10 Films by Black Directors that You Should Watch

Play Into it would love to commemorate Black History Month with our curated list of 10 films by Black directors you should watch.

There is an absolute need to see stories from Black creators and support all facets of Black storytellers. However, there’s an apparent disconnect with recommending Black films; Black pain and trauma have been repeatedly and unfairly in the political background as Black Americans are fighting for fundamental human rights. While we may see some pain in some of the films listed below, the films are more than the white savior films that I keep seeing recommended from online publications.

Belle (2013)

_{Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars as Dido Elizabeth Belle in Belle. Image courtesy of Dj Films.}

Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars as the illegitimate, mixed-race daughter of a British admiral during the 18th century in England.

Don’t brush off this film off yet; it’s a stunning period piece based on a true story.

Set It Off (1996)

_{From L to R: Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise, and Queen Latifah star in Set It Off. Image courtesy of New Line Cinema.}

Set It Off is a film that goes beyond the first impression judgment of Black women resorting to a life of crime; to instead being at your wit’s end of sociopolitical factors with zero help or resources.

Baby Boy (2001)

_{From L to R: director John Singleton, Omar Gooding, and Tyrese in Baby Boy. Image courtesy of Columbia Pictures.}

Another John Singleton classic. This one nostalgically pangs me, mainly because I have such distinct memories from seeing this in high school. Not to be missed, Taraji P. Henson’s stellar performance.

Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

_{Robert Townsend stars in Hollywood Shuffle. Image courtesy of The Samuel Goldwyn Company.}

Robert Townsend is an American film icon (I saw many of his films at a young age; B.A.PS., The Five Heartbeats, Carmen: a Hip Hopera and Up, Up, and Away). Townsend makes a semi-autobiographical satirical film about racial stereotypes in a Hollywood Shuffle.

The Devil in a Blue Dress (1996)

_{Denzel Washington stars in Devil in a Blue Dress. Image courtesy of TriStar Pictures.}

Based on novelist Walter Mosely’s book, this Carl Franklin directorial is a mystery noir with Denzel Washington as its lead. Not to mention a superb performance from Don Cheadle.

Mo’ Better Blues (1990)

_{Denzel Washington as Bleek in a Spike Lee joint. Image courtesy of Universal.}

Another Denzel Washington film but his acting range is proof enough as to why he’s considered one of the greatest of all time. This follow up to Do the Right Thing features the power dynamics of a jazz group in Brooklyn.

Dolemite is My Name (2019)

_{Eddie Murphy is Dolemite in Dolemite is My Name.}

This Netflix dramatization of Rudy Ray Moore’s exuberant character named Dolemite, who becomes an underground superstar of parodying Blaxploitation films. It’s a looked over hidden gem from 2019 during awards season.

Friday (1995)

_{From L to R: Ice Cube and Chris Tucker star as Craig Jones and Smokey in F. Gary Gray’s Friday.}

This legendary cult classic has given us so much. Endless quotes (how many gentrifiers use the expression bye, Felicia! are unware of its film origin) and an all-star cast, there’s a reason why this film lives on.

Bessie (2015)

_{Queen Latifah stars in Dee Rees’ Bessie. Image courtesy of HBO.}

An HBO film that explores the life of Bessie Smith, the legendary blues performer. Bonus, Mo’Nique stars as Ma Rainey.

Creed (2015)

_{Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson star in Ryan Coogler’s Creed. Image courtesy of MGM.}

This sports drama continues the Rocky legacy, however, with new direction. Michael B. Jordan stars as Adonis Creed.

With so many multilayered stories from all walks of life from Black creators, we want to focus less (while acknowledging and never forgetting) the trauma.
There’s a need to do some unlearning towards the damaging American History, or lack thereof in schools, is vital; we include ourselves in that too.

There are plenty of options for those wanting to help but feel helpless or don’t know where to begin. For instance, you can visit this excellent resource list.
Play Into It believes in inclusivity and uplifting voices; therefore, we stand in solidarity with the Black community and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement.