The Greatest Black Characters In Film History
Virgil Tibbs, "Red" Redding, Jules Winnfield... This is a list of the all-time greatest Black characters in film, ranked as the best in film history by movie lovers everywhere. From famous male protagonist characters to memorable villains, this list has the best Black characters in film, portrayed by award-winning actors and featured in some of the greatest films ever made. Who are the most famous Black characters in film?
From classic films like Hotel Rwanda, The Color Purple, and Jerry Maguire, the fictional characters on this list are also some of the best characters in film history. Many of the actors who portrayed these classic Black film characters received numerous awards for their notable performances. This includes some of the best Black actors of all time, such as Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier.
Cast your votes for the iconic Black movie characters listed here that you believe are the best of all time.
- 1Black Panther
- Actor: Chadwick Boseman
The groundbreaking superhero from the Marvel Comics universe and the star of Ryan Coogler's 2018 blockbuster, this African prince turned king must protect his hi-tech, hidden nation and assume the mantle of Black Panther. With his unique vibranium suit, he battles threats both internal and external, balancing tradition with progress in a world that doesn't always understand the true depth of his power.
- 2Pulp Fiction
- Actor: Samuel L. Jackson
A hitman with a flair for biblical recitations, this iconic character from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film, Pulp Fiction, undergoes a drastic transformation after surviving imminent death. His newfound spirituality leads him to quit the world of crime, but not before dispensing his own unique brand of wisdom and laying vengeance upon the wicked with a .45-caliber pistol.
- 3The Shawshank Redemption
- Actor: Morgan Freeman
The wise and resourceful character from Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption was brilliantly adapted for the screen in Frank Darabont's 1994 film, The Shawshank Redemption. Serving as the film's narrator, he's an inmate who understands the intricacies of prison life and develops a lifelong friendship with the protagonist, all while retaining his sense of hope and dignity.
- 4Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Actor: Billy Dee Williams
Charming, suave, and an expert at navigating the morally gray galaxy of George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy, this character stands out as a fan favorite for his dual roles as a gambler and rebel alliance hero. Originally introduced in The Empire Strikes Back, he helps our heroes escape Cloud City before redeeming himself in Return of the Jedi by aiding the rebellion's final push against the Empire.
- 5The Avengers
- Actor: Samuel L. Jackson
The ultimate super-spy and a linchpin of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this S.H.I.E.L.D. director ties together Earth's mightiest heroes in their fight against evil. In both comics and films, his cunning and experience make him the backbone of many of the most important operations, as he juggles his responsibilities with skill and a healthy dose of Samuel L. Jackson's trademark charisma.
- 6Blade
- Actor: Wesley Snipes
Debuting in 1998, this hybrid vampire-human introduced a darker, more violent take on the Marvel Comics universe. Utilizing his incredible combat skills and unique weaponry, he hunts down evil vampires as he comes to terms with his dual nature, ultimately walking a fine line between being humanity's savior and its potential doom.
