Best Black Romance Movies
In celebration of Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, we’re excited to showcase some of the finest black romance films ever created. While our films may not fit the mold of conventional romance movies, their uniqueness is what sets them apart. From comedy and suspense to drama and crime, this collection offers a little bit of everything. Presented in no specific order, here are 32 of the top black romance films to enjoy.
1. Love & Basketball
Love and basketball often embodies the dream relationships of many young girls—and it certainly was for me. Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Central Los Angeles, this film centers around two high school basketball players, Monica Wright and Quincy McCall, who happen to be neighbors. Monica is an enthusiastic and fiercely determined tomboy with her sights set on the WNBA, while Quincy aspires to follow in his father's footsteps and make it to the NBA. Throughout their journey, they navigate the complexities of pursuing their personal ambitions, all while being in-love and confronting the challenges that life throws their way.
2. The Wood
As the wedding day approaches, groomsman Roland suddenly feels overwhelmed and goes missing just hours before the ceremony. Concerned for their friend, best friends Mike and Slim set out to find him, hoping to offer reassurance and guidance. Along the way, the trio reminisces about their cherished childhood memories growing up together in Inglewood, California, reflecting on the bonds that have shaped their lives and the love that now binds them together.
3. Moonlight
Moonlight not only embodies self-love but also highlights the ways society can hinder black men from embracing their truths and living fully. This Oscar-winning film follows the journey of Chiron, a young black man navigating the complexities of life in Miami, Florida. Throughout his story, Chiron confronts challenges such as bullying, a mother struggling with addiction, a father figure involved in drug dealing, and the trials of being placed into the system. He battles with his identity and the pressures of his environment. This film is beautifully crafted, showcasing the profound struggles and experiences that black men can face in their pursuit of love and authenticity.
4.The Best Man
Harper Stewart has written a highly anticipated novel that promises to be a bestseller. Unbeknownst to his friends, this new book draws heavily from the passionate relationship of his closest friends. As they all gather to celebrate Lance's upcoming wedding, where Harper will proudly stand as the best man, everything shifts when an early copy of the novel ends up in the hands of his ex-lover, Jordan Armstrong. Soon, Harper learns that the book has made its rounds within the friend circle. Desperate to keep the truth hidden and reclaim the manuscript before Lance uncovers the secret, Harper finds himself in a tangled web of love, friendship, and hidden truths.
5. Poetic Justice
Heartbroken by the tragic loss of her beloved boyfriend, hairdresser Justice channels her grief into the art of poetry. While on her way to a convention in Oakland, California, her car breaks down, preventing her from traveling. Justice decides to accept a ride from her best friend Iesha and Iesha boyfriend Chicago, who worked for the postal office. Joining them is Chicago's co-worker, Lucky, with whom Justice gradually forms a deeper connection despite their rocky start. But as new feelings blossom, she must confront whether she is ready to embrace love once more.
6. Breakin’ All The Rules
Quincy Watson's life has taken an unexpected turn. Just when he thought he had everything figured out, his fiancée abruptly ends their engagement, leaving him heartbroken and without a job as an editor. In a twist of fate, Quincy channels his pain into writing a book about the complexity of ending relationships. To his surprise, the book became a sensation, topping the best-seller lists. However, this newfound success brings unforeseen complications, especially when his cousin Evan, inspired by Quincy's words, decides to end his relationship with his stunning girlfriend, Nicky. As Nicky navigates the change in circumstances, she finds herself drawn to Quincy in ways she never anticipated.
7. Love Jones
In the vibrant heart of Chicago, Darius, a passionate aspiring writer and Nina, an ambitious photographer, find an undeniable spark during an encounter at a club. They quickly connect over their shared love for music, photography, and poetry, igniting a passionate romance. However, the course of their relationship takes a turn when Nina opts to relocate to New York, seeking to repair her past with her ex-fiancé, Marvin. This decision shatters Darius's heart and casts their future into uncertainty, leaving both to grapple with the choices of love and ambition.
