The 100+ Best Movies With Black Female Leads
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- Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle MonáeHidden 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.More Hidden Figures
- Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Vanessa Bell CallowayThe 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.
- #45 of 242 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #3 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #11 of 85 onGreat Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
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- Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret AveryThe 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.More The Color Purple
- #182 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #33 of 96 onThe 90+ Best Movies Of 1985, Ranked
- #74 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela RochonNavigating 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.More Waiting to Exhale
- #19 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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- #331 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. FoxIn 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.More Set It Off
- #69 of 117 onThe Best Movies Of 1996
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- #125 of 185 onMovies With The Best Soundtracks
- Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre WoodardLove & 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.More Love & Basketball
- #7 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #275 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #26 of 69 onThe Best High School Sports Movies
- Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Regina KingStill 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?More Poetic Justice
- #3 of 9 onJohn Singleton: Movies Directed By John Singleton
- #13 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #5 of 84 onThe 75 Best Black Romance Movies
- Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie MurphyDreamgirls 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.More Dreamgirls
- Dig Deeper...Every Song in Dreamgirls, Ranked by Singability
- #105 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #20 of 90 onThe Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked
- Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, John AmosIn the comedy film Coming to America, pampered African Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) rejects an arranged marriage. Disguised as a foreign student, he journeys to Queens, New York City, seeking love. His loyal servant Semmi (Arsenio Hall) accompanies him, providing comedic relief throughout their culture-shocked adventure. Directed by John Landis, this popular 1988 movie features Murphy and Hall in multiple roles, showcasing their versatility. It was nominated for two Oscars and remains a fan favorite for its humor and heart. Akeem's quest for love takes many unexpected turns, leading to a satisfying conclusion that highlights the importance of being true to oneself.More Coming to America
- Dig Deeper...Stories From Behind The Scenes Of 'Coming To America'
- #31 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #102 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy NajimyIn Sister Act, Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) is a flashy Reno lounge singer. After witnessing a mob crime, Deloris enters witness protection, hidden within a convent's austere walls. Disguised as Sister Mary Clarence, she disrupts the quiet life of her fellow nuns. Under her influence, the choir transforms from tone-deaf to toe-tapping, gaining unexpected fame. Meanwhile, the mob is on her trail. The movie, an engaging mix of comedy and drama with music at its heart, earned Goldberg a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress - Motion Picture Comedy or Musical in 1993.More Sister Act
- #155 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #25 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #150 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russell HornsbyIn The Hate U Give, a stirring drama based on the acclaimed novel, Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) straddles two contrasting worlds. She lives in a poor, predominantly black neighborhood but attends a wealthy, predominantly white prep school. The tragic shooting of her childhood friend Khalil (Algee Smith) at the hands of a police officer forces Starr to confront these dual realities. As the sole witness, she must navigate the pressures from all sides of her community and stand up for what's right. The film explores themes of racial injustice and identity, with Russell Hornsby delivering a notable performance as Starr's father.More The Hate U Give
- #114 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #198 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #162 of 165 onThe Best Political Films Of All Time
- Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas HowardThe 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.More The Help
- #112 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #31 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #44 of 90 onThe 85+ Most Inspirational Movies Of All Time
- Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Regina KingIn the heartwarming film How Stella Got Her Groove Back, successful stockbroker Stella Payne (Angela Bassett) finds herself in a midlife crisis. Deciding to take a much-needed vacation, she lands in sunny Jamaica where she meets the young, charming Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs). Despite their age difference, an unexpected romance blossoms. This romantic drama, based on Terry McMillan's novel, explores the theme of self-discovery and love beyond societal norms. It snagged Angela Bassett an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress. The movie is a balance of light-hearted moments and profound life lessons, making it a watch worth its while.
