Best Black Netflix Original Movies (March 2023)

 Looking for Good Black Movies & TV Shows on Netflix?

Add these films to your streaming watchlist!

See a complete list of the best Netflix movies for African Americans below.

Netflix offers many movies featuring Black and African American talent – filmmakers, screenplay writers, actors and actresses, and critics without going to the big screen. In addition to Black movies about slavery, segregation, equality, oppression, racial injustice, and the Civil Rights Movement, Netflix also offers Black film genres that include comedies, documentaries, sci-fi, sequels, and even horror movies.

Black artists and movies are often acclaimed for their cinematic displays highlighting Black culture. Many of the most recent Black films have been recognized for outstanding box-office ticket sales, featured at Sundance and other film festivals, and nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. So, find the genre that suits your mood, make some popcorn, and pass the time with these riveting Black Netflix original movies and TV shows!

Action

End of the Road (R)

Genre: Crime, Drama
Recently widowed mom, Brenda fights to protect her family during a harrowing road trip.
Starring: Queen Latifah
IMDB Rating: 4.8/10
Runtime: 91 minutes
Why you may like: Love Queen Latifah? Looking for a new movie to watch? Take a chance on End of the Road, a thrilling action film! Check it out today!

Luther: The Fallen Sun ^New

Genre: Mystery, Drama
Haunted by an unsolved murder, London police detective John Luther breaks out of prison to hunt down a serial killer.
Starring: Idris Elba
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 130 minutes
Why you may like: Love Idris Elba? Need a new crime mystery to watch? Check out Luther: The Fallen Sun! Perfect for a late-night watch!

Amandla (TV-MA)

Genre: African, Crime
Years after surviving a childhood tragedy, two brothers fall on opposing sides of the law.
Starring: Lemogang Tsipa
IMDB Rating: 5.6/10
Runtime: 106 minutes
Why you may like: An African crime film that takes sibling rivalry to another level. If you enjoy international films, this movie is for you! This film has drama, emotion, suspense, and much more—a perfect movie for a night in.

Day Shift (R)

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
An LA vampire hunter has a week to come up with the cash to pay for his kid’s tuition and braces. Trying to make a living these days might kill him.
Starring: Jamie Foxx
IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
Runtime: 113 minutes
Why you may like: A fantasy action thriller that stars Jamie Foxx as a vampire hunter. If you enjoy action films with a comedic aspect, you should check out this film. Add this fantastic new film to your watch list.

Related article: See these top Black movies in theaters

Comedy

We Have a Ghost (PG-13) ^New

Genre: Supernatural, Adventure
After finding a ghost haunting their new house, a family becomes internet sensations — and targets of a shadowy government agency.
Starring: Anthony Mackie
IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
Runtime: 127 minutes
Why you may like: Need a fun film to watch with the entire family? Check out We Have a Ghost! Perfect for a Saturday night watch with the family. 

The Upshaws (TV-14)

Genre: Sitcom, Family
A working-class Black family in Indiana strives for a better life and a happy home while juggling everyday struggles in this comedy series.
Starring: Mike Epps
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Runtime: 30 minutes
Why you may like: Looking for a new sitcom? Missing the classics like The Bernie Mac Show or My Wife and Kids? Check out The Upshaws!  

You People (R)

Genre: Romantic
Families and cultures clash when two LA millennials from different backgrounds fall in love and face the ultimate test: meeting the parents.
Starring: Lauren London
IMDB Rating: 5.6/10
Runtime: 118 minutes
Why you may like: Looking for a new rom-com? Do you love Lauren London? Check out this new romantic comedy with Lauren London alongside Jonah Hill!

Trevor Noah: I Wish You Would (TV-14)

Genre: Stand-up
Emmy-winning comedian Trevor Noah talks about learning German, speaking ill of the dead, judging people in horror movies, and ordering Indian food in Scotland.
Starring: Trevor Noah
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 60 minutes
Why you may like: Looking for a stand-up special that will have you laughing hysterically? Check out Trevor Noah’s new stand-up special; it’s excellent! Perfect for a night in!

