Movie night doesn’t always have to be yet another rom-com or whatever Netflix’s algorithm is pushing you on the home page. Sometimes, you’re looking for something more authentic to your own life, or for a little cultural immersion. Either way, Netflix’s Black Stories collection is a good place to look if you’re in that kind of mood.
The collection offers dramas, comedies, and everything in between, as well as both original productions and quality entries from other studios. To help you navigate the collection, we’ve pulled together the best Black movies on Netflix right now.
Looking for more films and shows that illustrate the Black experience? Check out our roundups of the best Black shows and movies to stream across all platforms.
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American Gangster2007
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Marshall2017
Inspired by a true story, American Gangster tells the story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), the mild-mannered driver of leading Black crime boss Bumpy Johnson. After Bumpy’s death, however, Frank emerges from the shadows and proves himself far more shrewd and capable than anyone realizes.
Targeting a corner on the heroin trade, Frank becomes the biggest importer in Harlem, sourcing heroin directly from South East Asia and revolutionizing the illegal drug trade in the US.
Chris Rock’s first standup special since “The Slap” might not technically qualify as a movie, but we’re including it here because it made history as Netflix’s first global live-streaming event.
Chris Rock’s second special for Netflix features a pre-show hosted by Ronny Chieng and an after-show hosted by SNL contemporaries Dana Carvey and David Spade. It’s a raw and funny comedy special that highlights Rock’s gift as a stand-up comedian and expert storyteller.
The first film appearance of Tyler Perry’s iconic character Madea, Diary of a Mad Black Woman tells the story of a happy couple living the American Dream until, all of a sudden, they aren’t. Charles (Steve Harris) and Helen (Kimberly Elise) seem to have it all as they approach their 18th wedding anniversary until Helen comes home to find her things packed up in a U-Haul.
Charles is divorcing her and kicking her out without notice. With nowhere else to turn, Helen moves in with her grandmother Madea (Perry), who helps Helen through her divorce with a mix of tough love and wizened perspective.
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