Entertainment

19 Movies & Shows To Stream While You Wait Impatiently For 'Black Panther' To Finally Arrive

Walt Disney Pictures

The day has almost arrived. While there are a whopping seven superhero movies set to premiere in 2018, perhaps none are more anticipated than the first to arrive: Black Panther. The film is the first black-led superhero movie in the MCU era, and all indications are that it's going to be a fantastic adventure. The movie not only is historically significant for its minority representation, but it's also hugely important for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it will set the stage for May's gigantic Avengers: Infinity War. But since Black Panther's release date is still weeks away, fans are looking for shows and movies to stream while waiting for Black Panther to help pass the time.

Thankfully, there is a lot out there that should appeal to Black Panther fans on a number of different levels. If you're a Marvel fan, then you can check out other recent MCU releases that tie into Black Panther either story-wise or thematically. If you're invested in Black Panther's diversity, then you should look into other black-led superhero TV shows and movies. If you're a fan of director Ryan Coogler or star Chadwick Boseman, then you can start by digging into their existing films. Whatever it is that excites you about Black Panther, you'll likely find something else to enjoy among the 19 options below.

1

'Captain America: Civil War'

If you watch just one movie before Black Panther, make it this one. The hero makes his on-screen debut in this film, and its events are expected to more or less lead directly into the new film.

Watch it on: Netflix.

2

'Luke Cage'

While Black Panther is regarded as the first black superhero in mainstream comics, Luke Cage was the first to be the star of his own self-titled series. He made his live action debut in this series in 2016.

Watch it on: Netflix.

3

'The Defenders'

In case you couldn't get enough of Luke Cage in Luke Cage, you can see him team up with fellow heroes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist in this companion series.

Watch it on: Netflix.

4

'Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol. 2'

One of three Marvel Cinematic Universe films to hit theaters last year, the connections between this and Black Panther are admittedly tangential, but they do share a similar colorful style and advanced technology.

Watch it on: Netflix.

5

'Message From The King'

Want to see Chadwick Boseman portraying an African "King" kicking butt and taking names? Well, you don't have to wait for Black Panther to do so.

Watch it on: Netflix.

6

'Fruitvale Station'

Black Panther is director Ryan Coogler's third feature length film, and his first movie, this moving drama, is a must-see.

Watch it on: Netflix.

7

'Batman Begins'

Black Panther and Batman are somewhat similar heroes — at least where their intelligence, wealth, and costumes are concerned — so check out this origin story for the Dark Knight.

Watch it on: Netflix.

8

'Beasts Of No Nation'

Black Panther is set in Wakanda, a fictional African nation, while this drama takes place in an unnamed and essentially fictional African country as well— though it's about as far from Wakanda as you can get.

Watch it on: Netflix.

9

'The Godfather'

Coogler recently intimated to Slash Film that Black Panther will be a cross between James Bond movies and this all-time classic.

Watch it on: Netflix.

10

'Spectre'

Continuing on the Bond theme, you might as well check out the superspy's most recent outing.

Watch it on: Hulu/Amazon Prime.

11

'Creed'

This is Coogler's second film. He and star Michael B. Jordan will team for the third time in Black Panther.

Watch it on: Hulu/Amazon Prime.

12

'Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation'

A globe-trotting spy film in the James Bond tradition, its exotic locales, crazy stunts, and fun tech should appeal to fans of Black Panther's more fantastical elements.

Watch it on: Hulu/Amazon Prime.

13

'Iron Man'

Black Panther and Iron Man are both geniuses with super high-tech suits, and while Iron Man led the MCU at its beginnings, Black Panther will be looking to lead it for the next generation.

Watch it on: Hulu/Amazon Prime.

14

'Raiders Of The Lost Ark'

If you're into action/adventure movies like Black Panther, you could do a lot worse than watching possibly the greatest ever example of the genre.

Watch it on: Hulu/Amazon Prime.

15

'Get Out'

Genre movies with mostly black casts are extremely rare, and Black Panther will be looking to do for superhero movies what this Oscar-nominated film did for horror films last year.

Watch it on: HBO Now.

16

'Logan'

The superhero movie presented as high drama, it's no wonder Logan got an Oscar nod for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Watch it on: HBO Now.

17

'Blade'

Black Panther is getting a lot of buzz as the first black-led superhero movie in the MCU, but it's not a first for Marvel overall. That distinction goes to this pre-MCU Marvel classic.

Rent it from: iTunes, Amazon, and other vendors.

18

'Thor: Ragnarok'

If you're an MCU completist, then you absolutely need to check out the latest installment of the franchise.

Rent it from: iTunes, Amazon, and other vendors.

19

'Black Lightning'

The only black-led superhero show currently on network TV, the titular character — one of DC Comics' first black heroes — is finally getting his due in this new series.

Watch it on: The CW.

The wait for Black Panther's premiere on Feb. 16 can be difficult, but if you pass the time by watching the above films and series, you'll be in Wakanda before you know it.