Top 10 African-American Movies

There have been so many well-made African-American movies that picking out my top 10 took twice as long as it did for me to actually write the column. However, I have managed to pare the list down from its original 25 or so, to my favorite 10 of all-time. In order, here they are.


Roots (1977)
This mini-series which was, for all intents and purposes, a movie in disguise, is the number one movie of all-time for most African-Americans. The six-night epic raised the consciousness of every African-American living in the United States at that time about the struggles of their ancestors and spurred even more advances in the civil rights movement which was still going on at the time. 

The script, storyline and performances of the star-studded cast were outstanding. There will never be another Roots or Alex Haley, the globally renowned award-wining author whose book the film was based on.

Color Purple (1985)
The performance of Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery made this touching film an instant classic. It also raised the consciousness of every African-American female in the United States about domestic violence. All I can say is you’d better have some tissues ready whether you’re man or woman when you watch this movie. This touching film belongs in everyone’s collection.

A Raisin in The Sun (1961)
This remake of the Broadway play made a powerful statement that depicted life in America for the majority of African-Americans in the U.S. at that time. The cast, led by the unforgettable performance of Sidney Poitier, put on a stunning performance that has stood the test of time for over four decades.

Coming to America (1988)
Eddie Murphy was at his very best in this movie and sidekick, Arsenio Hall wasn’t too shabby either. The storyline, script and performances of the actors, including James Earl Jones, were all extraordinary. This movie was so good in fact, that it is the only comedy on my top 10 all-time list. This is a flick for the whole family.