Are you ready to delve into the world of fresh and captivating cinema? 2023 is brining us a line-up of amazing movies, directed by talented Black artists.
READ: 31 New Holiday Movies Releasing in 2023 With Black Leads
From heart-warming romantic comedies to suspenseful thrillers, these films are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to be entertained, moved and inspired, as we take a look at the must-watch movies released in 2023 by Black and Brown directors. So sit back, grab some popcorn and get ready for a cinematic journey like no other.
Check back as we’ll update this as new movies are released.
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt
Tender caresses and enveloping embraces are portals into the life of Mack, a Black woman in Mississippi. Winding through the anticipation, love, and heartbreak she experiences from childhood to adulthood, the expressionist journey is an ode to connection — with loved ones and with place.
Director: Raven Jackson
Writer:Raven Jackson
Cast:Moses Ingram, Sheila Atim, Chris Chalk, Charleen McClure, Reginald Helms Jr., and Zainab Jah
Where to Watch: VOD
The Color Purple
“The Color Purple” remains true to its source material, Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and the acclaimed Broadway musical adaptation. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and empowerment, with a powerful emphasis on the voices and experiences of Black women.
Director: Blitz Bazawule
Writer: Alice Walker
Cast: Taraji P Henson, Danielle Brooks, Fantasia, Corey Hawkins, Colman Domingo, Louis Gossett Jr., David Alan Grier, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Deon Cole, Corey Hawkins, and H.E.R.
Where to Watch: In theaters
American Fiction
Based on Percival Everett’s acclaimed novel “Erasure,” the film follows the journey of Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright. Monk is a respected author and English literature professor who finds himself at odds with the expectations of the publishing world. As his latest novel is deemed “not Black enough” by publishers, Monk grapples with the intersection of his artistic integrity and the commercial demands of the industry.
The story takes a poignant turn when Monk’s family faces tragedy and his ailing mother requires care beyond their means. In a moment of defiance, Monk creates a pseudonymous novel laden with Black clichés, only to witness its rapid success and Hollywood’s eager interest.
Director: Cord Jefferson
Writer: Cord Jefferson
Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Candy Cane Lane
It centers on Chris (Eddie Murphy) and his quest to win the annual Christmas home decoration contest. However, a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) goes awry, bringing the 12 Days of Christmas to life and causing chaos in the town. Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must break Pepper’s spell and save Christmas for everyone.
Director: Reginald Hudlin
Writer: Kelly Younger
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Madison Thomas, Genneya Walton,Ken Marino, David Alan Grier, Nick Offerman, Danielle Pinnock, and more.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Equalizer 3
Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall finds solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Now living in Southern Italy, he soon discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall becomes their protector by taking on the mafia.
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Writer: Richard Wenk
Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning
Where to Watch: VOD
The Strays
A light-skinned Black woman’s meticulously crafted life of privilege starts to unravel when two strangers show up in her quaint suburban town.
Director: Nathaniel Martello-White
Writer: Nathaniel Martello-White
Cast: Ashley Madekwe, Bukky Bakray, Jorden Myrie, Samuel Small, Maria Almeida, Justin Salinger
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Outlaw Johnny Black
Cowboy Johnny Black vows to gun down Brett Clayton, the man responsible for the death of his father. He soon becomes a wanted outlaw while posing as a preacher in a small mining town that’s been taken over by a notorious land baron.
Director: Michael Jai White
Cast: Michael Jai White, Anika Noni Rose, Byron Minns, Erica Ash, Glynn Turman, Kevin Chapman, Barry Bostwick, and more.
Where to Watch: VOD
Cinnamon
“Cinnamon” tells the story of Jodi, a small-town gas station attendant with remarkable singing talent and ambitious dreams. However, things become complicated when a robbery occurs at her workplace.
Director: Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr.
Writer: Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr.
Cast: Hailey Kilgore, Damon Wayans, Pam Grier, David Iacono, and Jeremie Harris
Where to Watch: Tubi
Jagged Mind
A woman plagued by blackouts and strange visions discovers she’s stuck in a series of time loops, possibly related to her mysterious new girlfriend.
