W2TCH

555 Films Exploring Afrocentric Cinema

553 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 501Cry, the Beloved CountryMovie · 1951 · 103mIn rural South Africa, black minister Stephen Kumalo travels to the city seeking his lost son. He discovers his community living in poverty and his son has become involved in crime. Reverend Misimangu, a young South African clergyman, assists in finding Kumalo's son, who is now a thief, and his sister, who has become a prostitute, in the slums of Johannesburg.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.1
  2. 502Mr. RiccoMovie · 1975 · 98mSan Francisco defense lawyer Joe Ricco helps Frankie Steele, accused of murder, walk free. Soon after, two police officers are killed, and suspicion falls on the newly released Steele. Ricco is convinced Steele is innocent and begins his own investigation, facing obstruction from a police lieutenant and dangerous obstacles set by a corrupt cop. As the mystery unfolds, Ricco uncovers a hidden truth involving someone he never suspected. Starring Dean Martin in his final leading role, and Cindy Williams as his office assistant, this whodunit mystery is set against the backdrop of a gritty San Francisco.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.0
  3. 503The RetrievalMovie · 2013 · 92m · Western, Drama, HistorySet against the backdrop of the Civil War, a young boy is tasked by a group of bounty hunters with tracking down a man who is on the run.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4
  4. 504Space Is the PlaceMovie · 1974 · 82m · Science Fiction, MusicThis imaginative science fiction drama follows Sun Ra and his band, the Solar Myth Arkestra, as they return to Earth after a long journey through space. Calling himself "the alter-destiny," Ra embarks on a mission to help inner-city youth and secure a better future for Black people. Facing challenges and cosmic forces, Sun Ra confronts a powerful adversary in an epic struggle that will decide the destiny of his community. The film explores themes of identity, redemption, and music's power, blending fantasy, social commentary, and spiritual themes.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.8
  5. 505Child of ResistanceMovie · 1973 · 36mA woman in a robe, with bound hands, is moved from a barroom into a jail cell. A jury box appears outside the cell, and the film avoids a straightforward timeline. Instead, it uses space to explore the idea of how black women are socially imprisoned.IMDb 6.8
  6. 506QuilomboMovie · 1984 · 120mIn 17th-century Brazil, Quilombo dos Palmares was a thriving, democratic society founded by escaped slaves. This film explores its origins as a refuge for all kinds of outcasts – including Indigenous people and Jews. Ganga Zumba (Toni Tornado) rises to become Quilombo's first elected leader in the Western Hemisphere. The Portuguese authorities seek to crush Zumba and his people, but the Quilombians are prepared to defend their freedom. Though the community ultimately falls, Zumba's followers continue his legacy in the hills. Director Carlos Diegues draws parallels between Quilombo's history and contemporary Brazil.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.9
  7. 507OtomoMovie · 1999 · 85mThis is the true story of Otomo, a Black man who travels to Stuttgart, Germany, in search of work and asylum. Instead, he encounters racism, police harassment, and ultimately, his fate.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.3
  8. 508Jammin' the BluesMovie · 1944 · 10mThis short film captures a historic moment: a gathering of leading jazz musicians from the 1940s for a unique recording of a jam session. The film prominently features tenor saxophone icon Lester Young.IMDb 8.0TMDB 6.9
  9. 509Malcolm XMovie · 1992 · 202mThis is a look at the life of the controversial Black activist and key figure in the fight for Black liberation. Facing a low point during his imprisonment in the 1950s, he embraced the Black Muslim faith and rose to prominence within the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 cemented a legacy of self-reliance and racial pride.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5
  10. 510Sinking SandsMovie · 2011 · 116mJimah and Pabi's marriage deteriorates into violence and abuse after Jimah suffers a disfiguring accident at home.IMDb 6.8
  11. 511EzraMovie · 2007 · 105mAs a child, Ezra is abducted by a rebel organization and later compelled to recount the harrowing reality of being forced into military service.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.5
  12. 512GirlhoodMovie · 2014 · 112m · DramaFeeling trapped by her family, limited educational options, and the local boys' influence, Marieme begins a new life when she connects with a group of three independent girls. She alters her name and appearance, and drops out of school to join the gang, believing it will offer her liberation.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.4
