28 of the Best Black Romance Movies Through the Decades
From Mahogany to Malcolm and Marie.
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When it comes to depictions of Black stories in Hollywood, aside from the belly laughs induced by some of our most rewatched comedies, there's perhaps no other better pure, understated depiction of joy than a romance. Many pop culture savants will point to the 1990s, which is widely viewed as the sweet spot for Black romance movies. The decade gave way to essential classics like Poetic Justice and Love Jones. But years later, in a country that puts so much value on the impact of entertainment, the mainstream rom-com genre is still overwhelmed with depictions of predominantly white characters falling in love.
This exists in direct contrast to the wants of Black viewers, who have long craved an increase in depictions of complex, love-filled content when it comes to the big screen. "When you are only portraying certain people as being worthy of love, or that certain people are worthy of being centered, that is very much making an implicit political statement," says Carole V. Belle, a media, politics and identity researcher who contributed to the upcoming essay collection, Black Love Matters.
She continues, "Especially today, part of how we construct our identities and come to terms with our identities is seeing ourselves through the media and seeing media that we identify with. If you're never able to find stories that you relate to in which people share aspects of your identity or sexuality, that can be a really problematic."
Thankfully, there are creators of past and present who recognized that disparity and make room for those necessary stories. University of Chicago associate professor of cinema and media studies, Allyson Nadia Field, has long studied the history of Black cinema. In 2019, she even helped to discover film's earliest depiction of affection between two Black actors. It's a cheerful 29-second silent clip called Something Good-Negro Kiss (1898) in which the performers hold hands and share a sweet peck.
Field explains that aside from the box office films we've seen over the decades, since the 19th century little-known filmmakers have always worked in the background to depict Black love in any way they can. "We're recovering a lot of films by [directors like] Oscar Micheaux and Spencer Williams. We're getting a fuller sense of what audiences might have been exposed to, and that's really exciting," she tells Oprah Daily. "At times throughout film history, societal and structural racism kind of worked in tandem to dehumanize Black people in popular culture. That's why I think these images are so important. And for films from the silent era, to now, when you see instances of love, affection, and companionship, they do really important work to counteract these prevalent misrepresentations in popular culture."
And while there is still progress being made, why not celebrate the irresistible Black romance that exists on our screens today. TV is definitely having a moment (please checkout HBO's Love Life, Harlem on Amazon Prime, and of course, Insecure), but there's nothing like a great movie. Below, some of our favorite, from 2021's epic drama Malcolm and Marie, to seeing Diahann Carroll shine in Claudine.
"Malcolm and Marie" (2021)
Cast: Zendaya, John David Washington
After returning home from the premiere of his debut movie, filmmaker Malcolm and his girlfriend Marie await the critical response. But an exciting night soon gives way to revelations and tension in their relationship.
"Lovers Rock" (2020)
Cast: Michael Ward, Kedar-Williams Stirling, Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn
Lovers Rock takes us to a house party in 1980s London, where lead character Martha succumbs to the irresistible pull of young love. The film is a part of director Steve McQueen's five-part anthology, Small Axe, which follows Black British life from the 1960s to '80s.
"Sylvie's Love" (2020)
Cast: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Regé-Jean Page, Aja Naomi King
Set in New York City in the summer of 1957, aspiring television producer Sylvie falls for the reserved—but handsome—Robert, a rising jazz saxophonist. They quickly fall into a whirlwind romance, but their diverging paths tear them apart. Five years later, they meet again and find their connection hasn't faded.
"The Photograph" (2020)
Cast: Issa Rae, Lakeith Stanfield
Journalist Michael (Stanfield) follows a lead that introduces him to Mae (Rae), a successful art curator who's grappling with the recent death of her mother. But as we follow their romance, we're also introduced to a love story from the past that's unexpectedly linked to the present.
