The 100+ Best Movies With Black Female Leads

Ranker Film
Updated April 16, 2024 50.9K views 121 items
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Whether they are fictional or based on real people, some of the most engaging film characters are strong Black women. The top movies for Black women feature stories about love, careers, and survival. This is a list of Black women movies featuring everything from Waiting to Exhale to Beasts of the Southern Wild to What's Love Got to Do with It.

What movies will you find on this list of the best Black woman films? Literature fans might vote The Color Purple to the top. Based on Alice Walker's book of the same name, this Steven Spielberg film tells the tale of Celie Harris and the horrifying oppression Black women faced in the early 20th century. The movie was nominated for an incredible 10 Academy Awards. Beloved is another great movie for Black women. How Stella Got Her Groove Back is a great movie about female empowerment and embracing life. Other good films featured on this Black woman movies list include The Wiz, Coming to America, and Lady Sings the Blues.

Which of these movies for Black women is the best of the best? Give your favorites a vote up to help them reach the top of the list.

Most divisive: Middle of Nowhere
Over 600 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 100+ Best Movies With Black Female Leads
  • Hidden Figures
    1

    Hidden Figures

    Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
    162 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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  • The Color Purple
    2

    The Color Purple

    Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret Avery
    135 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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  • What's Love Got to Do with It
    3

    What's Love Got to Do with It

    Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Vanessa Bell Calloway
    117 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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  • Waiting to Exhale
    4

    Waiting to Exhale

    Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon
    125 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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  • Set It Off
    5

    Set It Off

    Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox
    121 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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  • Love & Basketball
    6

    Love & Basketball

    Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard
    112 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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  • Dreamgirls
    7

    Dreamgirls

    Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy
    103 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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  • Sister Act
    8

    Sister Act

    Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy
    89 votes
    In 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.
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  • Coming to America
    9

    Coming to America

    Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, John Amos
    91 votes
    In 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.
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  • The Help
    10

    The Help

    Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard
    140 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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  • Poetic Justice
    11

    Poetic Justice

    Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Regina King
    90 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 Hate U Give
    12

    The Hate U Give

    Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby
    22 votes
    In 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.
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  • How Stella Got Her Groove Back
    13

    How Stella Got Her Groove Back

    Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Regina King
    83 votes
    In 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.
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  • Cinderella
    14

    Cinderella

    Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette Peters
    28 votes
    Cinderella 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.
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  • Crooklyn
    15

    Crooklyn

    Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, David Patrick Kelly
    69 votes
    As 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.
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  • The Secret Life of Bees
    16

    The Secret Life of Bees

    Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson
    81 votes
    Haunted 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.
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  • Brown Sugar
    17

    Brown Sugar

    Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Yasiin Bey
    78 votes
    Sidney (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.
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  • Love Jones
    18

    Love Jones

    Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington
    67 votes
    Two 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.
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  • The Photograph
    19

    The Photograph

    Issa Rae, LaKeith Stanfield, Chanté Adams
    23 votes
    When 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.
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  • The Wiz
    20

    The Wiz

    Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor
    71 votes
    When 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).
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  • Their Eyes Were Watching God
    21

    Their Eyes Were Watching God

    Halle Berry, Terrence Howard, Michael Ealy
    51 votes
    Their 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.
  • Lady Sings the Blues
    22

    Lady Sings the Blues

    Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor
    43 votes
    Pop 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.
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  • Harriet
    23

    Harriet

    Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom
    14 votes
    From 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.
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  • Bessie
    24

    Bessie

    Queen Latifah, Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander
    15 votes
    Bessie is a 2015 biographical film directed by Dee Rees. The story of legendary blues performer Bessie Smith (Queen Latifah), who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
  • Something New
    25

    Something New

    Sanaa Lathan, Simon Baker, Mike Epps
    15 votes
    Career-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.
  • A Raisin in the Sun
    26

    A Raisin in the Sun

    Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee
    46 votes
    This 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.
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  • The Incredible Jessica James
    27

    The Incredible Jessica James

    Jessica Williams, Chris O'Dowd, Noël Wells
    9 votes
    Jessica, 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.
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  • Queen of Katwe
    28

    Queen of Katwe

    Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o
    9 votes
    Living 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.
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  • The Associate
    29

    The Associate

    Whoopi Goldberg, Dianne Wiest, Eli Wallach
    10 votes
    Laurel (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.
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  • The Josephine Baker Story
    30

    The Josephine Baker Story

    Lynn Whitfield, Rubén Blades, David Dukes
    10 votes
    Born 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.
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