Black Love Movies

List of the Best Black Romance Films

Some of black culture’s most iconic moments were, and still are, the classic films representing black love in the form of black romance movies. Whether dramas or comedies with the typical lineup of star-studded actors like Taye Diggs or Morris Chestnut and actresses like Sanaa Lathan or Nia Long, among many others, these black love movies will always have a special place within black culture. In an unofficial order, with the more known and popular near the top, view a list of some of the most memorable films representing black romance and black love.

List of Top 20 Black Romance Movies

1. Soul Food

More of a drama displaying ups and downs of family and relationships than a romantic film, to call George Tillman Jr’s Soul Food the quintessential film about the African American experience wouldn’t be wrong in the slightest. Packed to the brim with social commentary and fantastic performances, the film, starring Vanessa Williams, Nia Long, Mekhi Phifer, Vivica A Fox and many more, is an irreverent classic that speaks as well today as it did 25 years ago.

2. Love & Basketball

A 2000 film produced by Spike Lee and starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps star in this sizzling tale of romance and basketball in a love story that is as timeless as it is potent. Crackling star chemistry aside, Love & Basketball does its family drama justice as well, showcasing just how powerful love can be, forging destinies and bringing people together.

3. Think Like A Man

An iconic film based around Steve Harvey’s bestseller with top tier African American talent involved, Think Like A Man rejuvenated the Black romance genre in style. A laugh out loud adventure that never lets up, Think Like A Man is the perfect feel good movie for a slow weekend.

4. How Stella Got Her Groove Back

An all-star cast featuring Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Regina King and Whoopi Goldberg who all star in this romantic film about Stella (Angela Bassett) finding love while on a much needed vacation. This tale of finding love in the Jamaican tropics is refreshing and comedic. Featuring great scenery and groovy music, this is an age gap love story done right with a hint of social commentary thrown in for good measure.

5. Waiting to Exhale

From Whitney Houston to Angel Bassett to Loretta Devine is a film about a group of supportive women who seek help through their trouble relationships. Waiting to Exhale immortalizes the struggles of African American women and is a testament to their courage, resolve and their unflinching dedication to their families.

6. The Wood

Rick Famuwiya’s 1999 romance comedy starring a young Omar Epps is a fantastic ode to youth and love that will make you reminisce with melancholy about your past. A fascinating soundtrack, that adds both life and energy to the narrative of a movie based around growing up in Southern California’s Inglewood, is a cherry on top.

7. Why Do Fools Fall In Love

Endlessly rewatchable, this is a film that contains both great music and powerful performances as three former lovers, played by Halle Berry, Vivica A Fox and Lela Rochon, of a famous singer by the name of Frankie Lymon, played by Lorenz Tate, battle for his estate after he passes away.

8. Boomerang

One of Eddie Murphy’s most known films, co-starring the likes of Halle Berry, Robin Givens, and Martin Lawrence is endlessly funny from start to end. Based around Eddie Murphy’s character, Marcus, who is experiencing karma, what goes around comes around, through his mistreatment of women as he gets a taste of his own medicine.

9. Poetic Justice

John Singleton’s cult classic starring Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson hits all the right notes as the two stars characters, Lucky and Justice, build a bond with each other during long road trip. An ode to youth and spontaneity, Poetic Justice cements Singleton as one of the premier Black directors of all time.

10. A Thin Line Between Love Hate

Martin Lawrence’s character falls for the wrong crazy and revengeful woman as Darnell, played by Martin Lawrence, is hunted and tormented by Lynn Whitfield after he breaks her heart.

11. The Best Man

Debuting in 1999 is another star-studded film produced by Spike Lee and directed by Malcolm Lee as friends reunite for a life changing wedding. Funny and moving, The Best Man made us notice both Morris Chestnut and Terrence Howard, two terrific actors who would later make their mark in the American film industry. With a talented cast and an endlessly funny script, The Best Man is a great time from start to end.

12. Brown Sugar

Featuring Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs, along with others, is based around two childhood friends who both grow up to be involved in the music industry as their paths cross each other. Another Rick Famuwiya classic, Brown Sugar stars Taye Diggs and Sana Lathan as they find themselves drawn to each other in spite of personal and professional obstacles to their sizzling romance. Wholesome and hearty, Brown Sugar celebrates Black romance in style.

