THE 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES (EVER)

Troy · August 5

This was in my inbox this afternoon:

THE 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES (EVER)

THE BLACK MOVIE HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES ITS LIST OF THE 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES EVER MADE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leading Black Film Critics and Entertainment Reporters Rank the
Best Black Movies of All Time

(KANSAS CITY, Mo. – August 5th, 2025) —Recently, several major outlets including The New York Times, RollingStone, Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB released lists celebrating the best films of the 21st century. One thing was missing from them all: the perspective of how Black people watch, celebrate, and create cinema.

To address this gap, the Black Movie Hall of Fame (BMHOF) reached out to more than 40 of the world’s top Black film critics and entertainment reporters to rank the most important and influential Black films ever made.

“Inspired by the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Movies list, this is our fresh take on some of the best movies ever made,” said Shawn Edwards, executive director of the Black Movie Hall of Fame and longtime film critic at WDAF (Fox 4 News – Kansas City).“What sets this list apart from others is that every film on the list is about the Black experience and curated entirely by Black film critics andentertainment journalists. It’s a list from a completely different perspective than you usually see.”

This groundbreaking list was curated by a panel led by Edwards and included Gil Robertson (African American Film Critics Association), Aramide Tinubu (Variety), Lee Thomas (WJBK-TV in Detroit), Destiny Jackson (Deadline), Emmanuel Noisette (E-Man’s Reviews), Jasmine Simpkins (KTLA-TV in Los Angeles), Wilson Morales (BlackFilmandTV.com) and Kevin Frazier (Entertainment Tonight), along with dozens of other influential Black film critics and entertainment reporters from around the world.

The 100 Best Black Movies Ever

1. “Malcolm X” (1992)

2. “Black Panther” (2018)

3. “Do The Right Thing” (1989)

4. "The Color Purple” (1985)

5. “Moonlight” (2016)

6. “Claudine” (1974)

7. “12 Years a Slave” (2013)

8. “Get Out” (2017)

9. “Sinners” (2025)

10. “Carmen Jones” (1954)

11. “Coming to America” (1988)

12. “Cooley High” (1975)

13. “Sounder” (1972)

14. “Hoop Dreams” (1995)

15. “Super Fly” (1972)

16. “Ray” (2005)

17. “OJ: Made in America” (2016)

18. “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” TV (1974)

19. “American Fiction” (2023)

20. “Boyz n the Hood” (1991)

21. “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert” (1979)

22. “Shaft” (1971)

23. “Hidden Figures” (2016)

24. “Friday” (1995)

25. “Dreamgirls” (2006)

26. “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961)

27. “The Five Heartbeats” (1991)

28. “I Am Not Your Negro” (2016)

29. “Watermelon Man” (1970)

30. “City of God” (2002)

31. “Glory” (1989)

32. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)

33. “Menace II Society” (1993)

34. “Tsotsi” (2005)

35. “The Emperor Jones” (1933)

36. “Eve’s Bayou” (1997)

37. “Lilies of the Field” (1963)

38. “Soul Food” (1997)

39. “Black Caesar” (1973)

40. "Selma” (2014)

41. “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986)

42. “Island in the Sun” (1957)

43. “In the Heat of the Night” (1967)

44. “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972)

45. “When We Were Kings” (1996)

46. “Love & Basketball” (2000)

47. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” (1993)

48. “The Mack” (1973)

49. “To Sleep With Anger” (1990)

50. “Within Our Gates” (1920)

51. “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” (1971)

52. “Set It Off” (1997)

53. “Waiting to Exhale” (1995)

54. “Straight Outta Compton” (2015)

55. “Blade” (1998)

56. “Devil in a Blue Dress” (1995)

57. “Sonkofa” (1993)

58. “Love Jones” (1997)

59. “A Rage in Harlem” (1991)

60. “A Soldier’s Story” (1984)

61. “A Dry White Season” (1989)

62. “Hollywood Shuffle” (1987)

63. “Black Orpheus” (1959)

64. “Stormy Weather” (1943)

65. “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” (1988)

66. “Cabin in the Sky” (1943)

67. “The Exile” (1931)

68. “Rosewood” (1997)

69. “To Sir, With Love” (1967)

70. “New Jack City” (1991)

71. “House Party” (1990)

72. “The Green Pastures” (1936)

73. “Hotel Rwanda” (2004)

74. “Home of the Brave” (1949)

