THE COOGLER EFFECT: HOW ONE DIRECTOR REDEFINED BLOCKBUSTERS

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SUBR chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

When you think about the biggest films of the past decade, chances are, Ryan Coogler name is attached to them. Only at 39 years old, Ryan Coogler has evolved as one of the most dominant Hollywood director/producers of our time. His raw storytelling shows throughout the majority of his films starting from the powerful film Fruitvale Station to the inspiring movie Creed and the worldwide spectacular marvel film Black Panther. Coogler’s movies are not simply basic movies; they are cultural footprints. His work has a mixture of dynamic narratives with authenticity and emotional depth to bring stories that deeply resonate with his community on screen. He does not just make movies; he makes statements that resonate far beyond the theatre. The “Coogler Effect” is about more than directing hits, it’s about redefining what a blockbuster can be. His influence on modern cinema proves that storytelling rooted in authenticity can change the industry itself.  

Coogler’s career began with Fruitvale Station (2013), a film that put him on the map as a storyteller unafraid of honesty. Based on the tragic real-life story of Oscar Grant, it highlighted racial injustice and humanized an issue that many preferred to ignore. The movie set the tone for the rest of Coogler’s career: films that matter, that resonate, and that make audiences stop to reflect. Then came Creed (2015) a film that portrayed the Rocky franchise but with Coogler’s twist. The movie was centered around Apollo’s son, Adonis Creed who was played by the actor Michael B. Jordan. It proved Coogler can balance originality and tweak the appeal for a new age audience. His number one best-selling film Black Panther (2018) put Coogler’s name in the cinematic spotlight. The film shattered records, earning over 1.3 billion worldwide and broke barriers as the first superhero movie nominated for the “Best Picture” at the Oscars. Its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) carried even deeper emotion as Coogler and his team honored the late Chadwick Boseman while continuing the story.  

Recently in 2025, Coogler has once again shifted gears with Sinners. The film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twins’ brothers who return to their southern hometown to open a juke joint, only to uncover a terrifying supernatural presence. Sinners’ blends horror, southern gothic atmosphere, music, and suspense in a way only Coogler could do. It is both chilling and soulful, reminding the audience that horror can be as powerful and meaningful as drama. More than just scares, the film dives into the themes of ancestry, legacy, and how the past continues to shape the present. The “Coogler effect” is simple, yet powerful. He creates blockbusters that do not sacrifice meaning, his films entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Whether it is a heartfelt drama, a franchise revival, a superhero epic, or now a supernatural horror movie. Ryan Coogler proves that authenticity resonates and that is why his work helps to redefine what Hollywood can be.