The 20 Best Black Movies to Stream on Netflix Now
The Black experience consists of many different types of stories: joyous and tragic, righteous and wicked, hilarious and morose. The history of Black cinema is just as diverse, and thanks to streaming (for all its faults), film fans can watch films and documentaries made by both legendary and up-and-coming Black filmmakers. Netflix is a great place to start, thanks to its giant catalog, but which movies are the ones you truly must watch? Ahead, some of the best films to check out, ranging from essential documentaries to uproarious comedies to deep dives into the lives of cultural legends.
13th
Ava DuVernay's award-winning documentary decodes the precedent that the 13th amendment set in American history, challenging what's widely taught about American history to give an unflinching history of American race and incarceration.
Get Out
It's become impossible to find a subsequent Black horror film that isn't at least partly inspired by Get Out, which brought satirical horror back to the forefront. Jordan Peele's award-winning film about the worst meet-the-parents weekend ever landed on Netflix just in time for Halloween.
The Forty-Year-Old Version
Writer-director-star Radha Blank plays a character loosely based on herself (and also named Radha) in this underrated comedic gem. As she approaches 40th birthday, the former 30-under-30 playwright and unfulfilled schoolteacher rediscovers a previous passion: rap.
Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé
Beyoncé's 2018 headlining performance at Coachella was not only a career-defining retrospective into one of history's greatest pop stars, but also a loving celebration of the culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This concert film of the acclaimed performance highlights Bey's journey from the creation of the concept to the aftermath of her performance.
The Woman King
Gina Prince-Bythewood's Oscar-worthy (yes, we're still mad about the snub) action saga centers on an all-female group of warriors who protect the African kingdom of Dahomey. Come for the stellar stunt choreography and performances by Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and the rest of the cast; stay for the surprisingly heart-warming and tear-jerking plot.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning plays, known as the Century Cycle, chronicled the experiences of the Black community throughout the 20th century. Set in 1927 Chicago, George C. Wolfe’s Oscar-winning adaptation of the play of the same name revolves around a sweltering afternoon recording session, where the Mother of Blues (played by Viola Davis) clashes with her ambitious new trumpeter (Chadwick Boseman).
His House
In Remi Weekes's psychological horror, shared trauma fuels malevolent forces in the new home of a South Sudanese couple. Led by outstanding performances by Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku, this film elevates the classic ghost story with themes of war, displacement, and assimilation.
Dolemite Is My Name
Eddie Murphy made his glorious return to R-rated comedy with this biopic on Rudy Ray Moore, the multi-hyphenate comedian who created the kung-fu fighting pimp Dolemite. Moore's self-funded film starring the character went on to become a cult phenomenon in Black cinema. To bring the film's behind-the-scenes antics to screen, Murphy is joined by a stacked cast including Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Titus Burgess, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.
Roxanne, Roxanne
This biopic depicts the short-lived fame and immense talent of Roxanne Shanté, the teen prodigy who was a trailblazer for future female rappers. Portrayed with a stellar performance by Chanté Adams, Roxanne's story shows how the MC navigated her rising rap career, as well as her strained relationships with her family (including her mother, played by Nia Long) and the men in her life (most noticeably Mahershala Ali's Cross).
Becoming
This intimate documentary of Michelle Obama's life gives viewers an "up-close-and-personal" look at the first Black woman to become first lady of the United States. As she embarks on a tour for the release of her memoir of the same name, Obama tells her own life story while reflecting on her past, including her eight years in the White House.
They Cloned Tyrone
On an ordinary day in the Glen, a dope dealer (John Boyega), a pimp (Jamie Foxx), and a sex worker (Teyonah Parris) tumble upon a government conspiracy: their economically disadvantaged community has been a testing ground for cloning and mind-control experiments. While the outlandish sci-fi plot raises heavy questions about assimilation and respectability, the charming threesome, especially Foxx, keeps the laughs coming.