75. “Hallelujah!” (1929)

76. “Nothing But a Man” (1964)

77. “Purple Rain” (1984)

78. “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” (1999)

79. “Krush Groove” (1985)

80. “La haine” (1995)

81. “Sugar Cane Alley” (1983)

82. “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Parts” (2006)

83. “Touki Bouki” (1974)

84. “Juice” (1992)

85. “Uptown Saturday Night” (1974)

86. “Bamboozled” (2000)

87. “Killer of Sheep” (1977)

88. “Cotton Comes to Harlem” (1970)

89. “Paris is Burning” (1991)

90. “Daughters of the Dust” (1991)

91. “The Spook Who Sat by the Door” (1973)

92. “Battle of Algiers” (1966)

93. “Precious” (2009)

94. “Miracle in Harlem” (1948)

95. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967)

96. “Burning an Illusion” (1981).

97. “The Learning Tree” (1969)

98. “Wild Style” (1982)

99. “Black Girl” (1966)

100. “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

a movie poster for she has gotta have it

To view the full list of all 100 films, visit: https://blackmoviehalloffame.org/top100/.

Fun Facts:

The oldest movie on the list is “Within Our Gates” (1920).
The newest movie on the list is “Sinners”(2025).
Filmmaker Spike Lee directs the most titles on the list, with five films.
Sidney Poitier stars in six titles—more than any other actor or actress.
Denzel Washington appears in four titles, the second most of any actor.
There are nine titles directed by women on the list.
The list includes six documentaries.
There are two animated films on the list.
There are two made-for-television movies on the list.
Euzhan Palcy is the only woman director with multiple titles (two) on the list.
Melvin Van Peebles and Marion Van Peebles are the only father-son director duo with titles on the list.

BLACK FILM CRITIC’S ‘TOP 10’ LISTS

In addition to unveiling the 100 Best Black Movies of All Time, the Black Movie Hall of Fame engaged more than 40 of the world’s most influential Black film critics and entertainment reporters to share their top10 Black films. This extraordinary group of writers, journalists, and industry voices brings unique perspectives on the movies that have shaped culture and inspired generations.

Each critic’s list reflects a personal connection to the stories, artistry, and impact of Black cinema. These curated selections highlight the diversity of experiences and tastes across the global Black film community.

“I chose films that made me feel something in the reflection of my Blackness, and films that reminded me of the impact I have in this country, because of my Blackness,” explains Tyra Martin of WGN-TV.

View each critic’s individual Top 10 list now at https://blackmoviehalloffame.org/the-critic-lists/.

About the Black Movie Hall of Fame

The Black Movie Hall of Fame was created to honor the pioneers of Black cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. The BMHOFwill feature interactive and traditional exhibits detailing the global history and impact of Black film. Its mission is to preserve and elevate the cultural significance of Black cinema and celebrate the storytellers who have shaped generations. The BMHOF will officially open on Saturday, February 28, 2026 with a star-studded gala.

About Shawn Edwards

Shawn Edwards is the longest running Black film critic on television. As a nationally recognized film and television reviewer for Fox 4 News in Kansas City, Missouri for the past 25 years he has won numerous national awards including Best TV Film Critic twice by the LA Press Club's National Entertainment Journalism Awards.

Edwards co-founded the African American Film Critics Association in 2003. He is also currently serving his fourth term on the Board of the Critics Choice Association. Edwards created and executive produces "Celebration of Black Cinema and Television' in conjunction with the Critics Choice Association which premiered in 2014 in Los Angeles. The annual awards show airs nationally each February.

Edwards began his producing career producing numerous TV shows and documentaries for FGW Productions and BlackTree TV, both based in Los Angeles in 2008. Edwards worked for Hidden Empire Film Group (“Traffik,” “Black and Blue,” “The Intruder” and “Fatale”), based in Los Angeles, as a Senior Marketing Specialist from 2016 to 2021. Currently Edwards is overseeing the creation of the Black Movie Hall of Fame which will be based in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, Missouri. The Hall of Fame, an idea Edwards created, will open in 2026 in the Boone Theater with Edwards functioning as its executive director.

For more information or interview requests:
Kamia Kindle | The Black Movie Hall of Fame Marketing Lead
816-272-1014
bmhfmarketing@gmail.com

Pioneer1 · August 10

That list actually seems to line up similar to my list in favorite movies.

