131 Iconic Black Empowerment Films to Ignite Your Spirit
131 titles
- 101
Three the Hard WayMovie · 1974 · 97mWhen a record producer's wife is abducted by a white supremacist group, he joins forces with a public relations expert and a martial artist to rescue her. They discover the group plans to contaminate the water supply with a deadly toxin specifically targeting Black people.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 102
BlackjackMovie · 1978 · 104mA group of recently released prisoners meticulously plan a series of elaborate heists targeting Las Vegas casinos.IMDb 5.8TMDB 3.6 - 103
The Black GodfatherMovie · 1974 · 90mThe Black Godfather follows a group of African-American criminals. Similar to the characters in The Godfather, they engage in robbery and murder but avoid dealing drugs. When the Mafia begins distributing dangerous narcotics in their territory, the Black Godfather (Rod Perry) commands his followers to stop them.IMDb 4.4TMDB 4.6 - 104
The Spook Who Sat by the DoorMovie · 1973 · 102mTo infiltrate the CIA, a Black man pretends to be a loyal follower. He gains their trust and training, secretly using this access to plan a revolution against the United States.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.3 - 105
Velvet SmoothMovie · 1976 · 93mA powerful crime boss hires Velvet Smooth, the leader of a detective agency, to investigate the source of losses plaguing his operations.IMDb 3.2TMDB 3.2 - 106
The HitterMovie · 1979 · 90mA former boxer seeks a fresh start by partnering with a down-on-his-luck street hustler and a woman with a past as a sex worker.IMDb 5.5TMDB 3.4 - 107
Cooley HighMovie · 1975 · 107m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceIn mid-1960s Chicago, a group of high school friends enjoy carefree days of parties and new friendships. Their lives change when two of them are wrongly accused in a Cadillac theft. The story follows their transformative journey to graduation, exploring how these events impact their friendships, innocence, and the difficult realities of growing up during a seemingly endless summer.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 108
The Bad BunchMovie · 1973 · 82mA white veteran travels to a predominantly Black neighborhood to deliver a letter from his fellow soldier, a Black man who died in Vietnam. Upon arrival, he faces hostility and difficulties from everyone he meets.IMDb 4.8TMDB 4.8 - 109
Three Tough GuysMovie · 1974 · 92mIsaac Hayes stars as Lee in his first movie role, and together with Father Charlie, he investigates a city-wide bank robbery. Following Lee's dismissal from the police force after a million dollars is stolen, Father Charlie assists him in seeking revenge for the death of a friend.IMDb 5.5TMDB 4.7 - 110
The Bus Is ComingMovie · 1971 · 109mAfter serving in the Vietnam War, a young Black soldier returns to Los Angeles only to discover his brother has been murdered by racist police officers. Consumed by rage, he seeks vengeance by joining a Black nationalist organization.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.5 - 111
Hit!Movie · 1973 · 135mHaunted by his daughter's death from a heroin overdose, a federal agent vows revenge on the organization responsible. He assembles a team of individuals similarly devastated by the drug trade, providing them with specialized training. Together, they embark on a mission to France to hunt down and dismantle the criminal network.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.6 - 112
PenitentiaryMovie · 1979 · 99mMartel Gordone, a hitchhiker, gets caught in a fight with two bikers over a prostitute, resulting in one of the bikers' death. Gordone is arrested and imprisoned. To try for early release and gain control within the prison's most powerful gang, he joins the prison boxing team.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.1 - 113
Black FistMovie · 1977 · 93mIn Los Angeles, a skilled street fighter takes a job with a criminal organization for financial gain.IMDb 4.8TMDB 4.0 - 114
Penitentiary IIMovie · 1982 · 108mA man recently released from prison, striving for a clean life, returns to boxing when an old adversary from his past escapes and murders his girlfriend.IMDb 4.5TMDB 4.0 - 115
Trouble ManMovie · 1972 · 99m · Crime, Action, ThrillerIn a world of underground gambling and warring gangs, Chalky and Pete's businesses are threatened by masked intruders. They seek help from the sophisticated Mr. T to resolve the situation and ensure their protection. As tensions escalate, the mysterious attackers kill a collector linked to a rival gang, risking a large-scale gang war. With time running out, Mr. T must navigate dangerous alliances and betrayals while avoiding law enforcement, all to secure his payment from Chalky and Pete. This story examines loyalty, power, and the lengths people will go to protect their livelihoods in a volatile environment.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0 - 116
The Candy Tangerine ManMovie · 1975 · 95mSunset Boulevard is a profitable territory for the Black Baron, a pimp known for his red and yellow Rolls Royce and numerous women. He fiercely protects his area from rivals, his madam, and anyone who challenges him. He begins by fighting off the Mob's attempt to take over his territory. Then, he hunts down a former girlfriend who absconded with a large sum of his money. Following this, he eliminates two police officers. Realizing his life as a pimp is ending, he orchestrates a final violent confrontation before transforming into Ron, a seemingly ordinary businessman living a quiet life in the suburbs with his wife and family.IMDb 6.0TMDB 4.8 - 117
Willie DynamiteMovie · 1974 · 102mWillie Dynamite is a New York City pimp who once thrived. But now, his fortunes are rapidly declining. A former prostitute turned social worker tries to persuade Willie to change his ways before it's too late.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 118
Come Back, Charleston BlueMovie · 1972 · 100mContinuing the story of Cotton Comes to Harlem, Harlem is facing a new wave of trouble. Gravedigger and Coffin Ed, the city's two detectives, must stop it. Charleston Blue, a black gangster who died four decades ago during Prohibition, appears to have returned. He's once again committing violent crimes with his signature blue razors, prompting the detectives to embark on a complex investigation to uncover the truth.IMDb 6.5TMDB 3.7 - 119
