Check out the latest Black Netflix movie releases.
Black Netflix movies offer something for every mood, from laugh-out-loud comedies to emotional films that spark real conversations. Whether it’s a family movie night or a solo binge session, these movies feature powerful storytelling and unforgettable performances on the screen. Grab the snacks, make a watchlist, and explore some of the best titles streaming right now.
Many Black Netflix movies celebrate culture, creativity, and everyday experiences in ways that feel authentic and relatable. These films introduce rising stars, timeless stories, and fan favorites worth sharing with friends and family. Start streaming, discover a new favorite movie, and start talking about these must-watch films.
Streaming availability last verified: May 2026. Netflix titles change frequently.
Best Black Action Movies
Man on Fire (R)
Genre: Action, Thriller
Hired to guard a young girl in Mexico City, a retired CIA operative with a dark past will stop at nothing to rescue her.
Starring: Denzel Washington
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Runtime: 146 minutes
Why you may like this: Burnt-out ex-CIA operative John Creasy has given up on life until he’s hired as a bodyguard to protect 9-year-old Pita Ramos. Bit by bit, Creasy begins to reclaim some of his soul, but when Pita is kidnapped, Creasy’s fiery rage is finally released. Now, Creasy will stop at nothing to exact revenge on all those who were involved or profited from Pita’s abduction.
Beast (R)
Genre: Thriller
When a widowed doctor and his teenage daughters are pursued by a ferocious lion, their South African vacation becomes a desperate fight for survival.
Starring: Idris Elba
IMDB Rating: 5.6/10
Runtime: 93 minutes
Why you may like: A grieving widower, Dr. Nate Daniels, travels to a wildlife reserve in South Africa with his daughters, hoping to find peace amidst cherished memories. Their tranquil retreat is brutally disrupted when they encounter a powerful lion seeking retribution for past cruelty inflicted by poachers. The family finds themselves in a terrifying fight for survival against the apex predator and the harsh realities of the wilderness.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (PG-13)
Genre: Action
Four high school students get sucked into the jungle setting of a video game, where they embark on a quest to escape the game.
Starring: Kevin Hart
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Runtime: 119 minutes
Why you may like: In a brand-new Jumanji adventure, four high-school kids discover an old video-game console and are drawn into the game’s jungle setting. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji–you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they must go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives.
All About the Benjamins (R)
Genre: Action
A heist brings a bounty hunter and a small-time con artist together as they team up to find stolen diamonds and a winning lottery ticket.
Starring: Ice Cube
IMDB Rating: 5.8/10
Runtime: 95 minutes
Why you may like: Bounty hunter Bucum chases bail-jumper Reggie, who runs right into the scene of a diamond heist and murder, and gets shot at as well. Later, they become partners in their pursuit of the $20M in diamonds and a lottery ticket. Can the pair work together and pull off the hardest job of their lives?
The Rip (R)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Trust frays when a team of Miami cops discovers millions in cash inside a run-down stash house, calling everyone — and everything — into question.
Starring: Teyana Taylor
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
Runtime: 113 minutes
Why you may like: The murder of a captain has remained unsolved for six weeks, leaving the officers of Miami’s Tactical Narcotics Team restless. Seeking an outlet for their frustration, the team acts on a tip about a potential cartel stash. Inside the stash house, they discover millions in cash, and with it, the fragile bonds of trust within the team begin to unravel.
Best Black Comedy Movies
Katt Williams: The Last Report (TV-MA)
Genre: Stand-up
Comedy icon Katt Williams delivers his famously bold takes on conspiracies, celebrities, and the world at large in this electrifying stand-up special.
Starring: Katt Williams
IMDB Rating: 5.5/10
Runtime: 58 minutes
Why you may like: Katt Williams struts his stuff in this new comedy special. From bits about how he’s not made for farm life to investigations on what all evil men have in common, there’s a joke for everybody. Back for his fourth Netflix stand-up special, Williams is showing off for the cameras. Laugh out loud one more time with one of the greatest comedians of all time.
Joe’s College Road Trip (R)
Genre: Comedy
To teach his sheltered grandson about the real world, Madea’s foul-mouthed brother Joe takes the college-bound teen on a raucous cross-country road trip.
Starring: Tyler Perry
IMDB Rating: 5.4/10
Runtime: 121 minutes
Why you may like: Realizing he may have sheltered his son for too long, Brian begrudgingly agrees to send his son, B.J., on a college tour with his grandfather. Brian hopes that Joe can teach him a thing or two about Black History and the real world – ideally without getting them both killed. Generations clash as the two embark, and they quickly run into trouble. But somewhere along the way, B.J. gains a new perspective on the generations that came before him and comes to appreciate his grandpa Joe.
