15 Best Movie Performances Of 2018 (So Far)

7. Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther)

Black Panther Erik Killmonger
Marvel Studios

Michael B. Jordan helped make Black Panther one of the few Marvel Cinematic Universe movies without a so-called "villain problem", with his Erik Killmonger proving one of the most provocative, intense and downright convincing antagonists in the entire MCU to date.

The character is written to have compelling motives and an emotional backstory, but it's Jordan who brings them to life with his righteous, angry sadness at what's happened to both himself and his race.

The scene where Killmonger speaks with his father on the ancestral plane might be the best in the entire movie, and it's largely thanks to Jordan's fantastic performance.

Considering that the trailer didn't really convince he'd be much more than a mirrored Black Panther, it was great to see him written with such depth that a performer of Jordan's calibre could bring him to real, relatable life.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.