Director: Kelley Kali
Writer: Allyson Morgan based on her book
Cast: Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Shannon Woodward
Where to Watch: Hulu
Brother
The film revolves around Francis and Michael, played by Pierre and Johnson, who are the sons of Caribbean immigrants growing up in Toronto’s early hip hop scene of the 90s. A mystery unfolds during the sweltering summer of 1991, and escalating tensions set off a series of events that change the course of the brothers’ lives forever. ‘Brother’ crafts a timely story about the profound bond between siblings, the resilience of community and the irrepressible power of music.
Director: Clement Virgo
Writer: Clement Virgo
Cast: Lamar Johnson, Aaron Pierre, Marsha Stephanie Blake, and Kiana Madeira
Where to Watch: VOD
Rustin
The film ‘Rustin’ gives audiences a sneak peek into the story of Bayard Rustin, an instrumental but often overlooked figure in the civil rights movement. At the heart of ‘Rustin’ lies the narrative of Bayard Rustin, the visionary mind behind the historic 1963 March on Washington.
Director: George C. Wolfe
Cast: Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen, Gus Halper, CCH Pounder, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Johnny Ramey, Michael Potts, Lilli Kay, Jordan-Amanda Hall, Jakeem Powell, Grantham Coleman, Jamilah Rosemond, Jules Latimer, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper, Frank Harts, Kevin Mambo, Carra Patterson, Bill Irwin, Cotter Smith, Adrienne Warren, Jeffrey Wright, and Audra McDonald.
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Marvels
The movie follows Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), whose powers somehow become entangled across different universes. Whenever teenaged Khan uses her Marvel powers, she finds herself switching places with any of the other Marvels, sending both of them to unexpected corners of the galaxy.
Director: Nia DaVosta
Cast: Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris, Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson
Where to Watch: In theaters
Kokomo City
After building a name for herself producing for artists like Lil Wayne, Ciara, and Andre 3000, D. Smith will celebrate her directorial debut this year with “Kokomo City.” The project centers on the lives of four transgender sex workers in New York and Georgia, inspired by Smith’s own life experiences.
Director: D. Smith
Where to Watch: VOD
Sisters
The film tells the story of sisters Diamond (Angelia) and her sisters, Tia and Tara (Lil Mama, Aubert). Raised by their grandmother, their lives are greatly impacted by her influence. When the family learns she has cancer and needs surgery urgently, the sisters need to find a way to come up with enough money quickly. Willing to do anything to save their beloved grandmother’s life, the sisters turn to doing things they don’t want to, but must do.
Director: Jahmar Hill
Writer: Jahmar Hill
Cast: Lil Mama, Columbus Short, Cocoa Brown, Tobias Truvillion, K.D. Aubert, Ciera Angelia, Alisa Reyes, De’Aundre Bonds, Jensen Atwood, Christine Lakin
Where to Watch:
Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy (Pt 1 & 2)
Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy tells the story of Lance (Diggs), a successful businessman in Atlanta who revolutionized the city’s 911 system. As well as being known for his womanizing ways. When Lance is found murdered in his home, an investigation is launched to uncover the truth behind his professional and personal life. The film will reconstruct Lance’s life as told by the various players in it, revealing questions and allegations surrounding his death.
Was it a business rival, threatened by Lance’s bid for a big contract? Was it a scorned lover jealous of the place occupied in Lance’s bed? The film, much like the book, reconstructs Lance’s life as told by the various players in it.
Director: Jaira Thomas
Writer: Gregory R. Anderson and Ron Stodghill
Cast: Taye Diggs, Keesha Sharp, Rob Brown, Apryl Jones, Nicole Lyn, Ciera Payton, Ernestine Johnson, Tye White, Anton Peeples, Yung Joc, Karlie Redd and Yandy Smith
Where to Watch: BET
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. However, when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must soon redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
Director: Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson, Kemp Powers
Writer: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller & David Callaham
Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Jake Johnson, Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Karan Soni, Daniel Kaluuya, and Oscar Isaac
Where to Watch: VOD
Flamin’ Hot | June 9
Richard Montanez, the son of a Mexican immigrant, was a janitor at Frito Lay when he came up with the idea for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. His creation, inspired by the flavors of his community, revitalizes Frito-Lay and disrupts the food industry.
Director: Eva Longoria
Writer: Lewis Colick, Linda Yvette Chávez
Cast: Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert, Tony Shalhoub
Where to Watch: Hulu
The Blackening
The Blackening centers around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the friends soon realize this ain’t no motherf****** game. The Blackening skewers genre tropes and poses the sardonic question: if the entire cast of a horror movie is Black, who dies first?
