50 best films of all time from Black directors

- Director: Maya Angelou
- IMDb user rating: 6.9
- Metascore: 73
- Runtime: 112 minutes

Directed by Maya Angelou in her only film directorial endeavor, "Down in the Delta" is a drama starring Alfre Woodard and Wesley Snipes. The story centers on Loretta (Woodard), a struggling single mother from Chicago who, along with her children, is sent to live with her uncle (Al Freeman Jr.) in Mississippi, where they reconnect with their family's history and heritage.

Angelou, known primarily for her literary work, brought a lyrical touch to the film, weaving a narrative highlighting the importance of family and cultural roots. Released amid a resurgence of Black cinema, the film received praise for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances.

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 6.9
- Metascore: 71
- Runtime: 128 minutes

"Clockers" is a gritty urban drama that explores the lives of young drug dealers in Brooklyn, New York, featuring standout performances by Mekhi Phifer and Harvey Keitel. Director Spike Lee, who co-wrote and produced the film, offers an unflinching look at the impact of drugs and violence on inner-city youth.

"Clockers" originally had Martin Scorsese directing, but after he bowed out to take on "Casino," Robert De Niro, who was originally cast in the movie, exited with him. These departures allowed Lee to take the director's seat and greater creative control. Though it hardly got the attention it deserved when it was released, the film eventually solidified Lee's reputation as a director unafraid to confront challenging subjects.

- Directors: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
- IMDb user rating: 6.9
- Metascore: data not available
- Runtime: 119 minutes

Directed by the Hughes brothers, Albert and Allen Hughes, "Dead Presidents" stars Larenz Tate as Anthony Curtis, a young man whose life spirals into crime after serving in the Vietnam War. Other notable cast members include Chris Tucker, Terrence Howard, and Keith David.

Inspired by the 1984 book "Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans," the film stands out for its depiction of the struggles faced by Black Vietnam veterans. The Hughes brothers' direction and vision brought a raw, visceral quality to the film, effectively capturing the turmoil of the era.

However, the film, financed by Disney, is not Albert's favorite; he felt he and his brother were too young at the time and didn't encounter enough resistance in filmmaking, which could have led to a better movie in the end.

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 6.9
- Metascore: 64
- Runtime: 136 minutes

"He Got Game" is a sports drama starring Denzel Washington as a prison inmate temporarily released to persuade his estranged son, a top basketball prospect played by Ray Allen, to play for the governor's alma mater. Director Spike Lee, who also wrote the film, blends the personal drama of a fractured family with the high-stakes world of college basketball recruiting, offering a nuanced look at the pressures faced by young athletes.

Released during a booming era of sports entertainment, the film was lauded for its authentic portrayal of the sport and the complexity of its characters. "He Got Game" has since become a staple in sports film discussions, remembered for its unique blend of sports, social commentary, and personal narrative.

- Director: Boots Riley
- IMDb user rating: 6.9
- Metascore: 79
- Runtime: 112 minutes

In Boots Riley's directorial debut, "Sorry to Bother You," is a bold and surreal satire that explores capitalism, race, and identity. Starring LaKeith Stanfield as a telemarketer who adopts a "white accent" to succeed, the film quickly spirals into a wild, genre-defying narrative.

Riley's unique vision and background as a musician and activist brought a distinctive, creative approach to the film, which resonated with audiences and critics for its originality and biting social commentary. Released amid growing social and political unrest, "Sorry to Bother You" received acclaim for its inventive storytelling and sharp humor, quickly becoming a cult hit.

- Director: Euzhan Palcy
- IMDb user rating: 7
- Metascore: 68
- Runtime: 106 minutes

"A Dry White Season" is a hard-hitting drama set against apartheid in South Africa. Starring Donald Sutherland, Susan Sarandon, and Marlon Brando, the film tells the story of a white schoolteacher with no political interest, played by Sutherland, who helps his Black gardener find his jailed son. As he undertakes the investigation, his eyes are opened to the brutalities of apartheid.

While the film was shot in Zimbabwe, Africa, Euzhan Palcy, the first Black woman director of a Hollywood studio film, went undercover in Soweto, South Africa, to conduct research for the film and to learn more about the apartheid riots. The resulting film was, as the Los Angeles Times called it, "an unusually powerful rendering of the costs of principled dissent—as well as a crackerjack thriller."

