Looking for a bit of joy, nostalgia, or a good laugh? We’ve rounded up a list of 30+ movies that are sure to lift your spirits. From classic comedies to heartfelt dramas, each of these films offers something unique – whether it’s a dose of inspiration, an unexpected adventure, or just pure fun. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these stories bring a little light to your day.
If you want more movies, check our previous list: Celebrating Black Joy: 50+ Feel Good Movies to Watch
The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat
A heartwarming story about friendship, resilience, and community as three women navigate life’s highs and lows over several decades.
Where to watch: Hulu
Rye Lane
A fresh, modern romance that explores connection, love, and finding oneself in the vibrant streets of South London.
Where to watch: Hulu
Sister Act II
A joyful and inspiring musical comedy following Deloris Van Cartier as she helps a group of students find their voices.
Where to watch: Disney+
Houseguest
A comedy of mistaken identity where a fast-talking con man pretends to be a family friend, leading to unexpected hilarity and life lessons.
Where to watch: Tubi
Head of State
A satirical comedy following an unlikely presidential candidate who shakes up the political scene with his unapologetic style and fresh ideas.
Where to watch: Sling TV
The Burial
Based on a true story, this legal drama dives into a David vs. Goliath courtroom battle with powerful social themes.
Where to watch: Prime Video
She Taught Love
An emotional narrative that captures the transformative journey of learning about love and self-worth.
Where to watch: Hulu
The Incredible Jessica Jones
Jessica, an aspiring playwright in New York City, is trying to get over a recent break-up when she meets Boone, who’s also recovering from a recent split. Together, they figure out a way to make it in a “post-relationship” world.
Where to watch: Netflix
Praise This
A spirited film about music, faith, and following one’s path to self-discovery in the gospel music scene.
Where to watch: Peacock
Outlaw Johnny Black
A Western tale with a twist, combining adventure, humor, and justice in the Old West. Cowboy Johnny Black vows to gun down Brett Clayton, the man responsible for the death of his father. As he seeks vengeance, he becomes a wanted outlaw while posing as a preacher in a small mining town taken over by a notorious land baron.
Where to watch: Tubi
Rustin
A powerful biopic highlighting the life and legacy of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.
Where to watch: Netflix
American Fiction
A satirical exploration of Black identity and representation in the modern literary world. Monk is a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment that profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, he uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Where to watch: MGMPlus
Girls Trip
A hilarious and empowering story of friendship and self-discovery set against the backdrop of an epic trip to New Orleans.
Where to watch:
Black Panther
A groundbreaking superhero film that celebrates African culture and explores themes of heritage and responsibility.
Where to watch: Disney+
Brown Sugar
A romantic drama about the intersection of love, music, and lifelong friendship.
Where to watch: Rent VOD
The Princess and the Frog
A beautifully animated tale of love, dreams, and a journey through New Orleans’ enchanting bayou.
Where to watch: Disney+
The Upside
A heartwarming friendship between a quadriplegic man and his caregiver, celebrating resilience and humor.
Where to watch: Fubo TV
The Preacher’s Wife
A holiday romance with a divine twist, bringing hope and inspiration to a small community.
Where to watch: Fubo TV
Bottoms
A bold comedy about friendship, identity, and the importance of finding your community.
Where to watch: MGM+
The Lovebirds
A rom-com turned mystery as a couple’s date night spirals into a wild crime adventure.
Where to watch: Netflix
Barbie
A modern, vibrant reimagining of the iconic character, celebrating empowerment and self-expression.
Where to watch: Max
Sylvie’s Love
A beautiful period romance set in the jazz era, showcasing passion, ambition, and the choices love demands. Sylvie has a summer romance with a saxophonist who takes a summer job at her father’s record store in Harlem; when they reconnect years later, they discover that their feelings for each other have not faded with the years.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Queen of Katwe
A true story of a young Ugandan girl’s journey to becoming a chess champion against all odds.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Drumline
A high-energy drama showcasing the passion, discipline, and rivalry of a college marching band.
Where to watch: Tubi
Southside With You
A charming romantic drama following the first date of future President Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson.
Where to watch: Xumo TV
Seriously Single
A fun and relatable comedy about friendship and self-discovery as a woman navigates single life in Johannesburg.
Where to watch: Netflix
Dope
A coming-of-age comedy-drama about a geek navigating life in a tough neighborhood while staying true to himself.
Where to watch: Plex
Keanu
A comedy adventure about two friends on a mission to rescue their beloved kitten, Keanu, from gang members.
Where to watch: Max
The Little Mermaid
An enchanting retelling of the classic fairytale about a mermaid princess yearning for life on land.
Where to watch: Disney+
Deliver Us from Eva
A romantic comedy about love, family, and one woman’s effect on her sisters’ relationships.
Where to watch: Tubi
BAPS
A cult classic comedy following two best friends on a wild adventure as they chase their dreams of wealth and fame.
Where to watch: Tubi