What Happened, Miss Simone?
Directed by Liz Garbus, this soul-stirring documentary on the legendary singer and activist chronicles her extraordinary life with the help of archival footage, talking head interviews, and even diary entries. As her rise to fame parallels the civil rights movement, viewers follow the star's cultural and political metamorphosis into a radical thinker and truly mesmerizing performer.
Miss Juneteenth
This debut from writer/director Channing Godfrey Peoples depicts the complicated love between a mother and daughter during a small Texas town's annual Miss Juneteenth pageant. Turquoise Jones (Nicole Beharie), a young mother and former winner who hopes to propel her 14-year-old daughter Kai (Alexis Chikaeze) into a better life with the contest's grand prize, an HBCU scholarship. As Kai bristles against the antiquated tradition, each of the women must evaluate their conceptions of womanhood, femininity, and the meaning of freedom.
Da 5 Bloods
Spike Lee’s 2020 war drama shows a different story of the Vietnam War, illuminating the forgotten legacy of Black soldiers who fought in the conflict. Four former soldiers (played by Delroy Lindo, Norm Lewis, Isaiah Whitlock Jr., and Clarke Peters) on an odyssey back to the jungle to retrieve the remains of their fallen squad leader, and a fortune in gold that he helped them hide.
The Harder They Fall
Jeymes Samuel and Jay-Z's Black Western takes inspiration from real-life historical figures, to weave a revenge tale powered by stylized cinematography that matches every beat of the thumping contemporary soundtrack. The film is full of undeniable star performances, from Regina King and Zazie Beetz, to Lakeith Stanfield and Danielle Deadwyler.
Uncorked
Insecure showrunner Prentice Penny made his directorial debut with this thoughtful father-son drama. After a few wayward years, Elijah (Mamoudou Athie) begins studying to become a master sommelier, a designation reserved for the best wine experts in the world. However, his new dream puts him in conflict with his father, Louis (Courtney B. Vance), who wants him to focus on learning how to take over their family’s Memphis barbecue joint. Niecy Nash rounds out the main cast as Elijah's supportive mother, Sylvia.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
David France's 2017 doc recounts the tragic death and fabulous life of Johnson, a drag queen and activist who was one of the principle figures of the Stonewall Riots. The film jumps back and forth between the historical figure's past and the present day, as Victoria Cruz investigates Johnson's mysterious death while looking back on both how far LGBTQ rights has come, and how much has truly changed.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
On a cold winter's night in 2020, Netflix gave us a new Christmas classic. This musical extravaganza has everything: Phylicia Rashad narrates the story of a literally magical toymaker (played by Forest Whitaker as an older man), his adorable prodigy granddaughter (Madalen Mills), and their adventure involving the inventor's former apprentice (Keegan Michael-Key) and the animatronic bullfighter (voiced by Ricky Martin) he stole from Jangle decades prior. Yes, that was all a lot, but trust that it all adds up to an unforgettable holiday tale.
The Black Godfather
In this 2019 documentary, music industry legend Clarence Avant tells his story through his own words—just years before his death in August 2023 at the age of 92. Over several decades, the "Godfather of Black Entertainment" guided countless superstars during their careers, from legendary musicians to sports champions to two former presidents. Some of these stars, who appear as talking heads in the doc, include Lionel Richie, Babyface, Jamie Foxx, Hank Aaron, Cicely Tyson, Kamala Harris, and Barack Obama.
The Perfect Find
Everyone loves a breezy rom-com, and Numa Perrier's adaptation of Tia Williams' 2016 novel comes with plenty of fashion inspo as well. Jenna Coleman (Gabrielle Union) was a major fashion editor before her professional fall from grace coincided with the end of a decades-long relationship. To return to the industry, she gets a job working for her old nemesis Darcy (Gina Torres), where she'll collaborate with talented young videographer Eric (Keith Powers). The only problem? Eric is a recent hookup... and Darcy's son.
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