- Director: George Tillman Jr.
- IMDb user rating: 7
- Metascore: 68
- Runtime: 115 minutes

The film "Soul Food" is a dramedy that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and traditions. It features an ensemble cast including Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, and Nia Long and centers around the trials and tribulations of a close-knit Black family in Chicago brought together by their Sunday soul food dinners.

George Tillman Jr., who also wrote the screenplay, captures the essence of family bonds and cultural heritage through the communal preparation and eating of meals. Highlighting a popular tradition for Black families and especially descendants of Africans enslaved in the South, the film also led to a television series adaptation.

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 7
- Metascore: 65
- Runtime: 115 minutes

"Crooklyn," a semi-autobiographical film directed by Spike Lee, marks another entry on this list by the renowned filmmaker. Set in the 1970s, it presents a nostalgic look at family life in Brooklyn, seen through the eyes of a young girl named Troy. The ensemble cast, including Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo, brings to life the joys and challenges of a Black family. Lee, who co-wrote the film with his siblings, captures the essence of the era and the universal dynamics of family life with his distinctive storytelling style.

- Director: Bill Duke
- IMDb user rating: 7
- Metascore: 67
- Runtime: 107 minutes

"Deep Cover" is a neo-noir crime thriller that goes into the morally ambiguous world of undercover law enforcement. The film stars Laurence Fishburne as a police officer who goes undercover to expose a drug syndicate. As he climbs the ranks, he is met with temptation that becomes harder and harder to resist, especially for someone like him, who came from the ghetto.

Bill Duke's film direction is notable for its intense, stylized approach to the crime genre and for addressing identity, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the war on drugs. The film also features Dr. Dre's debut solo single, "Deep Cover," featuring Snoop Dogg.

- Director: Angela Robinson
- IMDb user rating: 7
- Metascore: 68
- Runtime: 108 minutes

"Professor Marston and the Wonder Women" explores the true story behind the unconventional creation of the Wonder Woman superhero character. The film stars Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall, and Bella Heathcote, portraying the polyamorous relationship between psychologist William Moulton Marston; his wife, Elizabeth; and their partner, Olive Byrne, which inspired the iconic superheroine.

Director Angela Robinson, who dedicated nearly a decade of research to this story, brings a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of themes like feminism, sexuality, and nontraditional relationships in her direction. "Part of me just wanted to tell a love story," Robinson told the Los Angeles Times.

- Director: Charles Burnett
- IMDb user rating: 7.1
- Metascore: data not available
- Runtime: 115 minutes

"My Brother's Wedding" examines the multidimensionality of Black family relationships. The film follows Pierce Mundy (Everett Silas), a young man who fights an internal battle when he is forced to choose between attending his brother's nuptials to a well-to-do bride or appearing at the funeral of an ex-convict friend he swore to look after.

Now a celebrated part of Charles Burnett's oeuvre, the film originally premiered to disastrous results after producers snatched its edit away from the filmmaker too soon. "My Brother's Wedding" received a scathing review from The New York Times, causing the producers to shelve the film until Milestone Films purchased its rights decades later, allowing Burnett to finally edit it as he wished in 2007.

Burnett, who also wrote and edited the film, ensures a narrative imbued with authenticity and subtle social commentary, which captured the everyday struggles and joys of a working-class Black family.

- Director: Ivan Dixon
- IMDb user rating: 7.1
- Metascore: data not available
- Runtime: 102 minutes

Based on the novel by Sam Greenlee, "The Spook Who Sat by the Door," follows Dan Freeman (Lawrence Cook), a token Black CIA agent who uses his training to turn the tables against the agency by training young Black people from Chicago in guerrilla warfare. Ivan Dixon directed and co-produced the film, delivering a mix of political commentary and action.

Because of its plot, the film was suppressed by the FBI, which advised theater managers to halt screenings despite positive reviews from its premiere. All prints were seized and the film was effectively erased from history, according to David Somerset, writing for Sight & Sound magazine. Were it not for Dixon archiving the movie under a different title, it may not even have survived to be viewed today at all.

The film existed as bootleg videos and was released on DVD in 2004, becoming a Black cinematic cult classic. Unfortunately, Dixon never directed another film, and Cook was never able to find another role of similar importance. Writing decades later in 2018, however, Richard Brody of The New Yorker hailed it "a distinctive and accomplished work of art, no mere artifact of the times but an enduring experience."

- Director: Gordon Parks
- IMDb user rating: 7.1
- Metascore: data not available
- Runtime: 107 minutes

"The Learning Tree" is the formative work of Gordon Parks that made him the first Black person to direct a major studio film. Based on Parks' semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, it stars Kyle Johnson as Newt, a young Black boy coming of age in rural Kansas during the 1920s who deals with racial prejudices and personal dilemmas.

