine with the technology that strengthens them and improves the world. It's a love story in more ways than one, showing T'Challa as the kind of hero whose heart is bigger than he can carry.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
While T'Challa as the Black Panther doesn't show up until halfway into Avengers: Infinity War, his role is tremendous in the film: Wakanada is the reason why Bucky Barnes is fully cleared of Hydra's brainwashing, and The Avengers also need the help of T'Challa's sister, Shuri, to take the mind stone out of Vision before Thanos finds them. The battle at Wakanda results in Marvel's biggest war to date, ending with the final snap that wipes half of humanity from Earth, including T'Challa.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
T'Challa returns in one of the most widely-revered and satisfying moments in Avengers: Endgame as the portals open and every "snapped" person comes back to life to fight Thanos for one more battle. Though Sam's voice is the first one we hear from Cap's point of view, Okoye, T'Challa, and Shuri are the first three people who step out from one of the portals, prompting a quiet but viscerally evocative nod from T'Challa that still hits like a ton of bricks to indicate that Wakanda is in this battle to end.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever looks different from what most people imagined it would be as the sudden and heartbreaking passing of Chadwick Boseman impacted both creators and viewers. The sequel then became a film about grief and an incomparable legacy, allowing the characters to celebrate the lives that both the actor and the fictional hero lived. It left viewers with a semblance of hope and a reminder that, despite the insurmountable loss, T'Challa was able to find a bit of joy with Nakia and their son, who may someday become the new Black Panther in future films.
Where To Watch Black Panther Movies In Order Online
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