"Queen and Slim" (2019)
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith
While some would call it more of a dramatic thriller than a romance, it's hard to ignore the chemistry between main characters Queen and Slim. They meet for the first time during an awkward first date, but are soon forced to go on the run after they fatally shoot a police officer in self defense. What follows is a complex reflection on Blackness in America, and a heart-pumping tale of runaway lovers.
"If Beale Street Could Talk" (2018)
Cast: Regina King, Stephan James, Kiki Layne, Dave Franco
Based on the James Baldwin novel of the same name, this acclaimed romance follows a young Black couple, Fonny and Tish, whose future is derailed after Fonny is arrested for rape—a crime he did not commit.
"Moonlight" (2016)
Cast: Mahershala Ali, Trevante Rhodes, Janelle Monae
This Oscar-winning film follows three distinct times in the life of Chiron, a young Black man growing up in Miami who experiments with his sexuality as he faces countless life setbacks.
"Southside With You" (2016)
Cast: Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers
Southside With You takes us back to Chicago 1989, as it follows the fateful first date of Barack and Michelle Obama.
"About Last Night" (2014)
Cast: Michael Ealy, Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant
On a night out, Danny meets a successful businesswoman, Debbie, and they have an instant connection. But despite their wariness of love, the two try to make it work. At the same time, their respective best friends warn them not to commit.
"Beyond the Lights" (2014)
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, Danny Glover
Rising pop artist Noni seems to have it all, but under the weight of her success, she attempts to commit suicide. She is saved by her new bodyguard Kaz, and they quickly fall for each other—but their love is not supported by those closest to them.
"Think Like a Man" (2012)
Cast: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Terrence J., Romany Malco, Lala Anthony, Gary Owen
After a group of friends' discover that the ladies in their life have been reading Steve Harvey's book, Think Like a Man, for relationship advice, the men decide to also use the book's lessons to gain the upper hand.
"Jumping the Broom" (2011)
Cast: Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine
Corporate lawyer Sabrina and Wall Street broker Jason fall for one another fast and quickly get engaged. But when their two families meet for the first time at Sabrina's family property in Martha's Vineyard, their vastly different upbringings threaten their happy ending.
"Just Wright" (2010)
Cast: Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton
A physical therapist lands her dream job as she's hired to work with a professional basketball player. But as she begins to fall in love with him, his attention is focused on her best friend.
"Why Did I Get Married?" (2007)
Cast: Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Tasha Smith, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Richard T. Jones
A Tyler Perry original, the movie follows eight married friends on their annual trip to Colorado. But as it's revealed that one pair is grappling with infidelity, it prompts the others to take a look at their own relationships.
"Daddy's Little Girls" (2007)
Cast: Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Tasha Smith
A struggling mechanic named Monty loses custody of his three daughters to their drug-dealing mother. Desperate to get them back, he hires an attorney, Julia. Throughout the emotional battle for custody, the two begin a romance.
"Deliver Us From Eva" (2003)
Cast: Gabrielle Union, LL Cool J., Meagan Good
In order to distract Eva, the domineering older sister of their wives, her brother-in-laws secretly higher a lady's man to sway her attention. But as they actually begin to fall for each other, the plan begins to fall apart.
"Brown Sugar" (2002)
Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Taye Diggs, Mos Def, Nicole Ari Parker
Lifelong friends Andre and Sidney initially bonded the day they discovered hip-hop in New York City. Now a music critic and music executive respectively, their adult lives seem to take them back to the sweetest parts of their childhood.
"Love & Basketball" (2000)
Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Dennis Haysbert, Alfre Woodard
A cult favorite in Black film, Love & Basketball follows the story of two childhood friends who slowly begin to fall for each other—all while chasing their dream to become professional basketball players.
"The Best Man" (1999)
Cast: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Terrence Howard, Regina Hall
At the helm of this A-list ensemble cast is Taye Diggs, who plays a writer who pens a revealing novel based off of the lives of his best friends. But when he serves as the best man at his friend's wedding, he fights to keep the book under wraps.
McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.
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