Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther has dominated the box office as the number one movie in the world thus far, but does it live up to the hype? The character’s sure do. Black Panther himself is such a dynamic character but surely there were others who made just as much as an impact. Here are the top five influential characters from Marvel’s Black Panther. Spoiler Warning

5. M’Baku- Although his role was a small one, Winston Duke’s M’Baku was one of much importance for more reasons than one. The leader of the Jabari tribe was pretty much humiliated by T’Challa in the challenge for the throne, yet when Nakia and the royal family turn to him for help, he helps them, and promises T’Challa he will let no harm come to them. Unlike Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger, M’Baku puts his pride and bitterness aside and displays his humanity in this act. The importance of M’Baku can be looked over and pushed aside but honestly he is one of the coolest characters in the film. Not only did he help Nakia and the family, but he also unexpectedly aided T’Challa in the epic end fight. It was with the assistance of him and his army that helped the fight for good continue. This character could influence the actions of young men, and the way they handle defeat, which is extremely important.

4. Okoye- Can we just appreciate the valiant gem that is Okoye for a second? Danai Gurira’s Okoye is the fierce general we have always wanted. Okoye is general of the all women warrior team Dora Milaje for the security of Wakanda. The one thing we can learn from Gurira’s character– if not how to masterfully whip around a spear- is loyalty. Okoye is completely devoted to protecting the people of Wakanda, no ifs, ands or buts. She even threatened to kill her boyfriend for the sake and safety of Wakanda and its treasures. She remained loyal even when Killmonger’s reign was destroying the morals and values of the land she loved so much. It is no surprise that Marvel would include such a mighty female character in the origin narrative, as they have done so in the previous Avengers films with Black Widow. What makes Okoye different is her focus and her loyalty to Wakanda and Wakanda only. She does not let friends, love or a tyrannous reign get in her way of protecting her people. That is something that I’m sure many people would admire about her. Okoye is an inspiration for her strength, and her authoritative qualities. Hopefully future generations can look to her for these characteristics.

3. Nakia- Nakia is one of those characters that you wish there were more of in the world. Well, to be fair the world could use some doppelgangers for all of the characters on this list but I digress. Lupita Nyong’o plays the compelling, level-headed character who definitely has her priorities in order. Note that this is extremely rare for women in film considering half of some storylines is the main character trying to decide whether she should pick her boyfriend or her job. Nakia does none of that. She does not play about her business. Her humanitarian work was important to her, so much so that she was willing to leave the calm technologically advanced sanctuary that is Wakanda for the chaotic poverty immersed reality of the rest of the world. That alone says more about her character than most of her actions in the film. The kind hearted, brave Nakia is a character that a lot of young women can look up to in this day and age.

2. Shuri- Undeniably one of the best characters in the film, Letitia Wright’s Shuri is a tech genius that all of us want to be like. Her smarts alone built the astonishing technological advances that all of Wakanda uses. As a character that is funny, kind and inventive, it is no question that she is loved by most of the audience of the film. Wakanda’s 16-year-old innovator is one that makes even Tony Stark look a little inferior. Without Shuri, Wakanda would be in turmoil. Other than her smarts, Shuri is brave and confident. She emits an aura that is bright and full of life. Her inventions have helped all those in Wakanda, but her spirit is one that keeps the audience bright and engaged. She is such an inspiration to not only little girls who love science, but those who had no hope of achieving greatness at an early age. Sure, that may not be realistically attainable for everyone, but the sight of her doing it is gives the rest of us the push to do it ourselves. She will be a role model for many young girls in the future I’m sure.

1. T’Challa- Ah the King. King T’Challa makes great strides in this film as we see him go from an insecure prince, to a hero and savior of people. Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa has a lot of great influential moments, one being him deciding to leave his father and rise from the dead (essentially). In this he reflects on his past actions and refuses to give up on a world that needs his bravery and support. That was a moment that made me tear up a bit in the theatre. His loyalty to the throne and his people is one that many world leaders need to take note of (*cough* Donald Trump *cough*). He is so wise yet, is so clueless about the rest of the world at the same time. He was hopeless about his future, scared about disappointing his parents all the time, and constantly trying to mend a broken/complicated relationship. All of this plus the stress of dealing with his father’s wrongdoing and his best friend’s betrayal is a lot to handle, yet he is still able to push through and be a great king regardless. T’Challa’s perseverance and strong leadership are just some of the many things that make the Black Panther such a powerful character, and I can’t wait to see the impact his character will make on society.