The Best Black Drama Movies

Ranker Film
Updated May 15, 2024 45.1K views 129 items
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4.4K votes
456 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite drama movies that feature people of color in prominent roles.
Latest additions: Just Mercy, Till, Origin
Most divisive: Judas and the Black Messiah
Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Black Drama Movies

There are several Academy Award-winning movies on this impressive list of the greatest Black drama films. Heavy-hitting tales like Selma and 12 Years a Slave not only told important true stories from our nation’s past, but they also helped to enlighten present-day audiences. What other Black drama films made the list?

In 1989, Spike Lee released Do the Right Thing, a movie that takes place on the streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn over the course of one of the hottest days of the year. The movie explores deep-seated racism, from every angle, and offers no easy answers, just more questions about how society ever even got to this point of hatred. John Singleton’s directorial debut Boyz n the Hood, an equally important look at racism in inner cities, came out two years later and features some of the most talented Black actors of their generation.

There are also stories with diverse casts that show characters teaming up to overcome the narrow minded masses such as BlacKkKlansman which won the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay. If you don't see your favorite new Black drama movie feel free to add it to the list.

Those are just a few of the top Black drama movies. It is going to be really tough, but you'll decide the film that makes it to the top by voting up good African American drama movies on this list.

  • Love & Basketball
    1

    Love & Basketball

    Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard
    123 votes
    Love & Basketball is a romantic drama that weaves together the worlds of love and sport. Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy McCall (Omar Epps) are childhood friends who share a passion for basketball. As they grow, their relationship evolves from rivalry to romance. However, their commitment to basketball puts a strain on their connection when both pursue careers in professional sports. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this film skillfully explores the intersection of personal ambition and emotional intimacy. It was honored with several awards, including an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay.
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  • Boyz n the Hood
    2

    Boyz n the Hood

    Laurence Fishburne, Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding
    134 votes
    In the heart of South Central Los Angeles, Boyz n the Hood unravels a gripping tale of urban life. Tre Styles (Cuba Gooding Jr.), under the stern guidance of his father Furious (Laurence Fishburne), navigates through the challenges of violence and poverty. His friends Doughboy (Ice Cube) and Ricky Baker (Morris Chestnut) tread contrasting paths, offering a stark portrayal of realities in this crime-ridden neighborhood. Directed by John Singleton, this 1991 drama is lauded for its authentic depiction of race relations and social issues. Garnering two Academy Award nominations, it's a pivotal piece in cinema history.
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      #89
      Origin
      1 votes
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      #90
      Rustin
      1 votes
  • Lean on Me
    3

    Lean on Me

    Morgan Freeman, Robert Guillaume, Beverly Todd
    82 votes
    In this fact-based film, a New Jersey superintendent, Dr. Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume), watches helplessly as East Side High becomes the lowest-ranked school in the state. With nowhere else to turn, Dr. Napier enlists maverick ex-teacher Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman) to take over as principal of the declining school. Unfortunately for Clark, before he can focus on improving the student body's state exam scores, he has to somehow rid the school of its gang and narcotics problems.
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  • Malcolm X
    4

    Malcolm X

    Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall
    91 votes
    Malcolm X, a biographical drama, chronicles the life of one of America's most influential African American leaders. Malcolm X (Denzel Washington), born Malcolm Little, evolves from a petty criminal to a fervent advocate for the rights of blacks. Director Spike Lee depicts Malcolm's transformation through his experiences - including his conversion to Islam during imprisonment, his subsequent rise to power within the Nation of Islam, and his eventual break with the organization. Culminating with his assassination in 1965, the film provides an intense exploration of Malcolm X's personal development and ideological journey. The movie received numerous accolades, including an Oscar nomination for Denzel Washington's powerful performance.
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  • Remember the Titans
    5

    Remember the Titans

    Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison
    86 votes
    Based on a true story, Remember the Titans is a compelling sports drama. Set in 1971, it tells the tale of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. The African American coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) and his assistant Bill Yoast (Will Patton), who is white, must work together to unite their racially divided team. As they battle prejudice and adversity both on and off the pitch, their struggles culminate in a high-stakes championship game. This inspiring film won the Black Reel Award for Network/Cable - Best Film in 2001.
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  • Glory
    6

