Critics Are Calling ‘Black Panther’ One of the Best Marvel Movies Ever

#BlackPantherSoLit

chadwick boseman
Getty

Image via Getty

chadwick boseman

If there were even the tiniest bit of doubt that Black Panther would live up to the hype, last night’s premiere has squashed it. 

It’s not like the excitement around this movie is a surprise. The character T’Challa/Black Panther first appeared in Captain America: Civil War, but this is his first solo movie, and the anticipation resulted in Marvel’s biggest pre-sale numbers to date. Even Lupita Nyong’o—who stars in the movie as Nakia—had trouble getting tickets.

Black Panther is the 18th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa a.k.a. Black Panther, the ruler of Wakanda, Michael B. Jordan as the movie’s villain, Killmonger, and Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Martin Freeman, and more.

Last night’s global premiere had critics absolutely buzzing on social media. They hailed Black Panther as their favorite Marvel movie, and many said it wasn’t even a contest.

#BlackPanther is simply awesome. Extremely bold and as touching as it is thrilling, it boasts GOT-style intrigue, crazy innovative action and a deep bench of memorable characters. Top 5 all-time Marvel movie, easy. More later. pic.twitter.com/mmz8Nuf1sy
I think the argument can be made for #BlackPanther being the best Marvel film ever! Just got out of premiere & overwhelmed at the imagery, the majesty, & a film that elevates the superhero genre to new heights. pic.twitter.com/LSkWEconB4
Yes this will be the Blackest movie of all time! Excellent special effects, compelling story line, brilliant performances! This will go down in history as Marvel’s best! #BlackPanther #BlackPantherSoLIT
BLACK PANTHER feels like the actual start of a new phase for Marvel, not only because it exists so well on its own terms, but because it feels so new and timely, through both its storytelling and the very people the story is about (and those who get to tell it). Wonderful.

Many affirmed that the most obvious aspect of the movie—that it is Marvel’s blackest project to date—does more than just provide much needed diversity to Marvel’s catalogue. The film’s vested interest in telling a black story also serves as a lesson in representation and an inspiration for those who rarely see themselves on the big screen, especially in superhero movies. But it’s not just doing diversity for diversity’s sake: critics also highlighted how well directed, produced, and edited the movie is and how dynamic the actors are. As a result, and with other black-driven stories like Get Out and Girls Trip before it also becoming box office darlings, Black Panther is guaranteed to make a boatload of money.

BLACK PANTHER is incredible, kinetic, purposeful. A superhero movie about why representation & identity matters, and how tragic it is when those things are denied to people. The 1st MCU movie about something real; Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger had me weeping and he’s the VILLAIN
#marvel does it again with 'Black Panther'. Very impressed with the story and filmmaking. @michaelb4jordan absolutely kills it as the villain and is the best one since Loki. Also @DanaiGurira kicks so much ass and I loved every second of it. Going to make serious $. pic.twitter.com/YBrg2x3Nnz
WOW. Black Panther will change the landscape of superhero movies forever. Expect and demand more from Hollywood. The stories its denied us for so long don’t just *deserve* to be told — they will save blockbusters from total irrelevance and creative bankruptcy.
#marvel does it again with 'Black Panther'. Very impressed with the story and filmmaking. @michaelb4jordan absolutely kills it as the villain and is the best one since Loki. Also @DanaiGurira kicks so much ass and I loved every second of it. Going to make serious $. pic.twitter.com/YBrg2x3Nnz
Ryan Coogler knocked it out of the park, some great sequences presented in a “single take/shot.” If this movie isn’t nominated for costume, art and production design awards next year, I would be seriously shocked. #blackpanther
#BlackPanther is riveting on many levels: visually astonishing, but more importantly, so unpredictable. Incredible to watch a major blockbuster celebrate blackness while exploring its relationship to various facets of pop culture. “Stop scaring me,” colonizer!” #wakanda4ever
And the representation of Black women in #BlackPanther made me feel seen. Seen in a way other superhero movies have not done well. pic.twitter.com/xrzVP5SLu6
#BlackPanther is black, beautiful and proud. A gorgeously shot film with heart, action, and a message that is so needed today. The women shine bright, bold and strong and are everything women of color have been denied... till now. #RyanCoogler is a genius. LONG LIVE THE KING!! pic.twitter.com/oYHxk0qg4G
#BlackPanther is exceptional - the James Bond of the MCU. You've seen nothing like this in a superhero movie - it's bold, beautiful & intense, but there's a depth & spiritualness that is unlike anything Marvel has ever done. It's 100% African & it is dope af. pic.twitter.com/Z77IjnIjf2
BLACK PANTHER is black as fuck and I love it for it. Y'all don't understand how good it feels to see. I want to live in Wakanda. #BlackPanther #BlackPantherSoLit pic.twitter.com/mRCblLq8cj
Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger is the MCU's best villain thus far. His comments on colonialism as well as his motivations defined on imperialism...yo... #BlackPanther #BlackPantherSoLit
BLACK PANTHER is the most spiritual Marvel movie yet! Family and heritage is a big part of the story — there are moments in this movie that get real deep. Danai Gurira is a scene-stealer and the movie elevates whenever Michael B. Jordan shows up. #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/KIxiAItnEY
.#BlackPanther is phenomenal to say the least! All cylinders from direction, acting, production design, costumes and action are Aces!!!
I could review #BlackPanther or I could let the moment where Danai Gurira throws her wig speak for itself pic.twitter.com/G84Cur75BJ
The biggest shocker in BLACK PANTHER is every time you remember Chadwick Boseman is in his forties

Last night’s premiere saw the movie's stars and guests descend upon Wakanda’s royalty-ready purple carpet in their absolute finest. The excitement was palpable, but it was more than the usual excitement for another blockbuster Marvel movie. Guests really took the Wakanda theme seriously and showed up to represent the culture. Angela Basset, who stars as Ramonda, T'Challa's mother, said the most special thing about the movie was "just seeing all these beautiful, talented black people in one place. This black nation coming together, technologically advanced, uncolonized, with so many swag and brilliance." Daniel Kaluuya, who plays W'Kabi in the movie, said, "This is how it's supposed to be. We just have to tell honest stories that reflect the world from all perspectives, not just one."

.@issarae rolled up to the #BlackPanther premiere looking like she fries the meanest plantains & we’re here for every single piece of it! pic.twitter.com/RtZK6t3geL
Director Ryan Coogler and @michaelb4jordan hit the purple carpet. 👑🐾 #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/hfTJL5DVYO
The stylish @SterlingKBrown makes an appearance! #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/fUCbzRdD8e
The style at this premiere is phenomenal. #blackpanther pic.twitter.com/fKEZWyzWfh
Daniel Kaluuya says Hollywood has to tell stories that reflect all perspectives at the #BlackPanther premiere https://t.co/6Hv5AHzVNH pic.twitter.com/BwWBd06F9c
oh wow i woke up this morning understanding what it's like to get left behind at the rapture pic.twitter.com/JwrnyGr3QO

And, finally, perhaps the most important reaction: Donald Glover liked the movie so much that he actually tweeted about it. It is literally the only tweet on his page (since joining in 2009, Glover has tweeted about 19 times total, but tends to delete his tweets.) The movie was that good. Can February 16 get here already?

black panther was beautiful.

we should keep celebrating.

who’s out here?

Latest in Pop Culture