220 Groundbreaking Films in Black Cinema
219 titles
- 201
Sugar HillMovie · 1994 · 123m · Drama, Action, ThrillerHarlem, New York City, is a neighborhood where crime and community overlap. A drug dealer, wanting to leave his criminal life behind for a fresh start with his girlfriend, breaks away from his partner and brother. This decision draws the attention of the Mafia, intensifying the danger around them. As they struggle to survive, their loyalties are tested, revealing the complexities of family. The film explores redemption, betrayal, and the difficulty of escaping a life of crime, offering a look at organized crime in Harlem.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.6 - 202
Akeelah and the BeeMovie · 2006 · 113m · DramaAkeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old with a gift for language, enters the national spelling bee after winning her school competition. She faces skepticism from her classmates and disapproval from her mother, Tanya, but with the guidance of her teacher, Dr. Larabee, she makes it to the finals. Along the way, Akeelah discovers that winning isn't the only thing that matters.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 203
Black CoffeeMovie · 2014 · 82mRobert's timing is terrible when he meets the one person he's meant to be with. Freshly fired from his father's company, he believes everything is going wrong – until Morgan appears.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.9 - 204
The 6th ManMovie · 1997 · 107m · Fantasy, Drama, ComedyThis sports drama follows a talented college athlete who dies in an accident, leaving his family devastated and his aspirations unrealized. He unexpectedly returns to life as a ghost, unable to touch the world. Driven to help and honor his brother's efforts, he works to guide the struggling basketball team to victory in the NCAA championship. Balancing support for his family with the limitations of his spectral state, he navigates the challenges of trying to make a difference when success seems impossible.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.1 - 205
Get on UpMovie · 2014 · 139m · Drama, Music, HistoryThis is the story of James Brown's journey from a life of extreme poverty to achieving legendary status as one of the most influential musicians ever.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 206
BaitMovie · 2000 · 119m · Action, Thriller, CrimeAfter a minor theft lands him in jail, Alvin is cellmates with John Jaster, one half of a duo wanted for stealing gold. Jaster's partner, Bristol, is still on the run. Alvin just wants to get out of prison and return to his girlfriend, Lisa. When the authorities, headed by Treasury investigator Clenteen, offer him a seemingly easy job, Alvin believes his fortunes have turned. He gains his freedom, but the Feds have found their opportunity.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 207
A Thin Line Between Love and HateMovie · 1996 · 108m · Comedy, Crime, RomanceDarnell Wright, a nightclub manager known for his romantic pursuits and ability to attract women, becomes involved in a complicated relationship marked by desire, betrayal, and obsession. He sets his sights on the alluring Brandi Web, and their passionate connection reveals unforeseen difficulties. Brandi proves difficult to leave behind, and when she learns of another woman interested in Darnell, her possessiveness intensifies, turning her into a determined and potentially dangerous figure. As Darnell attempts to move on, Brandi’s relentless actions threaten his new happiness. This story explores the darker aspects of love and desire, showing how even the most captivating attraction can evolve into something perilous.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.6 - 208
Mo' MoneyMovie · 1992 · 97m · Action, Comedy, CrimeA con artist tries to change his life by getting a job at a top credit card company. While working there, he falls for a charming coworker, and they begin a passionate romance. But his past catches up to him when the company's security chief pulls him back into a world of crime. This puts his new love and loyalties to the test, forcing him to make difficult choices as he's caught in a dangerous game.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.5 - 209
Biker BoyzMovie · 2003 · 110m · Action, DramaThis is a story about a father and son, set against the backdrop of a legendary motorcycle world. It centers on Manuel Galloway, known as "the King of Cali" and the leader of a motorcycle club comprised of African-American men. The club members are largely professionals who transform their everyday attire into leather and helmets after work and on weekends.IMDb 4.7TMDB 6.2 - 210
ShaftMovie · 2000 · 99m · Action, Adventure, CrimeNew York detective John Shaft arrests Walter Wade Jr. for a racially motivated murder. The sole witness then disappears, and Wade escapes to Switzerland on bail. Two years later, Wade returns for trial, believing his wealth and connections will secure his acquittal – especially since he hired a drug kingpin to silence the witness.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0 - 211
Good BurgerMovie · 1997 · 95m · Family, ComedyIn Los Angeles, two teenagers from different worlds team up to save their favorite local restaurant, Good Burger, from a big corporate chain. They get summer jobs and join forces when a massive fast-food company opens right next door. The movie is about friendship, loyalty, and community as they face tough competition. With humor, touching moments, and some drama, we see them try to keep Good Burger's special character alive while learning important lessons about life.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1 - 212
UsMovie · 2019 · 116m · Horror, MysteryGabe and Adelaide Wilson bring their children to their beach house for a relaxing getaway with friends, intending to disconnect. However, their peaceful retreat unravels as unexpected and unsettling guests arrive after dark, turning their evening into one of escalating tension and disruption.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0 - 213
IllicitMovie · 2020 · 120mA couple discovers that initiating an affair is simpler than ending one when they both succumb to temptation.IMDb 4.5TMDB 1.0 - 214
Training DayMovie · 2001 · 122m · Action, Crime, DramaA new narcotics officer begins his career partnering with a seasoned detective who harbors secrets.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 215
Death at a FuneralMovie · 2010 · 92m · ComedyAt his father's funeral, Aaron's already disastrous day takes a turn for the worse. The funeral home delivers the wrong body, a cousin unintentionally drugs her fiancé, and Aaron's wealthy but condescending brother Ryan arrives from New York, unexpectedly broke. Adding to the chaos, a strange man seeks a private conversation with Aaron.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.9 - 216
Undercover BrotherMovie · 2002 · 86m · Action, ComedyThe B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., an Afro-American organization, is in constant conflict with a white group called "The Man," who champion Black values in North America. When the Black presidential candidate, General Warren Boutwell, begins acting erratically during his campaign, Undercover Brother is tasked with going undercover for "The Man" to uncover what's happening with the potential candidate.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.9 - 217
B.A.P.SMovie · 1997 · 90m · ComedyTwo dancers leave their small town for Los Angeles, hoping to succeed in Hollywood. They soon discover breaking into the dance world is difficult. To make money while trying to maintain a glamorous lifestyle, they take a job caring for a wealthy, ill millionaire.
As caretakers, the dancers embrace a luxurious lifestyle and transform themselves. The film follows their comedic journey of self-discovery alongside the challenges of caring for their patient and pursuing their dreams.
It's a humorous story about friendship, ambition, and identity, offering an entertaining look at personal growth and the complexities of life.IMDb 4.9TMDB 5.2 - 218
IdlewildMovie · 2006 · 121m · Crime, Drama, MusicPercival, a quiet piano player, and Rooster, his outgoing manager and main performer, fight to protect their Prohibition-era South speakeasy from rival gangsters seeking to seize control.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.6 - 219
If Beale Street Could TalkMovie · 2018 · 120m · Romance, DramaWhen her fiancé is wrongly convicted of a crime, a pregnant African-American woman embarks on a determined journey to prove his innocence and secure his release.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