    Glory

    Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman
    59 votes
    Glory is a historical war drama that delves into the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the Union Army's first African-American regiment in the American Civil War. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), who leads this group of soldiers in their fight against prejudice and for freedom. Private Trip (Denzel Washington) and Sergeant Major John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) play pivotal roles in this struggle. The movie, known for its stark portrayal of war and racial tensions, won three Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington.
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  • What's Love Got to Do with It
    7

    What's Love Got to Do with It

    Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Vanessa Bell Calloway
    85 votes
    The biographical drama, What's Love Got to Do with It, takes us through the tumultuous life of Tina Turner (Angela Bassett). We follow her journey from a small town girl, Anna Mae Bullock, to the global superstar, Tina Turner. The film also explores her volatile relationship with Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne), who discovers her talent but becomes her tormentor. Despite the hardships, Tina's grit and determination lead her to a successful solo career. Both Bassett and Fishburne received Academy Award nominations for their riveting performances in this gripping tale of resilience and triumph against all odds.
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  • Ray
    8

    Ray

    Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King
    80 votes
    Unfolding the life of Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx), Ray is a biographical drama that journeys through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of this legendary musician. Born into poverty, Ray loses his sight at a young age but refuses to let adversity stifle his dreams. His journey takes him from Florida to Seattle, where he lands his first big break. With a soundtrack as dynamic as its protagonist, Ray showcases the man behind the music, his struggles with addiction, and his pursuit of love. The film earned Jamie Foxx an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2005.
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  • Set It Off
    9

    Set It Off

    Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox
    109 votes
    In the pulsing heart of urban Los Angeles, Set It Off unfolds. This gripping crime drama tells the story of four women seeking liberation from their suffocating realities. Stony (Jada Pinkett Smith), Cleo (Queen Latifah), Frankie (Vivica A. Fox), and T.T. (Kimberly Elise) find themselves ensnared in a high-stakes world of bank robberies and police chases. Director F. Gary Gray artfully weaves themes of friendship, desperation, and survival into this tense narrative, creating a movie that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. The film's gritty realism and standout performances make Set It Off an unforgettable exploration of life on the edge.
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  • Soul Food
    10

    Soul Food

    Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long
    82 votes
    When Ahmad Simmons' (Brandon Hammond) diabetic grandmother, Josephine "Big Mama" Joseph (Irma P. Hall), falls into a coma during an operation to amputate her leg, it throws the Joseph family into chaos. Ahmad watches as his mother, Maxine (Vivica A. Fox), and aunts Teri (Vanessa L. Williams) and Tracy (Nia Long) struggle to adjust to the family matriarch's sudden absence, fall into old rivalries, share memories, and work to maintain the long-standing tradition of Sunday family dinners.
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  • Waiting to Exhale
    11

    Waiting to Exhale

    Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon
    86 votes
    Navigating through careers, family and romance, four friends bond over the shortcomings in their love lives -- namely, the scarcity of good men. Both as the "other woman," Savannah (Whitney Houston) and Robin (Lela Rochon) carry on relationships with married men, each believing their lovers will leave their wives for them. On the flip side, Bernadine (Angela Bassett) ends up alone when her husband divorces her for his mistress. Meanwhile, Gloria (Loretta Devine) finds love with a new neighbor.
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  • The Color Purple
    12

    The Color Purple

    Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret Avery
    101 votes
    The Color Purple is a period drama, steeped in the southern atmosphere of rural Georgia. It follows the life of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), a young African-American woman, from her childhood to adulthood. Born into poverty and subjected to severe abuse, Celie's journey is one of resilience and survival. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg and features an exceptional cast including Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey. This poignant narrative swept the 1986 Academy Awards with eleven nominations, testifying to its cinematic brilliance. Its vivid portrayal of racial and gender issues remains relevant even today.
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  • Hidden Figures
    13

    Hidden Figures

    Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
    82 votes
    Hidden Figures is an inspiring drama that recounts the untold story of three African-American women working at NASA during the 1960s Space Race. Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. A stirring exploration of race, gender, and scientific innovation, this film illuminates their pivotal roles in a monumental event. Having won multiple awards, Hidden Figures is a testament to these unsung heroes whose calculations helped catapult mankind into space.
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  • Antwone Fisher
    14