13. Love Jones

Starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long as two people who are seeking love from each other. With equal amounts of jazz and romance, Love Jonas features great acting, an expansive cast and enough drama to make an impression. Theodore Witcher crafts a touching tribute to how relationships develop and test over time and how intense emotional connections span out over the years.

14. Jason Lyric

A beautiful love story starring Allen Payne and Jada Pinkett Smith. Intense and unforgiving, the portrayal of love amidst all its complications in Doug McHenry’s Jason’s Lyric is second to none. With commanding performances from both Allen Payne and Jada Pinkett Smith, the film charts an unforgettable love story that borders on the exquisite.

15. Think Like a Man Too

A sequel to the 2012 film, Think Like a Man Too tries to swing for the fences but falls short. With both comedy and hilarious misadventures served up in droves, Think Like a Man too does not have the heart that made the first film such a well liked adventure in the first place.

16. Why Did I Get Married

One of Tyler Perry’s first successful films stars an all-star cast, from Janet Jackson to Malik Yoba, as this film shows the battle of holding a marriage together. A familiar tale of romance and comedy as four married couples find their secrets revealed at a vacation. While predictable, the film slogs along courtesy of Perry’s loud comedy and spiritual uplift that is peppered throughout the narrative.

17. The Best Man Holiday

Sequel to the 1999 film ‘The Best Man’ as the original cast of characters reunite to spend Christmas together. With who’s who of top Black talent involved, The Best Man Holiday is a wonderful film that will fill you with appreciation for relationships and friendships. With great acting and plenty of funny moments, the film is a four quadrant crowd pleaser that definitely has no detractors.

18. Daddy’s Little Girls

Another classic Tyler Perry film stars two characters, played by Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba, who come from two totally different worlds but somehow would eventually fall in love with each other. A great film about two people falling in love, Daddy’s Little Girls features fine performances and a great plot and is far from a let down that prevails the film to being one of Tyler Perry’s top films.

19. Two Can Play That Game

A romantic comedy that features Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut, Anthony Anderson, Bobby Brown, Gabrielle Union, Wendy Raquel Robinson and Tamala Jones. Enjoyable and memorable, Two Can Play That Game is a cookie cutter romantic comedy that thrives on the performances of its leads. With predictable plot twists and an underwhelming conclusion, the film is ultimately pretty forgettable.

20. Deliver Us from Eva

LL Cool J is paid to date the unpleasant Eva, played by Gabrielle Union, but would later fall in love with her. Deliver Us from Eva was inspired by a Shakespeare play, while the film plays it safe it is still very entertaining and moves audiences on every level.

Honorable Mention Black Romance Movies

– About Last Night A remake of two romantic classics, this film follows two couples and stars Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant, and Michael Ealy.

– Beyond the Lights An indie film that featured Danny Glover and Machine Gun Kelly

– Something New Starring Sanaa Lathan, and also featuring Mike Epps, Donald Faison and Blair Underwood, is a romantic comedy about interracial dating.

– Just Wright Basketball helps bring two characters together, played by Queen Latifah and Common.

– Jumping the Broom A romantic comedy about an upcoming wedding with Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Loretta Devine, Mike Epps, Meagan Good and more.

– Our Family Wedding A Hispanic family and an African American family are force to come together after Marcus Boyd, played by Lance Gross, and Lucia Ramirez, played by America Ferrera, are getting set to marry each other.

– The Brothers A story of love that follows four brothers, featuring Morris Chestnut, D.L. Hughley, Bill Bellamy, and Shemar Moore.

– Disappearing Acts A television movie that starred Wesley Snipes and Sanaa Lathan in a romantic drama.

– Why Did I Get Married Too Tyler Perry’s sequel to his hit film Why Did I Get Married?

– Not Easily Broken Directed by Bill Duke is a film based around the TD Jakes book starring Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson, and Kevin Hart.

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Black Romance Movies: Top 20 Best Black Love Movies