Director: Tim Story
Writer: Tracy Oliver & Dewayne Perkins
Cast: Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Dewayne Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, with Jay Pharoah, and Yvonne Orji
Where to Watch: Starz
The Perfect Find
Forty-year-old Jenna Jones makes a career change into the world of beauty journalism. She runs into problems when she realizes that her frenemy Darcy is her boss, and she soon starts a relationship with Darcy’s son, Eric, the company’s videographer.
Director: Numa Perrier
Writer: Leigh Davenport
Cast: Gabrielle Union, Gina Torres, Keith Powers, La La Anthony, Aisha Hinds, Janet Hubert, Latoia Fitzgerald
Where to Watch: Netflix
Earth Mama | Jul 7
Gia is a young mother fighting for her children. Her son and daughter are in foster care, and now her unborn child could also be taken away. Struggling to work enough hours with court-mandated classes, she’s barely making ends meet. Gia loves her children unconditionally, but how will she give them the future they deserve?”
Director: Savanah Leaf
Writer:
Cast: Tia Nomore, Erika Alexander, Keta Price, Doechii, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Bokeem Woodbine, Dominic Fike
Where to Watch: N/A
They Cloned Tyrone
A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this pulpy mystery caper.
Director: Juel Taylor
Writer: Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier
Cast: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx, Kiefer Sutherland, J. Alphonse Nicholson
Where to Watch: Netflix
Haunted Mansion
“Haunted Mansion” follows Dr. Emily Johnson and her son Ethan as they move into the enigmatic Haunted Mansion in New Orleans. With supernatural forces at play, they seek the aid of a peculiar priest, Father William, to rid the mansion of its malevolent spirits. Assisted by a widowed scientist-turned-failed paranormal expert, Dr. Henry West, a gifted psychic named Marie LaBelle, and a knowledgeable historian, Professor Hastings, they embark on a chilling and humorous adventure.
Director: Justin Simien
Writer: Katie Dippold
Cast: Rosario Dawson, Chase Dillon, Owen Wilson, LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jared Leto
Where to Watch: In Theaters
Shooting Stars
The film follows a young LeBron James, played by Marquis “Mookie” Cook, and his three best friends, Lil Dru (Caleb McLaughlin), Willie McGee (Avery S. Wills, Jr.), and Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage), as they become the #1 high school team in the country. But when Lil Dru is threatened with junior varsity, the “Fab Four” decide to switch schools and join a predominantly white Catholic school’s varsity team, facing backlash from their community but staying dedicated to each other.
With the help of a disgraced former college coach seeking redemption (Mulroney), the boys, along with former rival and new teammate Romeo Travis (enderson), face challenges both on and off the court in their quest to become national champs.
Director: Chris Robinson
Writer: Frank E. Flowers, Tony Rettenmaier, and Juel Taylor
Cast: Marquis “Mookie” Cook, Caleb McLaughlin, Avery S. Wills Jr., Khalil Everage, and Wood Harris, the movie also features Dermot Mulroney and newcomer Sterling “Scoot” Henderson
Where to Watch: Peacock
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
In the year 1994, a pair of archaeologists from Brooklyn come into an ancient conflict through a globe-trotting adventure with the Autobots that ties in with three factions of the Transformers race: the Maximals, the Predacons and the Terrorcons. Which then later signals the arrival of the coming darkness in the form of Unicron.
Director: Steven Caple Jr.
Writer: Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer, Josh Peters, Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber
Cast: Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Liza Koshy, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Pete Davidson, Colman Domingo, Cristo Fernández, Tongayi Chirisa, Peter Cullen, John DiMaggio, David Sobolov
Where to Watch: Theaters
Angry Black Girl and Her Monster
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster explores the idea that death is a disease that can be cured, through the story of Vicaria, a brilliant teenager who embarks on a dangerous journey to bring her murdered brother back to life.
Director: Bomani J. Story
Writer: Bomani J. Story
Cast: Laya DeLeon Hayes, Denzel Whitaker, Chad L. Coleman, Reilly Brooke Stith, and Keith Holliday.
Where to Watch: VOD
White Men Can’t Jump
Two ballers, opposites who are seemingly miles apart, find they might have more in common than they imagined possible.
