13th (2016)

Ava DuVernay’s award-winning documentary decodes the precedent the 13th Amendment set in American history, challenging what is widely taught about the United States to present an unflinching history of American race and incarceration.

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Get Out (2017)

It’s become impossible to find a Black horror film made since its release 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.

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The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)

Writer-director-star Radha Blank plays a character loosely based on herself (also named Radha) in this underrated comedic gem. As she approaches her 40th birthday, the former “30 under 30” playwright and unfulfilled schoolteacher rediscovers an earlier passion: rap.

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Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019)

Beyoncé’s 2018 headlining performance at Coachella was not only a career-defining retrospective of one of history's greatest pop stars, but also a loving celebration of the culture of historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs. This concert film of the acclaimed performance highlights Bey’s journey from the conception of the show to its aftermath.

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The Woman King (2022)

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 heartwarming, tearjerking plot.

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Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

The 10 plays of Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s 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 Ma Rainey’s revolves around a sweltering afternoon recording session, where the Mother of Blues (played by Viola Davis) clashes with her ambitious new trumpeter (Chadwick Boseman).

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His House (2020)

In Remi Weekes’s psychological horror film, 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.

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Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

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 1975 film named for and 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 that includes Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Titus Burgess, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

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Roxanne Roxanne (2017)

This biopic depicts the short-lived fame and immense talent of Roxanne Shanté, the teen prodigy who was a trailblazer for future female rappers. With a stellar lead performance by Chanté Adams, Roxanne Roxanne 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).

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Becoming (2020)

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.

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They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

On an ordinary day in the Glen, a dope dealer (John Boyega), a pimp (Jamie Foxx), and a sex worker (Teyonah Parris) stumble 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, keep the laughs coming.

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What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

Directed by Liz Garbus, this soul-stirring documentary on legendary singer and activist Nina Simone chronicles her extraordinary life with the help of archival footage, talking-head interviews, and even diary entries. As her rise to fame parallels the rise of the civil rights movement, viewers follow Simone’s cultural and political metamorphosis into a radical thinker and truly mesmerizing performer.

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Miss Juneteenth (2020)

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) is 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 traditions of the pageant, both women must evaluate their beliefs about womanhood, femininity, and the meaning of freedom.

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Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spike Lee’s 2020 war drama provides a different perspective on 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) embark on an odyssey back to the jungle, to retrieve the remains of their fallen squad leader—and a fortune in gold he helped them hide.

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The Harder They Fall (2021)

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 actors like Regina King, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, and Danielle Deadwyler.

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Uncorked (2020)

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 world’s top wine experts. 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.

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The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)

David France’s doc recounts the tragic death and fabulous life of Johnson, a drag queen and activist who was one of the principal figures of the Stonewall riots. The film jumps back and forth between the past and the present day, as crime-victim advocate Victoria Cruz investigates Johnson’s mysterious death while looking back on both how far LGBTQ rights have come, and how much has truly changed.

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Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

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 an adventure involving the inventor’s former apprentice (Keegan-Michael Key) and the animatronic bullfighter (voiced by Ricky Martin) the apprentice stole from Jangle decades prior. Yes, it’s a lot, but trust that it all adds up to an unforgettable holiday tale.

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The Black Godfather (2019)

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 age 92. For decades, the “Godfather of Black Entertainment” helped guide countless superstars’ careers, from legendary musicians to sports champions to two former presidents. Some of these stars appear as talking heads in the doc, including Lionel Richie, Babyface, Jamie Foxx, Hank Aaron, Cicely Tyson, Kamala Harris, and Barack Obama.

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The Perfect Find (2023)

Everyone loves a breezy rom-com, and Numa Perrier’s adaptation of Tia Williams’s 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 decadeslong 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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Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.

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