1. The Color Purple (1985)

Based on the classic novel by Alice Walker, “The Color Purple”, is the coming of age story of a girl named Celie Harris in 20th century rural Georgia. Tragically raped and abused by her own father, Celie gives birth to her father’s child whom she names “Olivia”. Olivia is quickly taken from her by her stepfather and she is warned to keep the baby a secret. 

Being forced into a marriage with a man named Albert, Celie lives out her adolescent years as a domestic servant, facing much physical and psychological abuse by her husband. Despite the various unfair circumstances in her life, Celie’s loving and wholesome heart is evident as she is quick to see the good in others and relearn the beauty that lies within herself. She is inspired by the radiance of nature, and clings to the hope that she will one day reunite with her children and her beloved sister, Nettie.

Directed by Steven Spielburg and starring Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover and many other notable actors and actresses, “The Color Purple” paved the way for many black actors that we recognize today. The movie’s film score was further written by Quincy Jones, incorporating elements of jazz, gospel and blues.

2. Do the Right Thing (1989)

Now I know I couldn’t get through this list without recognizing the legend himself, director Spike Lee from Atlanta created several landmark films depicting the black experience during the 80’s and 90’s. 

My first introduction to Lee’s work was from the film entitled, Do the Right Thing, starring Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee. Upon watching this film, I was immediately struck by the movie’s use of vivid colors, striking visuals, and unsettling camera angles to illustrate the racial tensions within a Brooklyn neighborhood.

The heat wave that takes place during the movie encapsulates the sweltering bigotry that builds up throughout the film. Being both dramatic and offensively humorous, Do The Right Thing, has received two Academy Awards and inspired many films throughout the 90s and 2000s.

3.) Boyz n the Hood (1991)

“Boyz in the Hood”, directed by John Singleton and starring Cuba Gooding Jr. (“Ice Cube”), Morris Chestnut and Laurence Fishburne, follows the lives of a group of friends growing up in Central Los Angeles. At the age of ten the lead protagonist, Tre, moves into the “hood” to live with his father, Furious, in order to learn how to “become a man”. There, he meets his best friends and comrades, DoughBoy and Ricky Baker. 

The film dives into pressing questions about race, systematic inequality and violence in a way that I have never seen so brilliantly implemented in a movie before. “Boyz in the Hood” went on to receive two Academy Award nominations and Singleton became the first African American to be nominated for the Best Director Academy Award.

4.) She’s Gotta Have It (1986)

Another beautifully shot movie directed by Spike Lee, “She’s Gotta Have it” is a small budget dramedy with artistic cinematography and themes of sexual liberation. It tells the story of a young, independent Brooklyn artist by the name of Nola. Unable to decide which of three men she wants to date, Nola decides to date each of them at the same time. In my opinion, Nola is admirable in that she is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and prioritizes her own needs over the wishes of others . She is beautiful, talented, and unafraid to speak her mind.

The film stars Tracy Camila Johns, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, as well as Spike Lee himself. Johns’ role as Nola granted her a nomination for Best Female Lead in the 1987 Independent Spirit Awards.

5.) Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse (2018)

The final film that I believe is worth watching is actually an animated superhero film: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse”.

For those who haven’t seen it yet, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse” tells the story of a teenager, Miles Morales, who is bitten by a radioactive spider that enables him with “spider powers.”

Along with its exceptional animation and visual effects, the movie is noted for representing the first African American Spiderman, a landmark for the world of American superheroes. The movie’s soundtrack also includes many black artists such as Lil Wayne, Nicki Minajand Jaden Smith.

The film would go on to win an Oscar in 2019 for Best Animated Feature Film.