Netflix has no shortage of amazing content, but black movies in the list of must-watch Netflix movies bring an oomph factor to your streaming experience.
Now more than ever, the world of streaming has exploded with amazing and diverse films by Black filmmakers on their lives and experiences. But get ready to enjoy 50 of the best black movies on Netflix! Whether you want to fall in love, laugh out loud, shed a tear, or get informed, these films will entertain and inspire you.
Let’s ease your pain to find the right entertainment, especially when most films and series continue to be dominated by white people.
With our list of black movies on Netflix, hold your seat because here are 50 reasons to plan your next movie binge session.
1. 13th (2016)
Director: Ava DuVernay
Writers: Spencer Averick, Ana DuVernay
Cast: Cory Booker, Melina Abdullah, Dolores Canales, Michelle Alexander, Jelani Cobb, Gina Clayton
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
13th is a bold and artful documentary about racial inequality in the United States. Ava DuVernay charts black history from the colonial days to its current state of overcrowding and political turmoil.
The film explores how the system keeps people of color disproportionately behind bars and how this network of prisons ultimately impacts all Americans. The 13th shows how the myth of racial difference and inevitable progress can lead to explosive results.
2. Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce (2019)
Directors: Beyonce, Ed Burke
Writers: Beyonce
Cast: Beyonce, Joe Brown, Nirine S.Brown, Blue Ivy Carter, Rumi Carter, Marvin Brown, Sir Carter
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Homecoming: The Film by Beyoncé is a Netflix original documentary that tells the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Beyoncé’s groundbreaking 2018 Coachella performance.
This documentary showcases a powerful collaboration between one of the world’s biggest pop stars and an award-winning creative team to showcase Beyoncé’s unapologetic vision. Using footage, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews with music luminaries, including people whose lives were changed by her Coachella performance.
3. Uncorked (2020)
Director: Prentice Penny
Writers: Prentice Penny
Cast: Courtney B. Vance, Sasha Compere, Mamoudou Athie, Robert Cox, Lashun Pollard, Michael Mobley
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Uncorked is a documentary following the audacious Elijah Jacob as he attempts to become one of the most esteemed authorities for fine wines, Master Sommelier.
When Elijah’s overbearing father senses his son’s aspirations taking away from the family BBQ joint, their relationship is pushed to the brink. Will Elijah give up the world of fine wine for a future in Memphis BBQ, or will he choose between his dream and family?
4. Monster (2018)
Director: Anthony Mandler
Writers: Colen C. Wiley, Janece Shaffer, Walter Dean Myers
Cast: ASAP Rocky, Kelvin Harrison Jr. John David Washington, Roberto Lopez, Jennifer Ehle, Kelvin Hale
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Dragged into a twisted criminal justice system, the 17-year-old African American schoolboy, Juan, finds himself facing a false murder charge and the possibility of life in prison.
With the odds stacked against him, his greatest hope is that he’ll be able to negotiate a plea agreement with prosecutor DA Kynes. The movie is based on the real event of Crippen vs. Pennsylvania. It is the first time an exception to the hearsay rule was put forward.
5. All Day and a Night (2020)
Director: Joe Robert Cole
Writers: Joe Robert Cole
Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Kelly Jenrette, Ashton Sanders, Isaiah John, Shakira Ja’nai Paye, Regina Taylor
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
J. D. gives his son Jahkor some tough love. But, Jahkor is in for an even bigger shock when he comes to prison and finds a father who isn’t too thrilled with him either.
The two eventually form an unlikely bond deep inside the walls of one of America’s toughest prisons. However, they’re forced to confront their pasts and the unfortunate reality of their hopeless futures.
6. Passing (2021)
Director: Rebecca Hall
Writers: Rebecca Hall, Nella Larsen
Cast: Ruth Negga, Tessa Thompson, Andre Holland, Bill Camp, Alexander Skarsgard, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, Gbenga Akinnagbe
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Passing is a psychological thriller that begins when two high school friends, who haven’t spoken in 15 years, unexpectedly reconnect via Facebook.
Their renewed acquaintance quickly ignites into an intense and obsessive relationship that threatens both of their carefully constructed realities. As the two become ever more entangled, they’re forced to confront the dark secret that connects their pasts and threatens to tear their friendship apart.
