Ranking Every MCU Black Panther From Worst to Best
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has featured more Black Panthers than most fans realize. From animated series to blockbuster films, multiple characters have worn the iconic mantle across different MCU properties.
Most Marvel fans believe only two characters have held the Black Panther title in the MCU - Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa and Letitia Wright's Shuri. However, the reality is far more complex. The sacred mantle has been passed down through generations across various MCU properties, including animated films and series that expand the universe beyond live-action movies.
From brief appearances in animated adventures to defining performances in blockbuster films, each iteration brings something unique to the legacy of Wakanda's protector. Here's how every Black Panther in the MCU stacks up against each other.
The Bottom Tier: Limited Screen Time and Development
At the bottom of our rankings sits Azari from "Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow." As T'Challa's son in this 2008 animated film, Azari represents the future of the Black Panther legacy. However, the story focuses primarily on Tony Stark training the next generation of heroes, leaving little room for Azari's character development. He hasn't even officially become Black Panther yet, making his inclusion more about potential than actual heroic deeds.
Similarly underwhelming is T'Challa's appearance in "Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers," a Japanese anime series that ran for 51 episodes. In this unique take on Marvel heroes, Black Panther spends most of his time trapped inside small devices called DISKs, severely limiting his screen presence and character growth. Rather than being a fully realized hero, he functions more like a powerful tool summoned for battle.
Middle Ground: Solid Portrayals with Room for Growth
The teenage T'Challa from "Iron Man: Armored Adventures" offers a fresh perspective on the character as a young prince learning his responsibilities. This version struggles with accepting his destiny while balancing royal duties with heroic aspirations. Though well-animated and thoughtfully written, the series doesn't fully explore the rich potential of Black Panther's character, keeping him in a supporting role to Iron Man's adventures.
Michael B. Jordan's Erik Killmonger deserves recognition for his brief but impactful time wearing the Black Panther suit. After defeating T'Challa in ritual combat, Killmonger's reign challenged everything Wakanda represented. His revolutionary vision and complex motivations made him one of the MCU's most compelling villains, even if his time as Black Panther was tragically short.
The Upper Echelon: Defining Performances
"Ultimate Avengers II" from 2006 featured one of the earliest high-profile animated appearances of Black Panther. This direct-to-video film successfully established Wakanda's isolationist nature while showcasing T'Challa's internal conflict between protecting his kingdom and joining the global superhero community. The movie delivered solid action sequences and a strong portrayal of the character defending his homeland from alien invaders.
"Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes" presented what many consider the definitive animated version of T'Challa. This interpretation captured the character's brilliant strategic mind, quiet wisdom, and Batman-like analytical approach to problems. The series explored complex themes around Wakandan politics and T'Challa's dual identity as both king and Avenger, creating a fully realized character who earned respect through reliability and dignified leadership.
The Crown Jewels: Cinematic Excellence
Letitia Wright's Shuri in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" delivered an emotionally powerful performance that honored both the character's legacy and real-world circumstances. Her journey from brilliant princess to reluctant hero explored themes of grief, anger, and the weight of inherited responsibility. Wright's technologically advanced suit and protective fighting style reflected her scientific genius while showcasing the emotional toll of carrying on her brother's legacy.
At the pinnacle stands Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, the gold standard for the Black Panther mantle. From his introduction in "Captain America: Civil War" through his starring role in "Black Panther" and appearances in "Infinity War" and "Endgame," Boseman created a character defined by quiet strength, nobility, and deep empathy. His complete character arc - from vengeful son to wise king to cosmic defender - represents the most fully realized version of Black Panther across any medium.