Related article: Good Black TV shows streaming right now

Documentary

Harry and Meghan (TV-MA)

Genre: Biography
Harry and Meghan share their complex journey from their courtship to their exit from royal life.
Starring: Meghan Markle
IMDB Rating: 3.6/10
Runtime: 60 minutes
Why you may like: A docuseries that takes a deep dive into the relationship and journey of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Want to learn more about royal life? Give this binge-worthy series a watch!

Bill Russell: Legend (TV-MA) ^New

Genre: Sports
Winningest NBA champion and civil rights icon Bill Russell builds a legacy on and off the court in this documentary.
Starring: Bill Russell 
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Runtime: 100 minutes
Why you may like: Love the NBA? Check out this documentary about one of the most famous and talented NBA players. The perfect watch for a night in!

Descendant (PG)

Genre: Social Issues, Historical
Descendants of the enslaved Africans on an illegal ship that arrived in Alabama in 1860 seek justice and healing.
Directed by: Margaret Brown
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
Runtime: 109 minutes
Why you may like: Interested in learning about the story of the illegal slave ship Clotilda? Want to hear from the descendants of survivors? Check out Descendant to satisfy your curiosity and help you gain some insight!

Is That Black Enough for You?!? (R)

Genre: History, Film
Elvis Mitchell traces the evolution — and revolution — of Black cinema from its origins to the impactful films of the 1970s.|
Starring: Elvis Mitchell
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Runtime: 135 minutes
Why you may like: A deep dive into the development of Black cinema throughout history. Are you interested in the film industry and Black cinema’s involvement in it? Give this documentary a try. It deserves a watch!

Related article: Stay in and watch these Black family movies on Netflix.

Drama

Top Boy (TV-MA)

Genre: Crime, British
Two seasoned drug dealers return to the streets of London, but a new hustler threatens their pursuits.
Starring: Ashley Walters
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
Runtime: 60 minutes
Why you may like: Enjoy crime tv shows? Enjoy British tv shows? Need a new series? Give Top Boy a try. Binge-worthy!

A Jazzman’s Blues (R)

Genre: Music, Social Issues
 Forbidden love and family drama unravel 40 years of secrets and lies against a soundtrack of juke-joint blues.
Starring: Joshua Boone
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
Runtime: 128 minutes
Why you may like: Looking for a new movie? Love stories about forbidden love and family pressures? A Jazzman’s Blues has it all alongside a phenomenal soundtrack. Give it a watch today!

Ẹlẹṣin Ọba: The King’s Horseman (TV-14)

Genre: Historical, African
After his king dies, a horseman must sacrifice himself to serve his ruler in the afterlife.
Starring: Odunlade Adekola
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 96 minutes
Why you may like: A drama that allows you to immerse yourself in the story and learn about another culture. Perfect for a lazy afternoon or late-night watch. Stream Ẹlẹṣin Ọba: The King’s Horseman today!

Brotherhood (TV-MA)

Genre: Crime
An honest lawyer reaches a moral crossroads after the cops force her to inform her incarcerated brother.
Starring: Naruna Costa
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Runtime: 55 minutes
Why you may like: A crime drama that constantly keeps you on your toes, need a new show to watch? Check out Brotherhood on Netflix today! Perfect for a casual binge. Add to your watchlist today!

Kings of Jo’ Burg (TV-MA)

Genre: Fantasy, Crime
The Masire brothers rule Johannesburg’s criminal underworld, but a supernatural family curse and a tangled web of betrayal threaten to destroy them.
Starring: Zolisa Xaluva
IMDB Rating: 5.1/10
Runtime: 50 minutes
Why you may like: Need a new series to watch? Check out Kings of Jo’Burg! This sci-fi crime drama is guaranteed to keep you interested!

Related article: Free Black movies and shows for kids

Did your favorite Black Netflix original movies make it onto the list? Let us know the best Black Netflix original film from your list, and we will add them to ours. Also, if you are not a  Netflix subscriber, you can sign up for a free one-month trial today. After registering, you can instantly watch these Black Netflix original movies, films, or TV shows from your computer, smart TV, game console, or phone.

Written by: Jaylyn Nurredin 

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Black Netflix Movies photo provided by © [Daxiao Productions] /Adobe Stock