Films about African American women often explore the multifaceted experiences of Black women, ranging from historical narratives to contemporary stories. These movies delve into themes such as identity, resilience, love, and struggle, offering perspectives that highlight both the unique challenges and triumphs of African American women. Through various genres, including drama, comedy, biopics, and more, these films contribute to a richer understanding of the complexities of life as seen through the eyes of African American women.
“Hidden Figures”, 2016
Director: Theodore Melfi
This inspiring biographical drama tells the story of three brilliant African American women at NASA—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Glen Powell, Kimberly Quinn;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Hidden Figures” on the website imdb.com
“The Color Purple”, 1985
Director: Steven Spielberg
Adapted from Alice Walker's novel, this film explores the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century South, navigating her love for her family and her quest for self-discovery amid numerous adversities.
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Adolph Caesar, Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong, Oprah Winfrey, Willard E. Pugh, Akosua Busia, Desreta Jackson, Dana Ivey;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 154 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Color Purple” on the website imdb.com
“Precious”, 2009
Director: Lee Daniels
Set in Harlem in 1987, this powerful drama follows Claireece “Precious” Jones, a 16-year-old African American girl who, despite being pregnant with her second child by her abusive father and living in a harsh environment, seeks a better life by enrolling in an alternative school.
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz, Stephanie Andujar, Chyna Layne, Amina Robinson, Xosha Roquemore;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Precious” on the website imdb.com
“Harriet”, 2019
Director: Kasi Lemmons
This biographical film chronicles the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman, from her escape from slavery to her heroic efforts leading scores of enslaved people to freedom along the Underground Railroad.
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Clarke Peters, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Jennifer Nettles, Janelle Monae, Tory Kittles, Omar J. Dorsey;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, history, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Harriet” on the website imdb.com
“Set It Off”, 1996
Director: F. Gary Gray
This action-packed film tells the story of four African American women, friends from a Los Angeles housing project, who band together to execute a bank robbery with hopes of improving their circumstances.
Starring: Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise, John C. McGinley, Blair Underwood, Vincent Baum, Van Baum, Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Thomas Jefferson Byrd;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Set It Off” on the website imdb.com
“Waiting to Exhale”, 1995
Director: Forest Whitaker
Focused on the lives, loves, and friendships of four African American women, this film explores their navigations through relationship woes and personal growth.
Starring: Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon, Gregory Hines, Dennis Haysbert, Mykelti Williamson, Michael Beach, Leon, Wendell Pierce;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “Waiting to Exhale” on the website imdb.com
“How Stella Got Her Groove Back”, 1998
Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan
This romantic comedy-drama follows Stella, a very successful 40-year-old stock broker in California, who takes a vacation to Jamaica, where she embarks on a whirlwind romance with a man much younger than she is.
Starring: Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg, Regina King, Suzzanne Douglas, Michael J. Pagan, Sicily Johnson, Richard Lawson, Barry Shabaka Henley, Lee Weaver;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” on the website imdb.com
“Daughters of the Dust”, 1991
Director: Julie Dash
A lush, poetic narrative that explores the Gullah culture of the sea islands off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, focusing on three generations of women in the Peazant family.
Starring: Cora Lee Day, Alva Rogers, Barbarao, Trula Hoosier, Umar Abdurrahamn, Adisa Anderson, Kaycee Moore, Bahni Turpin, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Tommy Redmond Hicks;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, melodrama, history;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Daughters of the Dust” on the website imdb.com
“Their Eyes Were Watching God”, 2005
Director: Darnell Martin
Based on Zora Neale Hurston's novel, this film features Janie Crawford's journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the early 20th century through her relationships with three very different men.
Starring: Halle Berry, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Mel Winkler, Michael Ealy, Terrence Howard, Lorraine Toussaint, Nicki Micheaux, Gabriel Casseus, Sean Nelson, Kevin Daniels;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Their Eyes Were Watching God” on the website imdb.com
These films, among others, offer viewers a lens through which to celebrate, critique, and better understand the diverse experiences of African American women across different times and places.
The landscape of cinema regarding African American women has witnessed a profound transformation, moving beyond stereotypes to embrace a more nuanced and diverse portrayal of their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. These films, ranging from biographical dramas to fictional narratives, not only highlight the resilience and strength inherent in African American women but also showcase their multifaceted roles as leaders, innovators, and central figures in the fight for justice and equality. Through compelling storytelling and poignant performances, these cinematic works serve not only as a reflection of the societal changes and challenges faced by African American women but also as a celebration of their indomitable spirit. As filmmakers continue to explore and tell these important stories, the genre promises to further enrich our understanding and appreciation of the contributions and diverse experiences of African American women, ensuring their voices are heard, their lives are seen, and their legacies are preserved.