- #283 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #80 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #241 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
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Cinderella
Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette PetersCinderella is a 1997 American romantic musical fantasy telefilm produced by Walt Disney Television. The film stars Brandy, Whitney Houston, Paolo Montalban, Bernadette Peters, Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber and Jason Alexander. It is a re-make of the Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella television movie musical, and the only one of the three versions to be shot on film. It was adapted by Robert L. Freedman and directed by Robert Iscove, with choreography by Rob Marshall, and was produced by Whitney Houston and Debra Martin Chase for Walt Disney Productions. It was part of a revival of The Wonderful World of Disney series, on Disney-owned ABC, and aired on November 2, 1997.More Cinderella- #74 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #74 of 82 onThe 75+ Best Fairytale Movies
- #13 of 85 onMovies That Should Be Made Into Broadway Musicals, Ranked By Fans
- Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, David Patrick KellyAs her teacher mother, Carolyn (Alfre Woodard), and her jazz musician father, Woody (Delroy Lindo), worry over monthly bills, grade-schooler student Troy Carmichael (Zelda Harris) banters and bonds with her four brothers. Against her will, Troy is sent to her aunt's southern home for a summer visit, but when she returns to her bustling Brooklyn neighborhood, she learns that a family member is gravely ill. Already mature, Troy is forced to face to some very grown-up facts about life and loss.More Crooklyn
- #51 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #69 of 125 onThe Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
- #40 of 81 on80+ Great Movies About Black Teens
- Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer HudsonHaunted by memories of her late mother and abused by her father (Paul Bettany), 14-year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) runs away with her friend and caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) to the South Carolina town that holds the key to her mother's past. There, Lily meets the Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo), who take her in and teach her about beekeeping, honey, and the Black Madonna. Lily also discovers that the truth about her mother is closer than she thinks.More The Secret Life of Bees
- #88 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #102 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #33 of 106 onGreat Movies That Take Place In The '60s
- Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah WashingtonTwo urban African-Americans, Darius (Larenz Tate), an aspiring writer, and Nina (Nia Long), an aspiring photographer, share an instant connection after a chance meeting at a Chicago club. The two bond over music, photography and poetry, and eventually begin a torrid romance. However, when Nina decides to move to New York and mend her relationship with her ex-fiancé, Marvin (Khalil Kain), it leaves Darius heartbroken, and the couple's future in jeopardy.More Love Jones
- #46 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #379 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #1 of 84 onThe 75 Best Black Romance Movies
- Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Yasiin BeySidney (Sanaa Lathan) and Dre (Taye Diggs) can attribute their friendship and the launch of their careers to one single childhood instant ... witnessing the birth of hip-hop on a New York street corner. Now some 15 years later, she is a revered music critic and he is a successful, though unfulfilled, music executive. Both come to realize that their true life passions will only be fulfilled by remembering what they learned that day on the corner.More Brown Sugar
- #65 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #134 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- #39 of 125 onThe Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
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The Photograph
Issa Rae, LaKeith Stanfield, Chanté AdamsWhen famed photographer Christina Eames dies unexpectedly, she leaves her estranged daughter, Mae, hurt, angry and full of questions. When Mae finds a photograph tucked away in a safe-deposit box, she soon finds herself delving into her mother's early life -- an investigation that leads to an unexpected romance with a rising journalist.More The Photograph- #19 of 78 onThe 75 Best Black Romance Movies
- #53 of 78 onThe 75+ Best Recent Romantic Movies, Ranked
- #244 of 317 onThe Best Movies Of 2020
- Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie OdomFrom her escape from slavery through the dangerous missions she led to liberate hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad, the story of heroic abolitionist Harriet Tubman is told.
- Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke PalmerAkeelah and the Bee is a drama film centered around an eleven-year-old girl, Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer), from South Los Angeles. Living in a neighborhood where opportunities are scarce, she unexpectedly discovers her extraordinary talent for spelling. Guided by an uncompromising yet compassionate coach, Dr. Joshua Larabee (Laurence Fishburne), Akeelah participates in a national spelling bee competition. Angela Bassett plays the role of Akeelah's supportive mother, Tanya. Despite daunting obstacles and intense pressure, Akeelah strives to outshine her competitors and redefine her destiny. The movie won the Black Reel Award for Best Actress among other accolades.More Akeelah and the Bee
- #124 of 155 onThe 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
- #64 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #511 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Richard PryorPop star Diana Ross portrays legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in this biographical drama. Beginning with Holiday's traumatic youth, the film depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay (Billy Dee Williams), her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.More Lady Sings the Blues
- #43 of 54 onThe Best Movies 'Loosely' Based On True Stories
- #31 of 90 onThe Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked
- #172 of 242 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard PryorWhen Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross).More The Wiz
- #62 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #12 of 16 onThe Best Musical Movies To Watch On Halloween
- #62 of 93 onThe Best Kids Movies Of The 1970s
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The Incredible Jessica James
Jessica Williams, Chris O'Dowd, Noël WellsJessica, an aspiring playwright in New York City, is trying to get over a recent break-up when she meets Boone, who's also recovering from a recent split. Together, they figure out a way to make it in a "post-relationship" world. - Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'oLiving in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) and her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess. Phiona becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player under Katende's guidance. Her success in local competitions and tournaments opens the door to a bright future and a golden chance to escape from a life of poverty.
