Worth Your Time
I believe time is the greatest currency we have. For that reason, when I want to give a particularly high regard to a piece of theatre or film, a book or experience I will say, “this is worth your time.” In light of the recent conversations (and understandable outrage) regarding race in America I wanted to put together a list of films that have impacted me on various levels in my lifetime. These films are led by black actors, and/or directed by black directors, and/or written by black screenwriters.
Before I list the films I must say something. My highlighting of black cinema is the simplest way to bring honor to the work of black artists in this country. I believe that great art tells the truth and in our search for truth (through art) we must listen to diverse voices. Search these films out. These films are worth your time.
Heavy
These films will weigh on you, so be wise as you consume them.
The Color Purple is based on Alice Walker’s literary classic and is directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring Best Actress nominee, Whoppi Goldberg and Best Supporting Actress, Oprah Winfrey and nominated for Best Picture (among 7 other nominations) this is a classic that should be viewed at least once.
Available now to rent.
This may be the heaviest film on this list, but also may be the most important. Hollywood (and history) has a way of softening the edges of the transatlantic slave trade, this movie does no such thing. Steve McQueen is a master at his craft and Best Picture winner, 12 Years A Slaves show just that.
Available now to rent.
Steve McQueen’s follow up to 12 Years A Slave pulls no punches. Part feminist manifesto, part underdog story, part race critique, Widows is a thriller that brings much to sit with once the credits begin to roll. This is also Cynthia Erivo’s feature film debut, and she will be in the conversation for days to come.
Available now to rent.
What Beyoncé created with Lemonade is a surge of creativity and storytelling that the world had not witnessed before. The film weaves the songs from Lemonade into a complete narrative of pain, anger and ultimately redemption. Beyoncé’s specific perspective as a black women is what makes the project so genius, stabbing and beautiful at the same time.
Luce is one of those films that gets under your skin, and your can’t forget about it. It’s a thriller/drama that will keep you guessing until the very end. Written and directed by Julius Onah and J.C. Lee, the black perspective that is presented here (the cost of blackness) is unlike any discussion on race I have seen on screen.
Available now on Hulu. (6/30/20)
Although Waves is written and directed by Trey Edwards Shults (a white man) it does not stand in the way of the incredible story about a black family shaken by a sudden event that will change their family forever. Some of the best acting performances of 2019 are in this film.
Available at RedBox. (6/30/20)
Based on the timeless play of the same name, Denzel and Viola are a match made in heaven. Viola Davis goes on to win the Oscar for this role and that is reason enough to watch.
Available now to rent.
While not 12 Years A Slave heavy, Mudbound is probably the heaviest on this list. The performances are spectacular, the soundtrack is haunting and Mary J Blige gives an incredibly nuanced (Academy Award Nominated) performance.
Available now on Netflix.
This film may be one of the most important documentaries of our time. Ava DuVernay tells the plight of the black man and woman honestly and does not hold back any punches- nor should she.
Available now on Netflix.
Come for the music, stay for the almost eerie (because it’s so good) Jamie Foxx impersonation of Ray Charles. He wins the Oscar for this roll over Leo and Joaquin and once you see this film, you’ll know why.
Available now on HBO MAX (6/30/20).
This may have been the most underrated film of 2019. It is a tragic story of a black man living in the increasingly gentrified San Francisco. The soundtrack and cinematography alone will leave you breathless and in tears.
Available now on Amazon Prime. (6/30/20)
While not my favorite film in the world, Beale Street is underrated and important in the absolute poetry through film that Barry Jenkins accomplishes here. I don’t think I’ve ever seen black love be portrayed so beautifully before.
Available now on Hulu. (6/30/20)
Light
These films are far more easy watching than those listed above. However, that’s not to say that these films don’t deal with heavy themes at times)
Y’all know I am always here for the musicals. All biases aside, Dreamgirls truly works for the screen unlike many stage works. It is a fun ride through the entertainment industry of the 60s and 70s. Jennifer Hudson wins the Academy Award for this role and boy does she deserve it.
Available now to rent.
Kingdom Come is every bit nostalgia as it is corny for me, but perhaps that’s why I love it so much. I still quote this movie (ask my wife) and with the all-star black cast I think it’s aged wonderfully. I can’t wait to show it my daughters one day.
Available now on HBO MAX. (6/30/20)
Another nostalgic picture for me, as this was the first Tyler Perry movie I was introduced to, Madea’s Family Reunion is a great time. I think we all need a fun popcorn-flick and this is just that. This film contains some of the most classic Madea moments as well.
Available now to rent.
A rom-com about two classes coming together? Super original, not so much. Super heartwarming, you guessed it! Throw in the Queens Loretta Devine and Angela Bassett and I’m all there. (Shoutout to Megan Good looking good too)
Available now to rent.
House Party may be the actual definition of “Classic Black Comedy.” I cry from laughing just thinking about the antics that take place in this 90’s comedy.
Available now to rent.
I only recently watched this 90s gem and was pleasantly surprised. It’s not to say that there are not flaws here, but Waiting to Exhale makes up the flaws for the wonderful cast and original filmmaking. (Shoutout to the Queens doing their thing - Loretta Devine and Angela Bassett)
Available now to rent.
When this was first released, Beasts of the Southern Wild had me mesmerized. I loved every minute of this poetic journey of a young girl navigating her way around a hurricane struck Louisiana. It’s heart-breaking and hopeful and displays an unforgettable soundtrack.
Available now to rent.
I love a feel-good biopic and Hidden Figures delivers on many levels. This film screamed “Best Picture” to me and after being nominated for BP as well as well as 2 others the Academy Awards, I was able to sleep soundly. It’s an incredible true story of the brilliant black women who defied odds at NASA. A story that should be in history books.
Available now to rent.
Just thinking about Drumline throws me back into Elementary school watching Nick Cannon do his thing. It put the pressure of winning the big sport game, on the drumline and I don’t know that there is another movie that captures that black culture quite the same.
Available now on Hulu. (6/30/20)
There are many, many, many other excellent films that did not make my list. The above list is just a mix of my childhood favorites and recent titles that have moved me incredibly. Some other films worth checking out include Selma (2008), Love and Basketball (2000), Get Out (2017), Black Panther (2018), Coming to America (1988), The Princess and the Frog (2009), 20 Feet From Stardom (2013), Beyoncé’s Homecoming (2019) , and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).