"Malcolm X" and surprisingly "Black Panther" are in my top 5

Another powerful movie by Spike Lee that I'm surprised isn't on the list is "Miracle At St. Anna"
It's right up there with Glory in my opinion.
Perhaps even better.

I have YET to see the movie "Moonlight".
The things I've heard about it....involving homosexuality or atleast homosexual suggestions between some Black males was a bit of a turn off.

Has anyone seen it?
If so, would yall suggest me watching it?

richardmurray · August 10

thanks @Troy for sharing

@Pioneer1 I haven't seen moonlight

I wish they named it the BLACK STATIAN FILM CRITICS 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES

Anyone interested in my extended thoughts, they are below

https://aalbc.com/tc/events/event/451-the-problem-with-list-black-100-films-from-the-black-movie-hall-of-fame/

Troy · August 13

@Pioneer1 I saw Moonlight. I did not think anything special about it.

It was a film like Daughters of the Dust, which did not make the list a slow art film.

I think the Matrix should have made the list as it was written by a Black woman who was robbed of credit. especially if you are gonna include films like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. It is not clear how they have defined a "Black Movie." The Spike Lee joints are Black movies, many of these are just white movies with a Black actors.

Roots belongs on the list to including films like Wild Style is just strange. I guess Roots was a mini series and does not qualify... but still Wild Style is grasping for straws

Chevdove · August 16

On 8/13/2025 at 5:37 AM, Troy said:

The Spike Lee joints are Black movies, many of these are just white movies with a Black actors.

True. So then, I guess that's why 'The Magnificent Seven' would not make the list.

I thought Denzel did a good job in that movie.

I did not see 'First Sunday' on the list. I loved that movie.

I might be a little too ghetto, but I loved the first film Friday. I see that made the list.

I see a lot of my favorites. I loved the movie Glory. I just visited a Civil War memorial and then watched that film recently.

I also loved Black Hawk Down and Hotel Rwanda.

Pioneer1 · August 16

It took me years to finally see it but when I did I loved it: FENCES

Denzel did an excellent job directing AND acting in that movie.
Viola wasn't bad either.

Straight up FBA culture.
If you are a Black American, that movie HAS to hit you somewhere.

I wish my Parents were still alive because I would have loved sitting in the living room watching that one with Them over and over again.

Pioneer1 · August 16

13 hours ago, Chevdove said:

I did not see 'First Sunday' on the list. I loved that movie.

Wait a minute............

Ain't that the movie where Jamie Foxx and some other bruthaz were walking around the locker room naked???

I bet you DID love that movie, didn't you....LOL

ProfD · August 17

2 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

It took me years to finally see it but when I did I loved it: FENCES

Denzel did an excellent job directing AND acting in that movie.
Viola wasn't bad either.

Excellent movie. Two of my favorite actors as well.

First Sunday was the comedy church movie with Ice Cube and Katt Williams.

Delano · September 1

aka Contrarian · September 2

I've been meaning to check this post out. The list was an interesting compilation.

I've seen and am familar with most of the films on it. Surprised there was no mention of any of those priceless all-black films from the 1920s and '30s written, directed, and produced by the legendary Oscar Marceaux (and which used to be shown on TV at one time) ) Also conspicuously absent from the list were any Tyler Perry "Madea" movies, some of which were as deserving as other entries they scraped the bottom of the barrel to include. I think Perry's special brand of humor deserves recognition. His Madea movies are in a class all by themselves, and certainly have a degree of authenticity.

I just finished watching the recently released "Sinners" starring Michael B. Jordan, an excursion into the vampire horror genre. A very stylistic surreal outing. It got good reviews but I thought it could've benefitted from some editing.

I also recently watched "Moonlight". I liked its off-beat plot and was riveted by the charismatic Mahershala Ali's screen presence.

To me, however, the only thing some of the listed films had going for them was that they had all-black casts.

And, too bad the movie she appeared in and won an Oscar for prevented Hattie McDaniel from being cited on the list. But "Gone With The Wind" and its romanticizing of the plantation days of slavery eliminated her from getting any props for how much she immortalized the black character she portrayed in this film classic.

Btw, my movie-going experience dates waay back to my early childhood when my mother worked at the local theater and I got into the movies for free.