7. Becoming (2020)
Director: Nadia Hallgreen
Writers: N/A
Cast: Adrian K.Collins, Gayle King, Elizabeth Alexander, Valerie Jarret, Conan O’Brien, Michele Norris
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Becoming is the story of one woman’s journey to find her true voice and place in the world. The intimate documentary presents a portrait of Michelle Obama as a wife, mother, mentor, and First Lady, seen through her lens.
Through home movies, photographs, and interviews with some of the closest people, Becoming shines a light on her First Lady years. Find how an uncommon role model has become a global figure of inspiration.
8. Malcolm and Marie (2011)
Director: Sam Levinson
Writers: Sam Levinson
Cast: John David Washington, Zendaya
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Discover a relationship drama featuring one long night and an endless amount of revelations. Malcolm and Marie have been inseparable for six years, ever since they met on the set of his low-budget horror flick back when it was a big deal.
But when Malcolm finally lands a Hollywood gig, will he stick by her side, or will their relationship be heading into the director’s cut?
9. I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
Director: Raoul Peck
Writers: James Baldwin, Raoul Peck
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Sidney Poitier, Audrey Hepburn, Medger Evers, Dick Cavett
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Discover the journey into black history that connects the Civil Rights movement’s past to present-day racism. The documentary provides a provocative look at race in modern America through writer, philosopher, and cultural critic James Baldwin’s letters.
Combining Baldwin’s incisive words and ideas, German director Raoul Peck envisions Baldwin’s book Remember This House as a radical audio-visual essay.
10. See You Yesterday (2019)
Director: Stefon Bristol
Writers: Fredrica Bailey, Stefon Bristol
Cast: Eden Duncan-Smith, Astro, Dante Crichlow, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Michael J. Fox, Jonathan Nieves
IMDb Rating: 5.2/10
Here comes a hilarious adventure about two Brooklyn teenage prodigies who build a time machine. When C.J. Walker tries to save his brother from being wrongfully killed by a police officer, things backfire, and he is sent back in time to the dinosaurs.
Now, he and his friend Sebastian must find a way back to the present before time runs out. Enjoy the movie, based on Wendell and Wild, an acclaimed graphic novel by Greg Christie.
11. Da 5 Bloods (1920)
Director: Spike Lee
Writers: Danny Bilson, Paul De Meo, Kevin Willmott
Cast: Jonathan Majors, Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Isiah Whitlock Jr, Norm Lewis, Melanie Thierry
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Two knee-deep in mud, two knee-deep in blood, a small team of four ex-officers make their way through the dense jungle. The team is searching for their squad leader and the gold they hid from the Viet Cong.
The only thing in common in their stories is that the Vietnam War ripped their humanity. Now the hatred that once kept them alive maybe their downfall—unless danger can be channeled into one final mission.
12. Two Distant Strangers (2020)
Director: Travon Free, Martin Desmond Roe
Writers: Travon Free
Cast: Andrew Howard, Joey Badass, Mona Shishodia, Zaria, Jeremy Rivette, Cameron Early, Trevor Morgan
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Unravel the mystery behind a deadly crime in this time-travel saga. Two Distant Strangers tells the inventive story of Kirk, a man unexpectedly stuck in a time loop. He is forced to relive a deadly run-in with a cop.
Every night, he wakes up back when he first arrived on the night of his death and is allowed to change his fate. Soon, he finds the one line of action that could save his life.
13. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Director: George C.Wolfe
Writers: Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Johny Coyne, Jeremy Shamos
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Find the story of a matchless performer in her own right with a career spanning over 30 years and over 30 million record sales in the United States alone.
Rising tensions may spell the end of music in this comedic drama when pioneering blues singer Ma Rainey gathers a group of musicians to record her latest song. With a soulful soundtrack and top-notch performances from stars, this is an American Musical worth watching.
14. Canvas (2020)
Director: Frank E.Abney III
Writers: Frank E.Abney III
Cast: N/A
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
A beautifully animated portrait of how art can help you unlearn the way you see the world. When life’s toughest moments strike, Miles finds his way by creating beautiful art on an illuminated canvas.
This is the story of an older man who finds inspiration again and picks up his paintbrush for one more masterpiece. He uses his arts to make sense of the new worlds born inside him.
