Black women have long been underrepresented and often misrepresented in cinema, but there has been a significant shift in recent years, which has been positive. Films centered on Black women’s experiences, struggles, and triumphs are more prominent and celebrated. These films offer entertainment and powerful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences while potentially providing role models to younger girls watching.
The Color Purple
Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this film tells the story of Celie, a woman who faces immense adversity but eventually finds her voice and strength. The performances, particularly by Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, are unforgettable.
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of NASA’s space race. This film celebrates the contributions of three African American women mathematicians, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who played pivotal roles in one of America’s most outstanding achievements. Their intelligence and perseverance are central to the narrative, providing a powerful message about breaking barriers and overcoming discrimination.
Black Panther
Marvel’s Black Panther broke box office records and made cultural waves with its depiction of strong Black women. Characters like Shuri, Okoye, and Nakia are portrayed as intelligent, fierce, and independent. These women are integral to the story, showcasing a refreshing portrayal of Black women in a blockbuster and superhero setting.
12 Years a Slave
Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave is a harrowing but essential film. While it primarily tells the story of Solomon Northup, the female characters’ experiences, particularly Patsey, played by Lupita Nyong’o, are deeply moving. Nyong’o’s performance earned her an Academy Award and brought significant attention to the brutal realities faced by enslaved women.
Daughters of the Dust
Julie Dash’s Daughters of the Dust is a groundbreaking film that was the first feature film directed by an African American woman to be distributed theatrically in the U.S. It tells the story of a Gullah family at the turn of the 20th century, highlighting their rich culture and heritage. The film’s visual beauty and unique storytelling make it a must-watch.
Pariah
Pariah, directed by Dee Rees, is a poignant coming-of-age story about a young Black lesbian navigating her identity and family dynamics. The film’s authentic and heartfelt portrayal of its protagonist, Alike, resonates deeply with audiences and provides much-needed representation for queer Black women.
Queen & Slim
Queen & Slim, directed by Melina Matsoukas, is a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde story with a socio-political twist. The film explores themes of systemic racism and police brutality while also delving into the relationship between its two leads.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
This film features a remarkable performance by Quvenzhané Wallis as Hushpuppy, a young girl living in a remote Delta community. Beasts of the Southern Wild blends fantasy and reality to tell a compelling story of survival and resilience. Wallis’s portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination, making her the youngest nominee for Best Actress at the time.
Mahogany
Mahogany stars Diana Ross as an aspiring fashion designer who rises to fame. This film is about glamour and touches on themes of ambition, identity, and love. Ross’s performance is both captivating and inspiring, making Mahogany a classic.
Waiting to Exhale
Based on Terry McMillan’s novel, Waiting to Exhale focuses on the lives and loves of four African American women. Starring Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon, this film explores friendship, career, and romance with honesty and humor, highlighting different personalities in the same film.
Akeelah and the Bee
Akeelah and the Bee is an uplifting story about a young South Los Angeles girl competing in a national spelling bee. Keke Palmer’s portrayal of Akeelah showcases determination and intellect, providing a positive role model for young viewers.
Set It Off
Set It Off features a powerhouse cast, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise. The film follows four women who turn to bank robbery out of desperation. It’s a gritty, emotional story that highlights the lengths people will go to escape their circumstances.
Claudine
Claudine stars Diahann Carroll as a single mother of six who navigates the welfare system and finds love. Carroll’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, and the film remains a significant portrayal of Black womanhood and resilience.
The Help
The Help, based on Kathryn Stockett’s novel, tells the story of African American maids in the 1960s South. Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer deliver powerful performances, highlighting the dignity and strength of their characters despite the oppressive environment.
For Colored Girls
For Colored Girls, directed by Tyler Perry and based on Ntozoke Shange’s play, presents a series of interconnected stories about Black women facing various personal crises. The ensemble cast, including Janet Jackson, Thandie Newton, and Loretta Devine, delivers intense and memorable performances.
Belle
Belle, directed by Amma Asante, is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the mixed-race daughter of a British naval officer. The film explores themes of race, class, and identity in 18th-century England, with a standout performance by Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Oprah Winfrey stars in this HBO film about Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were used for groundbreaking medical research without her consent. The film sheds light on the ethical issues surrounding her story and highlights one woman’s cells’ profound impact on science.
Miss Juneteenth
Miss Juneteenth is a poignant film directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples that centers on a former beauty queen and single mother, Turquoise Jones, who hopes to inspire her rebellious teenage daughter to follow in her footsteps and compete in the Miss Juneteenth pageant. Set against the backdrop of the Juneteenth holiday, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, the film explores themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams within a close-knit Black community. Nicole Beharie’s outstanding performance as Turquoise brings depth and authenticity to the character, making Miss Juneteenth a compelling celebration of Black womanhood and resilience.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
This Netflix miniseries stars Octavia Spencer as Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire. The series chronicles her journey from laundress to beauty industry mogul, showcasing her business acumen and tenacity.