8. A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Darnell Wright, known for his charm with women, finds himself in a complicated situation. Despite his commitment to his longtime love, Mia, he is drawn to the stunning and sophisticated Brandi. Their brief romance escalates when Darnell, after leading Brandi on, attempts to walk away. However, he soon discovers that Brandi is not one to be easily dismissed. Hurt and furious, she is determined to make him pay for his betrayal. As tensions rise, Darnell must confront the consequences of his actions and the path his heart truly desires.
9. Two Can Play That Game
In the whirlwind of love, Shanté Smith is a master at keeping her man happy and loyal, it's just another day in her vibrant life. Her girlfriends often turn to her for advice whenever romantic storms brew in their lives, and she never disappoints. Meanwhile, her boyfriend Keith is caught up in the misguided guidance of his buddy Tony, who thinks he has all the secrets to understanding women. But when Keith is caught in a scandalous moment with a coworker, Shanté springs into action with her clever "Ten Day Plan" to realign her man and remind him what he has to lose.
10. Deliver Us From Eva
Since the loss of their parents many years ago, Eva has taken on the role of caretaker for her younger sisters. However, her controlling nature often leads her to meddle in their relationships and personal lives. Frustrated by the situation, her sisters' partners decide it’s time to take matters into their own hands. They hatch a playful scheme to bring in the charming Ray Adams to sweep Eva off her feet, hoping to distract her just enough to discuss dividing up the family trust fund she oversees. As chemistry ignites between Ray and Eva, their plans begin to unravel in the most hilarious ways.
11. Why Did I Get Married? & Why Did I Get Married Too?
In Why Did I Get Married: Eight couples embark on their annual getaway in the majestic Colorado mountains, a tradition filled with camaraderie and laughter. However, the harmonious atmosphere is shattered when secrets of infidelity come to light, forcing each pair to confront the true strength of their unions. As they navigate the turbulent waters of commitment, love, betrayal, and the possibility of forgiveness, they must find a way to heal and move forward.
In Why Did I Get Married Too: The couples gather in the sun-kissed Bahamas, eager to catch up and share the stories that have shaped their lives over the last twelve months. But when one woman's past resurfaces in the form of an ex-husband determined to reclaim her heart, the group is reminded that the challenges of love and loyalty are never truly behind them.
12. Beyond The Lights
This film truly tugs at the heartstrings. Noni, a talented singer who has been pushed toward fame by her controlling mother, struggles to handle the weight of her newfound success. Overwhelmed by her circumstances, Noni attempts to take her own life, but fate intervenes when Kaz, the police officer assigned to protect her, steps in just in time. A deep and immediate connection sparks between Noni and Kaz, yet their blossoming romance faces opposition from those around them, who fear that their union may lead them off the paths that have been meticulously laid out for their futures.
13. The Brothers
In this charming romantic comedy, we follow the delightful journey of four black men as they navigate the ups and downs of love, sex, and friendship, all while confronting two of life's most daunting challenges: commitment and honesty. These lifelong friends unite to face the trials of romantic relationships, blending laughter with the often painful truths that arise in the battle of the sexes. Between chasing their careers, hitting the basketball court, and enjoying nights out, "The Brothers" immerse themselves in the pursuit of love with numerous women. However, an unexpected revelation threatens to put their close-knit bond to the ultimate test.
14. How Stella Got Her Groove Back
Stella, a stockbroker whose heart has never quite found its match, escapes to the sun-kissed shores of Jamaica with her closest friend, Delilah, in search of joy and relaxation. There, amid the vibrant sunsets and gentle waves, she becomes enchanted by Winston, a charming man in his twenties. As their whirlwind romance deepens, Stella finds herself torn when it comes time to return to California. The intensity of her feelings for Winston surprises her, but the challenges of distance and their age gap causes worry, leaving her with doubts about their future together.
15. Waiting To Exhale
This film follows the journeys of four lifelong friends as they navigate the ups and downs of careers, family, and romance. At this pivotal moment in their lives, they're bonding about their love lives, especially the quest for decent men. Savannah and Robin find themselves entangled with married men, each holding onto hope that their lovers will eventually choose them over their wives. Meanwhile, Bernadine faces loneliness after her husband leaves her for another woman. On a different note, Gloria is struggling with the bittersweet reality that her only child is about to head off to college, leaving her with the challenge of facing life on her own.