15. Concrete Cowboy (2020)
Director: Ricky Staub
Writers: G.Neri, Ricky Staub, Dan Walser
Cast: Caleb Mclaughlin, Idris Elba, Lorraine Toussaint, Jamil Prattis, Jharrel Jerome, Ivannah-Mercedes
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
A film follows an urban teen sent to live with his estranged father for the summer. He escapes his problems and finds kinship in a tight-knit Philadelphia community of Black cowboys.
Told with great humor, heart, and insight, Concrete Cowboys offers a new perspective on race and identity and the complex relationship between fathers and sons. Together, they must stop a dangerous combination of greed and paranoia that threatens their way of life.
16. The Harder They Fall (2021)
Director: Jeymes Samuels
Writers: Jeymes Samuel, Boaz Yakin
Cast: Zazie Beetz, Jonathan Majors, Edi Gathegi, RJ Cyler, DeWanda Wise, Chase Dillon
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
When an unhinged young man is released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he kidnaps the judge who presided over his case. He seeks refuge with a prostitute who falls in love with him at first sight.
Meanwhile, harboring an unquenchable thirst for revenge against the outlaw, the judge enlists two colleagues to hunt down the culprit. Witness a tragic chain of events that shakes the foundations of their lives.
17. Mudbound (2017)
Director: Dee Rees
Writers: Virgil Williams, Dee Rees, Hillary Jordan
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Mary J.Blige, Jason Mitchell, Jason Clarke, Garrett Hedlund, Rob Morgan
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
The Netflix original film Mudbound is an epic and intimate tale of two families pitted against a barbaric social hierarchy. McAllen family, unprepared for the harsh demands of working at Mississippi farm.
Laura has married Henry McAllan, and they are struggling to keep the farm as a means to give their son a better future. But bigots on the nearby plantation taint the family’s hopes with threats of violence.
18. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Writers: Chiwetel Ejiofor, William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer
Cast: Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Robert Agengo, Felix Lemburo, Lily Banda, Fiskan Makawa
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Based on fact, this riveting drama follows the remarkable story of William Kamkwamba He, utilizing discarded scrap metal and materials found in local junkyards, invents a windmill. Armed only with a knowledge of mechanical things, he generates electricity, allowing his family and community to reclaim their future.
William’s invention transforms his own life. It also changes his world and sets him on a path that puts him in danger and the spotlight.
19. Loving (2016)
Director: Jeff Nicolas
Writers: Jeff Nicolas, Nancy Buirski.
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Dean Mumford, Ruth Negga, Will Dalton, Alano Miller, Terri Abney, Chris Greene
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
The Supreme Court’s 1967 decision in Loving began a legal battle that would end with the Court’s historic decision settling the question of marriage for black and white couples across America.
Richard Loving, a white man, had been prisoned for a year for marrying his wife, Mildred. The two return to their home state of Virginia after the birth of their children, only to be arrested at their hotel.
20. The Black Godfather (2019)
Director: Reginald Hudlin
Writers: Reginald Hudlin
Cast: Hank Aaron, Clarence Avant, Dina R. Andrews, Gwen Adolph, Jacqueline Avant, Alex Avant.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
The Black Godfather is a soulful, revealing documentary that takes you inside the world of Clarence Avant, a music industry titan.
The man who helped escalate hip hop into a multi-billion dollar business is considered a “gatekeeper,” connecting artists to music moguls and movie producers. Why? Because he’s fearless! He’s an iconoclast with the gift of discernment – a visionary with a mission of empowerment! It’s time for you to know this inspirational figure.
21. Quincy (2018)
Director: Alan Hicks, Rashida Jones
Writers: Alan Hicks, Rashida Jones
Cast: Rashida Jones, Quincy Jones, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Chloe Bailey, Clarence Avant
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
The legend finally tells all. Quincy on Netflix is the definitive, unflinching look into the life of music icon and cultural powerhouse Quincy Jones. Enjoy the first time; he shares his life story in a unique series beyond his extraordinary career and personal triumphs.
Told through the voices of family members, collaborators, archival performance footage, and present-day interviews with the subject himself.
22. Atlantics (2019)
Director: Mati Diop
Writers: Mati Diop, Olivier Demangel
Cast: Amadou Mbow, Nicole Sougou, Mame Bineta Sane, Traore, Aminata Kane, mariama Gassama
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Atlantics follows Souleiman, a teenager, leap of faith towards adulthood in this continent-hopping odyssey. Souleiman jumps at the chance to join his friends on a boat bound for Spain for work.