- Queen Latifah, Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi AlexanderBlues singer Bessie Smith (Queen Latifah) rises to fame in the 1920s to become a musical legend.More Bessie
- #44 of 90 onThe Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked
- #225 of 242 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #425 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- Halle Berry, Terrence Howard, Michael EalyTheir Eyes Were Watching God is an American Broadcasting Company television movie aired on March 6, 2005 at 9 p.m. EDT based upon Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 novel of the same name. The film was directed by Darnell Martin and produced by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions Its teleplay was by Suzan-Lori Parks, Misan Sagay, and Bobby Smith, Jr.
- #232 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #11 of 343 on340+ Movies And Shows With Eye In The Title
- #44 of 163 onThe Best Movies About Black History
- Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby DeeThis lauded drama follows the Youngers, an African-American family living together in an apartment in Chicago. Following the death of their patriarch, they try to determine what to do with the substantial insurance payment they'll soon receive. Opinions on what to do with the money vary. Walter Lee (Sidney Poitier) wants to make a business investment, while his mother, Lena (Claudia McNeil), is intent on buying a house for them all to live in -- two differing views of the American Dream.More A Raisin in the Sun
- #93 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #33 of 85 onGreat Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
- #13 of 120 onThe Best Movies Based On Plays
- Andra Day, Trevante Rhodes, Garrett HedlundThe Federal Bureau of Narcotics launches an undercover sting operation against jazz singer Billie Holiday.
- Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Count BasieBillie is a 2019 documentary film about Billie Holliday directed by James Erskine. Based around interviews recorded on audio cassettes in the 1970s while researching a book on Billie Holiday that was never completed, the documentary tells Billie's story from the point of view of her friends, family, her band, peers in 1930s Harlem, pianists, and a pimp.
- Adepero Oduye, Pernell Walker, Aasha DavisTeenage Alike (Adepero Oduye) lives in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood with her parents (Charles Parnell, Kim Wayans) and younger sister (Sahra Mellesse). A lesbian, Alike quietly embraces her identity and is looking for her first lover, but she wonders how much she can truly confide in her family, especially with her parents' marriage already strained. When Alike's mother presses her to befriend a colleague's daughter (Aasha Davis), Alike finds the gal to be a pleasant companion.More Pariah
- Whoopi Goldberg, Dianne Wiest, Eli WallachLaurel (Whoopi Goldberg) is an intelligent investment banker struggling to succeed on Wall Street. When an unqualified white man (Tim Daly) receives a promotion, she quits her job to start her own business, only to learn that, as a woman, she is not taken seriously. To fool her competitors, Laurel creates a fictitious white man named Robert S. Cutty to manage her financial deals. But as Robert's popularity grows, Laurel realizes that living two lives is harder than she thought it might be.More The Associate
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- #60 of 64 onThe Best '90s Black Movies, Ranked
- #90 of 126 onThe 100+ Best Female Comedy Movies
- Lynn Whitfield, Rubén Blades, David DukesBorn into a poor family in St. Louis, Josephine Baker (Lynn Whitfield) struggles to make a name for herself on the vaudeville circuit. As her career progresses, so does her resentment of racial prejudice, motivating her to move to Paris -- where in a short time, her exotic dance routines make her the toast of the town. Swayed by the influence of her manager (Ruben Blades), she takes the act back to America. It fails, but Josephine perseveres, proving herself as much humanitarian as entertainer.
