Image: Marvel/Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
We’re all struggling with the Chadwick Boseman news.
What a tragedy to lose someone so young and full of talent. Let alone a performer who inspired so many with his iconic performances as James Brown, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, and – of course – Black Panther.
Boseman, who died on Friday, leaves behind a rich filmography. In fact, many of his best performances can be found on streaming services you’re probably subscribed to already. Here’s a rundown of what’s out there and where you can find it.
1. Black Panther (2018)
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This is the one. Boseman was hardly an unknown when Disney introduced the world to King T’Challa of Wakanda in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War (which is also available on Disney+, along with the final two Avengers movies). But no one could have guessed just how successful his starring role in Black Panther would be. A box office warrior and an inspiration to so many, it’s hard to point to a bigger success for the Marvel Cinematic Universe than its thrilling journey to Wakanda.
Watch it on: Disney+
2. Da 5 Bloods (2020)
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Essential viewing for every Netflix subscriber. Spike Lee’s latest is a story of Black Vietnam vets returning to the Asian country for a modern-day treasure hunt. They’re out to find a stash of CIA gold that they buried together in the waning days of their tours of duty. They’re also hoping to find and bring home the remains of their fallen squad leader, played by Boseman in a series of meaningful, story-expanding flashbacks. Easily one of the best movies of 2020.
Watch it on: Netflix
3. Get On Up (2014)
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Boseman starred in this unconventional James Brown biopic from 2014. The story jumps around in time, with Brown-as-Boseman taking us on a colorful tour of the funk/soul music legend’s life and career. It’s a standout moment in the Black Panther star’s filmography, and one that, given the timing of its release, likely played a critical role in his arc to joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Watch it on: HBO Max
4. Message from the King (2016)
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Not every movie has to be a game-changer! Message from the King is a Netflix original that’s sure to receive a second look as Boseman’s fans turn to his earlier work with fresh, mournful eyes. The movie casts the actor as Jacob King, a South African man who heads to Los Angeles to find his missing sister. It’s an action-thriller that shows us a bit of a different side to Boseman than fans of Black Panther or his earlier biopics might be used to.
Watch it on: Netflix
5. 21 Bridges (2019)
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Before the police killing of George Floyd led us reevaluate our collective understanding of police-centered fiction, Boseman starred in this action thriller as an NYPD cop. Detective Andre Davis is on the hunt for a pair of cop-killers, which leads to the extreme step of Manhattan being locked down overnight as the 21 bridges (there’s the title) leading into the heart of the city are closed. It’s an entertaining romp that slides right in on Boseman’s resume between Avengers: Endgame and Da 5 Bloods.
Watch it on: Showtime
Other Boseman favorites
Unfortunately, some of Boseman’s most recognizable non-Marvel performances aren’t available through any of the subscription-based streaming services at present. That doesn’t mean you can’t watch them though.
Marshall (2017)
Boseman stars in this biopic about the life and career of Thurgood Marshall, an NAACP lawyer who became the first Black justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. You can find streaming options for rental and purchase right here.
42 (2013)
Here’s another major biopic in which Boseman brought a larger-than-life figure in U.S. and Black history to life, to great acclaim. In this one he stars as Major League Baseball star Jackie Robinson, who led the way for the racial integration of the sport when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. You can find streaming options for rental and purchase right here.
Gods of Egypt (2016)
The MCU didn’t serve up our only chance to see Boseman in a big-budget, effects-heavy blockbuster. He’s more of a supporting player in this one, taking on the role of Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, in a story that sees a human teaming up with a god to taking on the Egyptian god of the dead, Set. You can find streaming options for rental and purchase right here.