Our young traveler encounters the physical and human debris from other boats on the open sea. But when he ends up landing in an African country with an uncertain future, making it home requires more than just determination.
23. Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (2020)
Director: Oliver Bokelberg
Writers: N/A
Cast: Debbie Allen, Ryan Phuong, Kylie Jefferson, Tichina Arnold, Vivian Nixon, Jessica Mikayla
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
The Debbie Allen Dance Academy is an LA institution with over 40 years of experience bringing joy to dancers of all ages and abilities.
Explore their experience creating their award-winning version of The Nutcracker that blends different dance traditions to take a trip behind the curtain with professional dancers and instructors. Dance Dreams dives into the life of the HOT CHOCOLATE Nutcrackers – both onstage and off.
24. Beckett (2021)
Director: Ferdinando Cito Filomarino
Writers: Kevin A. Rice, Ferdinando Cito Filomarino
Cast: John David Washington, Yorgos Pirpassopoulos, Alicia Vikander, Lena Kitsopoulou, Filippos Ioannidis
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
Steven Beckett is an American tourist who becomes the target of a mysterious organization known as the Directorate. After being in a car accident with a Greek government official, Beckett finds himself and his family relentlessly pursued by the group’s operatives around the globe.
While evading the Directorate and attempting to unravel the mystery behind their actions, he uncovers ties to an international conspiracy orchestrated by one of America’s most powerful companies.
25. Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Director: Craig Brewer
Writers: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski
Cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Mike Epps, Eddie Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Tituss Burgess
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
This award-winning film is a biopic loosely based on real-life, albeit highly exaggerated, Rudy Ray Moore. Better known as Dolemite, Moore was a comedian who gained fame and infamy with his racy comedy and self-produced films.
Dolemite is about a real-life Blaxploitation legend who proves nobody can tell Rudy Ray Moore what to do. Eddie Murphy dons a character so outrageous it gets the parody treatment in this over-the-top comedy making it one of the best black movies on Netflix.
26. Roxanne Roxanne (2017)
Director: Michael Larnell
Writers: Michael Larnell
Cast: Chante Adams, Nia Long, Mahershala Ali, Germar Terrell Gardner, Adam Horovitz, Terence Shingle
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
When a local radio broadcast accidentally puts Lolita Gooden in the middle of a rap battle, her sheer talent and lyrical mastery instantly mark her as a new-age Queen of Hip Hop.
This documentary explores the groundbreaking existence and evolution of Roxanne Shanté and shares stories from the people who knew her best. The critically acclaimed film traces the meteoric rise of aspiring MC as she attempts to escape her traumatic past.
27. A Fall from Grace (2020)
Director: Tyler Perry
Writers: Tyler Perry
Cast: Phylicia Rashad, Crystal Fox, Mehcad Brooks, Bresha Webb, Tyler Perry, Cicely Tyson
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Grace is left reeling in the aftermath of her husband’s affair and suffering from searing headaches that have taken over her life. But when a new romance ignites with handsome estate agent James, she feels transformed.
What begins as a passionate and intense affair quickly takes on a life of its own. Uncovering secrets from their past causes Grace to challenge everything she thought she knew about love.
28. Project Power (2020)
Director: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Writers: Mattson Tomlin
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jamie Fox, Rodrigo Santoro, Dominique Fishback, Amy Landecker, Courtney B. Vance
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
The newest darknet is on the streets of New Orleans – a pill called Project Power that grants its users superpowers for 5 minutes.
When a teacher overdoses on the drug in front of Whistler, a local dealer, he begins to investigate the origins of the new drug. He discovers that it’s made by combining body parts. But will the teens stay strong and escape the power of the drug or be consumed by it?
29. Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Writers: Cary Joji Fukunaga, Uzodinma Iweala
Cast: Emmanuel Affadzi, Abraham Attah, Ricky Adelayitor, Vera Nyarkoah Antwi, Andrew Adote
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
This epic drama is based on the experiences of Agu, a child soldier who is pressed into the service of an army for an African country.
Agu’s journey away from his father and into a mercenary army, where he learns to kill without mercy and survive without conscience. His journey is the heart of this intensely powerful story about human survival and morality. By any means necessary, one must stay alive.