I actually saw the "Wizard of Oz" when it first came out in 1939. This movie is still around enchanting viewers of all ages(as is "Gone with the Wind" which also came out in 1939)

All of this contributes to my being a subscriber to the "Mandela Effect" because many if these old movies i now see on the TCM and Starz Encore channels are not exactly as I remember them, giving credence to the idea that I have shifted into a parallel universe where things are slightly different. This reaction being a variation of the "Mandela Effect".

For a better explanation, Google "The Mandela Effect" or ask an AI search engine about this bizarre phenomenon many others have experienced in different versions.

Troy · September 2

@Delano I can only presume the movie you shared is one that you recommend. I will check it out now.

@aka Contrarian yes, something from Tyler Perry should’ve made the list given the other crap that’s on it.

@Pioneer1 man Viola Davis was great in that film! The main character’s name is Troy so hit m ron a different level

ProfD · September 2

10 hours ago, aka Contrarian said:

Also conspicuously absent from the list were any Tyler Perry "Madea" movies, some of which were as deserving as other entries they scraped the bottom of the barrel to include. I think Perry's special brand of humor deserves recognition.

Agreed. Regardless of whether or not one digs his output, at least one of Tyler Perry's movies should have made the list.

Pioneer1 · September 2

9 hours ago, Troy said:

@Pioneer1 man Viola Davis was great in that film!

Sho'll was......
And she didn't even have to get naked.
Pure talent.

With her crying and snotting self...lol.

Troy · September 2

3 hours ago, ProfD said:

Tyler Perry's movies should have made the list.

Which one would y'all pick.

I watched the trailer for the latest one last night. A couple of thugs tried to car jack her, she doused them as gasoline and torched their car. It as about as funny as you might find burning someone to death would be,,,

Instead, I watched some foreign film about people being sealed, inexplicably, sealed inside their apartment. It was an interesting premise, but failed to deliver.

Pioneer1 · September 2

I never was too much of a fan of Tyler Perry OR his films.

It's not just because he's on that alphabet agenda, but....they just don't hit with me.
They seem more geared towards women.
They focus too much on emotion and intuition for entertainment.

They don't have that "edge" that'll keep your attention in a film.

Trying to watch his films is like focusing on the gift CARD and how sweet and thoughtful it is, rather than the actual gift in the box.

ProfD · September 2

19 minutes ago, Troy said:

Which one would y'all pick.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman was a very well done movie.

Delano · September 3

11 hours ago, Troy said:

@Delano I can only presume the movie you shared is one that you recommend. I will check it out now.

Yes I met one of the producers and he told me about his film. It has a special place or me because it was one of the links in a chain that facilitated my move to Australia.

harry brown · September 3

Cicely Tyson. Movies. ....

aka Contrarian · September 3

Well, after closer scrutiny, I realized I made the mistake of assuming the judges were made up of movie reviewers who had some film school or journalistic credentials - critics whose criteria would automatically call for each one of these films to be judged by how well it represented its genre. Not so. Apparently, these folks just indulged their personal favorites, and kissed the feet of Spike Lee, Sydney Poitier, and Denzel Washington.

Anyhow, in her defense, the MADEA films fall into the "low humor" bracket. (Like the 3 Stooges ones, whose movies are now considered classic examples of the low humor genre that appeals to the "great unwashed masses".)

MADEA ticks all the boxes when it comes to low humor and she is like a folk hero. I assume y'all know that her name is an ebonic version of "Mother Dear", the fond term of endearment lotsa black folks bestow upon their beloved mamas. Moreover, none of her films ever lost money, and that counts for something. "BAMBOOZLED", for further instance, is a perfect example of the satire genre which, imo is the only reason it should be on the list.

I don't recall seeing on the list any of the mainstream movies made about the Tuskeegee Airmen. Yet, the "I'm Gonna Get You, Sucka" farce about a returning army veteraran made it. So much for recognizing unsung black heroes.

I personally have a problem with "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" being included. Imo, it was an awkard, self-conscious movie which pandered to white Liberals and patronized Negroes. This opinion was shared by many other Blacks when this movie first came out in 1967.

But, everybody's entitled to their own opinion.

Troy · September 3

6 hours ago, aka Contrarian said:

...kissed the feet of Spike Lee, Sydney Poitier, and Denzel Washington.

That and with the title of THE 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES (EVER) it was designed to feed the algorithm, attract attention, get a reaction, and generate controversy. It got my attention and shared it here hoping for similar effect.

