Are you on the hunt for some cinematic magic that speaks directly to your soul?
We have curated a list of 10 highly acclaimed African American movies that have left a lasting impact on cinema. From powerful dramas to thought-provoking thrillers, these films celebrate Black culture, resilience, and diversity.
Best African American Movies to Watch in 2024
So, settle in, get cozy, and let’s delve into a lineup of essential Black people movies together!
Do the Right Thing (1989)
- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Plot: On a scorching summer day in Brooklyn, racial tensions reach a boiling point as the community grapples with bigotry, discrimination, and violence.
12 Angry Men (1957)
- Director: Sidney Lumet
- IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
- Plot: In a gripping courtroom drama, twelve jurors deliberate the fate of a young Black man accused of murder, exposing prejudices and biases.
Boyz in the Hood (1991)
- Director: John Singleton
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Plot: Set in South Central Los Angeles, the film follows the lives of three childhood friends as they navigate gang violence, family dynamics, and societal pressures.
Moonlight (2016)
- Director: Barry Jenkins
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Plot: Through three defining chapters, we witness the journey of Chiron, a young Black man struggling with his identity, love, and acceptance in a tough Miami neighborhood.
The Color Purple (1985)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Plot: Based on Alice Walker’s novel, the film portrays the resilience of Celie, a young Black woman, as she overcomes oppression and abuse in the American South.
Get Out (2017)
- Director: Jordan Peele
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Plot: When Chris, a young Black man, visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he uncovers disturbing secrets that reveal the sinister intentions lurking beneath their hospitality.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Director: Frank Darabont
- IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
- Plot: Adapted from Stephen King’s novella, the film follows Andy Dufresne’s journey of survival, friendship, and hope as he navigates life in the Shawshank State Penitentiary.
Selma (2014)
- Director: Ava DuVernay
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Plot: During the height of the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. leads a historic march from Selma to Montgomery to demand equal voting rights for African Americans.
Black Panther (2018)
- Director: Ryan Coogler
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Plot: In the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda, T’Challa, the newly crowned Black Panther, must confront his past and defend his people’s way of life from external threats.
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
- Director: Shaka King
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Plot: Based on true events, the film chronicles the rise and fall of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and the FBI informant who infiltrated his inner circle.
Malcolm X (1992)
- Director: Spike Le
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Plot: Follows the life of civil rights leader Malcolm X, from his early days as a small-time criminal to his transformation into one of the most influential figures in American history.
Precious (2009)
- Director: Lee Daniels
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Plot: A powerful drama about a young, abused, and illiterate girl named Precious who finds hope and redemption through the support of an alternative school program.
Hidden Figures (2016)
- Director: Theodore Melfi
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Plot: Based on a true story, this film highlights the untold contributions of three African American women mathematicians who played pivotal roles in NASA’s space race against Russia during the 1960s.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—our rundown of 10 highly acclaimed black people movies that are sure to captivate and inspire. From heartfelt dramas to thrilling biopics, these African American films offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Black storytelling. Whether you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking historical epic or a gripping modern-day thriller, there’s something here for everyone.
