Authentically Black: 7 Black Shows and Movies you Should Add To Your Watchlist
I like to think of myself as a movie and television buff. Sitcoms, Action, Rom-Com, Musicals — whatever you can think of, I watch it and enjoy it. Adding that I am a man who embodies Black culture and my love of TV and film, it’s safe to say that I love Black Cinema. Growing up watching productions like Boomerang, Parent’hood, Living Single, and The Wood, I appreciated seeing Black people live their lives fully, naturally, and without regard to others unfamiliar with the verbiage, traditions, and relations of our people.
As I watch more visual entertainment media created by today’s Black producers, directors, and writers, I think the Black viewers are not who those projects always are targeting. What I mostly see today is typically two forms of content 1) The exaggeration of Black stereotypes for the entertainment of others or “Black people in black face” as some may say and 2) a tragedy about the treatment Black people have faced and are facing in this country.
Of course, countless think pieces address this topic. Some support the need for this content, and others argue against it, but this is neither. Instead, I want to promote Black productions that show Black people doing what they do best…be Black and live life. Some of these are probably very known, and some may be unfamiliar, but either way, these are some of my recent favorites:
1) Selah and The Spades (2019)
Official Poster Released by Studio / Source: Wikipedia
Who doesn’t love a movie about high school drama with the big bad being a borderline evil yet popular and lovable young girl? Selah and The Spades is just that. It is a drama starring up-and-coming actors with a great storyline and an enticing plot.
2) Craig of the Creek (2017)
Source: HBOMax.com
If I were a kid again, I would watch Craig of the Creek every day. As an adult, I still watch it pretty often. A young boy named Craig and his two best friends hang out and find adventures in the wilderness of a creek. Craig also is the middle child in his family of five. Watching him visit his grandparents to hear stories, watch his “annoying” little sister, and spending a day having a cookout with his father on the grill gives a feeling of familiarity that warms the heart.
3) 40-year-old Version (2020)
Source: Netflix
Hip Hop lovers who appreciate a fun rom-com need to watch this movie. The movie revolves around a struggling playwright approaching her 40’s who decides to become a rapper while figuring out where her career is heading. It is hilarious, it is warming, and it is inspiring.
4) The Weekend (2018)
Source: Letterboxd.com
It is an awkward yet straightforward comedy, showing what it would be like spending a weekend with your ex, his new girlfriend, and your mom. There’s no real catch to the storyline, so there isn’t much to say without spoiling the movie, but for a film that’s not too complex but still enjoyable, this is one to watch.
5)Jingle Jangle (2020)
Source: Netflix
My personal favorite Black holiday movie is The Preachers Wife (Followed by Friday After Next. Yes, it is a holiday movie. Argue with yourself), but Jingle Jangle is now up there on the list. A family movie about endless possibilities and not giving up on your dreams. Oh! Did I mention it’s a musical?! Not one of those cheesy musicals, but one that will make you find the soundtrack afterward.
6) The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Source: Amazon
This may be my favorite on the list. An artistic and marvelous movie tackling the topic of gentrification through the story of a young filmmaker wanting to reclaim and preserve his grandfather’s home by any means necessary. The movie is inspired by the life of the lead actor, Jimmie Fails, who also wrote and partly directed the film.
7) Sylvie’s Love
Source: Amazon
A lovely story full of twists and turns between a young woman and the musician, who first starts as a summer fling, that earns her love. Through life changes, distance, and years without communication, they eventually find themselves in each other’s presence and must address their feelings that, unbeknownst to them, have never entirely left.
Honorable Mention: Blankman (1993)
Source: Amazon.com
This didn’t make it on the list because it’s over 20 years old, and I figured many have already watched it, but it deserves some shine. As a superhero fanatic, I must say Blankman is one of my favorite movies. No disrespect to Black Panther, but my man Darryl Walker was holding Black people down in the hood in a way that we haven’t seen in a while. If you haven’t watched recently or at all, I suggest you do so soon. Pull Blankman up on your TV and have yourself a good laugh.
I chose these movies and shows because they reflect how Black people live and enjoy life, myself included. We sing, we cry, we teach, we laugh, and we even fight crime in pajamas with a towel as a cape. We can remember our history and mistreatments while not forgetting how we live amongst ourselves, joyously. So whenever you need the feeling of Black joy, check out one of these movies or shows and if you have some of your own favorites, drop them in the comments so we can all enjoy watching the diversity within everything that is Black culture.