  13. 513Carmen JonesMovie · 1954 · 105m · Drama, RomanceA mysterious woman named Carmen captivates a young soldier named Joe with her charm. She uses her allure to escape prison, and they begin a passionate relationship that feels like it could be extraordinary. But their love faces difficulties when Carmen leaves Joe for someone else, leading him to seek revenge. The film explores themes of desire, betrayal, and revenge, telling a compelling story about the line between passion and desperation. As Joe struggles with broken promises and lost hopes, he confronts his own darker impulses. The story shows how dangerous it can be to fall for someone like Carmen, who manipulates others and leaves them heartbroken. As Joe's quest for vengeance intensifies, he uncovers secrets and lies, ultimately forcing him to confront his own desires and the consequences of his actions.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.1
  14. 514Mystery in SwingMovie · 1940 · 76mAmidst the vibrant blues, swing, and jazz scene of Harlem, the unpopular bandleader Prince Ellis is murdered in a nightclub. Detective finds a lengthy list of suspects; Prince Ellis had made many enemies.IMDb 5.3TMDB 6.0
  15. 515Amazing GraceMovie · 2018 · 87m · Music, DocumentaryThis documentary offers a look at the making of Aretha Franklin's iconic, best-selling album, released over forty years ago. The film features previously unseen footage from the recording sessions.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
  16. 516Togetherness SupremeMovie · 2010 · 94mTOGETHERNESS SUPREME is a story based on true events about ethnic conflict in a country. It follows Kamau, an artist seeking change within the tension of the slums. He defies his father and tribe by joining forces with his friend Otieno. Together, they fight for political change for those living in extreme poverty. Following a contested presidential election, the slums erupt in violence, shattering Kamau's world.IMDb 8.0
  17. 517Prison SongMovie · 2001 · 94mElijah has moved between group homes his whole life. His only solace is art. When a scholarship he was promised is revoked, Elijah is involved in a fight that leads to another boy's death. Sentenced to at least fifteen years in prison, he must find a way to preserve his spirit or become consumed by bitterness and hardened by his new reality.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.2
  18. 518Spirit of YouthMovie · 1938 · 66mThis is the story of boxer Joe Thomas, whose journey to fame mirrored that of Joe Louis.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.5
  19. 519George WashingtonMovie · 2000 · 90m · Drama"George Washington" is a coming-of-age story set in a rural Southern town, exploring how a group of young people navigate difficult choices and their repercussions. After a game in an abandoned amusement park ends tragically with the death of one of the children, the film follows the remaining kids as they grapple with a devastating lie while trying to pursue their dreams and maintain their friendships. Narrated by one of the survivors, it’s a portrait of innocence lost.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6
  20. 520The Man Who CopiedMovie · 2003 · 123m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceA young man working at a copy shop develops a crush on his neighbor. Unable to afford anything from her business, he begins engaging in dishonest activities to earn money.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5
  21. 521Top 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
  22. 522School DazeMovie · 1988 · 121m · Comedy, Drama, MusicDuring Homecoming Weekend at a historically black college, long-standing rivalries between fraternities and sororities intensify. The annual celebration of school history and tradition becomes a setting for conflict, not only among Greek organizations but also with students who feel left out. Against a backdrop of parades, parties, and competition, the characters navigate complex social dynamics and expectations. The film explores identity, belonging, and power as students seek acceptance and status within their groups while also trying to connect with the wider campus. Through a realistic look at college life, the movie examines relationships, ambition, and the challenges young adults face as they search for their place in the world.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.7
  23. 523The BoysMovie · 1999 · 74mA psychological drama set during a Greek-English production follows Liz, a British Embassy employee, who encounters a severely burned patient in the hospital. He recounts a disturbing tale of five teenagers who, years ago on an island, accidentally caused a death through their youthful mischief. Their reunion at the site of the tragedy twenty-five years later resurfaces painful memories. Seeking atonement, they resolve to take their own lives. One member, Nanta, cuts his throat; another, Tim, hangs himself. Following the suicide of Jonathan, the remaining group – Stewart and Christian – decide to burn down the house and perish with their friends. Liz is deeply affected by the story and realizes with horror that the injured man is Stewart, who then takes his own life after she leaves. However, he is not the only survivor. Christian, who...IMDb 7.1
  24. 524Native SonMovie · 1951 · 104mChicago, 1940s. A young Black man finds work as a chauffeur for a white family. His life unravels when he accidentally kills the family's teenage daughter, and he subsequently attempts to conceal the crime.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.2
