227 Films Celebrating African American Experiences Through Blaxploitation Era
227 titles
- 201
Cornbread, Earl and MeMovie · 1975 · 95mA police shooting that unintentionally injures a famous basketball player sparks widespread personal, political, and community consequences in this highly regarded film adaptation of Ronald Fair's novel, Hog Butcher. Released during the peak of the "blaxploitation" era, the film, also known as Hit the Open Man, marks the screen debut of a young Laurence Fishburne.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 202
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 - 203
Harlem NightsMovie · 1989 · 116m · Comedy, Crime, DramaIn 1920s America, a world of organized crime and corrupt police, "Sugar" Ray runs a hidden casino and struggles to survive. He faces dangerous gangsters and dishonest lawmen who want to destroy his empire. In this era of deception and violence, "Sugar" Ray must fight hard to protect his territory from those determined to take it.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1 - 204
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 - 205
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 - 206
Top of the HeapMovie · 1972 · 90mA Black police officer, feeling overlooked for a promotion, spirals into a dangerous personal war against criminals. His actions become increasingly erratic, fueled by intense and hallucinatory dreams.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.6 - 207
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 - 208
The ChaperoneMovie · 2013 · 12mThe Chaperone recounts the true story of a schoolteacher who bravely defended herself against a motorcycle gang while supervising a middle school dance in a Montreal church basement during the 1970s. Presented from the firsthand perspective of the teacher and DJ present that night, the film recreates the event through hand-drawn animation, miniature sets, puppets, live-action Kung Fu, and explosions, all in stereoscopic 3D. Featuring over 10,000 hand drawings (many with crayon coloring), an original blaxploitation score, and a cast of more than 200 people, The Chaperone offers a unique take on documentary filmmaking.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.8 - 209
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 - 210
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 - 211
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 - 212
Do the Right ThingMovie · 1989 · 120m · DramaIn a raw drama set in Brooklyn, Salvatore "Sal" Fragione owns a popular local pizzeria. Things get complicated when a regular customer named Buggin' Out objects to Sal’s Wall of Fame, which only features Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes the pizzeria, in a predominantly Black neighborhood, should celebrate its diverse customers with a more inclusive display, and his frustration fuels growing tension. What starts as a disagreement over a simple gesture evolves into a reflection of broader societal issues, forcing both Sal and Buggin' Out to examine their own biases.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 213
A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a SandwichMovie · 1977 · 107mA young man struggles with inner turmoil and develops a heroin addiction. His mother and foster father work together to support him through his recovery.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.4 - 214
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 - 215
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 - 216
They Call Me Mister Tibbs!Movie · 1970 · 108mWhen a police detective investigates the murder of a prostitute, the evidence increasingly implicates his closest friend.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.8 - 217
Because I Love YouMovie · 2012 · 105mA captive woman develops a romantic connection with one of the people who kidnapped her.IMDb 3.3TMDB 6.3 - 218
See No Evil, Hear No EvilMovie · 1989 · 102m · Comedy, CrimeA deaf man named David Lyons is caught in a dangerous situation when a murder occurs in his shop, a crime he doesn’t hear. Across the street, a blind man named Wally Karue hears the gunshot but can’t see who fired it. Both are arrested as suspects.
Facing relentless pursuit from both the police and the real killers, David and Wally form an unlikely bond, using their unique abilities to survive. They discover that friendship is about navigating life's challenges, not sight or sound.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 219
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 - 220
Madea's Witness ProtectionMovie · 2012 · 114m · Drama, Comedy, CrimeFor years, quiet Wall Street banker George Needleman has ignored the problems in his family and at his firm. But he's forced to confront reality when he discovers he's been framed in a Ponzi scheme backed by the mob. Now under federal protection, George and his family are sent to live with Madea, a strong-willed matriarch who uses her unique approach to get them all back on track.IMDb 5.0TMDB 6.1 - 221
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 - 222
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 - 223
A Huey P. Newton StoryMovie · 2001 · 86mThis is the story of Huey P. Newton and the creation of the Black Panther Party, driven by his ten-point plan for improving society.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.1 - 224
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 - 225
Five Loose WomenMovie · 1974 · 96mFive women escape from a remote minimum security prison. Four are seasoned criminals, and one is wrongly accused. As law enforcement pursues them, the escapees resort to violence, terrorizing and killing anyone who tries to stop them.IMDb 4.6TMDB 4.5 - 226
ConrackMovie · 1974 · 106m · DramaOn Yamacraw Island, a secluded fishing community off the coast of South Carolina, a young white teacher experiences a profound cultural awakening. The island, largely populated by Black residents, is home to children with little experience beyond their close-knit world. The teacher's job requires him to navigate the island's intricate social landscape and connect with these children who have very different lives from his own. While trying to teach them and spark their curiosity, he discovers important lessons about strength, bias, and what it means to be human. This moving story blends drama, social observations, and personal development to explore how education can change lives and the significance of understanding each other.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 227
Book of NumbersMovie · 1973 · 81mIn Depression-era Arkansas, two waiters become entangled in the world of illegal numbers gambling.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.0