30. His House (2020)
Director: Remi Weekes
Writers: Remi Weekes, Felicity Evans, Toby Venables
Cast: Wunmi Masaku, Malaika Wakoli-Abigaba, Sope Dirisu, Matt Smith, Yvonne Campbell, Javier Botet
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Everything seems to be going in a perfect direction for a refugee couple. They’ve saved enough money to move into a nice cottage and are settling into their new jobs.
They’re expecting a baby, which is a new beginning for them. But when not-so-local squatter Ulrika begins making trouble, she has more in common with the scariest horror movies than you might think. The action and plot make it one of the best black movies on Netflix.
31. Cuties (2020)
Director: Maimouna Doucoure
Writers: Maimouna Doucoure
Cast: Fathia Youssouf, Esther Gohourou, Medina El Aidi-Azouni, Ilanah Cami-Goursolas, Myriam hamma
IMDb Rating: 3.2/10
Cuties is a fantastic movie about the growing pains of young girls. A remarkably deft portrait of sexual awakening, with a sly, smart, and unexpectedly funny voice. CUTIES is the story of Amy and her quest to join THE CUTIES at school.
She must navigate the perils of being a girl in a society that treats girls like girls. She also has to deal with her mother’s confused reaction to her transition from girlhood to adolescence.
32. The After Party (2018)
Director: Ian Edelman
Writers: Ian Edelman
Cast: Kyle, Harrison Holzer, Jordan Rock, Jadakiss, Robbie Dema, Shelley Hennig, Elle Winter
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
The After Party on Netflix is a comedy about an aspiring rapper who goes viral for all the wrong reasons. His career is near the end until his best friend gets him into a wild NYC after party where he meets the music mogul who can bring his dream to life.
Based on a real-life story, After Party offers an authentic look at New York City’s hip hop underground and is considered one of the best black movies on Netflix.
33. Miss Virginia (2019)
Director: R.J. Daniel Hanna
Writers: Erin O’Connor
Cast: Samantha Sloyan, Matthew Modine, Vanessa Williams, Niles Fitch, Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis.
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Miss Virginia is a film about equality, education, and the power of a mother’s love. The movie follows the life of Miss Virginia, who is sentenced to ten years in prison for a petty crime to ensure her son has at least an education.
After her incarceration, she launches a movement to improve facilities and provide safe schools, empowering young people like her son to achieve their goals.
34. Middle of Nowhere (2012)
Director: Ava DuVernay
Writers: Ava DuVernay
Cast: David Oyelowo, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Omari Hardwick, Lorraine Toussaint, Edwina Findley
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Dr. Katherine Ruby is a rising star in her field. She’s on the fast track to becoming a partner at the hospital, where she’s spent the past seven years studying and working.
But when she learns that her estranged husband, who has already been in prison for five years, is fighting cancer, she makes a drastic decision. She quits her job, drops out of medical school, and moves to New Mexico to be with him, and this plot makes it one of the best black movies on Netflix.
35. Burning Sands (2017)
Director: Gerard McMurray
Writers: Christine T.Berg, Gerard McMurray
Cast: Tosin Cole, Trevor jackson, Alfre Woodard, DeRon Horton, Trevante Rhodes, Steve Harris
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
“Burning Sands” follows the struggle of an inner-city student from South Central L.A. who excels at martial arts but is lured by the flashiness of Greek life.
When he is invited to pledge the elite Black fraternity Alpha Tier, he must face the agonizing choice between his code of silence or stand up against the intensifying violence of underground hazing. Burning Sands is a gritty drama based on the real-life tragedy at San Francisco State.
36. Beats (2019)
Director: Chris Robinson
Writers: Miles Orion Feldsott
Cast: Khalil Everage, Evan J. Simpson, Ahmad Nicholson, Ashley Jackson, Uzo Aduba, Megan Sousa
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
This gripping family drama deftly weaves poetry, hip-hop, and soul from the streets into a road-trip movie like no other. Redefining what it means to be a star in the digital age.
After high school, the two turn their love of rap into a club gig and eventually make their way to the big time with their album. Director Chris Robinson has created an original, edgy, and resonant coming-of-age tale for our times.
37. Fatherhood (2021)
Director: Paul Weitz
Writers: Dana Stevens, Paul Weitz, Matt Logelin
Cast: Alfre Woodard, Kevin Hart, Lil Rel Howery, Melody Hurd, Paul Reiser, Deborah Ayorinde, DeWanda Wise
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Frank Walker is a devoted husband and father. So when Molly’s mother dies unexpectedly, Frank and his family are devastated.