"The Learning Tree" was noted for its complex portrayal of Black life, especially as audiences see Newt exonerate a white man wrongfully accused of murder and incriminate a Black farmworker. Maurice Berger, chief curator of the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, wrote: "Works like 'The Learning Tree' remind us of the extent to which Parks actively reached out to all people through his extraordinary work, inspiring them to examine their attitudes about each other."

- Director: Marlon Riggs
- IMDb user rating: 7.1
- Metascore: data not available
- Runtime: 55 minutes

"Tongues Untied" explores the convolutedness of being both Black and gay in the United States. Blending poetry, personal narratives, and performance, the film features director Marlon Riggs himself, along with other Black gay men, sharing their experiences of marginalization and their search for identity and community. Riggs' innovative approach challenges traditional narrative formats and confronts issues of racism, homophobia, and silence.

Upon its release, the film sparked controversy to the point of being debated in the halls of Congress but was also hailed for its artistic bravery and critical insight into an often ignored intersection of identities—a process Riggs described as difficult. He told PBS' POV: "Everything within me was saying, 'No, no, no. Don't do it. … Find somebody else.' I also realized I couldn't ask anybody else to do that. … That really was my responsibility." The film was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2022.

- Director: Carl Franklin
- IMDb user rating: 7.1
- Metascore: 87
- Runtime: 105 minutes

"One False Move" is a tension-filled, critically acclaimed thriller that follows Pluto (Michael Beach), Ray (Billy Bob Thornton), and Ray's girlfriend, Fantasia (Cynda Williams), whose killing spree en route to Arkansas from Los Angeles comes to a halt when they're caught by Louisiana sheriff Dale Dixon (Bill Paxton). Carl Franklin's directorial debut is lauded for its tight pacing and ability to build tension, along with the nuanced portrayal of the characters. The film was praised for its originality and psychological depth.

- Director: Barry Jenkins
- IMDb user rating: 7.1
- Metascore: 87
- Runtime: 119 minutes

"If Beale Street Could Talk" is a lyrical and emotional adaptation of James Baldwin's novel of the same name. Set in 1970s Harlem, the film tells the story of Tish and Fonny, a young Black couple beautifully portrayed by KiKi Layne and Stephan James, respectively, whose future is shattered when Fonny is falsely accused of a crime.

Barry Jenkins' direction is notable for its poetic approach—using rich visuals and a soulful score to capture the couple's deep love and the systemic injustice they face. Highly acclaimed for Jenkins' ability to translate Baldwin's powerful prose to screen, the film also contributed to the ongoing conversation about love, resilience, and injustice within the Black experience.

- Director: William Greaves
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 71
- Runtime: 75 minutes

"Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One" is a groundbreaking experimental film. Defying categorization, it blends documentary, narrative, and improvisation.

William Greaves both directs and stars in the film, as he captures the chaos and confusion among his crew in New York's Central Park, who thought they were filming a fictional drama. All the while, Greaves was also shooting behind-the-scenes footage of what unfolded. As Hyperallergic put it, it was "a nonfiction film about making a nonfiction film about the making of a fiction film."

Greaves hoped to debut the film at Cannes but was turned down. It took two decades more before its potential was recognized when a Brooklyn curator screened it as part of the filmmaker's retrospective. It has since been called "one of the most daring and original movies of the time" by The New Yorker and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2015.

- Director: Charles Burnett
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: data not available
- Runtime: 102 minutes

"To Sleep With Anger" is a layered drama starring Danny Glover in a standout performance as Harry, a mysterious and charismatic visitor to a middle-class Black family. His presence exposes the multiple schisms smoldering between the parents and their children—between tradition and change.

With a star-studded cast, the film was the first time Charles Burnett worked with professional actors. The film weaves a tale that combines Southern folklore and supernatural elements with modern urban life. The film came at a time when Black cinema was gaining wider recognition and, at the time, was Burnett's most financially successful film, earning $1.4 million in 1990.

- Director: Charles Burnett
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 96
- Runtime: 80 minutes

Charles Burnett's earlier film "Killer of Sheep" stands as another pivotal work in American independent cinema. This seminal film takes a critical look at the life of a working-class Black family in Watts, Los Angeles. Starring Kaycee Moore and Henry G. Sanders in the lead role as Stan, the film explores the life of a slaughterhouse worker dealing with the emotional weight of his job and life's general hardships, even as others tempt him into darker, more criminal paths.