  25. 525Take a Giant StepMovie · 1959 · 100mWhen African-American teenager Spence Scott is expelled from his private school after a disagreement with a teacher, he seeks guidance from his grandmother. Living in a predominantly white community with mostly white friends, Spence feels like an outsider. Seeking connection, he visits a bar in a black neighborhood and encounters some prostitutes, but finds no solace. He eventually forms a friendship with Christine, the housekeeper, who shares her own challenging life story with him.IMDb 6.9TMDB 4.9
  26. 526Kingdom ComeMovie · 2001 · 94mWhen Raynelle Slocumb's husband suffers a stroke, she gathers her large family for a memorial. The already strained relationships within the wildly dysfunctional Slocumb clan erupt into comical conflict as they navigate the journey to the funeral.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.5
  27. 527Porgy and BessMovie · 1959 · 138mIn the early 1900s, Catfish Row, a neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina, is home to a Black fishing community. Porgy, a crippled beggar who travels in a goat-drawn cart, is in love with Bess, a woman struggling with drug addiction and living with Crown, the neighborhood's tough character.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.1
  28. 528Fishing Without NetsMovie · 2012 · 15mFishing Without Nets is a 2012 short film directed by Cutter Hodierne. The story depicts pirates in Somalia, as seen through the eyes of the Somali people.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4
  29. 529InvincibleMovie · 2013 · 32mIn 1987 Burkina Faso, a nation on the brink of upheaval, eight-year-old Manu, a devoted comic book fan, follows his older brother Albert everywhere. When Albert chooses to participate in a magical ritual to gain invincibility, Manu discovers that genuine power can surpass even the abilities of his favorite comic book heroes.IMDb 7.5TMDB 8.0
  30. 530Blackboard JungleMovie · 1955 · 101m · Crime, DramaAt North Manual High School, a tough inner-city school with many behavioral problems, teacher Richard Dadier struggles to inspire his students. He faces challenges with colleagues and the complexities of teenage minds, encountering violence and betrayal. Dadier's dedication to encouraging learning in a chaotic environment is both moving and inspiring, showing how one person can fight for change against difficult obstacles. The film explores perseverance, inequality, and the importance of education in creating opportunities for those who need them.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9
  31. 531Black and WhiteMovie · 1999 · 98m · DramaHip-hop artist Rich Bower quickly gains popularity and influence, attracting the attention of a group of wealthy white high school students led by Raven. Documentary filmmakers Sam Donager and Terry decide to explore this growing interest in Black culture. But Bower’s rise to fame began with a life in crime. As his past catches up to him, it threatens the safety of those around him. This story blends hip-hop, social issues, and crime, offering a compelling look at the complex forces behind Rich Bower's rapid ascent to stardom.IMDb 5.0TMDB 4.6
  32. 532A Soldier's StoryMovie · 1984 · 101m · Mystery, Crime, DramaOn a Louisiana military base, racial tensions and secrets simmer. When a respected Black Master Sergeant is found shot outside the base, Captain Davenport, a determined lawyer from Washington, is sent to investigate. He faces resistance from his superiors and a fearful community, with even the soldiers hesitant to speak freely. Captain Davenport persists, uncovering a complex network of lies and questioning the loyalty of those in charge. As the truth emerges, the investigation reveals a dark side to a community grappling with its history.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8
  33. 533War WitchMovie · 2012 · 90m · Drama, WarIn Sub-Saharan Africa, fourteen-year-old Komona speaks to her unborn child, recounting her life since being caught in the conflict. Her story began when she was twelve and abducted by a rebel army.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5
  34. 53490 DaysMovie · 2015 · 19mLi Jan, a young woman from Northern China, arrives in Hong Kong on a 90-day tourist visa with the intention of joining a group called Tat and entering the world of prostitution. On her first night, she is led through various back alleys to a series of brothels while attempting to make a phone call. As she becomes more involved, making the call proves increasingly difficult.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.2
  35. 535Higher LearningMovie · 1995 · 128m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerMalik, a talented African-American athlete, earns a track scholarship to Columbus University, expecting his athletic ability to ease the academic challenges. His worldview shifts when he meets Fudge, a unique student who has spent six years at the university without graduating. Fudge challenges Malik's preconceived notions about race and politics in America, offering new perspectives that force him to examine his identity and place in society as he adjusts to college life.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3
  36. 536Passing StrangeMovie · 2009 · 135mA young Black artist leaves his life in Los Angeles on a journey of self-discovery in Europe. This is the original Broadway musical that inspired the story.IMDb 7.3TMDB 4.9
