A comprehensive list of black films and tv shows that aren’t made with educational purposes.
because black people exist beyond having to educate people on the racism that we didn’t create:
Okay, let’s start with the films…
The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019) dir. Joe Talbot.
This film is actually educational but in a very subtle way. Its main theme is racial gentrification and how it affects a young black man in San Francisco whilst he tries to connect himself to his past. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. It was snubbed of an Oscar nomination and snubbed of the publicity it deserved which is probably why you haven't heard of it. Regardless, this is a must-watch.
Moonlight (2016) dir. Barry Jenkins.
HELLO, JANELLE MONÁE’S PERFORMANCE??? I could leave it at that and it should be enough. Moonlight follows Chiron through life as he finds himself and goes through the struggles and hardships that life throws his way. It gets emotional. Be prepared.
Premature (2020) dir. Rashaad Ernesto Green.
New York artists falling in love, bringing out the best in each other, going through the worst together and still finding their way back to each other. Young love leaves a mark on your heart forever. Premature shows you that a love like that doesn't come around again. From Black Feminism to abortions, this film effortlessly explores so many layers of life as a young black woman. If there was one film I could tell the world they have to watch, this would be it.
Waves (2019) dir. Trey Edward Shults.
The film really does speak for itself. It follows an African-American family’s emotional journey after a tragedy. The pain of Waves accompanied by the intensely beautiful shots… incredible.
Get Out (2017) dir. Jordan Peele.
Jordan Peele reinvented the horror genre in 2017 with Get Out. If you haven’t watched it yet, you are willfully denying yourself of an amazing horror movie. Get Out is very unique in its plot. To Black people, Get Out is as horror as it gets. Real-life horror. But to white people… well, let’s just say they nominated it for best comedy. Every aspect of horror that has made the “greats” so great, is in this film. It is a must-watch.
Us (2019) dir. Jordan Peele.
It’s the film with the iconic scene that nobody online will shut up about, where Elizabeth Moss’ character says “Ophelia, call the police” and consequently, Ophelia proceeds to play “F*ck Tha Police” by N.W.A. I promise you, the film has a lot more going for it, despite how funny that scene is. Lupita Nyong’o obviously gives a breathtaking performance and Jordan Peele has done horror perfectly once again.
Tangerine (2015) dir. Sean Baker.
Nearly every cinephile or film snob has watched The Florida Project and praised Sean Baker’s work and mind. Tangerine has a very similar style to The Florida Project however it's about two trans, black women on Christmas Eve dealing with their connections and relationship with a pimp. And it’s filmed with two actual transgender people. Take note Hollywood. It’s emotive and funny and the cinematography is a delight.
Hearts Beat Loud (2018) dir. Brett Haley.
Fathers who are too pure for this world are always the best character in any film. Hearts Beat Loud and Eighth Grade is the evidence I’m putting forward here. Hearts Beat Loud explores a daughter and father relationship through their love of music. It’s adorable.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019) dir. Beyoncé Knowles, Ed Burke.
YES. WATCH IT NOW. THIS DOCUMENTARY IS MY RELIGION. Beyoncé is a queen, we know this, but the work she puts into perfecting her craft is so inspirational alongside the passion she has to make sure that black people everywhere feel seen and represented. What a woman.
PS: be prepared to get your feelings hurt if, like me, you also go to SoulCycle but don't look like Beyoncé. She makes reference to her frequent trips to SoulCycle studios and I won’t lie, I’m still wondering why I don't look like her?
Little (2019) dir. Tina Gordon Chism.
Marsai Martin, Regina Hall and Issa Rae… did somebody call for the three black queens of comedy? Little is such a heart-warming, feel good, funny film. Don’t expect a critically acclaimed cinematic masterpiece, but do expect to have a good laugh and to maybe audibly say “aw” one too many times.
Girls Trip (2017) dir. Malcolm D. Lee.
Just four friends living their absolute best lives in New Orleans whilst they discover so much more about each other. Ignore the bad reviews this film has. Open a bottle of wine and watch this with some friends, you'll have a great time.
Selah and the Spades (2019) dir. Tayarisha Poe.
It has everybody’s favourite heartthrob, Jesse Williams. Oh, you haven't already started watching? Well basically, it’s a film about five factions of a prestigious school. I won’t lie, seeing high school films where black girls are the main characters and not the best-friend that aids the white main character's storyline is really heartwarming. You don't need to watch Riverdale when you could watch Selah and the Spades.
“They always try and break you down when you’re 17” (a personal favourite quote from Selah and the Spades).
Black Panther (2018) dir. Ryan Coogler.
Now literally what is your excuse for not watching this film. If you say you don't like Marvel then I don't know for you… it’s 2020, grow up. Everyone loves Marvel.
Dreamgirls (2006) dir. Bill Condon.
Make sure you're home alone for this one, you will be belting some ballads. Need I say more?
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) dir. Rodney Rotham, Peter Ramsey.
If you're someone who adores good soundtracks in films then this film is already for you. Miles Morales, best spider-man. You know I did not stutter. I had my doubts when I first watched this film, thinking how will an animation movie live up to the spider-man standards but it outsold on every single level.
Okay, now on to the binge-worthy tv shows that consume our every waking hour…
Black-ish.
A show about black people for white people. Yeah, you read that correctly. Even though for a lot of black people, this show is one of the only shows on air that allows us to see ourselves and our own families reflected on TV, it is catered for white people. All the “tough” topics the show speaks on, like Obama’s inauguration actually being terrifying for black people… We know how that felt, that episode was to inform white people on the realities of the world. However, Tracee Ellis Ross’ sass and Marsai Martin’s sass truly make my evenings better.
Grown-ish.
Grown-ish is the Black-ish spin-off focusing on Yara Shahidi’s character going to college. Oh, also, Chloe and Halle are in it? Why aren't you already getting up Hulu or whatever streaming site you use to watch it?
BlackAF.
From the creator of Black-ish and Grown-ish, we have BlackAF and this show is FunnyAF. It’s a mockumentary-style sitcom focusing on a black family, showing their rawest and most honest moments whilst also making it funny. It works, trust me.
She’s Gotta Have It.
Based on the Spike Lee feature film ‘She’s Gotta Have It’, it focuses on a Brooklyn artist and her lovers and her relationship with herself. It’s lighthearted, funny and inspiring.
This Is Us.
Yeah, the show everyone cries over. That's right. Though the show is not necessarily a black show in the same sense that the others are, it does centre around one black family and they talk hair and privilege and all the uncomfortable things black families have to discuss in this white world. Warning: you will cry. When everyone says they had a headache from crying over this show, they were not lying.
All American.
The black high school show us black kids who grew up in the 90s/early 2000s were waiting for. We had to sit through The OC, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, One Tree Hill and we saw the odd BIPOC pop onto the screen maybe once a season… All American said not anymore!
Warning: Season 1 will fill you with a lot of rage and confusion over couples and biological families…
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Now when I say this show is culture, I mean it is CULTURE. White people have Friends, black people have The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It’s an American sitcom starring Will Smith and if you haven't at least heard of this international treasure then you were either born yesterday or the people in your life don't respect you enough to introduce you to the best of the best. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air centres around Will moving from Philadelphia to a wealthy area in Bel-Air with his family and it is filled with constant jokes and incomparable fashion. A classic!
REMINDER: YOU CAN’T LOVE BLACK CULTURE WITHOUT LOVING BLACK PEOPLE.