Burnett—who directed, wrote, and edited the film as part of his master's thesis at the University of California, Los Angeles—initially ran across distribution issues due to the lack of funds to license the music he used in the movie, which makes sense, considering his soundtrack consisted of musical greats like Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington, and George Gershwin. Music rights were eventually purchased in 2007, allowing "Killer of Sheep" greater distribution. It was included in the National Film Registry in 1990 and in a list of 100 essential films of all time by the National Society of Film Critics.

- Director: Dee Rees
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 79
- Runtime: 86 minutes

"Pariah" is a poignant coming-of-age drama that follows the life of Alike, a Brooklyn teenager traversing the challenges of identity and sexuality. Played by Adepero Oduye, Alike's journey of self-discovery and acceptance unfolds while she juggles the expectations of her family as well as societal norms. In her first feature, Dee Rees, who also wrote the screenplay, created a much-needed LGBTQ+ narrative, contributing to a broader conversation around representation and diversity in film, paving the way for such creative work as "Pose" and "Moonlight."

- Director: John Singleton
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 71
- Runtime: 140 minutes

"Rosewood" tells the tragic yet profound story of a 1923 massacre, where more than 200 white men attacked the Black community of Rosewood in Florida, killing 30 of its residents, burning the town, and forcing its survivors to flee permanently. Featuring performances by Ving Rhames, Jon Voight, and Don Cheadle, the film "effectively captured the real-life horror of racism," as activist and author Umar Johnson told CNN.

John Singleton's adept direction recreates the harrowing events with striking authenticity. Released when Hollywood seldom explored such racially charged historical events, the film garnered acclaim for unearthing painful truths of America's past.

- Director: Kasi Lemmons
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 78
- Runtime: 108 minutes

"Eve's Bayou" stands as a seminal work in the realm of supernatural Black cinema. Set against the lush backdrop of 1960s Louisiana, the film weaves a spellbinding tale of family secrets and mysticism, seen through the eyes of young Eve (Jurnee Smollett in a breakout performance). Samuel L. Jackson, Meagan Good, and Lynn Whitfield deliver compelling performances that anchor the film's exploration of memory and perception. Kasi Lemmons' directorial debut is a masterful blend of Southern Gothic sensibility and rich, folkloric storytelling, whose influence can be felt in Beyoncé's "Lemonade," "Queen Sugar," and "Lovecraft Country."

- Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 57
- Runtime: 114 minutes

"The Secret Life of Bees" is an adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's novel set in the American South during the Civil Rights Movement. The film stars Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens, a young girl haunted by the memory of her mother, who finds solace and secrets of her past in the world of beekeeping with the Boatwright sisters, played by Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo.

While the film does include scenes of domestic violence, a beating motivated by racial reasons, and even child abuse, its "every terror and sorrow is swaddled in warm, therapeutic comfort," according to The New York Times. Also known for "Love & Basketball," director Gina Prince-Bythewood was motivated to take on this project to provide more opportunities for Black women to shine on camera.

- Director: Denzel Washington
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 79
- Runtime: 139 minutes

"Fences" is a powerful adaptation of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the film stars Washington alongside Viola Davis, who deliver moving performances as Troy and Rose Maxson, a couple grappling with unfulfilled dreams and the realities of racism, even as more opportunities open up for younger Black generations.

With his direction, Denzel Washington captures the intense and rhythmic patterns embedded in Wilson's play, bringing to screen a story rich with themes of family and the enduring impact of the past. "Fences" was acclaimed for its faithful adaptation and Davis' Oscar-winning portrayal.

- Director: F. Gary Gray
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 54
- Runtime: 91 minutes

"Friday" is a cult classic comedy that has left a lasting impact on popular culture. Starring Ice Cube, who co-wrote the film with DJ Pooh, and Chris Tucker, "Friday" offers a humorous yet insightful look at life for young Black men in South Central Los Angeles.

Director F. Gary Gray compares his film to "Leave It to Beaver" because of its lighthearted approach to the story. The film's blend of comedy and social commentary, along with memorable lines and characters, has made it a cultural touchstone, influencing a range of media from movies to music and has spawned two sequels due to its enduring popularity.

- Director: Mario Van Peebles
- IMDb user rating: 7.3
- Metascore: 75
- Runtime: 109 minutes

"Baadasssss!" is a biopic that pays homage to director Mario Van Peebles' father, Melvin, and the making of the groundbreaking film "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." Mario not only acted as the director, producer, and screenwriter of this homage but also played the same role his father did in "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song," a "ghetto cowboy" facing off against white police.

