Movies Every Black Woman Should Watch

Their Eyes Were Watching God (2005)

This movie adaption of Zora Neale Hurston’s book (with the same title) follows Janie Crawford, a woman in the 20th century trying to find herself, love, and happiness. The movie showcases the relationship between her and the different men in her life.

Coffy (1973)

Coffy is a story of revenge. The main character Coffy has a sister is addicted to drugs. In order to find out who got her sister hooked on drugs, she hunts down mob members and drug dealers until she gets to the bottom of it.

Crooklyn (1994)

A Spike Lee joint set in 1970s Brooklyn, Crooklyn is a coming of age tale following Troy Carmichael who is sent to her aunt's for the summer and returns to Brooklyn to find out her mother is ill. She is then forced to grow up quickly.

Set it off (1996)

A group of friends working for a janitorial company plot to rob banks, but things begin to unravel when detectives figure out their plans.

Belle (2013)

Based on a true story, Dido Elizabeth Belle is a biracial Black woman raised by her white father’s family in 1761 England. Her upper-class status helps with her campaign to end slavery.

Imitation of Life (1959)

Imitation of Life discusses the problems of motherhood and Black identity as Annie Johnson struggles with her daughter, Sarah Jane, who passes for a white woman.

Waiting to Exhale (1995)

Waiting to Exhale follows a group of four friends during one year of their life. Amidst the struggles of their love lives their friendships remain a constant support system for each other.

Daughters of the Dust (1991)

The inspiration for Beyoncé’s Lemonade visuals, Daughters of the Dust, follows a family in the sea-lands of South Carolina who plan to leave the island and its traditions behind as others fight to stay and hold on to their traditions and customs.

Girls Trip (2017)

This year’s break out comedy follows a group of friends who spend their weekend in New Orleans. Their adventures and relationships are a crazy ride as they try to rekindle the love they once had for each other.

Pariah (2007)

At the center of the story is Alike, a young girl who tries to understand her lesbian identity.

The Color Purple (1985)

Alice Walker’s novel (holding the same title) was turned into a movie in 1985. It is a tale about a girl named Celie who struggles with rape, domestic violence, forced marriage and the separation of her and her sister Nettie.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Beasts of the Southern Wild features Quvenzhané Wallis’ groundbreaking role as Hush Puppy, a girl from the Louisiana Bayou who tries to return to her sick father but must fight against an animal that blocks her way.

Free Angela and All Political Prisoners (2012)

This documentary tells the story of Angela Davis’ social activism and what landed her name on the FBI’s most wanted list.

The Josephine Baker Story (1991)

This film is a biopic of the famous entertainer Josephine Baker. The story tells of Josephine’s life in St. Louis, her rise to her fame in Paris, and her humanitarian work.