Must-see African American Movies Up To 2018

African Americans have taken the film industry to new levels. Not only can you now find A-list African American actors, directors, writers, and more throughout the industry, but they have put together their talents to create some of the most influential films released in recent years. These are some of the must-see African American movies over the past few years.

Black Panther

Marvel’s Black Panther has been a cultural icon since its release. It has quickly risen to one of the top producing movies around the entire world. The Black Panther is a classic Marvel super hero based in the fictional African country of Wakanda. This is one of the most technologically advanced super heroes thanks to the resources found in their country. This film grew to prominence thanks to its portrayal of the African continent. Although it’s a modern super hero movie, many traditional African cultural characteristics can be seen throughout the film including dances, clothing, and ways of life.

Get Out

Get Out is an award-winning film, bringing a new story concept to the silver screen. It was directed by Jordan Peele whose creativity resulted in a film with lots of symbolism in the black community. The film is about an interracial couple of a black man and white woman. They eventually go to meet the family of the woman which brings him to a surreal community. Black men (and sometimes women) are lured here to be trapped for eternity in the “sunken place”. This is the perfect film is you’re looking for something suspenseful to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures is an African American historical reference film that serves as inspiration to breaking down societal barriers. This film is about a group of women engineers who begin working with NASA. Thanks to their education and strive towards bigger opportunities, they are placed in important positions. Even with these roles, they are faced with the hardships of being both African American and women in an environment dominated by white males. These challenges only provided them with more drive to overcome them. This film is based on a true story of how this group of women became pioneers for the NASA company.

Think Like A Man

We all deserve a good laugh and Think Like a Man is a romantic comedy that does the trick. This film is based off a book written by Steve Harvey of the same name. The film follows a group of friends and their relationships. It details the lives from both male and female perspectives as they approach common relationship stages from meeting, dating, marriage, and more. The book is featured in the film and gives women an insight to how men think and operate when it comes to relationships so they use this information to hopefully get what they ultimately want from their partners.

Marshall

One of the most notable African American figures in history is Thurgood Marshall. He was the first African American Supreme Court Justice in history, paving the way for many others after him. His journey to this prominent role wasn’t easy and the film Thurgood tells the tale of his earliest cases that catapulted his career. This case is a typical story of the time where a white woman accused a black man of rape; it seems like an obvious victory until Thurgood Marshall arrives so shake things up in the courtroom. Marshall is a great combination of historical context and entertainment.

Girls Trip

Girls Trip is packed with superstar talent including Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall, and more in this hilarious comedy. It’s a must-see African American film is you’re looking to laugh for the entire movie. The film is about a group of women who have known each other since high school, been in each other’s weddings, and many other experiences growing up. When life gets in the way of them spending time together, they embark on a wild adventure road trip to live it up. With their mission to have a memorable trip, there are new laughs and crazy experiences in every moment that they spend together.

Straight Outta Compton

Straight Outta Compton is a culturally iconic film about the rap group N.W.A. The film is a story following the early careers of Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube, as they formed this legendary rap group that quickly changed the role hip hop played in our communities. You get to see the formation of the group and their rise to national fame, all while dealing with common issues in black communities such as drugs, violence, disease, and struggles over money. All of these factors played a part in the ultimate fate of the group.