When he meets Sarah, he finds a support system for himself and Molly, but it soon becomes clear that Frank’s extended family cannot solve all of their problems. He must rely upon himself to raise this stunning little girl into a healthy, happy young woman making it one of the best black movies on Netflix.
38. Nappily Ever After (2018)
Director: Haifaa Al-Mansour
Writers: Adam Brooks, Cee Marcellus, Trisha R. Thomas
Cast: Ricky Whittle, Sanaa Lathan, Lynn Whitfield, Lyriq Bent, Daria Johns, Ernie Hudson, Brittany S. Hall
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Nappily Ever After on Netflix is a romantic comedy based on the best-selling novel by Trisha R. Thomas. The movie follows the journey of Violet Jones, a successful African American hair salon owner, who has an encounter with her dream man.
He is an entrepreneur who goes from mouth-watering to marriageable. A fish out of water in her new life, Violet’s hair triggers a series of events that could cost her friends, family, and career.
39. Remastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019)
Director: Kelly Duane
Writers: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Cast: Quincy Jones, Dionne Warwick, Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson, Jim Brown, Lou Adler
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Sam Cooke’s story has been told before, but never like this. In this epic biopic, director Kelly Duane crafts a fascinating portrait of the beloved singer that explores the legends that have controlled his public image for decades.
The facts of his case have been shrouded by rumor and some of the ugliest racial politics imaginable. Now, at last, we explore the two killings of Sam Cooke to explore what makes this title one of the best black movies on Netflix.
40. Catching Feelings (2017)
Director: Kagiso Lediga
Writers: Kagiso Lediga
Cast: Pearl Thusi, Kagiso Lediga, Akin Omotoso, Andrew Buckland, Kate Liquorish, Precious Makgaretsa
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Nico and Fridelia move to Johannesburg from Cape Town. The gentrified home they’ve bought is almost perfect, except for the one small detail: their charming but eccentric landlord and his hangers-on.
When their lives intermingle with Nico and Fridelia’s, everyone will have to keep on their toes to keep up with the changing tide before tragedy strikes. They trigger a series of disasters forcing us to reassess what matters in life and love.
41. Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story (2020)
Director: Nate Adams, Adam Carolla
Writers: N/A
Cast: Phillip Ribbs, Willy T. Ribbs, Marshall Pruett, Geraldine Ribbs, Chris Miles, Bernie Ecclestone
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Featuring a Q&A with Willy T. Ribbs, Uppity is a 60-minute film that explores the lives of Black auto-racers from 1975 to the present day.
It takes you through history, from when Willy T broke the Indy 500 color barrier, becoming the first African-American professional auto-racer. He discusses his highly publicized legal battle against NASCAR after being wrongfully fired for an inappropriate gesture.
42. Bright (2017)
Director: David Ayer
Writers: Max Landis
Cast: Will Smith, Noomi Rapace, Joel Edgerton, Edgar Ramirez, Veronica Ngo, Lucy Fry, Alex Meraz
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
The world has ended, and humans and orcs must band together to survive. Bright is a fantasy cop thriller that follows two cops from very different backgrounds.
Ward, a human, and Jakoby, an orc, embark on a routine patrol night and must somehow learn to work together to protect everyone they know. It’s the power of magic, with action, that makes this unexpectedly great family film both hilarious and heartwarming.
43. Love Beats Rhymes (2017)
Director: RZA
Writers: Nicole Jefferson Asher
Cast: John David Washington, Method Man, Common, Lucien Laviscount, Lorraine Toussaint
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
A struggling rapper forms an unexpected bond with her English teacher when he offers to help her with her lyrics. Paying for lessons with rap battles in the park, their relationship soon becomes hard to decipher from pupil/teacher.
This musical coming-of-age story follows the ups and downs of the three very talented musicians searching for their place in the rap world and within their families.
44. Chris Rock: Tamborine (2018)
Director: Bo Burnham
Writers: Chris Rock
Cast: Chris Rock, Spike Lee
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Chris Rock delivers his sharpest, funniest stand-up in years to a sold-out crowd at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music. Chris is as bold and brash as ever in the final show of his epic sold-out 25-city Total Blackout Tour.
