Black Panther (2018)
Kernel Score: 83% · 23,242 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 2018-02-13
Runtime: 135 minutes
Is Black Panther worth watching?
Worth watching. A superhero film with a distinct look, a thoughtful story about duty and a strong villain. It's one of the better-built Marvel films, even if the finale falls back on the usual big fight.
Watch it if you
- want a Marvel film with its own style
- like stories about family and responsibility
- enjoy a villain with a real point
Skip it if you
- are tired of CGI-heavy final battles
- haven't seen any earlier Marvel films
Best for: Marvel movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Black Panther
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
King T'Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader. However, T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T'Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia, the queen-mother, his princess-kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan 'special forces') and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.
Black Panther parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Black Panther is a superhero action film with themes of leadership and family legacy.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes superhero combat and action sequences consistent with its PG-13 rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Black Panther
If you liked Black Panther, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Sinners (2025) — 97%: Coogler's later film, bold, stylish and full of music.
- Creed (2015) — 84%: Coogler's earlier film, a sports drama with real heart.
- Fruitvale Station (2013) — 81%: Coogler's debut, a quiet, human true story.
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) — 86%: Marvel film that works as a political thriller.
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017) — 87%: Colourful, funny Marvel adventure with its own style.
- Captain America: Civil War (2016) — 85%: Marvel drama with real stakes, where T'Challa first appears.
Director
Cast
- Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa / Black Panther
- Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger
- Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia
- Danai Gurira as Okoye
- Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross
- Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi
- Letitia Wright as Shuri
- Winston Duke as M'Baku
- Sterling K. Brown as N'Jobu
- Angela Bassett as Ramonda
Black Panther FAQ
Is Black Panther worth watching?
Worth watching. A superhero film with a distinct look, a thoughtful story about duty and a strong villain. It's one of the better-built Marvel films, even if the finale falls back on the usual big fight.
Where can I watch Black Panther?
In the US you can stream Black Panther on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Black Panther OK for kids?
Black Panther is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Black Panther is a superhero action film with themes of leadership and family legacy.
What movies are like Black Panther?
If you liked Black Panther, try Sinners, Creed, Fruitvale Station and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.