    Antwone Fisher

    Derek Luke, Joy Bryant, Denzel Washington
    80 votes
    The touching story of a sailor (Derek Luke) who, prone to violent outbursts, is sent to a naval psychiatrist (Denzel Washington) for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood. Through the guidance of his new doctor, he confronts his painful past and begins a quest to find the family he never knew.
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  • Do the Right Thing
    15

    Do the Right Thing

    Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee
    79 votes
    Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood, a sweltering summer day: the setting for Spike Lee's 1989 classic, Do the Right Thing. Conflict brews in this racially tense community, centering around Sal's Pizzeria, owned by Sal (Danny Aiello). Mookie (Spike Lee), a young African-American pizza delivery man, serves as our guide through this intricate urban tapestry. The narrative unfolds, exploring issues of race and prejudice with unflinching honesty. This provocative drama garnered two Academy Award nominations and remains a pivotal film in American cinema, embodying the struggle for racial harmony in an environment where doing the right thing is never black or white.
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  • Dreamgirls
    16

    Dreamgirls

    Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy
    79 votes
    Dreamgirls is a musical drama that unfurls the rise of an all-female singing trio, the Dreams. Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles), and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) navigate the turbulent waters of fame, managed by Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx). The journey to stardom is fraught with heartbreaks and betrayals, underpinned by a captivating rhythm of Motown soul. Directed by Bill Condon, this film won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Hudson's powerful portrayal of Effie. Noteworthy are its dazzling costumes and unforgettable songs, anchoring the narrative in the vibrant era of 1960s music scene.
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  • Poetic Justice
    17

    Poetic Justice

    Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Regina King
    106 votes
    Still grieving after the murder of her boyfriend, hairdresser Justice (Janet Jackson) writes poetry to deal with the pain of her loss. Unable to get to Oakland to attend a convention because of her broken-down car, Justice gets a lift with her friend, Iesha (Regina King) and Iesha's postal worker boyfriend, Chicago (Joe Torry). Along for the ride is Chicago's co-worker, Lucky (Tupac Shakur), to whom Justice grows close after some initial problems. But is she ready to open her heart again?
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  • The Pursuit of Happyness
    18

    The Pursuit of Happyness

    Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton
    80 votes
    In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a struggling salesman in San Francisco. With his son Christopher (Jaden Smith), he faces the harsh reality of homelessness after an unfortunate series of events. Amidst this, Gardner lands an unpaid internship at a prestigious brokerage firm. The film, based on a true story, follows their journey as Gardner, with unwavering determination and resilience, fights against all odds for a better future. The movie earned Will Smith an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
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  • The Help
    19

    The Help

    Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard
    83 votes
    The Help, an adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's novel, is a drama set in the racially charged environment of Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. It introduces Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), an aspiring writer who decides to write a book from the perspective of African American maids. Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) are two brave maids who agree to share their stories, risking job security and personal safety. The film garnered critical acclaim for its poignant narrative and strong performances, earning Octavia Spencer an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
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  • The Wood
    20

    The Wood

    Omar Epps, Taye Diggs, Richard T. Jones
    79 votes
    Three old friends -- Mike (Omar Epps), Roland (Taye Diggs) and Slim (Richard T. Jones) -- recount memories of their shared childhood in Inglewood, Calif., as they prepare for Roland's wedding to his fiancée, Lisa (LisaRaye). When the groom goes missing without a word, Mike and Slim struggle to find their nervous friend and return him to his impatient bride before the wedding begins. Along the way, they continue to swap stories about lessons learned during their awkward teenage years.
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  • Creed II
    21

    Creed II

    Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
    22 votes
    In 1985, Russian boxer Ivan Drago killed former U.S. champion Apollo Creed in a tragic match that stunned the world. Against the wishes of trainer Rocky Balboa, Apollo's son Adonis Johnson accepts a challenge from Drago's son -- another dangerous fighter. Under guidance from Rocky, Adonis trains for the showdown of his life -- a date with destiny that soon becomes his obsession. Now, Johnson and Balboa must confront their shared legacy as the past comes back to haunt each man.
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  • 12 Years a Slave
    22

