The entertainment industry has long been captivated by romantic movies, but for many years, Black audiences struggled to find love stories that represented them on the big screen. Thankfully, this began to change in the 1970s, and by the 90s, numerous romance movies featuring predominantly Black casts emerged, many of which became box office successes. These films not only centered on love but also touched on issues relevant to the Black community and the world at large. Join me as we explore the 10 best Black romance movies that have left an indelible mark on cinema and our hearts.
10. Two Can Play That Game: A Battle of the Sexes
Two Can Play That Game, starring Vivica A. Fox and Morris Chestnut, deviates from the typical love story by focusing on temptation and infidelity. Fox’s character, Shante Smith, is a highly educated woman who believes she knows how to keep a man happy. However, her confidence is shaken when she catches her boyfriend, Keith, with another woman. The movie follows Shante and Keith as they engage in a battle of the sexes, trying to outsmart each other. Buzzfeed credits Two Can Play That Game with changing the landscape for Black romantic comedies. Although not a huge box office success, it has become a classic in the Black community and served as a stepping stone for Chestnut and Fox’s careers.
9. Brown Sugar: A Sweet Tale of Friendship and Love
Brown Sugar, released in 2002, is a heartwarming yet somewhat predictable story starring Sanaa Lathan as Sidney Shaw and Taye Diggs as Dre Ellis. The childhood friends bond over their love for hip hop, and as adults, music continues to play a significant role in their lives. However, their friendship is tested when Dre gets engaged to Reese (Nicole Ari Parker), who is uncomfortable with his close relationship with Sidney. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Sidney and Dre’s feelings for each other run deeper than friendship. Despite its predictability, Brown Sugar received positive reviews and showcased an all-Black cast in a story centered around young professionals.
8. Mahogany: A Tale of Love and Ambition
Mahogany, released in 1975, was Diana Ross’ second major film role after the success of Lady Sings the Blues. Ross plays Tracy Chambers, a woman who becomes a successful fashion designer and falls in love with Brian Walker (Billy Dee Williams). However, Tracy finds herself torn between love and her professional ambitions. After an argument with Brian, she moves to Rome, where she becomes Mahogany, a model/muse for Sean (Anthony Perkins). Life in the spotlight proves challenging, and Tracy once again faces difficult choices. Despite mixed reviews, Mahogany earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and is now considered a classic in the Black community.
7. Poetic Justice: A Journey of Healing and Love
Poetic Justice, released in 1993, became one of the most memorable Black movies of the decade. The film follows Justice (Janet Jackson), a young woman grieving the loss of her boyfriend, who was shot and killed. Invited on a road trip, Justice gets to know Lucky (Tupac Shakur), a young postal worker. Although initially at odds, the two eventually fall for each other. However, their budding romance is tested when Lucky learns of his cousin’s death and blames Justice. The film ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that Lucky and Justice may rekindle their connection. The movie and Janet Jackson’s iconic hairstyle, known as “Poetic Justice braids,” have left a lasting impact on popular culture.
6. Claudine: A Glimpse into the Struggles of Love and Life
Claudine, released in 1974, offers a different perspective on Black life during the era of Blaxploitation films. The movie tells the story of Claudine (Diahann Carroll), a single mother struggling to raise her six children and make ends meet. She meets and falls in love with Rupert (James Earl Jones), but their relationship is complicated by poverty and the disapproval of Claudine’s children. Despite the odds, Claudine and Rupert find happiness together. The film received favorable reviews and earned two Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for Diahann Carroll. Interestingly, Carroll was not the original choice for the role; Diana Sands was cast but fell ill shortly after filming began. Sands personally asked Carroll to take the role, and tragically, Sands passed away less than a year before the movie’s release.
5. Boomerang: A Lesson in Love and Karma
Boomerang, released in 1992, is an underrated gem featuring a star-studded cast, including Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Martin Lawrence, and David Alan Grier. The film is a humorous, relatable, and timeless exploration of love and karma. Murphy plays Marcus Graham, a ladies’ man who meets his match in his new boss, Jacqueline (Robin Givens), who shares his manipulative ways. True to its title, Boomerang demonstrates how one’s actions often come back to haunt them. In 2019, BET released a TV show based on the movie, but it only lasted for two seasons.
4. Jason’s Lyric: A Heartbreaking Tale of Love and Loss
Jason’s Lyric stands out from other films on this list due to its darker themes, including loss, death, and mental health. The movie follows two brothers, Jason (Allen Payne) and Joshua (Bokeem Woodbine), who cope with a tragic event in their lives in vastly different ways. Jason follows a straight and narrow path, while Joshua becomes entangled with the law. When Jason meets Lyric (Jada Pinkett-Smith), his life seems complete, but his loyalty to his brother leads to a tragic turn of events. Despite its somber tone, Jason’s Lyric was a box office success, grossing over $20 million on a $7 million budget.
3. Love Jones: A Realistic Portrayal of Young Love
Love Jones, starring Lorenz Tate and Nia Long, is often the first film that comes to mind when discussing Black romance movies. The feel-good love story offers a timeless and realistic portrayal of love between young adults. Although it barely surpassed its budget at the box office upon release, Love Jones has since gained a large following and is now considered a cult classic.
2. Love and Basketball: A Slam Dunk Romance
Love and Basketball, released in 2000, remains one of the most popular movies of the 2000s. Combining romance and sports, the film tells the story of childhood friends Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), who bond over basketball and eventually fall in love. Their relationship falters when Quincy feels neglected, believing Monica prioritizes basketball over him. Years later, the two reunite for an unforgettable game of one-on-one. More than 20 years after its release, Love and Basketball continues to be a fan favorite.
1. The Best Man: A Story of Love, Friendship, and Secrets
The Best Man features an ensemble cast and explores love, friendship, and the messiness that can accompany them. Taye Diggs plays Harper, an author preparing to release his debut novel, Unfinished Business. Although labeled as fiction, the book is based on real events in Harper’s life, including an affair with his best friend’s fiancée. In 2013, a sequel, The Best Man Holiday, was released. Fans will be excited to learn that a limited series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, has been picked up by the Peacock streaming service, with the original cast members reprising their roles.
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