Films about black culture

Films About Black Culture

Films about black culture explore the rich and diverse experiences, histories, and contributions of black people around the world. These films cover various genres, including drama, comedy, documentary, and historical epic, providing insights into the struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of black individuals and communities. They often address themes of identity, racism, resilience, and social justice, aiming to educate, inspire, and provoke thought.

List of Films About Black Culture

“Do the Right Thing”, 1989

Director: Spike Lee

Directed by Spike Lee, this film examines racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the summer. It showcases the complexities of race relations and the impact of systemic racism.

Starring: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Richard Edson, Ossie Davis, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, Rosie Perez, Ruby Dee, Roger Guenveur Smith;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;

More information about the film “Do the Right Thing” on the website imdb.com

“12 Years a Slave”, 2013

Director: Steve McQueen

This historical drama directed by Steve McQueen tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. It provides a harrowing look at the brutality of slavery in the United States.

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Alfre Woodard, Adepero Oduye;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;

“Moonlight”, 2016

Director: Barry Jenkins

Directed by Barry Jenkins, this film follows the life of a young black man named Chiron as he navigates his identity and sexuality while growing up in a rough neighborhood in Miami. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Starring: Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae, Mahershala Ali, Jaden Piner, Jharrel Jerome, André Holland, Patrick Decile;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;

More information about the film “Moonlight” on the website imdb.com

“Black Panther”, 2018

Director: Ryan Coogler

Directed by Ryan Coogler, this Marvel superhero film celebrates African culture through the fictional kingdom of Wakanda. It emphasizes themes of black excellence, heritage, and empowerment.

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Sterling K. Brown, Angela Bassett;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: science fiction, action, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;

More information about the film “Black Panther” on the website imdb.com

“Get Out”, 2017

Director: Jordan Peele

A horror film directed by Jordan Peele, which uses the genre to explore the racial dynamics between black and white Americans. It follows a black man who uncovers a disturbing secret when he visits his white girlfriend's family.

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Marcus Henderson, Betty Gabriel, LaKeith Stanfield, Stephen Root, Lil Rel Howery;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: horror, thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;

More information about the film “Get Out” on the website imdb.com

“The Color Purple”, 1985

Director: Steven Spielberg

Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Alice Walker's novel, this film follows the life of Celie, an African-American woman in the early 20th century South, as she overcomes abuse and discrimination.

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

“Malcolm X”, 1992

Director: Spike Lee

Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical drama stars Denzel Washington as the iconic civil rights leader Malcolm X, chronicling his journey from a troubled youth to a powerful advocate for black empowerment.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee, Theresa Randle, Kate Vernon, Lonette McKee, Tommy Hollis;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 202 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;

“Selma”, 2014

Director: Ava DuVernay

Directed by Ava DuVernay, this historical drama depicts the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It highlights the struggle for civil rights and the importance of collective action.

Starring: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Lorraine Toussaint, Common, Giovanni Ribisi, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr.;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;

More information about the film “Selma” on the website imdb.com

“Fruitvale Station”, 2013

Director: Ryan Coogler

Directed by Ryan Coogler, this film is based on the true story of Oscar Grant, a young black man who was fatally shot by police in Oakland, California. It portrays the impact of police violence on black communities.

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Kevin Durand, Octavia Spencer, Chad Michael Murray, Ahna O'Reilly, Ariana Neal, Keenan Coogler, Trestin George, Joey Oglesby;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;

“Boyz n the Hood”, 1991

Director: John Singleton

Directed by John Singleton, this coming-of-age drama follows three young black men in South Central Los Angeles as they navigate the challenges of urban life, including gang violence and systemic inequality.

Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Nia Long, Tyra Ferrell, Regi Green, Alysia Rogers, Dedrick D. Gobert;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;

More information about the film “Boyz n the Hood” on the website imdb.com

“Hidden Figures”, 2016

Director: Theodore Melfi

Directed by Theodore Melfi, this film tells the true story of three African-American women mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. It celebrates their contributions and the overcoming of racial and gender barriers.

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

“Fences”, 2016

Director: Denzel Washington

Directed by and starring Denzel Washington, this adaptation of August Wilson's play examines the life of an African-American family in 1950s Pittsburgh, focusing on themes of generational conflict and unfulfilled dreams.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, Saniyya Sidney, Christopher Mele, Lesley Boone, Jason Silvis;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;

More information about the film “Fences” on the website imdb.com

“Judas and the Black Messiah”, 2020

Director: Shaka King

Directed by Shaka King, this film is based on the true story of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and the FBI informant who betrayed him. It highlights issues of betrayal, activism, and systemic oppression.

Starring: LaKeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Lil Rel Howery, Dominique Thorne, Martin Sheen;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: biography, drama, history, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;

“If Beale Street Could Talk”, 2018

Director: Barry Jenkins

Directed by Barry Jenkins, this film is an adaptation of James Baldwin's novel, telling the story of a young black couple in Harlem whose lives are torn apart by a false criminal accusation. It explores themes of love, injustice, and resilience.

Starring: KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Regina King, Colman Domingo, Teyonah Parris, Michael Beach, Aunjanue Ellis, Finn Wittrock, Pedro Pascal, Brian Tyree Henry;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;

More information about the film “If Beale Street Could Talk” on the website imdb.com

“The Hate U Give”, 2018

Director: George Tillman Jr.

Directed by George Tillman Jr., this film follows a young black girl who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend and grapples with the pressures of activism and the complexities of her community.

Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Anthony Mackie, Issa Rae, Common, Algee Smith, Sabrina Carpenter, K.J. Apa, Dominique Fishback;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;

More information about the film “The Hate U Give” on the website imdb.com

These films not only entertain but also educate and challenge viewers to confront and reflect on important social issues and the rich tapestry of black culture and history.

In conclusion, films about black culture serve as profound narratives that celebrate the richness, diversity, and resilience of the African diaspora. These cinematic works not only illuminate the historical and contemporary struggles faced by black communities but also showcase their triumphs, creativity, and contributions to global culture. From heart-wrenching dramas to empowering biopics and joyous comedies, these films offer audiences a deeper understanding and appreciation of black experiences. By amplifying authentic voices and stories, they challenge stereotypes, inspire empathy, and foster a greater sense of unity and awareness across different cultures.