    12 Years a Slave

    Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch
    73 votes
    12 Years a Slave, a gripping historical drama, follows the life of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York who is abducted and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States. The film also features Michael Fassbender as plantation owner Edwin Epps, along with Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti in supporting roles. Directed by Steve McQueen, this powerful narrative showcases Northup's struggle for survival and freedom. Garnering acclaim for its poignant storytelling, it won three Academy Awards including Best Picture. This movie provides an unflinching view of a dark chapter in American history.
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  • Ali
    23

    Ali

    Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight
    60 votes
    In Ali, Will Smith delivers a captivating performance as Muhammad Ali, the world-renowned boxer. This biographical drama, directed by Michael Mann, encapsulates the most pivotal years of Ali's life from 1964 to 1974. Among its many accolades, the film earned an Academy Award nomination for Smith. The narrative explores Ali's rise to fame, his conversion to Islam, and his notorious matches against George Foreman (Charles Shufford) and Joe Frazier (James Toney). From the boxing ring to personal struggles, Ali paints a vivid picture of one of sport's most charismatic figures.
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  • Fruitvale Station
    24

    Fruitvale Station

    Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz
    69 votes
    Though he once spent time in San Quentin, 22-year-old black man Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) is now trying hard to live a clean life and support his girlfriend (Melonie Diaz) and young daughter (Ariana Neal). Flashbacks reveal the last day in Oscar's life, in which he accompanied his family and friends to San Francisco to watch fireworks on New Year's Eve, and, on the way back home, became swept up in an altercation with police that ended in tragedy. Based on a true story.
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  • Creed
    25

    Creed

    Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
    25 votes
    In Creed, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan)‚ the son of boxing legend Apollo Creed, embarks on a pugilistic journey under the mentorship of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Fighting his way from obscurity, Adonis seeks to carve out his own legacy, beyond the shadow of his famous father. The film, a sports drama filled with high-stakes bouts and personal struggle, earned Stallone an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Creed is a poignant continuation of the iconic Rocky series, blending heart-pounding action with a compelling exploration of identity and ambition.
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  • Selma
    26

    Selma

    David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo
    60 votes
    Selma is a stirring historical drama, capturing the pivotal moment in American history when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) led the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The march was a campaign for equal voting rights that faced violent opposition, yet resulted in President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Directed by Ava DuVernay, Selma won an Oscar for Best Original Song and was nominated for Best Picture. This film depicts a key chapter in U.S. history with a spellbinding mix of passion and political intrigue.
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  • Fences
    27

    Fences

    Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson
    57 votes
    Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) makes his living as a sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh. Maxson once dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but was deemed too old when the major leagues began admitting black athletes. Bitter over his missed opportunity, Troy creates further tension in his family when he squashes his son's (Jovan Adepo) chance to meet a college football recruiter.
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  • Just Mercy
    28

    Just Mercy

    Brie Larson, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx
    19 votes
    Just Mercy is a 2019 American biographical drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, based on the memoir by Bryan Stevenson. A distinguished civil rights attorney, Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) fights to free a condemned prisoner on death row.
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  • School Daze
    29

    School Daze

    Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, Tisha Campbell-Martin
    18 votes
    At historically black Mission College, the activist-minded Dap (Larry Fishburne) immerses himself in a world of political rhetoric and social movements -- one day he hopes to rally the students as a united front. At the other end of the spectrum, Julian (Giancarlo Esposito), the head of the biggest fraternity on campus, is more concerned with maintaining a strict social order. In between, Dap's conflicted cousin, Half-Pint (Spike Lee), spends most of his time rushing the fraternity.
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  • Mudbound
    30

    Mudbound

    Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Jason Mitchell
    10 votes
    Laura McAllan is trying to raise her children on her husband's Mississippi Delta farm, a place she finds foreign and frightening. In the midst of the family's struggles, two young men return from the war to work the land. Jamie McAllan, Laura's brother-in-law, is everything her husband is not - charming and handsome, but he is haunted by his memories of combat. Ronsel Jackson, eldest son of the black sharecroppers who live on the McAllan farm, now battles the prejudice in the Jim Crow South.
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