https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/movies/best-movies-21st-century.html
96. Black Panther (Ryan Coogler, 2018)
There’s so much to love. It’s a superhero spectacle that actually has something important to say, about how identity, history and responsibility intersect. Wakanda, the Afrofuturistic world where the story takes place, is a visual wonder. The women (played by Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o and Letitia Wright — all excellent) aren’t just sidekicks or love interests. Michael B. Jordan, as the tragically villainous Killmonger, has never been more swoon worthy. And, of course, Chadwick Boseman shines in the title role, sadly one of his last before dying of cancer.
‘More like DEI Panther, amirite?’ (/s)
I honestly don’t see why that’s better than some other Marvel properties, but I don’t mind it’s inclusion in the list. Maybe that it touches on actual world problems instead of just fake ones made up for the movie. And yeah, I’m American but a dissenting one.
I object to its inclusion because it cashes in on the lack of good black representation in modern media while perpetuating the very stereotypes it purportedly challenges. If this list wants to platform representation, it can do way better.
Which stereotypes does it purportedly challenge?
Maybe it’s the complete world stuff and that gives. And the music