Unmasking the Top Black Superheroes in Film: Who Reigns Supreme?

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Brave New World” is the newest Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, marking a significant milestone by featuring a prominent black character in the lead role for the first time in a while. However, this isn’t Sam Wilson’s debut as a hero; he started off in the MCU as Falcon and later took over the Captain America mantle.

In the story “Captain America: Brave New World,” does Sam demonstrate he’s worthy of the Captain America title, and is he one of the greatest black superheroes ever? The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has a strong presence on this list, but there are no spoilers as to who will be included. Let’s take a look at some of the best performances, their debut movies, and rank them based on their power level and impact in cinema.

8. James Rhodes/War Machine (Iron Man 2)

Gave His Legs To The War

James Rhodes, portrayed by both Terrence Howard and Don Cheadle in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been one of its longest-standing black characters. Although the actors switched roles between Iron Man and Iron Man 2, the change was beneficial as Cheadle brought an energetic flair to the role. In Iron Man 2, Rhodes transformed into War Machine to aid Tony Stark and his persona. Though he’s often sidelined, his bond with Stark is touching, and in Captain America: Civil War, he endures the most, adding depth to Rhodes’ character arc.

7. Frozone (The Incredibles)

Where Is My Super Suit

Samuel L. Jackson isn’t new to playing characters with superpowers within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, however, Nick Fury should not be considered a traditional superhero; instead, he embodies an exceptional leader and spy. Conversely, Frozone from The Incredibles series is a more fitting choice as an animated character symbolizing the medium. Although his role was relatively minor in the first film, he didn’t receive the attention he deserved, even expanding on his role in the second movie. Nevertheless, every icy moment featuring Frozone is worth its weight in gold.

6. Bloodsport (The Suicide Squad)

A Born Leader

Instead of saying “Suicide Squad was not a movie most enjoyed but the James Gunn reboot via The Suicide Squad was a hit,” you could say, “Although many people didn’t like Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, turned out to be successful.”

In the second sentence, instead of saying “It exchanged Deadshot as the lead antihero for Bloodsport,” you could write, “Rather than keeping Deadshot as the main antihero, it introduced Bloodsport in this role.”

Lastly, instead of saying “Despite that Idris Elba brought a lot to the table as a makeshift leader for some of the goofier anti-heroes on the block,” you could say, “Idris Elba played an important role as the unconventional leader of some eccentric anti-heroes.

One particularly striking moment occurred when Deadshot and Peacemaker engaged in a lethal competition, unaware that they were inadvertently slaughtering an unsuspecting group of innocents. Bloodsport found himself at a disadvantage, considering he appeared only once on screen, but that singular appearance left a lasting impression.

5. Storm (X-Men)

Goddess Of Lightning

The adaptation of the X-Men comic series during the 2000s was among the most significant superhero films, introducing characters like Wolverine, Jean Grey, Professor Xavier, and Storm to the big screen. Storm, one of the most powerful mutants in the comics, exhibited her strength onscreen as well. Halle Berry continued to play Storm in many subsequent X-Men movies, although she didn’t have as central a role as Wolverine. However, Berry’s portrayal of Storm was commanding and magnetic, making it easy to imagine the allure of controlling weather, whether deadly or not.

4. Domino (Deadpool 2)

Luck Is So A Superpower

In the second film, Deadpool was joined by a group of endearing outcasts who met an unfortunate fate due to a strange mishap. The sole hero to make it through was Domino, who attributed her survival to her knack for luck. Throughout the movie, there was constant debate between Deadpool and Domino about whether luck is indeed a power. While luck may not be a genuine power, Domino somehow managed to survive numerous perilous situations without a scratch. Unfortunately, she didn’t appear in the third film alongside Wolverine, but it’s possible that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has larger plans for Domino and her actress, Zazie Beetz, in the future.

3. Miles Morales (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)

The Chillest Spider-Man

Among the standalone Spider-Man films not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s the Miles Morales-led movies that are most enjoyable. The critically acclaimed “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” demonstrated that the story didn’t have to revolve around Peter Parker as the main character every time. Miles was an ordinary nerd struggling with life’s challenges, but his misfortunes made for an engaging watch as he received training from some of the top Spider-heroes and heroines.

Shameik Moore, who voices the character, may not be a teenager himself, but he effectively portrayed Miles’s character. Across both films, Miles underwent significant growth. His commitment to his work and family serves as an inspiration, something that everyone should aim for in their own lives. In essence, anyone can don the “Miles” mask, symbolizing dedication and love.

2. Black Panther (Black Panther)

Wakanda Forever

The extraordinary influence that “Black Panther” exerted on pop culture remains undeniable, with the rallying cry “Wakanda Forever!” still echoing today. The character of Black Panther, portrayed by Chadwick Boseman, first appeared in “Captain America: Civil War,” assuming leadership from his father who perished in battle. He made a striking debut there and truly shone in his own film. Regardless of whether he was T’Challa or Black Panther, Boseman commanded the screen with an air of regality. The grief that ensued upon Boseman’s passing, coupled with T’Challa’s demise in the MCU, has sparked debates about whether it was appropriate for Disney to let go of the character or if they should have found another actor to carry on his legacy. However, there is no denying that Boseman reigned supreme as Black Panther.

1. Blade (Blade)

Always Trying To Ice-Skate Uphill

In the 90s, Wesley Snipes’ portrayal of Blade had a significant influence on cinema comparable to Black Panther’s impact in the 2010s. Blade was the first really excellent superhero movie rated R, and it’s strange that more R-rated superhero films didn’t follow suit. Snipes brought charisma to the screen with his witty one-liners and smooth action sequences as he effortlessly dispatched vampires. Regardless of whether Disney manages to launch a Blade reboot, Snipes will always be synonymous with Blade. In Deadpool and Wolverine, he essentially confirmed this himself.

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2025-02-18 09:34