15 most memorable and overlooked films of 2018

Black Panther

We started this year with Black Panther. Can you believe that was all in the way in February? I’ve said it before, but 2018 feels like it lasted a lifetime. Thankfully, we have Black Panther to cushion the blow. The Ryan Coogler-directed feature is now the recipient of three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture, with many saying this could be a sign that it will nab a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.

I certainly wouldn’t complain if it gets an Oscar nod. In a year where we’ve talked about representation in film, Black Panther proves that you can create a superhero feature with a cast of color and audiences will flock to it. We’ve also had several Marvel movies come out in its wake this year, and none have had the beautiful cinematography and power of Black Panther. (Avengers did pack the emotion, though.)

Chadwick Boseman’s performance is empathetic, and Michael B. Jordan dominated as one of the most memorable villains we’ve had in a Marvel movie in years, Killmonger. But as much as Black Panther is the star of the film, it’s his female co-stars who overshadow him. Letitia Wright set herself apart as the whip smart and tech savvy, Shuri, while Danai Gurira’s Okoye and her group of Dora Milaje inspired many little girls’ Halloween costumes.