- #49 of 90 onThe Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked
- #164 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #32 of 85 onGreat Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
- Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby DeeBrooklyn'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.More Do the Right Thing
- #299 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #29 of 83 onThe Best Movies Of 1989, Ranked
- #95 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- Queen Latifah, Common, Paula PattonPhysical therapist Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) lands the dream job of working with basketball superstar Scott McKnight (Common). All goes well until Leslie finds that she is falling in love with him. Scott, however, is oblivious to Leslie's romantic overtures and focuses his attention on Morgan (Paula Patton), Leslie's gorgeous friend, who would love to be the basketball player's trophy wife.More Just Wright
- #75 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #59 of 61 onThe Funniest Movies About Sports
- #63 of 81 onThe Best Black Sports Movies Ever Made
- Nicole Beharie, Kendrick Sampson, Alexis ChikaezeMiss Juneteenth is a 2020 American drama film directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples. Turquoise Jones (Nicole Beharie), a single mother in a suburb of Fort Worth, Texas, enters her 15-year-old daughter, Kai (Alexis Chikaeze) in the local Miss Juneteenth pageant.More Miss Juneteenth
- #25 of 73 onThe 70+ Best Mother-Daughter Movies Ever Made
- #39 of 81 on80+ Great Movies About Black Teens
- #37 of 49 onThe Most Inspirational Black Movies
- Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith DavidIn the animated musical The Princess and the Frog, hardworking Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) dreams of opening her own restaurant in New Orleans. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), transformed into a frog by the wicked Dr. Facilier (Keith David). A fumbled attempt to break the spell lands them both in a wild adventure through Louisiana's mystical bayous. The film, a delightful blend of traditional animation and jazz-age tunes, won an Academy Award for its original song Almost There.
- Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. VanceA cleric begins to doubt himself and is visited by an angel. The heavenly emissary is supposed to help the good reverend over his midlife crisis, but he is distracted by the cleric's lovely young wife. A remake with gospel music of the "The Bishop's Wife".More The Preacher's Wife
- #100 of 126 onThe Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
- #100 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #48 of 84 onThe 75 Best Black Romance Movies
- Anne-Marie Jelinck, Toto Bissainthe, Robert FontaineBlack Girl is a 1966 film by the Senegalese writer and director Ousmane Sembène, starring Mbissine Thérèse Diop. Its original French title is La Noire de..., which means "The black girl of...", as in "someone's black girl". The film centers on a young Senegalese woman who moves from Senegal to France to work for a rich French couple. It was the director's first feature-length film. It is often considered the first Sub-Saharan African film by an African filmmaker to receive international attention.
- Kimberly Elise, Janet Jackson, Loretta DevineIn New York, a group of black women, most of whom live in the same Harlem apartment building, faces personal crises, heartbreak and other challenges. Crystal (Kimberly Elise) faces an unhappy existence as an abused lover. Jo (Janet Jackson) is a successful magazine editor, but her husband has a secret double life. Juanita (Loretta Devine) is a relationship counselor but cannot seem to get her love life in order. These three and others become bound together by their experiences.More For Colored Girls
- #99 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #67 of 84 onThe 75 Best Black Romance Movies
- #41 of 46 onFamous Movie Monologues
- Lovie Simone, Jharrel Jerome, Celeste O'ConnorSelah and The Spades is a 2020 drama film directed by Tayarisha Poe. Five factions run the underground life of Haldwell School, a prestigious east coast boarding school; at the head of the most powerful faction - The Spades - sits Selah Summers, walking the fine line between being feared and loved.
- Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Loretta DevineAt holiday time, family matriarch Ma'Dere Whitfield (Loretta Devine) assembles her large brood for their first reunion in four years. However, family ties show signs of strain when various secrets come to light, especially concerning Marine Claude's (Columbus Short) true military status, Quentin's (Idris Elba) debts and teenage Baby's (Chris Brown) secret plans to become a singer.More This Christmas
- #47 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #16 of 415 on400+ Movies And Shows With This In The Title
- #68 of 478 on475+ Movies And Shows With Christmas In The Title
- Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson, Maeve QuinlanDave Johnson (Morris Chestnut) and his wife, Clarice (Taraji P. Henson), appear to have it all, but she has ignored his needs while she pursues a real-estate career. The couple's already weakened marriage faces the ultimate test after Clarice is involved in a car accident, leaving her with a terrible leg injury. Dave finds a sympathetic ear -- and possibly more -- with the physical therapist (Maeve Quinlan) who comes to treat her.More Not Easily Broken
- #184 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #35 of 102 onThe Best Movies About Struggling Relationships
- #56 of 72 onThe Best Black Comedy Movies Of The 2000s
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Mahogany
Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony PerkinsStruggling Chicago fashion design student Tracy (Diana Ross) goes from rags to riches when a chance meeting with hotshot fashion photographer Sean (Anthony Perkins) in the department store where she works leads to a runway life as a model in Rome. Tracy's overnight success and strong ambitions bring her professional success as a designer, but her diva antics may destroy her relationship with social activist Brian (Billy Dee Williams), as well as her respect in the fashion world.More Mahogany - Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin GivensA cocky ad executive, Marcus (Eddie Murphy) has a reputation as a ladies' man. However, Marcus gets a taste of his own medicine when a merger finds him working under the beautiful Jacqueline (Robin Givens), who has a similarly cavalier attitude about romance. Marcus and Jacqueline become involved, but he is put off by her noncommittal approach to their relationship. Meanwhile, Marcus also begins to develop feelings for the pretty Angela (Halle Berry), who is more thoughtful than Jacqueline.More Boomerang
- #207 of 705 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #82 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #19 of 125 onThe Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
- Sanaa Lathan, Simon Baker, Mike EppsCareer-minded Kenya McQueen is set up on a blind date with architect Brian Kelly, but backs out when she realizes that he is white. Impressed with his work on a friend's mansion, McQueen hires Kelly to design her new garden -- and he sweeps her off her feet. But, after her friends introduce her to executive Mark Harper, McQueen must choose between the type of man she always dreamed she wanted and giving in to life's little surprises.More Something New
- #29 of 84 onThe 75 Best Black Romance Movies
- #61 of 72 onThe Best Black Comedy Movies Of The 2000s
- #3 of 68 onThe Best Movies About Interracial Couples, Ranked
- Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn TurmanMa Rainey's Black Bottom is a 2020 American drama film directed by George C. Wolfe, based on the 1982 play by August Wilson. During a recording session, tensions rise between "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), her ambitious horn player (Chadwick Boseman), and the white management.
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Betty and Coretta
Tyler Hynes, Angela Bassett, Gloria ReubenBetty and Coretta is a 2013 biographical drama film directed by Yves Simoneau. Coretta Scott King and Dr Betty Shabazz develop a friendship after the tragic deaths of their husbands; Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X and through their strength and dignity they carried on the civil rights movement becoming role models for millions of women all over the world. - Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Pearl BaileyScreen version of the musical "Carmen Jones," which adapted Bizet's opera Carmen for an African-American cast. A soldier falls for Dandridge, a seductive factory worker. The lovers flee after the soldier kills his sergeant, but Carmen's taunting faithlessness drives her lover to a crime of passion.More Carmen Jones
- #181 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #50 of 84 onThe 75 Best Black Romance Movies
- #33 of 35 onThe Very Best Classic Musical Movies, Ranked
- Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Sam ReidThe illegitimate, mixed-race daughter (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) of a British admiral plays an important role in the campaign to abolish slavery in England.More Belle
- #39 of 85 onGreat Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
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- Theresa Randle, Isaiah Washington, Spike LeeTrying to make it in the acting world, a young black woman (Theresa Randle) resorts to working as a phone sex operator to pay the bills. Called Girl 6 by her new employer, she finds her work oddly fulfilling and starts getting attached to one caller, Bob (Peter Berg). While dealing with various personal problems -- such as her thief ex-husband (Isaiah Washington) wanting her back -- Girl 6 comes to the dangerous realization that it's easier to live in her fantasy work life than her real life.More Girl 6
- #323 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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- Queen Latifah, Alicia Silverstone, Andie MacDowellFar from Chicago, hairdresser Gina Norris (Queen Latifah) has relocated to Atlanta with her daughter (Paige Hurd) and has quickly established herself as a rare talent in her profession. But after repeatedly butting heads with her shady, over-the-top boss, Jorge (Kevin Bacon), Norris sets out to create her own salon -- even snagging a few of Jorge's employees and clients, including Lynn (Alicia Silverstone) and Terri (Andie MacDowell), respectively. Now, Jorge will do anything to shut her down.More Beauty Shop
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- Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Barnard HughesIn Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) makes a triumphant return. This time, she's masquerading as Sister Mary Clarence, a nun with an unconventional teaching style. She's been tasked to revitalize a lackluster music program at St. Francis Academy, a school threatened by closure. The film, a comedy-drama, is filled with vibrant musical numbers and memorable performances from Lauryn Hill and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Despite the uphill battle and resistance from skeptical students, Sister Mary Clarence uses her unique methods to breathe new life into the school and its choir.
