The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
Movies must feature African American and African culture and/or mostly above-the-line Black casts.
The best Black movies are the ones that deftly explore African American culture and themes. This list is ranked by film fans, many of whom grew up waiting for and watching good, realistic representations of what life was like for Black people in America. The top African American movies often dominate the box office when released, and this is a list of the best Black films that have largely done just that. So now we ask you: what are the best movies centered around Black people of all time? Some of these films appear on other lists that you may find interesting, such as: best comedies of all time, best drama movies, and best actions movies on Netflix. You can sort by actor and director, or press "rerank" below to make your own list of the greatest African American-themed movies.
This list of top popular Black films features classic African American comedies like Friday and Coming to America, sports films like Love & Basketball, and biographical movies about Black celebrities and leaders, from Ray and Ali to Malcolm X. It also includes great movies about slavery (both Roots and Django Unchained, for example) and films about Black life in the American South throughout history, from Glory and A Time to Kill to The Help. These and other highly acclaimed Black movies in cinema focus on African Americans, and most have not only defined the culture, but also surpassed the test of time among Black audiences.
This includes everything to watch from '90s Black comedy movies - comedies with a mostly Black cast and perspective - to Black crime movies, famous gang films, and action flicks. For other interesting movie lists check out Ranker's lists of well-made movies about slavery and films about racism. Also check out these lists of the best Black sitcoms, the best Black love movies, and the best cities for African Americans.
- 1Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: F. Gary Gray
Friday serves as the ultimate feel-good comedy, blending humor with an underlying message. Ice Cube and Chris Tucker shine as Craig and Smokey, maneuvering their way through 90's hood life, while tackling relatable issues with tongue-in-cheek wit. The laughs keep rolling from start to finish, stamping Friday as a must-watch Black blockbuster.
- 2Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Jordan Peele
Get Out, a masterfully crafted psychological thriller, took the world by storm, unveiling racial tensions under the guise of a horror film. With a gripping storyline, stellar cast, and mind-twisting twists, Jordan Peele created a nail-biting experience that left viewers on the edge of their seat, making it an instant classic.
- 3Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Love & Basketball beautifully chronicles the timeless tale of love and ambition, expertly juxtaposing the challenges of a burgeoning romance with the ruthless world of professional sports. Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps' masterful performances tug at the heartstrings, helping set the stage for Black love stories on the silver screen.
- 4Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Black Panther, a groundbreaking piece of Black cinema, boasts a melange of action, adventure, and Afrofuturism whilst still masterfully addressing themes of identity, race, and empowerment. With a stellar, predominantly Black cast, breathtaking visuals, and a captivating storyline, it cements itself in popular culture and cinema history.
- 5Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Vanessa Bell Calloway
- Released: 1993
- Directed by: Brian Gibson
What's Love Got to Do with It takes a deep dive into the tumultuous life of the legendary Tina Turner, showcasing her resilience and triumph amid adversity. Angela Bassett's powerhouse portrayal of Tina is nothing short of extraordinary, securing this masterpiece's vital place in Black cinema.
- 6Mahershala Ali, Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Moonlight, a beautifully crafted visual masterpiece, follows the life and struggles of Chiron, played flawlessly by three actors across three stages of life, as he navigates his identity and sexuality amidst the hardships of African-American life. With a smorgasbord of complex emotions and strong themes, the movie captivates audiences and secured several awards, solidifying its place in Black cinema.