Years ago, I regularly published move reviews including, an annual summary of the Top Black moves; "Blacktrospective: Annual Assessment of the Best in Black Cinema, and Oscar predictions." The Brother (@Pioneer1 would probably question is "Blackness" ) who wrote these, Kam Williams sadly passed in 2019.

Kam published more than 900 book and movie reviews as well articles and interviews. His articles were nationally syndicated and as a result appears on many other Black websites. Google harshly penalized my site back in 2015 for this -- their algorithm penalized sites that published copied content. Google killed a lot of Black sites back then. But I digress

I remember the first time I saw anything by Tyler Perry. I was with a group of people who were excited to see a DVD of a Tyler Perry stage play. Some of the actors appear in his films today. People loved it thought Madea was hilarious. There was gospel singing and the Christian moralizing we still find in his films today. He definitely hot n something that resonates with the masses. Of course he deserves to be on anyone's top Black films.

I would probably pick his first major motion picture featured Madea -- whatever that one was.

Pioneer1 · September 3

harry brown

Cicely Tyson??????

Well....
She was an EXCELLENT and LEGENDARY actress.

Troy

People loved it thought Madea was hilarious.

I haven't watched ANY of those "Madea" movies.
Purposely.

Nor have I watched Martin Lawrence's "Big Mamma" movies.

I think both franchise films disgrace and insult Black women and make them easier targets for racist violence.

While the older White woman is portrayed as a sweet, kind hearted, cookie baking grand ma....Tyler's Madea portrays the older Black woman as a foul mouthed, combative, violent, masculine, heathen who not only deserves but is strong enough to and built to tolerate as much abuse and harsh treatment as you can inflict on her.

aka Contrarian · September 4

5 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

I haven't watched ANY of those "Madea" movies.
Purposely.

Nor have I watched Martin Lawrence's "Big Mamma" movies.

I think both franchise films disgrace and insult Black women and make them easier targets for racist violence.

While the older White woman is portrayed as a sweet, kind hearted, cookie baking grand ma....Tyler's Madea portrays the older Black woman as a foul mouthed, combative, violent, masculine, heathen who not only deserves but is strong enough to and built to tolerate as much abuse and harsh treatment as you can inflict on her.

How do you know how MEDEA is portrayed since you've never seen one of her films? Nobody takes MADEA movies seriously! They're comedies that appeal to people who have a sense of humor as opposed to mopes like you who promote the degrading image of black women appealing to the baser instincts of men.

Furthermore, white people are not the demograph of MEDEA movies. They don't buy tickets to see them nor count themselves among the fans who watch them.

Your righteous indignation stance on this issue is ludicrous.

ProfD · September 4

On 9/3/2025 at 4:50 AM, aka Contrarian said:

Well, after closer scrutiny, I realized I made the mistake of assuming the judges were made up of movie reviewers who had some film school or journalistic credentials - critics whose criteria would automatically call for each one of these films to be judged by how well it represented its genre.

Credentials be d8mned...anybody can be a journalist or a critic nowadays. Same goes for many other endeavors in today's clown world.

Qualifications are becoming more loose. Just hang a shingle or start a blog or podcast or a YouTube channel (influencer) or post thoughts on the internet or social media.

There's no shortage of *followers* being led by people and institutions with little or no credibility.

Most polls and lists can be used as toilet paper.

Pioneer1 · September 5

4 hours ago, ProfD said:

Most polls and lists can be used as toilet paper.

Which is one of the reasons I said what I did about polls and statistic several months ago.

harry brown · September 5

Some. Forgotten. Black. Movies. ,The. George. McKenna Story. ,,Denzel. Washington. ,Marva Collins. Story. Just. A. Old. Sweet. Song. Cice!y Tyson. .The. Bright. Road. Dorothy. Dandridge. ,Harry. Belafonte ..Gathering. Of. Old. Men. .....

Pioneer1 · Saturday at 12:47 PM

Is "Django Unchained" up there???

I don't remember seeing it.

That was a VERY good film.

Hard to believe this film is now 13 year old!
Man....
I remember when people were talking about it like it was a televised Revolution, lol.

harry brown · Sunday at 02:31 AM

Temptations. Movie. Richard. Pryor. Movies. .....The Movie. About. The. Jackson. .

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THE 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES (EVER)

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Troy

THE BLACK MOVIE HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES ITS LIST OF THE 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES EVER MADE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 100 Best Black Movies Ever

BLACK FILM CRITIC’S ‘TOP 10’ LISTS

Pioneer1

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Troy

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