Director: Calmatic
Writer: Kenya Barris, Doug Hall
Cast: Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow
Where to Watch: Hulu
https://youtu.be/K9c562i6hM8
Dance For Me
After exotic dancer Isis falls in love with up-and-coming politician Osiris, a band of criminals from her past threatens the couple’s future together.
Director: Chaz Echola and Damian Romay
Writer:Chaz Echola
Cast:Kearia Schroeder, Gavin Houston and Jeremy Meeks
Where to Watch: BET Plus
Spring Breakthrough
Single mother Monica receives the surprise of a lifetime when her daughter announces her engagement to Shawn. En route to the engagement celebration, Monica meets Shawn’s godfather, and an unexpected flirtation ignites.
Director: Mykelti Williamson
Writer:Samantha Herman
Cast:Keesha Sharp, Demetrius Grosse, Rhyon Nicole Brown, and Akono Dixon, Alfred E. Rutherford, Topher Fredd, Aria Celeste Castillo, Laticia A King, Brasai Butler, Charlie Q. Smith, Sarah S. Fisher, Ginger Cressman
Where to Watch: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Big George Foreman
The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World is based on the remarkable true story of one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the transformational power of second chances. Fueled by an impoverished childhood, Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever.
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Writer: A story by Dan Gordon and Frank Baldwin & George Tillman Jr, and a screenplay by Baldwin & Tillman
Starring: Khris Davis, Forest Whitaker, Sonja Sohn, Jasmine Mathews, Sullivan Jones, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., John Magaro
Where to Watch:VOD
Chevalier
The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Joseph Bologne rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with a love affair and falling out with Marie Antoinette.
Director: Stephen Williams
Writer: Stefani Robinson
Cast: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, Marton Csokas, Alex Fitzalan, Minnie Driver
Where to Watch: Hulu
A Thousand and One
A THOUSAND AND ONE follows unapologetic and free-spirited Inez (Teyana Taylor), who kidnaps her six-year-old son Terry from the foster care system. Holding onto their secret and each other, mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability, in a rapidly changing New York City.
Director: A.V. Rockwell
Cast: A.V. Rockwell
Where to Watch: In theaters
Rye Lane
Two twenty-somethings, both reeling from bad break-ups, connect over the course of an eventful day in South London – helping each other deal with their nightmare exes, and potentially restoring their faith in romance.
Director: Raine Miller
Cast: David Jonsson, Vivian Oparah
Writers: Nathan Bryon, Tom Melia
Where to Watch: Hulu
Praise This
A young woman with dreams of being a superstar joins an underdog Atlanta praise-team choir in the lead up to the national competition.
Director: Tina Gordon
Cast: Chloe Bailey, Anjelika Washington, Druski, Birgundi Baker, Jekalyn Carr, Quavo, Tristan Mack Wilds
Writers: Tina Gordon, Hudson Obayuwana, Jana Savage, Brandon Broussard, Camilla Blackett
Where to Watch: Peacock
Gangs of Lagos
When Obalola, Ify and Gift see their adoptive father murdered, they join a gang. With the start of election campaigns, the three friends are drawn into gang wars that drive them to fulfill their destiny.
Director: Jadesola Osiberu
Cast: Tobi Bakre, Chike, Adesua Etomi, Alabi Pasuma, Demi Banwo
Writers: Kay Jegede Jade Osiberu
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Girl in the Closet
It follows Remy Ma as Patricia, a mother who suffers an aneurysm and places her 10-year-old daughter Cameron in the hands of her convicted murderer aunt, Mia. Mia reaps the benefits of fostering her niece while her sister Patricia searches for a decade for Cameron. As the decade continues, Cameron faces unspeakable atrocities leading her to face death’s doorstep.
Director: Jaira Thomas
Cast: Remy ma, Tami Roman
Where to Watch: Lifetime
Every Breath She Takes
Jules Baker thinks her problems are over when her abusive husband Billy is killed after a struggle and fire that destroys their house. As she rebuilds her life and home, rumors swirl around town–“that’s the one that killed her husband” and problems with the insurance have fingers pointing at Jules when it’s found out that the fire was set intentionally. After a series of frightening events and the fact that she thinks she keeps seeing her dead husband, Jules believes she may be going crazy. Or is Billy actually still alive and coming for her, ready to destroy everything she’s re-built?
Director: Darin Scott
Cast: Tamala Jones, Tisha Campbell, Brian White, Lamon Archey, Brooklyn Sudano and Jackee Harry
Where to Watch: Lifetime
Bruiser
During summer break, 14-year-old Darious explores the boundaries of his manhood through tumultuous interactions with Malcolm his strict father and a burgeoning mentorship with mysterious drifter Porter.
Director: Miles Warren
Cast: Jalyn Hall, Trevante Rhodes, Shamier Anderson, Shinelle Azoroh, Frank Oakley III, Jonah Bishop-Pirrone, Kiah Alexandria Clingman, and more
Writers: Miles Warren, Ben Medina
Where to Watch: Hulu
Bite of a Mango
2020 comes with enough challenges of its own, but as four best friends each attempt to overcome their own trying situations, they are left unsure if the group can survive.
Director:Ron Dias
Cast: Jayne Kamara, Ryan Rosery, Orville Cummings, Nathan Taylor, Shawna Stewart
Writers: Joanne Jansen, Ron Dias
Where to Watch: All Blk
Black Girl Missing
When Cheryl (Garcelle Beauvais) gets into an argument with her daughter Lauren (Iyana Halley) over her desire to drop out of college, she initially thinks Lauren is simply ignoring her calls and texts, but Cheryl soon realizes Lauren is missing. While she attempts to get help from authorities and the media, they quickly dismiss the case, labeling Lauren as a runaway while they are all too consumed with another case – that of a missing white girl. Desperate to find Lauren, Cheryl and her 15-year-old daughter Marley (Taylor Mosby) enlist the help of a dedicated community of amateur internet sleuths to try to find Lauren. Cheryl also discovers the Black and Missing Foundation and is horrified to discover the disparity in how missing persons of color cases are treated with significant lack of media attention and law enforcement resources.
Director: Delmar Washington
Cast: Garcelle Beauvais, Iyana Halley, Taylor Mosby
Writers: Kale Futterman
Where to Watch: Lifetime
Righteous Thieves
In this ultimate heist thrill-ride – Annabel (Lisa Vidal), a leader of a secret organization engaged in the recovery of priceless artwork, assembles a ragtag crew of art thieves to recover a Monet, Picasso, Degas, and Van Gogh stolen by Nazis during WWII and now in the possession of neo-Nazi billionaire oligarch Otto Huizen (Brian Cousins). As the planned heist approaches, loyalties are tested when the crew learns the real reason behind Annabel’s search for the long-lost paintings.
Director: Anthony Nardolillo
Cast: Lisa Vidal, Jaina Lee Ortiz, Cam Gigandet, Carlos Miranda, Sasha Merci, Brian Cousins.
Writers: Michael Corcoran
Where to Watch: VOD
88
Femi Jackson is the financial director for a super PAC that backs a front-runner presidential candidate. After discovering unusual patterns in donations, he enlists the help of an investment blogger to dig a little deeper. Together, they follow the campaign money trail back to its nefarious origins in a race against time to uncover the truth before the primaries.
Director: Thomas Ikimi (Eromose)
Cast: Brandon Victor Dixon, William Fichtner, Thomas Sadoski, Naturi Naughton, Kenneth Choi, Jon Tenney, Orlando Jones, Kelly McCreary
Writers: Thomas Ikimi (Eromose)
Where to Watch: In theaters
Three Ways
A sex comedy told in three ways… Sexually awkward Stacey Johnson decides to take control of her life, cancel her ex, and conquer her fears by having a threesome with her new beau and a mysterious woman she’s never met. What could possibly go wrong?
Director: Jamal Dedeaux
Writers: Jamal Dedeaux
Cast: Brittany S. Hall, Ronin Lee, Andrea Lewis, Jerrel O’Neal, David Raibon, Lawrence Robinson
Where to Watch: Hulu
Pride: Seven Deadly Sins
Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story tells the story of reality TV star Birdie Moore (Stephanie Mills), whose carefully constructed world starts to crumble – like the baked goods that catapulted her to fame – when her family secrets are brought to light. To salvage her legacy, Birdie must let go of the pride that estranged her from her daughter. Birdie’s pride also prevents her from seeing that her son Gabe Moore (Thomas Miles) is actually a thieving opportunist and that her granddaughter Ella Boudreaux (Keeya King) is just a lost twenty-something trying to build up her life after some missteps. While pride helped drive Birdie’s success, it also made her blind to what was happening around her. Will Birdie finally be able to see and admit the truth, or face the consequences of her pride?