The film captures the challenges and triumphs Melvin faced while creating a film that would spearhead the Blaxploitation era in cinema, while also providing Mario the opportunity to come face to face with his past. With the film, Mario also revived interest in his father's legacy while the patriarch was still alive.

- Director: Kasi Lemmons
- IMDb user rating: 7.3
- Metascore: 69
- Runtime: 118 minutes

"Talk to Me" showcases director Kasi Lemmons' versatility as a filmmaker, following her earlier success with "Eve's Bayou." This biographical drama stars Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor in the true story of Ralph "Petey" Greene, an ex-con who became a popular talk-show host and community activist in the 1960s. Lemmons' direction blends humor and social commentary, leading to several award nominations, including an NAACP Image Award.

- Director: Denzel Washington
- IMDb user rating: 7.3
- Metascore: 62
- Runtime: 120 minutes

"Antwone Fisher," Denzel Washington's directorial debut, tells the piteous but uplifting true story of a young Navy sailor (Derek Luke in a critically acclaimed performance), who confronts his troubled past with the help of a Navy psychiatrist. The film was well-received for its inspirational narrative, marking a successful transition for Washington into directing.

Apart from taking a pay cut, Washington also pulled double duty to attract financing for the movie, which he admitted was a challenging task. "It's enough just to direct the first time out, you know? And to have to act and direct—that was very difficult," he told ABC. "Antwone Fisher" earned numerous accolades and was a commercial success, grossing over $23 million worldwide.

- Director: Lee Daniels
- IMDb user rating: 7.3
- Metascore: 78
- Runtime: 110 minutes

"Precious" is an emotionally charged film based on Sapphire's novel "Push." The film, starring Gabourey Sidibe in a breakout role and Mo'Nique delivering an Oscar-winning performance, tells the harrowing story of an illiterate and abused teenage girl who is pregnant with her second child and offered a chance to enroll in an alternative school for a better future.

"Precious" was a critical and commercial success, earning over $68 million globally and receiving numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Filmed in a quasi-documentary style mixed with fantasy, the film received a 15-minute standing ovation at Cannes, but it took the involvement of two giants in Black entertainment—Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry—to finally see this movie widely released.

- Director: F. Gary Gray
- IMDb user rating: 7.3
- Metascore: 62
- Runtime: 140 minutes

"The Negotiator" stars Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey in a thrilling high-stakes drama where a top hostage negotiator takes hostages to prove his innocence after being falsely accused of corruption. This desperate professional negotiator will only speak with another trained negotiator, who is unlikely to be part of an internal ring of traitors. F. Gary Gray's direction keeps the tension high and the action gripping despite a lot of the film essentially focusing on two negotiators talking to one another. The film is praised for the strong performance of its lead actors under Gray's direction.

- Director: Ryan Coogler
- IMDb user rating: 7.3
- Metascore: 88
- Runtime: 134 minutes

"Black Panther" is a groundbreaking superhero film that redefined the genre with its celebration of African culture and exploration of complex themes within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film stars the late Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa, the titular hero and king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, with a stellar cast including Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danai Gurira. Ryan Coogler, who co-wrote the screenplay, infused the film with a blend of traditional African aesthetics and contemporary issues, creating a rich, vibrant world rooted in Afrofuturism and matriarchal leadership that resonated globally.

At the time of its release, it was only one of seven films to earn more than $600 million domestically, even surpassing "The Avengers," which earned $623.4 million in 2012. The film's acclaim and popularity marked a milestone, not only for its representation of Black characters in a major Hollywood film but also for its profound influence on the industry and audiences worldwide.

- Director: Roger Ross Williams
- IMDb user rating: 7.4
- Metascore: 75
- Runtime: 92 minutes

"Life, Animated" is a documentary film by Roger Ross Williams that follows the life of Owen Suskind, a young man with autism who learned to communicate with the world through his love of Disney animated films. Williams blends home videos, interviews, and animated sequences to portray Owen's heartwarming journey from a life of silence to one filled with expression and connection. The film, based on a book by Owen's father, journalist Ron Suskind, is not only a personal story but also a broader exploration of autism and the power of storytelling.

- Director: Dee Rees
- IMDb user rating: 7.4
- Metascore: 85
- Runtime: 134 minutes

"Mudbound" is a historical drama set in the South in the years after World War II. The film, featuring an ensemble cast including Carey Mulligan, Jason Mitchell, Mary J. Blige, and Garrett Hedlund, tells the story of two families—one Black, one white—navigating the harsh realities of farming life in Mississippi. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Hillary Jordan.