16. ATL
In a vibrant Atlanta neighborhood, four working-class teens find their groove at the local roller skating rink, the ultimate hangout spot. As they gear up to step into adulthood after high school, they encounter a series of challenges both on the rink and in life that pave the way for significant changes. At the heart of the story is Rashad, who can’t help but fall for New New, a girl from the suburbs trying to blend in as a cool girl from the block. However, romance comes with its hurdles, especially for Rashad, who’s had his fair share of struggles and isn’t one to tolerate dishonesty. As their relationship unfolds, they both learn that love can be a wild ride filled with both laughter and lessons.
17. Brown Sugar
Sidney and Dre often reflect on the special bond that started their friendship and ignited their careers, all stemming from a vivid childhood memory: the moment they witnessed the birth of hip-hop on a bustling New York street corner. Fast forward 15 years, Sidney has blossomed into a respected music critic while Dre finds himself as a thriving music executive. As they navigate the ups and downs of their lives, both discover that to truly ignite their passions, they must remember the thing they fell in love with on that unforgettable day, on the corner.
18. Jason’s Lyric
In a rough, crime-ridden area of Houston, Texas, Jason yearns for a brighter future. By day, he sells televisions and cares for his mother, all while trying to guide his troubled brother, Joshua, away from a life of crime. However, everything changes when he meets Lyric, and their romance fills Jason's life with newfound hope. As their love deepens, he begins to envision a future for himself, but he must also face a painful secret from his past. In this journey, the path isn't always smooth, and not every story ends in bliss.
19. BootyCall
Rushon is feeling a bit sexually frustrated, wants to spice things up with his girlfriend, Nikki. When he calls her to plan a date, she insists on making it a double date with her self-assured and outspoken friend, Listerine. Rushon decides to pair Listerine up with his uncouth friend, Buns. As the night progresses from dinner to the bedroom, the two guys embark on a hilarious quest for one crucial item to ensure the evening goes off without a hitch...condoms!
20. Diary Of A Mad Black Woman
In this debut film from Tyler Perry, we follow the journey of Helen, a woman who faces heartbreak when her husband leaves her on their 18th wedding anniversary for another woman. Throughout their marriage, Helen was left without a job or any independence, making her situation even more difficult. She seeks refuge with her grandmother, Madea, who offers wisdom on revenge, but Helen is consumed by the sorrow of her loss. Orlando, a U-Haul driver, finds himself drawn to Helen, yet she struggles to break free from the emotional ties to her ex-husband, feeling an obligation even after his betrayal. This film beautifully captures the essence of self-love and the importance of not allowing someone else to hold too much power over your heart. It's a moving story that reminds us of our inherent worthiness of love and the blessings that come from embracing our true selves.
21. Think Like A Man & Think Like A Man Too
In Think Like A Man, Dominic, Jeremy, Michael, and Zeke are struggling to connect with the women in their lives. But when their charming partners start following the advice from a book by comedian Steve Harvey, these friends find themselves in a bit of a frenzy. Discovering that one of their own has strayed, Dominic and his crew decide it's time to flip the script using the book's wisdom.
In Think Like A Man Too, the guys were on the path to lasting love—but when all the couples gather in Las Vegas for a wedding, unexpected twists and turns threaten to upset both the big day and the stability of their romances.
22. What’s Love Got To Do With It
This inspiring film narrates the remarkable journey of the iconic soul singer Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock. Her passion for music blossoms in her Tennessee church choir, leading her to St. Louis in pursuit of a singing career. There, she encounters the magnetic Ike Turner, who renames her Tina and offers to guide her toward success. Together, they create a musical phenomenon that captivates audiences everywhere. However, as Ike's abusive behavior escalates, Tina faces a heart-wrenching choice: to leave him behind and embark on a path of self-discovery and empowerment.
23. Coming to America
Prince Akeem, the heir to a luxurious African kingdom, has everything he could desire—except for a genuine love who would embrace him beyond his royal title. To dodge an arranged marriage, he makes a bold escape to America with his fussy friend, Semmi, in search of his perfect queen. Posing as a foreign student working at a fast-food joint, he finds himself smitten with Lisa. However, he faces a comedic dilemma as he navigates the challenges of revealing his true self to her and discussing his future with his demanding king of a father.