Trevor Noah: Joy in The Trenches (TV-MA)
Genre: Stand-up
From unexpected social media beef to a therapist’s truth bomb, Trevor Noah turns chaos into comedy in this hilariously sharp, playful stand-up set.
Starring: Trevor Noah
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
Runtime: 68 minutes
Why you may like: Noah recounts an unexpected social media beef that spirals into a full-blown online meltdown. Rather than retreat, he chooses to “embed” himself in the trenches of ordinary life. Noah navigates absurd pop-culture battles, confronts his own insecurities, and turns humor into what scares us the most. Find the humor in everyday life with this special.
Sommore: Chandelier Fly (TV-MA)
Genre: Stand-up
Get ready for comedic royalty as the Undisputed Queen of Comedy, Sommore, returns to Detroit, performing up close and personal at the Garden Theatre.
Starring: Sommore
IMDB Rating: 5.8/10
Runtime: 73 minutes
Why you may like: Fans will witness the live taping of her 7th comedy special, ‘Chandelier Fly’. Sommore delivers a comedy experience like no other, blending her sharp wit, brilliant intelligence, and a style entirely her own. In ‘Chandelier Fly’, she tackles everything from the absurdities of life to the provocative issues we all face, offering her signature perspective. This is more than a show-it’s a historic, hilarious event that promises laughter, reflection, and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss the Queen in action.
Mike Epps: Delusional (TV-MA)
Genre: Stand-up
From enduring breakups to navigating fame, Mike Epps shares stories of how a little delusion and a lot of hustles made him a star.
Starring: Mike Epps
IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
Runtime: 60 minutes
Why you may like: Showing off his signature charm, Mike Epps is delivering a comedy special like no other. Turning delusion into hustle, Epps explains how his passion brought him to the top, because he wasn’t always the star viewers know and love. Can fame be willed? Experience the hilarity that comes with a strong work ethic.
Almost Christmas (PG-13)
Genre: Drama
A widower’s four adult children return to the family home for the first Christmas since their mother’s death, bringing heaps of drama and dysfunction.
Starring: Kimberly Elise
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Runtime: 111 minutes
Why you may like: Walter Meyers is a retired mechanic who lost the love of his life almost a year ago. For the holidays, he invites his now-grown children and their families to his house, where they all grew up, for a traditional celebration. Walter soon realizes that if his bickering children and family can spend five days together, it will truly be a Christmas miracle.
Bruce Bruce: I Ain’t Playin’ (TV-MA)
Genre: Stand-up
Caught between old-school roots and new-school norms, Bruce Bruce riffs on family, fame, and the real definition of foreplay in his debut Netflix special.
Starring: Bruce Bruce
IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
Runtime: 60 minutes
Why you may like this: Returning to Netflix after 14 years, Bruce Bruce sets the stage on fire in his latest special. Exploring the hilarities of real life, the comedian highlights generational chaos and everyday craziness through personal anecdotes. With stories about family, fame, foreplay, and more, viewers are sure to laugh out loud with this special.
Related article: See what Black TV shows are streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu
Best Black Documentaries
Being Eddie (R)
Genre: Biography
From teen comedian to Hollywood legend, Eddie Murphy revisits his extraordinary showbiz ride with raw honesty and humor in this star-studded documentary.
Starring: Eddie Murphy
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Runtime: 103 minutes
Why you may like: This documentary dives deep into Murphy’s life. He speaks about the man who raised him, his stepfather, Vernon Lynch, who, along with his mother, Lillian, instilled a boxer’s discipline in him. Experience key moments in Murphy’s career, highlighting his appearances on Saturday Night Live and his two iconic specials, 1983’s Delirious and 1987’s Raw.
The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (TV-MA)
Genre: True Crime
Hate crime or hoax? The famous actor tells his story in this revealing documentary.
Starring: Jussie Smollett
IMDB Rating: 4.9/10
Runtime: 90 minutes
Why you may like: In 2019, Jussie Smollett reported a hate crime to the Chicago Police. However, the police discovered that Smollett stages the attack and moved to charge him. With the Supreme Court of Illinois overturning his conviction, Smollett has a chance to retell his story. Did the world judge him too soon?
Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within (PG)
Genre: Music
The story behind the Uganda-based YouTube dance sensations who have endured devastating personal loss from famine and war. These children use the power of dance and song to overcome hardship.
Starring: Suuna Hassan
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Runtime: 40 minutes
Why you may like: This documentary tells the story of Suuna Hassan and his wife Madinah, who started an organization to take in orphaned and street children in Uganda. The couple describes how they provide food, shelter, and love for these children in the face of unimaginable odds against them. They also teach them to sing and dance, talents that have taken them around the world to perform and helped generate media coverage.