Director Dee Rees, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Virgil Williams, shares a narrative that is both sweeping and intimate, capturing the lingering effects of war intertwined with themes of racism and poverty. The film garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Academy Award nominations. As A.O. Scott wrote for The New York Times, "It's a work of historical imagination that lands in the present with disquieting, illuminating force."

- Director: Barry Jenkins
- IMDb user rating: 7.4
- Metascore: 99
- Runtime: 111 minutes

"Moonlight" is a beautifully crafted film that chronicles the life of Chiron, a young Black man grappling with his identity and sexuality, set against the backdrop of Miami's drug-plagued Liberty City.

Based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's play "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue," the film, structured in three parts, features remarkable performances by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes, each portraying Chiron at different stages of his life. Barry Jenkins' direction is notable for its poetic and empathetic approach, exploring themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and love from the Black male perspective.

It took about 17 years for the film's style and form to develop, cinematographer James Laxton told Time, but its long gestation period reaped rewards. "Moonlight" received universal acclaim for its innovative storytelling, visual artistry, and emotional impact.

In the lead-up to the 2017 Oscars, the film had supporters like filmmaker Mark Duplass, who wrote an open letter to the Academy with these words: "The film is important because it is a beautiful, sweet, open love letter to the core human values that connect us all. It is important because it reaches beyond its specific characters and tells the story of all of our dreams and collective life experiences. It simultaneously tells a harsh truth and, miraculously, does it with an air of hope."

The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, albeit after an infamously unceremonious mix-up.

- Director: George Tillman Jr.
- IMDb user rating: 7.5
- Metascore: 81
- Runtime: 133 minutes

"The Hate U Give" is a compelling adaptation of Angie Thomas' young adult novel of the same name. It features Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter, a young Black girl navigating two worlds: her impoverished, predominantly Black neighborhood and her affluent, mostly white prep school.

The film plunges into the heart of racial tensions when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed childhood friend by a police officer. George Tillman Jr.'s direction captured the complex dynamics of race, community, and activism through the lens of a young Black girl. Richard Brody, writing for The New Yorker, praised the film for juxtaposing the struggles of the characters with the larger scope of their political and historical environment. Brody ends with these words: "Its unstinting vigor and empathetic but unsentimental nuance mark it as a distinctive and exceptional political film."

- Director: Denzel Washington
- IMDb user rating: 7.5
- Metascore: 65
- Runtime: 126 minutes

"The Great Debaters" is an inspiring drama set during the 1930s based on the true story of a debate team from Wiley College, a historically Black college in Texas. Denzel Washington not only directs but also stars in the film with Forest Whitaker. He also introduced audiences to a young, talented cast, including Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, and Denzel Whitaker.

The film highlights the team's journey to challenge racial prejudices and social injustices through the power of words, culminating in a climactic debate against Harvard. Wiley's debate team has historically gone on to produce poets like Henrietta Bell Wells and civil rights leaders like James Farmer Jr. The film remains notable for its educational and motivational impact, as well as Washington's skilled direction that brought an important but little-known story to light.

- Directors: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
- IMDb user rating: 7.5
- Metascore: 76
- Runtime: 97 minutes

"Menace II Society" is a raw and unflinching portrayal of urban life and violence in Watts, Los Angeles. Starring Tyrin Turner, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Larenz Tate, the film follows the life of a young man, Caine (Turner), as he navigates through a world of crime and desperation. The Hughes brothers, in their directorial debut, deliver a gritty and realistic depiction of the consequences of gang violence, influenced by their own experiences growing up in urban America. "Menace II Society" was critically acclaimed for its fully fleshed-out characters and a narrative that dares to show the grim reality of those who are left behind.

- Director: Ryan Coogler
- IMDb user rating: 7.5
- Metascore: 85
- Runtime: 85 minutes

"Fruitvale Station," the 2013 debut film of director Ryan Coogler, is a gripping portrayal of the last day in the life of Oscar Grant III, a young Black man fatally shot by a BART police officer in Oakland, California.

