Black Cinema Rocks: Top 10 Slept-On Black Films
In honor of Black History Month, we compiled the most slept-on Black films often overshadowed by the cliché Black Classics collection (“Love Jones”) and Tyler Perry’s fatsuits. Hosting Black cinema viewing parties this month? You may want to add some of these films to your lineup. Just sayin.
Here are the ten most slept-on Black films. Take a look.
“City of God”
The soul-gripping story of childhood friends who take different paths in a crime-torn Rio de Janeiro suburb is one of the best movies you’ll ever see. No, seriously. It’s incredible.
“Pariah”
It tells the powerful story of 17-year-old “Alike” embracing her “alternative” sexual identity while living with her Bible-thumping mother and emotionally-distant father in Brooklyn. Pearls will be clutched and tears shed at your viewing party, but it’s a must-see.
“Attack The Block”
A funny, thrilling, innovative Sci-Fi flick about urban London miscreants protecting their block from vicious alien creatures. Yes, this really happened, and it’s dope.
“Black Dynamite”
Completely ignored in theaters, the brilliant, hilarious, nostalgic Blaxploitation gem is one of the most enjoyable Black films of the past few years.
“American Violet”
A single mother of four fights to clear her name after being wrongly accused and jailed for dealing drugs in a run-down, racially-divided Texas town. Incredibly-bold and honest, it’s well-worth your time.
“Sugar Hill”
Many consider this gritty crime Drama about infamous drug-running brothers in Harlem a classic despite its rare inclusion on must-see Black movie lists. Mostly known as “that one Wesley Snipes movie with “Eddie King, Jr” in it” it deserves more love than it receives.
“Fresh”
The criminally-underrated urban Drama about a 12-year-old drug dealer and his shattered project dreams is rarely mentioned in best Black film discussions but deserves to be.
“Talk To Me”
The compelling, often hilarious story of ex-con-turned-popular D.C. radio personality Ralph “Petey” Greene masterfully-played by Don Cheadle in one of his finest roles to date.
“Hoodlum”
The quintessential Black gangster flick about the alliance (and eventual feud) between Bumpy Johnson’s mob and the Italian/Jewish mafia in 1930s Harlem. Top 5 Gangster film…ever? To some, yes.
“I Will Follow”
BEST Black Indie Romance Drama you probably never knew existed? Yes.
