90's Black Movies: Our List with More Than 100 Films
Full List Of '90s Black Movies:
The Bodyguard
A former Secret Service agent grudgingly takes an assignment to protect a pop idol who's threatened by a crazed fan. At first, the safety-obsessed bodyguard and the self-indulgent diva totally clash. But before long, all that tension sparks fireworks of another sort, and the love-averse tough guy is torn between duty and romance.
Malcolm X
Denzel Washington's role as Malcolm X is a landmark in cinema, embodying the complexity of the influential leader with profound authenticity and emotional depth. His portrayal brought Malcolm X's legacy to a new generation, showcasing his oratory prowess and personal evolution. Directed by Spike Lee, the film meticulously chronicles Malcolm's transformation from criminal to civil rights icon, combining historical fidelity with Lee's narrative skill to explore Malcolm's life, beliefs, and challenges. "Malcolm X" transcends its status as a film, serving as an enlightening resource on black history, racial tensions, and the struggle for equality. It has significantly impacted viewers' understanding of Malcolm X's fight against systemic racism, enriching the discourse on civil rights and black empowerment.
A tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the '50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.
Alma's Rainbow
The life of teenager Rainbow Gold as she enters womanhood and navigates standards of beauty, self-image, and the rights women have over their bodies. Rainbow attends a strict parochial school, studies dance, and lives with her strait-laced mother Alma, who runs a hair salon in the parlor of their home and disapproves of her daughter’s newfound interest in boys. When Alma’s free-spirited sister Ruby returns from Paris after a ten-year absence, the sisters clash over what constitutes the “proper” direction for Rainbow’s life.
Beverly Hills Cop III
Back in sunny southern California and on the trail of two murderers, Axel Foley again teams up with LA cop Billy Rosewood. Soon, they discover that an amusement park is being used as a front for a massive counterfeiting ring – and it's run by the same gang that shot Billy's boss.
Crooklyn
From Spike Lee comes this vibrant semi-autobiographical portrait of a school-teacher, her stubborn jazz-musician husband and their five kids living in '70s Brooklyn.
The Inkwell
"The Inkwell" distinguishes itself in '90s black cinema as a coming-of-age tale set during a family's summer vacation at Martha's Vineyard in the 1970s, delving into the seldom-explored narrative of the African American upper class. This film skillfully navigates teenage awkwardness, family relations, and first love, presenting these universal themes within the unique context of black prosperity and identity. Its authentic and graceful treatment of these topics sets it apart, offering a nuanced look at the complexities of African American life and challenging prevailing stereotypes. Enhanced by a compelling cast, "The Inkwell" effectively captures the essence of personal growth and the search for identity against the backdrop of societal expectations, providing a distinctive and enriching perspective on black adolescence in America.
The Inkwell is about a 16-year-old boy coming of age on Martha's Vineyard in the summer of 1976.
Above the Rim
Story of a promising high school basketball star and his relationships with two brothers, one a drug dealer and the other a former basketball star fallen on hard times and now employed as a security guard.
Sugar Hill
"Sugar Hill" delivers a raw look at the drug trade's toll on family and personal ethics, anchored by Wesley Snipes' compelling performance as Roemello Skuggs, a dealer grappling with desires for a better life. The film centers on Roemello's moral quandary and his complex relationships, enriching the plot beyond standard action fare to explore themes of love, redemption, and the fight against a cycle of violence. Directed by Leon Ichaso, "Sugar Hill" confronts addiction's devastating effects on communities, with Harlem's streets playing a crucial role, symbolizing despair and the lure of crime. Merging crime drama with romance, the movie invites audiences to see the humanity in those often dismissed as mere criminals, presenting a nuanced narrative that challenges conventional perspectives.
In the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, the Mafia steps in when a drug dealer quits his partner brother to lead a straight life with his girlfriend.