24. Carmen: A Hip Hopera
In this captivating romantic musical drama, we meet Carmen Brown, a mesmerizing aspiring actress whose beauty always brings chaos. She entangles herself with Sergeant Derek Hill of the Philadelphia Police Department, who is engaged to a cocktail waitress. Unfortunately, a corrupt cop sets Derek up, leading him down a path where he can't help but fall for Carmen. As they navigate a whirlwind of suspense and danger, a fateful night unravels and alters his life forever. Meanwhile, Carmen, vibrant and ambitious, yearns to pursue her dreams unrestricted. Together, they uncover a saddening truth, that: “sometimes what glitters loses its shine and turns to dust."
25. Boomerang
In the bustling world of advertising, Marcus has built his reputation as a charming ladies' man with a swagger that turns heads. But when a corporate merger lands him working beneath the stunning and equally carefree Jacqueline, he starts to experience the flipside of his usual game. As sparks fly between them, Marcus soon finds himself frustrated by Jacqueline's laid-back approach to commitment. To complicate matters further, his heart begins to lean toward the sweet and considerate Angela, who embodies the deeper connection Marcus yearns for.
26. The Bodyguard
Renowned pop star Rachel Marron finds herself in a troubling situation when a stalker’s fixation turns threatening. Following her manager's advice, she hires Frank Farmer, a former secret service agent, to keep her safe. At first, Rachel is frustrated with Frank’s strict security measures, but as they grow closer, he becomes a vital part of her life. Their relationship evolves from just client and bodyguard to something much deeper as they spend more time together.
27. Just Wright
Physical therapist Leslie Wright lands her dream job working with basketball sensation Scott McKnight. Everything seems perfect until Leslie realizes she’s developed feelings for him. But there’s a twist—Scott remains blissfully unaware of Leslie’s crush and instead is enchanted by Morgan, Leslie’s stunning friend, who has visions of being Scott’s glamorous trophy wife.
28. Something New
Ambitious and career-focused, Kenya McQueen finds herself on a blind date with the charming architect Brian Kelly. However, when she discovers that he’s white, she hesitates and quickly ends the date. Drawn to his impressive work on a friend's mansion, she decides to hire Kelly to design her new garden and soon, he captures her heart. Just when Kenya is falling for Brian, her friends introduce her to the intriguing executive Mark Harper, forcing her to confront a dilemma: should she pursue the man she thought she always wanted or embrace the unexpected twists that life has in store for her?
29. Purple Rain
Prince is a rising star in Minneapolis, finding solace in music with his band, the Revolution. Caught in the storm of his own fury, His turbulent home life pushes him to avoid the destructive path of his fiery father. As he navigates the vibrant club scene, he finds himself entangled in a complicated romance with the sensual singer, Apollonia. Yet, on the horizon is Morris, another musician who finds Prince as his competition, threatening both his dreams and his relationship.
30. About Last Night
While out on the town with his loudmouthed friend Bernie, Danny crosses paths with the ambitious business woman Debbie, who shares his uncertainty about relationships. Still, the chemistry between them is undeniable, leading to their first night of adventure that sparks a little romance. As they navigate the ups and downs of dating, they both strive to turn their budding connection into something real, despite the teasing warnings from Bernie and Debbie’s best friend, Joan. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Bernie and Joan, adding another layer of chaos to the mix.
31. Jumping The Broom
Sabrina Watson is a sharp corporate lawyer from a wealthy family. When she meets the charming Jason Taylor, she thinks she’s found her Prince Charming and jumps at his proposal. But when Sabrina’s posh parents meet Jason’s down-to-earth postal worker mom at their swanky Martha’s Vineyard estate, it becomes hilariously clear just how different their lives really are.
32. Guess Who
Theresa, a vibrant young woman, is gearing up to introduce her fiancé to her dad, Percy Jones. Percy is excited to meet the ambitious businessman who’s won over his African-American daughter’s heart, but he’s taken aback when he discovers she’s engaged to Simon Green, a white guy. Staying with the Joneses to mark Percy and his wife’s 25th wedding anniversary, the charmingly clumsy Simon makes a bad first impression, setting the stage for a hilariously awkward quest to win over his soon-to-be father-in-law.