Director: Jaira Thomas
Cast: Stephanie Mills, Thomas Miles, Keeya King, Lucia Walters, Jaime M. Callica, Erica Campbell
Where to Watch: Lifetime
A Lot of Nothing
James and Vanessa are ostensibly the perfect married couple. Their lives spiral out of control when they decide to seek justice against a neighbour they saw commit a crime on the evening news.
Director: Mo McRae
Cast: Y’lan Noel, Cleopatra Coleman, Lex Scott Davis, Shamier Anderson, Justin Hartley
Writers: Mo McRae, Sarah Kelly Kaplan
Where to Watch: VOD
Strange Love
Desperate to save their marriage, Deshawn and Megan buy the “too good to be true” house only to find out it’s haunted. This Black love story gets creepy when Deshawn gives in to the pleasures of Candice The Ghost played by Erica Pinkett (“Secret Society”). The only question left is will Deshawn save his marriage with Megan or will he choose Candice’s Strange Love?
Director: Carl Payne
Cast:Dewayne “Kountry Wayne” Colley, Marquita Goings, Michael “Mike Bless” Anthony, Carl Anthony Payne II, Erica Pinkett
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Reading
Emma Leeden details the loss of her family in her new book “Invasion.” To generate press, she agrees to a staged reading by Sky Brown in her fortified home. But Sky’s spiritual connection is real and evil emerges in a house they can’t get out of.
Director:Courtney Glaudes
Cast:Mo’Nique, Chasity Sereal, Charnele Brown, Courtney Glaude, Lisa Alavi, Ian Haywood, Sara Alavi
Where to Watch: BET Plus
Creed III
After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damien Anderson, resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damien – a fighter who has nothing to lose.
Director:Michael B Jordan
Cast: Michael B Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Phylicia Rashad, Tessa Thompson.
Writers:
Where to Watch: Hulu
Mars One
A middle-class Black family in Brazil copes with the election of a far-right extremist president. The mother believes that she’s cursed after an unexpected encounter, while her husband puts all of his hopes into their son’s soccer career.
Director: Gabriel Martins
Writers: Gabriel Martins
Cast: Cícero Lucas, Carlos Francisco, Camilla Damião, Rejane Faria
Where to Watch: Netflix
You People
A new couple and their families reckon with modern love amid culture clashes, societal expectations and generational differences.
Director: Kenya Barris
Writers: Kenya Barris, Jonah Hills
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Nia Long, David Duchovny, Kenya Barris, Sam Jay
Where to Watch: Netflix
Fear
In this psychological horror film, a group of friends gather for a much-needed weekend getaway at a remote and historic hotel. Celebration turns into terror as one by one, each guest faces their own worst fear.
Director: Deon Taylor
Writers: Deon Taylor
Cast:Joseph Sikora, Andrew Bachelor, Annie Ilonzeh, Ruby Modine, Iddo Goldberg, Terrence Jenkins, Jessica Allain, Tyler Abron, and Tip ‘T.I.’ Harris
Where to Watch: Theaters
Saint Omer
Rama is a novelist who attends the trial of Laurence Coly, a young woman accused of killing her 15-month-old daughter. Testimonies from witnesses and Coly’s own words soon shake Rama’s convictions.
Director:Alice Diop
Writers: Alice Diop, Amrita David, Marie NDiaye
Cast:Kayije Kagame, Guslagie Malanda, Valérie Dréville, Aurélia Petit, Xavier Maly, Robert Canterella, Salimata Kamate, Thomas de Pourquery
Where to Watch: VOD
Hatian Wedding
A Haitian jewelry designer living in Miami gets engaged to a rising tech star who has no clue about her Haitian culture, and when they visit her beloved island, he has no idea that she’s the daughter of one of Haiti’s wealthiest family and about to have a front seat to the tension and drama that comes with a big, traditional Haitian wedding.
Director: Jamal Hill
Cast: Maryam Basir, Skyh Alvester Black, Barton Fitzpatrick, Jeryl Prescott, Bechir Sylvain, Starletta DuPois, Deborah Lynn Lherisson
Where to Watch: Rent VOD
Aurora: A Love Story
Kenny and Giselle are set to marry on a beach in Puerto Rico. Giselle disappears on the day of the ceremony, setting off a wild chain of events that unearths secrets, lies and betrayal, and threatens to destroy the fairy-tale love story.