House Party 3
Hip Hop duo Kid & Play return in the second follow-up to their 1990 screen debut House Party. Kid (Christopher "Kid" Reid) is taking the plunge and marrying his girlfriend Veda (Angela Means), while his friend Play (Christopher Martin) is dipping his toes into the music business, managing a roughneck female rap act called Sex as a Weapon. Play books the ladies for a concert with heavy-hitting pr
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
Deloris Van Cartier is again asked to don the nun's habit to help a run-down Catholic school, presided over by Mother Superior. And if trying to reach out to a class full of uninterested students wasn't bad enough, the sisters discover that the school is due to be closed by the unscrupulous chief of a local authority.
Full Eclipse
The LA police department have a special team of officers with a talent for reducing big-time crime. The team leader has an excellent track record for crime reduction in other big cities, but his methods are unconventional, and so is he - he's a werewolf.
Cool Runnings
When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team.
Bopha!
In this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people, even while serving as a pawn of the racist government. When his son gets involved in the anti-apartheid movement, he finds himself torn between his family (including long-suffering wife Alfre Woodard) and what he believes is his duty.
The Meteor Man
One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the information in any book ... for about thirty seconds. Now his friends and family want him to protect their community from the dreaded Golden Lords.
Friday
"Friday" is a standout '90s black comedy that captures South Central LA life with humor and sharp commentary. It features Ice Cube and Chris Tucker as Craig and Smokey, whose on-screen chemistry and humor highlight their friendship. Set over one day, the film blends comedy with themes of friendship, family, and community, offering a resonant slice-of-life experience. Tucker's role as Smokey, marked by his timing and charisma, was a career highlight. The movie's cultural impact led to sequels and remains a reference point for '90s urban life in America.
Craig and Smokey are two guys in Los Angeles hanging out on their porch on a Friday afternoon, smoking and drinking, looking for something to do.
Bad Boys
"Bad Boys" (1995) revolutionized buddy cop movies with its perfect mix of thrilling action and hilarious comedy, thanks to the dynamic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Miami detectives. Their on-screen chemistry is unmatched, creating a memorable partnership that's both entertaining and deeply engaging. Directed with flair, the film set a new benchmark for the genre, blending high-stakes crime-fighting with genuine laughs and heart. Its impact extended beyond the '90s Black Movies, influencing subsequent action-comedies. With significant box office success, "Bad Boys" spawned sequels, establishing a cherished franchise that continues to captivate audiences with its unique charm and excitement.
Marcus Burnett is a hen-pecked family man. Mike Lowry is a foot-loose and fancy free ladies' man. Both are Miami policemen, and both have 72 hours to reclaim a consignment of drugs stolen from under their station's nose. To complicate matters, in order to get the assistance of the sole witness to a murder, they have to pretend to be each other.
Major Payne
Major Benson Winifred Payne is being discharged from the Marines. Payne is a killin' machine, but the wars of the world are no longer fought on the battlefield. A career Marine, he has no idea what to do as a civilian, so his commander finds him a job - commanding officer of a local school's JROTC program, a bunch of ragtag losers with no hope.
Losing Isaiah
Khaila Richards, a crack-addicted single mother, accidentally leaves her baby in a dumpster while high and returns the next day in a panic to find he is missing. In reality, the baby has been adopted by a warm-hearted social worker, Margaret Lewin, and her husband, Charles. Years later, Khaila has gone through rehab and holds a steady job. After learning that her child is still alive, she challenges Margaret for the custody.
The Candyman moves on to New Orleans and starts his horrific murders once more. This time, his intended victim is a school teacher. Her father was killed by the Candyman, and brother wrongly accused of the murders.
Higher Learning
Malik (Omar Epps) is an African-American student attending on a track scholarship; academics are not his strong suit, and he goes in thinking that his athletic abilities will earn him a free ride through college. Fudge (Ice Cube), a "professional student" who has been at Columbus for six years so far, becomes friendly with Malik and challenges his views about race and politics in America.