Black Panther (2018)
MovieEssential
T'Challa returns to Wakanda to claim the throne and faces a rival with a claim of his own. A Phase Three release, it was the 18th MCU film to come out and sits at #26 of 81 in story order. It’s Essential viewing, because the bigger story builds on it. It runs 2h 14m and streams on Hulu in the US.
| Directed by | Ryan Coogler |
|---|---|
| Starring | Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright |
| Release date | February 16, 2018 |
| Runtime | 2h 14m |
| Age rating | PG-13, some material may be inappropriate for under 13 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 96% critics · IMDb 7.3/10 |
| Box office | $1,350M worldwide |
| Phase | Phase Three |
| Saga | Infinity Saga |
| Story position | #26 of 81 in chronological order |
| Timeline setting | Set after Civil War |
| Part of | Black Panther movies in order |
| Post-credit scene | Yes |
Why it matters in the MCU
Introduces Wakanda, the battleground of Infinity War’s climax.
Post-credit scene
There’s more after the credits. Open the box if you want to know what happens; it gives away part of the ending.
Spoiler What happens after the credits of Black Panther: tap to reveal
T’Challa addresses the UN, revealing Wakanda.
Where it fits in your watch
Black Panther FAQ
Can you skip Black Panther?
No. It’s Essential: Wakanda is where Infinity War’s final battle happens.
When was Black Panther released?
Black Panther was released on February 16, 2018.
Where does Black Panther fit in the MCU timeline?
Black Panther is set after Civil War and sits at #26 of 81 in story order.
Does Black Panther have a post-credit scene?
Yes, there’s at least one extra scene after the credits. The spoiler box on this page describes it.
What to watch before Black Panther
Black Panther builds on these earlier titles, listed in release order:
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Where to watch Black Panther in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Hulu |
|---|---|
| Rent or buy | Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home |
Where to watch Black Panther outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Disney+ | Free: Channel 4 · Rent: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Amazon |
| Canada | Disney+ | Rent: Apple TV, Amazon, CosmoGo |
| Australia | Disney+ | None needed |
| India | JioHotstar | None needed |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
All streaming options for Marvel movies and shows, by service and country.