Played with profound depth by Michael B. Jordan, the film humanizes Grant, reaching inside his most intimate relationships and daily struggles, lending a personal face to a tragic news story, which cultural critic and journalist A.O. Scott notes in his New York Times review: "The radicalism of "Fruitvale Station" lies precisely here, in its refusal to turn a man into a symbol. Nearly every Black man, whether or not he is president, tends to be flattened out by popular culture and the psychopathology of everyday American life, rendered as an innocent victim, a noble warrior or a menace to society. There is a dehumanizing violence in this habit, a willed, toxic blindness that "Fruitvale Station" at once exposes and resists."

- Director: Ava DuVernay
- IMDb user rating: 7.5
- Metascore: 79
- Runtime: 128 minutes

A historical drama that chronicles the pivotal 1965 Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, voting rights marches, "Selma," captures the intensity and emotional gravity of the struggle for voting rights for Black people in the South. The film provides a vivid portrayal of this crucial moment in the Civil Rights Movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo).

Ava DuVernay, who mostly directed independent films at that point, brought a fresh dynamic perspective to this historical event, emphasizing the strategic planning, political obstacles, and personal sacrifices involved. The film made DuVernay the first Black woman director who had her film nominated for a Best Picture Oscar—one of many firsts to come. "Selma" was praised for its compelling narrative and strong acting performances, but it also allowed DuVernay to show that, yes, women directors can tackle politics and history with aplomb, paving the way for future young talents.

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 7.5
- Metascore: 83
- Runtime: 135 minutes

"BlacKkKlansman" is an affronting and darkly humorous film based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first Black detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department, played by John David Washington, son of Denzel Washington. The film chronicles Stallworth's audacious mission to infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan with the help of his colleague, portrayed by Adam Driver.

Spike Lee's direction expertly balances satire and social commentary, creating a powerful statement on contemporary racial issues while drawing parallels to historical events. "BlaKkKlansman" received critical acclaim for its timely and compelling narrative, earning Lee his first competitive Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Lee received an honorary award in 2015 for "Do the Right Thing."

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Metascore: 69
- Runtime: 135 minutes

"25th Hour" presents an introspective look at post-9/11 New York City through the lens of a convicted drug dealer, Monty Brogan (Edward Norton). As Monty reflects on his life during his last day of freedom before beginning a seven-year prison sentence, the film sets on themes of regret, redemption, and the impact of life choices.

Spike Lee's ability to capture the zeitgeist of a city and a nation in turmoil has been recognized as a unique perspective on weaving personal stories into the broader tapestry of societal events. In his review, David Fear wrote for Rolling Stone: "This movie captures the vibe of the city in the aftermath of that horrific event in a way that feels more compelling, more wounding (and wounded), more spot-on than any recreations of that day's tragedy possibly could."

- Director: Ryan Coogler
- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Metascore: 82
- Runtime: 133 minutes

"Creed" rejuvenated the iconic "Rocky" franchise by introducing a fresh narrative centered on Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), son of Apollo Creed. The film blends elements of legacy, mentorship, and personal struggle, as Adonis seeks to carve his own path in the boxing world under the guidance of a now-retired Rocky Balboa (reprised by Sylvester Stallone).

Ryan Coogler's direction is notable for its emotional depth and revitalizing energy. It's a quality that he says was motivated by his father, who was diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition at the time. By working on this project, Coogler told the Los Angeles Times he hoped to also inspire his father to keep on fighting.

The film's success led to a new series within the Rocky universe and solidified Coogler's status as one of the most promising directors of his generation, adept at blending commercial appeal with rich, character-driven stories.

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Metascore: 76
- Runtime: 129 minutes

"Inside Man" marked a departure from Spike Lee's usual focus on socio-political themes, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker. The film stars Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster in a complex story about a meticulously planned bank heist in New York City that unfolds into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

Under Lee's direction, the film brings a sharp, suspenseful edge and subtly incorporates themes like power, corruption, and racial dynamics. "Inside Man" was praised for its clever plot twists, engaging performances, and Lee's skillful balance of mainstream entertainment with nuanced commentary.

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Metascore: 73
- Runtime: 202 minutes

"Malcolm X" gives a detailed account of the life and legacy of the influential Black leader Malcolm X. Denzel Washington delivers a riveting performance in the title role, portraying Malcolm X's journey from a life of crime to becoming a prominent and controversial Nation of Islam leader and civil rights activist.

Spike Lee—who co-wrote, produced, and starred in the film—presents a richly detailed narrative, one that was "a powerful statement against an entertainment culture which routinely prioritized the experience of white saviors in civil rights narrative … or sweetened the bitter pill with soothing depictions of interracial friendships," film journalist Ashley Clark wrote for The Guardian.

