The Black Panther director opens up about Spike Lee’s lasting influence, the cinematic fire of Malcolm X, and the emotional moment Spike praised Sinners.
Acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler recently took a moment to pay tribute to one of the most iconic directors in cinema history—Spike Lee—and in doing so, gave Malcolm X (1992) the flowers it has long deserved.
Speaking on 7 PM in Brooklyn, the podcast hosted by Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero, Coogler didn’t hesitate to call Malcolm X the most important American film ever made.
“I think that Malcolm X is the most important American film ever made. No question,” Coogler stated firmly.
In an era where The Godfather and Citizen Kane are often held as untouchable classics, Coogler pushed back, explaining that it’s not just about craft—it’s about cultural significance.
“I don’t think they were as important Americans as Malcolm X was,” Coogler said. “This film brought Malcolm’s legacy to life in a way nothing else had done.”
Why Malcolm X Still Resonates Today
Released in 1992, Malcolm X was a bold, unapologetic, and visually stunning retelling of the life and legacy of civil rights icon Malcolm X. It starred Denzel Washington in what is still considered one of the most transformative performances in modern film history. Directed by Spike Lee, the film tackled complex themes of race, identity, transformation, and resistance.
But for Coogler, it wasn’t just about the message—it was about how Lee told it.
“The fact that they made that movie when they did, that it opens like it opens—nothing lights you on fire like that,” he said.
Malcolm X begins with a blazing montage—footage of the Rodney King beating, the American flag burning into an X—accompanied by Malcolm’s famous speech: “You’ve been had!” That unforgettable introduction still gives Coogler chills.
A Cinematic Blueprint for Coogler’s Vision
As a director who brought the world the culturally seismic Black Panther (2018) and the emotionally gripping Fruitvale Station (2013), Coogler has always approached film with purpose and impact. But Malcolm X helped shape that blueprint.
“It showed me what was possible in film. It wasn’t just entertainment—it was education, it was art, it was fire,” Coogler explained. “It was what I wanted to do.”
He also praised the film’s unforgettable cast, which featured not just Denzel Washington, but also Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Giancarlo Esposito, and even Spike Lee himself.
The Student Becomes the Master: Spike Lee Reacts to Sinners
In an emotional twist, Coogler revealed that Spike Lee—his idol—recently returned the praise after watching Coogler’s latest project, Sinners.
“He said I created a brand new genre,” Coogler shared, visibly moved by the experience.
Spike’s approval wasn’t just another review—it was a career milestone. Coogler was so overwhelmed that he cried in the IMAX theater while watching the screening with Spike.
“He was jumping around, excited—and I’m in the corner wiping tears out of my eyes, man,” Coogler admitted.
“I’m sitting there thinking, ‘He likes it? Spike Lee likes it?’”
The emotional moment represented a full-circle connection—a young filmmaker who was once inspired by Malcolm X now receiving recognition from the very man who made it.
“To be able to give Spike a cinematic experience, I’m just paying him back with interest, bro,” Coogler said.
Spike Lee’s Influence on an Entire Generation
Spike Lee’s influence on filmmakers like Coogler is no secret. His work in films like Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Clockers, and Malcolm X helped open the door for a new era of Black storytelling in Hollywood—bold, layered, unapologetic.
But Malcolm X remains the crown jewel. And for Coogler, it isn’t just a film—it’s a cultural document.
“That movie lit a fire in me that’s never gone out,” Coogler said. “It’s the reason I make the kind of films I do.”
The Legacy of Malcolm X Lives On
Though it was initially met with some industry resistance and was controversially overlooked at the Oscars (Denzel was nominated but didn’t win), Malcolm X has grown in stature with each passing year. In 2010, it was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
And now, with top directors like Ryan Coogler championing it as the most important American film ever, its impact is being re-evaluated in a new light.
Final Thoughts
In a world where cinematic greatness is often defined by box office numbers or awards, Ryan Coogler is here to remind us that true importance lies in impact.
Malcolm X didn’t just entertain—it educated, inspired, and empowered. And in inspiring Coogler, it helped shape the very future of Black cinema.
As Coogler continues to blaze his own trail, his heartfelt tribute to Spike Lee stands as a reminder: Legends inspire legends.
???? What’s your favorite Spike Lee joint? And do you agree with Coogler’s bold take on Malcolm X? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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