- #422 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- #72 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- Halle Berry, Brent Spiner, Obba BabatundeBased on a true story, this film chronicles the life of Dorothy Dandridge, the first black woman to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. Dandridge (Halle Berry) begins her career working as a nightclub singer before eventually breaking into Hollywood, where she meets her steadfast manager (Brent Spiner) and struggles against racism. Her rise to stardom introduces her to Otto Preminger (Klaus Maria Brandauer), a film director with whom she develops a complicated relationship.
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- Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Thandie NewtonIn 1873 Ohio, Sethe (Oprah Winfrey) is a mother of three haunted by her horrific slavery past and her desperate actions for freedom. As a result, Sethe's home is haunted by a furious poltergeist, which drives away her two sons. Sethe and her daughter (Kimberly Elise) endure living with the spirit for 10 more years, until an old friend, Paul D. Garner (Danny Glover), arrives to run it out. After Garner moves in, a strange woman named Beloved (Thandie Newton) enters their lives, causing turmoil.More Beloved
- #259 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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- Pam Grier, Booker Bradshaw, Robert Do 'QuiAs a nurse, Coffy (Pam Grier) has seen the ill effects of drugs up close, but it isn't until her little sister becomes addicted to heroin that she finally decides to wage a one-woman battle. Disguised as a prostitute, Coffy goes on a killing rampage, at first going after street dealers and pimps such as sleazy King George (Robert DoQui), then gradually working her way up to bigger honchos. She's shocked, however, when she discovers that her politician boyfriend (Booker Bradshaw) is involved.More Coffy
- #257 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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- Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Michelle RodriguezIn the heart-stopping thriller Widows, four women, Veronica (Viola Davis), Linda (Michelle Rodriguez), Alice (Elizabeth Debicki), and Belle (Cynthia Erivo) are left in a perilous position when their criminal husbands are killed during a botched heist. With nothing but a debt left behind by their spouses' failed job, these women decide to step up and finish what their husbands started. Set in contemporary Chicago, amidst a time of political and societal turmoil, the story weaves together themes of crime, survival and unlikely alliances. Directed by Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) and co-written with Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl), Widows is an intense exploration of desperation and determination.
- Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina HallNearly 15 years after they were last together as a group, college friends Lance (Morris Chestnut), Harper (Taye Diggs), Candace (Regina Hall), Quentin (Terrence Howard), Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), Jordan (Nia Long), Murch (Harold Perrineau), and Mia (Monica Calhoun) finally reunite over the Christmas holidays. Though much has changed in their lives, the friends discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and passionate romances to be reignited.
- Pam Grier, Antonio Fargas, Peter BrownUnable to pay back the $20,000 he owes the mob, small-time hustler Link (Antonio Fargas) instead gives up the identity of an undercover cop (Terry Carter) who happens to be dating his sister, Foxy Brown (Pam Grier). When gangsters later kill the cop, Foxy is quick to make the connection and swears vengeance. Posing as a prostitute, and with the help of a group of neighborhood vigilantes, she gradually tracks down the hit men, their Mafia bosses and her own brother.More Foxy Brown
- #42 of 48 onGreat Movies About Furious Women Out for Revenge
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- 60
Antebellum
Janelle Monáe, Jena Malone, Jack HustonSuccessful author Veronica Henley is finishing a book tour before she returns home to her husband and daughter. But a shocking turn of events is about to upend Veronica's existence, plunging her into a horrifying reality that forces her to confront her past, present and future -- before it's too late.More Antebellum- #150 of 165 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
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