Super SpookMovie · 1975 · 105mThe 1972 film, a pioneering blaxploitation parody, boldly declares, "If Shaft can't do it and The Hammer won't, then Super Spook will!" Released before films like Black Dynamite and I'm Gonna Get You Sucka, the movie was directed by Anthony Major and shot with borrowed equipment over a single week. This largely improvised picture originally ran just under ninety minutes, but this version presents the full director's cut for the first time.IMDb 4.9 - 120
Black ForceMovie · 1975 · 82mFour skilled karate experts are hired to recover a stolen African religious artifact – a doll associated with a witchdoctor.IMDb 4.6TMDB 5.0 - 121
Brother on the RunMovie · 1973 · 90mIn this early 1970s exploitation film, a college or high school teacher attempts to help a student who is fleeing from the authorities. Along the way, the professor engages in sexual encounters with at least two different women. The film features a distinctive, period-appropriate title track. It's a bizarre and unconventional viewing experience, best appreciated for its sheer oddity.IMDb 4.9TMDB 2.7 - 122
Super FlyMovie · 1972 · 91m · Crime, Drama, ActionThis drama centers on Priest, a sharp drug dealer in New York City who wants to leave his dangerous life behind. He and his wary friend Eddie plan one last major deal to fund their escape. But their plans are derailed when a nervous street dealer warns the police about Priest's activities. Now, Priest must make a risky partnership with corrupt cops who want to use him for their own benefit. Still, Priest is determined to end his criminal career and take back control from those trying to take advantage of him.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 123
Death JourneyMovie · 1976 · 78mWorried for the safety of their key witness, two lawyers hire a protector to transport him from Los Angeles to New York. Jesse Crowder (Fred Williamson), a tough and practical man, takes on the job. He and the accountant witness embark on a road trip, using whatever means necessary – car, train, plane – to stay ahead of those who want to silence him.IMDb 4.6TMDB 4.7 - 124
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 - 125
ShaftMovie · 1971 · 100m · Action, Crime, ThrillerJohn Shaft is a cool, uncompromising private investigator who excels at solving difficult cases. As a Black operative in a largely white world, he confronts prejudice while striving for justice. When a powerful crime boss hires Shaft to find his kidnapped daughter, the situation becomes urgent. Using his street smarts and determination, Shaft plunges into the criminal underworld, risking everything to save her. The film blends action, suspense, and dark humor as it explores themes of family, identity, and finding redemption.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4 - 126
Scream Blacula ScreamMovie · 1973 · 96m · Horror, FantasyA voodoo community faces upheaval when their priestess dies. Her son, Willis Daniels, expects to inherit her position, but is surprised when Lisa, her adopted apprentice, is chosen instead. Determined to regain what he believes is his, Willis seeks to revive the ancient African prince, Blacula. However, he soon learns that manipulating powerful forces has dangerous consequences, and he struggles to control the deadly creature he has unleashed. The film examines power, pride, and revenge within a world of dark magic and the supernatural.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.8 - 127
Black TrashMovie · 1976 · 86mA white police officer and a Black journalist team up to investigate a series of suspected vigilante killings within South Africa's criminal world.IMDb 4.8TMDB 4.8 - 128
Petey WheatstrawMovie · 1977 · 99m · Fantasy, Action, ComedyPetey Wheatstraw (Rudy Ray Moore) unexpectedly becomes the devil's son-in-law. The film is a comedic showcase for Moore's sharp wit and over-the-top humor. Born from a watermelon, Petey is skilled in martial arts but must contend with the deadly pair, Leroy and Skillet. Satan steps in, resurrecting their victims and tasking Petey with marrying his daughter to ensure a grandchild. Petey tries to avoid this bizarre arrangement, sparking a comical chase by the devil's persistent minions.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.5 - 129
Shaft's Big Score!Movie · 1972 · 105m · Action, Crime, ThrillerJohn Shaft, a sharp and charismatic African American private investigator, is hired to solve a murder. His investigation plunges him into a dangerous world of organized crime, betrayal, and old rivalries surrounding his client's death.
The film examines racial tensions and the possibility of redemption as Shaft follows a trail of clues and faces perilous situations. The action and visuals are modern takes on the classic Shaft style.
Shaft’s relentless pursuit of the truth offers hope to those impacted by the crime. With surprising turns and compelling characters, this exciting story presents John Shaft not only as a legendary detective but also as a symbol of strength.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0 - 130
Shaft in AfricaMovie · 1973 · 112m · Action, Adventure, CrimeDetective John Shaft is sent on an international mission to stop a dangerous criminal organization, traveling to Ethiopia and France. This thriller follows Shaft as he investigates human trafficking, working undercover and facing personal challenges. His pursuit of justice reveals a complex network of corruption and betrayal that tests his resolve. As he moves between countries, Shaft struggles to uphold the law while confronting constant danger. The suspenseful story exposes the harsh realities of human trafficking and highlights Shaft's determination to fight for justice against overwhelming odds.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.0 - 131
Book of NumbersMovie · 1973 · 81mIn Depression-era Arkansas, two waiters become entangled in the world of illegal numbers gambling.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.0