Director: Noel Calloway
Writers: Noel Calloway
Cast: Marc John Jefferies, Julito McCullum, Wakeema Hollis, Tobias Truvillion, Ambre Anderson, Sally Stewart, Brian Anthony Wilson
Where to Watch: VOD
House Party
Aspiring club promoters and best buddies Damon and Kevin are barely keeping things together. Out of money, down on their luck and about to lose the roofs over their heads, they need a huge windfall to make their problems go away. They soon decide to host the party of the year at an exclusive mansion, which just happens to belong to none other than NBA superstar LeBron James.
Director:Calmatic
Writers:
Cast:LeBron James, D.C. Young Fly, Jacob Latimore, Andrew Santino, Kid Cudi, Tosin Cole, Tinashe
Where to Watch: VOD
My Valentine Crush
When a woman makes an unexpected connection with the cable guy on Valentine’s Day, she is forced to reevaluate her current love life.
Director: Christopher Nolen
Writers: Cassandra Mann
Cast: Jeff Logan, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Travis Cure, Monti Washington, Dawnisha Halfkenny, Shaquita Smith, Tiffany Snow
Where to Watch: Philo, Hulu, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, BET Plus
Under His Influence
A Social Media Influencer falls for an inmate and starts a crusade to prove his innocence, but after they win his appeal, she uncovers a dark secret that changes her life.
Director/Writer: DeShon Hardy
Cast: Sydney Mitchell, Iman Shumpert, Cynthia Bailey
Where to Watch: BET Plus
Infidelity
After the loss of their unborn child, a couple struggles to keep their relationship intact — but when secrets are revealed, they realize more than their marriage is at stake.
Where to Watch: BET Plus
Game of Deceit
When her police officer husband starts abusing her, Maya realizes she must gather ironclad evidence to take him down.
Director: Patricia Cuffie-Jones
Writer: Amira Anderson, Carolyn Woolner
Cast: Denise Boutte, Kevin Savage, Melissa L Williams
Where to Watch: BET Plus
Imani
Director:Mike Ho
Cast:Brittany S. Hall, Stephen Bishop, Demetrius Shipp Jr., Kris D. Lofton, Michael Monks, Elyse Mirto, Isaac Montgomery
Writers:
Where to Watch: Prime Video, The Roku Channel
Under the Influence
A woman’s life is thrown into a dangerous tailspin after ending an affair with the dangerous lover she met in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Director: Courtney Miller
Cast: Denyce Lawton, BJ Britt, Jared Wofford
Where to Watch: TV One
The Unsettling
An African couple travel to Los Angeles to recover from a devastating tragedy by seeking a new life in picture-perfect suburban USA. In this new environment, they find themselves terrorized by demons both real and supernatural. The house that was meant to provide refuge slowly stalks them, consuming their sorrow and trapping them in a nightmare.
Director: Harry Owens
Cast: Bambadjan Bamba, Benedikt Sebastian, Libby Munro, Zephani Idoko, Chloë Caro, Rojawn Khoshnam
Writers: Harry Owens
Where to Watch: VOD
Lola 2
When champion amateur boxer and lifelong fighter Lola falls in love and has a baby, she struggles to give up her championship and leave the ring with her career unfinished.
Director: Antoine Allen
Writers: Antoine Allen
Cast: Taja V. Simpson, Elise Neal, Tamala Jones, Torrei Hart, rapper DreamDoll, and female professional boxer Claressa Shields
Where to Watch: All Blk
A Snowy Day in Oakland
A beautiful psychologist from San Francisco decides to end a stalled romance with her high-profile psychiatrist boyfriend and business partner. She moves on with her life by opening her own practice in a vacant office space in the middle of a small commercial block located across the bay in Oakland, turning the predominately African American and psychologically ignored neighborhood on its emotional ear.
Director:Kim Bass
Cast: Nicole Ari Parker, Evan Ross, Arden Myrin, Roger Cross, Sean Maguire, Loretta Devine, Reno Wilson, Kimberly Elise, Marla Gibbs
Writers: Kim Bass
Where to Watch: VOD
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-Sharifa