  37. 537They 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
  38. 538Girls TownMovie · 1996 · 90mThe death of a friend prompts three high school girls to examine their friendship and consider their futures.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.2
  39. 539The LawMovie · 1990 · 81mAfter a long time away, Saga returns to his village only to find his father has claimed Nogma, Saga’s intended wife. Despite the taboo, Saga and Nogma rekindle their love and begin a secret relationship.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
  40. 540Touki BoukiMovie · 1973 · 91m · Drama, RomanceMory, a simple cowherd yearning for something more, and Anta, a driven student with limited funds, connect over a shared goal: to travel to Paris. They work various jobs – from tending cattle to navigating city life – to raise money for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. As they pursue their dream, Mory and Anta face life's obstacles while deepening their friendship, revealing their vulnerabilities, growth, and strength. They discover important lessons about happiness, hope, and appreciating contentment in everyday life.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7
  41. 541The New GirlMovie · 1960 · 30mTo fulfill a government contract, a private company hires its first Black female employee as a way to meet equal opportunity regulations.IMDb 8.0
  42. 542Kansas CityMovie · 1996 · 116m · Drama, CrimeIn 1930s Kansas City, two surprising kidnappings expose a complex network of power plays and shifting loyalties. This film shows how corruption and unpredictability create a tangled web in the city, where even close relationships are built on secrets. The characters must face the hidden truths behind their own goals and desires as they navigate this dangerous environment, revealing the harsh human consequences of a city driven by greed and lies.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1
  43. 543The Kid Who Loved ChristmasMovie · 1990 · 89mThis heartwarming holiday story follows a young boy who is separated from his adoptive family after his mother dies in a car accident. His traveling musician father is deemed unable to care for him due to his work schedule. The boy's only hope is for a strict adoption agency caseworker to reconsider her decision and allow the family to stay together.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.6
  44. 544Ganga ZumbaMovie · 1963 · 100mThis is the story of a slave who escaped and went on to establish the Quilombo dos Palmares, a community of fugitive slaves in Brazil.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2
  45. 545Born in FlamesMovie · 1983 · 80m · Drama, Science FictionTen years after a war fought for gender equality reshaped New York City, the fight for true equity continues. The film follows a diverse group of women who come together to spark a powerful feminist uprising. United by their experiences and determination, they challenge deeply ingrained social norms. Their journey highlights both the strength found in unity and the obstacles they face in striving for lasting change.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.1
  46. 546BullMovie · 2020 · 105mIn a sparsely populated housing development west of Houston, a rebellious teenager clashes with her equally headstrong and hardened neighbor, an aging bullfighter past his prime. Their unexpected encounter profoundly alters the course of both their lives.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4
  47. 547ConrackMovie · 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
  48. 548Book of NumbersMovie · 1973 · 81mIn Depression-era Arkansas, two waiters become entangled in the world of illegal numbers gambling.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.0
  49. 549Song of FreedomMovie · 1936 · 73mJohn Zinga, a man with African ancestry, wears an old medallion and carries a piece of a song from his ancestors. He works as a dockworker in England, possessing a powerful voice and a deep desire to discover his heritage.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.6
  50. 550The ExpressMovie · 2008 · 130m · DramaThis is the inspiring story of Ernie Davis, a college football star and the first African-American to receive the Heisman Trophy.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1
  51. 551Sometimes in AprilMovie · 2005 · 140m · Drama, History, WarDuring the 100 days of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, two brothers find themselves separated by marriage and circumstance. Their lives are irrevocably altered by the horrific events unfolding around them.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1
  52. 552The Kitchen TotoMovie · 1988 · 95mIn 1950 Kenya, the son of a priest who was killed by the Mau Mau joins a police officer and his wife in their home.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.6
  53. 553I Know Why the Caged Bird SingsMovie · 1979 · 96mThis film draws from Maya Angelou's powerful memories of childhood in the American South during the Depression. It follows her and her brother as they are raised by their grandmother after their parents separate.IMDb 7.1TMDB 4.0

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