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Metascore: 88
- Runtime: 102 minutes

"4 Little Girls" examines the tragic bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which took the lives of four young Black girls. The film gives a detailed account of the event and its aftermath, featuring interviews with family members, civil rights leaders, and other people who were connected to the story.

Spike Lee was only a first-year New York University student when he first thought of making this film, but only after he had established himself did he take on the challenge. His direction brings a deeply personal and historical perspective to this pivotal moment during the Civil Rights Movement and earned him a nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars.

- Director: John Singleton
- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Metascore: 76
- Runtime: 112 minutes

"Boyz n the Hood" stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, and Laurence Fishburne in a dynamic narrative exploring the realities of growing up in the violent neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles steeped in drug violence. John Singleton, who also wrote the screenplay, was commended on his authentic portrayal of the Black experience, capturing the complexities of race, violence, and family, particularly through the lens of a teenage male.

"Boyz n the Hood" is cited for how it opened the audience's eyes to the realities of systemic oppression and how young men become entangled in these life-threatening challenges. After a successful Cannes showing, it earned more than $10 million at the box office on its first weekend. Its success, however, has been marred by violence that broke out in theaters screening the movie, prompting fear of the movie as violence-inducing. With time, this unreasonable reaction to the film has been seen as a symptom of society's resistance to change.

- Director: F. Gary Gray
- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Metascore: 72
- Runtime: 147 minutes

"Straight Outta Compton" chronicles the rise and impact of the influential rap group N.W.A. The film, starring O'Shea Jackson Jr., son of the original N.W.A. member Ice Cube; Corey Hawkins; and Jason Mitchell, portrays the group's journey from the streets of the Los Angeles suburb of Compton to the forefront of hip-hop culture, set against the backdrop of the socio-political realities of the 1980s and 1990s.

Speaking with Vice, director F. Gary Gray called "Straight Outta Compton" an epic story that can't just be Googled. The film received widespread acclaim for its powerful depiction of the group's influence on music. At the time of its release, Gray was the highest-grossing Black director of a single film based on domestic sales. The film's success ultimately helped reinvigorate interest in rap biopics.

- Director: Jordan Peele
- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Metascore: 85
- Runtime: 104 minutes

"Get Out" is comedian Jordan Peele's directorial debut. It is a groundbreaking horror film that ingeniously blends psychological thriller elements with biting social commentary on race relations. "It exposes a liberal ignorance and hubris that has been allowed to fester," arts and culture correspondent Lanre Bakare wrote for The Guardian.

The film stars Daniel Kaluuya as a young Black man who uncovers disturbing secrets when he visits the family estate of his white girlfriend (Allison Williams). Peele, also the screenwriter, infused the film with a mix of suspense, satire, and sharp commentary on the insidious nature of racism, distinguishing himself as a filmmaker with a unique voice. Sight & Sound hailed "Get Out" as "brilliantly inventive," adding prestige to a previously overlooked genre and causing filmmakers to reevaluate how they can tackle identity in horror.

- Director: Spike Lee
- IMDb user rating: 8
- Metascore: 93
- Runtime: 120 minutes

"Do The Right Thing" is a seminal work by Spike Lee that is a vibrant and provocative exploration of racial tensions on a hot summer day in a Brooklyn neighborhood. The film—featuring an ensemble cast including Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and Lee himself—is renowned for its dynamic portrayal of a growing, diverse community simmering with racial and ethnic discord.

Lee—who wrote, produced, directed, and starred as the protagonist of the film—infused his work with a unique visual style that captures the complexities and nuances of racial relations in urban America. Its legacy endures decades later. The New Yorker called it "grand, vital, and mournful; it is also, crucially, proud, a work not only of the agony of history—and of present-tense oppressions—but also of the historic cultural achievements of Black Americans, and it takes its own place in the artistic history that it invokes."

- Director: Ava DuVernay
- IMDb user rating: 8.2
- Metascore: 81
- Runtime: 100 minutes

"13th" is a deep look at the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. The title refers to the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, but, according to the film, also began the road to mass incarceration.

Ava DuVernay, known for her powerful storytelling on critical social and racial issues, utilizes a mix of archival footage and interviews with experts to illustrate the historical context and ongoing impact of racial injustice in the American criminal justice system.

The film received critical acclaim for its ability to weave a thread from the transatlantic slave trade to the modern prison system, questioning definitions and labels along the way. As The Atlantic noted, the film "compels viewers to sit upright, pay attention, and interrogate words in their most naked form."

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Lois Hince and Paris Close.