He tackles politics, racism, and the challenges of raising teenagers in front of an audience eager to laugh along with the first-ballot hall-of-fame making it one of the best black movies on Netflix.
45. Sweetheart (2019)
Director: J.D.Dillard
Writers: J.D.Dillard, Alex Hyner, Alex Theurer
Cast: Kiersey Clemons, Hanna Mangan Lawrence, Emory Cohen, Andrew Crawford, Benedict Samuel
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Jenn has washed up on a tropical island. She must spend her days not only surviving the elements but must fend off the evil force that comes out at night.
However, this isn’t a typical survival story with an open-ended plot that gets more complex with each episode. Sweetheart is a new Netflix original horror-comedy series created by J.D.Dillard; it amazes you with its unforgettable ending.
46. Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History (2019)
Director: Tom Stern
Writers: Tim Burns, Brain Volk-Weiss, Evan Waite
Cast: Berry Brewer, Derek Basco, Steve Agee, Kirk Bovill, Brad Berryhill, Jeff Browser, Lonnie Chavis
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Comedian Kevin Hart highlights the fascinating contributions of African-Americans throughout history in this entertaining and educational comedy special. Hart’s unique spin on historical facts is a comedic spin on history – filled with entertaining scholarly readings.
Hart waxes poetic about everything from the origins of rock ‘n’ roll to the contributions of Jackie Robinson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A token of appreciation for where we’ve been and how far we’ve come makes it one of the best black movies on Netflix.
47. The Main Event (2020)
Director: Jay Karas
Writers: Larry Postel, Zach Lewis, Jim Mahoney
Cast: Tichina Arnold, Seth Carr, Ken Marino, Adam Pally, Keith Lee, Momona Tamada, Aryan Simhadri
IMDb Rating: 4.8/10
It’s showtime! Aspiring WWE superstar Troy Burress finds himself on the big stage when he stumbles upon a magical mask. Before he knows it, Troy becomes an overnight sensation at his school with all the answers to his testing and homework.
When money problems force him to take a job at the local fast-food joint to help his single mom make ends meet, tragedy strikes, and Troy is forced to make an important decision.
48. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Director: David E.Talbert
Writers: David E.Talbert
Cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Rose, Hugh Bonneville, Madalen Mills, Ricky Martin
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
The story follows a toymaker who spends his days surrounded by toys and gadgets in his workshop. One snowy day he invents the Jingle Jangle, a magical invention that has the power to turn its user’s greatest wishes into reality.
But when a thief steals the Jingle Jangle, it sets off a chain of unexpected events as Bob’s adventuresome granddaughter presses him for details about his past.
49. Get on Up (2014)
Director: Tate Taylor
Writers: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Steven Baigelman
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Dan Aykroyd, Nelsan Ellis, Viola Davis, Lennie James, Craig Robinson, Jill Scott
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Get on Up explores the incredible life story of James Brown, one of the most gifted and controversial entertainers of the 20th century. Charting his extraordinary journey from extreme poverty in Augusta, GA, to becoming one of the most popular musicians of all time.
The story is about overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. The story also reveals Brown’s demons that threatened to derail him personally and professionally at every turn, making it one of the best black movies on Netflix.
50. The 40-Year Old Version (2020)
Director: Radha Blank
Writers: Radha Blank
Cast: Radha Blank, Oswin Benjamin, Imani Lewis, Peter Kim, Haskiri Velazquez, T.J. Atoms, Antonio Ortiz
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Told in a delightful mash-up of musicals and musical theater, 40 Year Old Rapper is the story of Radha. She is desperate for an artistic breakthrough before the big 4-0, reinvents herself as rapper RadhaMUSPrime.
With her childhood friend Henry as her producer, she struggles to be taken seriously by a tough industry. She challenges a competitive group of fellow rappers, who aren’t all they appear to be.
Wrapping Up!
Though you can watch anything and everything on Netflix, including comedy, thriller, horror shows, Halloween movies, suspense, horror movies, classic, cartoon, action, romance, cooking shows, sci-fi, reality, kid movies, emotional drama, Marvel shows, and documentaries – it is time to enjoy the best black movies on Netflix.
The list of Black movies on Netflix will go a long way to rediscovering the rich history of people of African descent. All these movies will provide you with some eclectic viewing choices when it comes time to catch a movie. Did we miss a great one that you want us to watch? Share with us in the comments.