Here are our top picks for the greatest films you should watch to celebrate Black History Month…
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
Director: Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin Van Peebles wrote, directed and even starred in this movie. The triple-threat talent tells the story of a poor black man and his escape from authority and ‘the man’. Van Peebles fully funded the film himself as no studio would finance his independent film project.
Despite the controversies, this film is an important milestone in black cinema. Most audiences have only been familiar with Sidney Poitier type characters that were mostly asexual and conservative, but this film highlighted to audiences that black men are passionate and creative.
Harlem Nights (1989)
Director: Eddie Murphy
Harlem Nights follows two black nightclub owners in the 1930s who are forced to deal with gangsters and corrupt police. It’s a crime comedy-drama film written and directed by Eddie Murphy, starred three generations of African American stand-up comics: Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, and Murphy himself.
Despite not being a critical success, the film was #1 at the box office and is now a cult classic due to the humour and dialogue used. Watch this to see quirky humour mixed with a crime drama.
Shaft (1971)
Director: John D. F. Black
Shaft is a film that is known in popular culture. If you haven’t seen the film, then you’ve probably heard the outstanding main theme by Isaac Hayes. Shaft is a blaxploitation film with neo-noir and action elements starring Richard Roundtree as the titular character. He’s a private detective who is hired by a mobster to rescue his daughter who has been kidnapped.
Shaft was one of the most popular blaxploitation films and redefined the entire genre. Previous blaxploitation films never had a black star as anything of power, but Shaft helped to change this and became a legend. Watch this if you want to feel truly empowered.
The Color Purple (1985)
Director: Steven Spielberg
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Alice Walker. The Color Purple stars Whoopi Goldberg as a Southern black woman named Cecile who endures years of abuse by her father and then her husband. It’s through this abuse that she struggles to find her identity and self-worth.
Goldberg’s performance follows her triumphantly overcoming the men in her life who decided that her life isn’t valuable and shows that a woman isn’t defined by the men in her life. Watch this film for a roller-coaster of emotions and a powerful conclusion.
Coach Carter (2005)
Director: Thomas Carter
Coach Carter stars Samuel L. Jackson as the titular character, based on the true story of a basketball coach who made headlines in 1999 for suspending his undefeated high school team due to poor academic results.
Jackson is easy to believe as a straight-talking man who doesn’t tolerate nonsense. If you don’t watch this film for the inspiring performances, then watch it solely for the powerhouse of Samuel L. Jackson.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Director: Spike Lee
Spike Lee wrote, directed and starred in this comedy-drama film that explores racial tension in Brooklyn, in which a neighbourhood’s hate and racism rises and culminates in violence. Lee wrote the script in two weeks and based it on a real-life event in which black youths were chased out of a pizzeria.
The film caused a stir when it came out, as some ranted that the film could incite black audiences to riot, but Lee himself challenged these claims by comparing his film to an Arnold Schwarzenegger film. The film urges audiences to Do the Right Thing and fight the power!
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan
The romantic comedy features a mainly all black cast and stars Angela Bassett as Stella Payne, a highly successful stockbroker who is persuaded to take a vacation to Jamaica. She meets a young islander who takes her on a hot and steamy whirlwind romance.
It’s pretty typical for the genre, but features the black cast at the forefront of the film instead of in the background. Stella’s story is fun and easy to watch – and who doesn’t love a rom-com?
New Jack City (1991)
Director: Mario Van Peebles
New Jack City is an action gangster film with elements of neo-noir. The film is the directing debut of Melvin Van Peebles’ son Mario, following a rising drug-lord during the crack epidemic and a detective who goes undercover to stop him.
The film features a mainly black cast including Wesley Snipes and Ice-T as the two leads. It’s constantly suspenseful and driven by high energy performances – watch this if you like Goodfellas or The Departed.
Black Panther (2018)
Director: Ryan Coogler
Black Panther is the first Marvel film with a predominantly black cast. The film follows Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, crowned king of Wakanda following his father’s death, whose sovereignty is challenged by a rival who plans a global revolution.
Black Panther is a refreshing take on the superhero genre. It’s a stylish and entertaining film that proves African-American narratives can generate profits and acclaim from all audiences, and that race shouldn’t define a great film. Wakanda forever!
Coming to America (1988)
Director: John Landis
Coming to America is a rom-com based on a story created by Eddie Murphy. Murphy stars as Akeem Joffer, the prince of a fictional African nation, who travels to America in hopes of finding a wife. Whilst in America, he pretends to be poor so he can find a wife who loves him for who he really is instead of his wealth.
Murphy was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood during this time, having been a huge success on Saturday Night Live and starring in Beverly Hills Cop II just before this film. Give this a watch if you want to see the charisma and uniqueness of Eddie Murphy.
By Charlie Vogelsang