Becoming (PG)
Genre: Biography
Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others during her 2019 book tour.
Starring: Michelle Obama
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Runtime: 89 minutes
Why you may like: The documentary follows Michelle Obama’s journey as she embarks on a 34-city book tour following the release of her bestselling memoir of the same name. Featuring a behind-the-scenes look at her life after serving as the First Lady, the film highlights her efforts to connect with people across the country.
Related article: Watch animated and family movies for kids on Netflix
Best Black Drama Movies
All Day and a Night (R)
Genre: Social Issue
While serving life in prison, a young man looks back at the people, the circumstances and the system that set him on this path.
Starring: Ashton Sanders
IMDB Rating: 6.0/10
Runtime: 121 minutes
Why you may like: Jahkor Abraham Lincoln struggles to keep his dream of rapping alive amidst a gang war in Oakland and is driven to prison from life’s pressures. Now serving time alongside his father, Lincoln takes a look back on his life. Can he still grow beyond the circumstances he was placed in?
Bob Marley: One Love (PG-13)
Genre: Biography, Music
Reggae music legend Bob Marley comes to life in this biopic that traces his journey from humble origins in Kingston, Jamaica, to global superstardom.
Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Runtime: 107 minutes
Why you may like: This film celebrates the life and legacy of Bob Marley, exploring the challenges and triumphs that defined his journey to becoming a global icon. It portrays the experiences that shaped his profound message of love, unity, and social change, offering insight into the resilience and artistic expression that cemented his place in music history.
Straw (TV-MA)
Genre: Thriller
What will be her last straw? A devastatingly bad day pushes a hardworking single mother to the breaking point — and into a shocking act of desperation.
Starring: Taraji P. Henson
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 105 minutes
Why you may like: A single mother finds her life upended by a string of misfortunes that force her down a road she never saw coming. Struggling to keep afloat, she becomes caught in a web of suspicion and blame, driven by desperation in a world that barely notices she’s there. Can she escape the web and restore balance to her life?
Cut Throat City (R)
Genre: Crime, Thriller
After Hurricane Katrina, four boyhood friends out of options reluctantly accept an offer to pull off a dangerous heist in the heart of New Orleans.
Starring: Shameik Moore
IMDB Rating: 4.9/10
Runtime: 123 minutes
Why you may like: When Hurricane Katrina hit, many people lost their homes, their jobs, and more. Backed against a wall, four friends realized they have nothing left to lose. Working together, the four return to New Orleans to start a crime spree.
Don’t Let Go (R)
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
After receiving a call from his deceased niece, Detective Jack Radcliff races against the clock to prevent her murder from happening.
Starring: David Oyelowo
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 103 minutes
Why you may like: Jack has always been there for Ashley, playing the role of the loving, supportive uncle. One day, Jack receives a short, frantic call from Ashley and arrives at the house to find the whole family dead. Later, he starts receiving calls from Ashley, who has been calling from the past.
The Six Triple Eight (PG-13)
Genre: Based on a true story, Social Issue
Eight hundred fifty-five women joined the war to fix the three-year backlog of undelivered mail. Faced with discrimination and a country devastated by war, they managed to sort more than 17 million pieces of mail ahead of time.
Starring: Kerry Washington
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
Runtime: 127 minutes
Why you may like: During WWII, soldiers on the front lines struggled to receive their mail. This crisis led the 6888th Women’s Army Corps Battalion to send 855 Black women to fix the problem. Tasked with an impossible job, these women were sent to sort years’ worth of mail. Can these women do the impossible and prove their ability to the entire country?
12 Years a Slave (R)
Genre: Biography, Historical
Based on Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir, this Oscar-winning film follows a free Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery in the antebellum South.
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Runtime: 134 minutes
Why you may like: Highlighting the brutal realities of slavery, this film explores the story of Solomon Northup. In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. With no way to prove his freedom, he is forced into involuntary servitude. Can he stay strong long enough for help to arrive?
Street Flow 3 (TV-MA)
Genre: Drama
Grieving and facing the consequences of their crimes, the Traoré brothers get one last chance to forge a new path.
Starring: Enzo Bour
IMDB Rating: 5.1/10
Runtime: 99 minutes
Why you may like this: Noumouké’s music rises as street life pulls him back. Demba builds anew, but past choices haunt him. Soulaymaan’s law career and love face a local political test. Three brothers, one family: will their next moves save or break them? Check out the final installment of the trilogy on Netflix today!
Night Catches Us (R)
Genre: Drama
An ex-Black Panther returns to his hometown hoping to conquer his demons. He reconnects with the widow of a Panther leader and befriends her daughter.
Starring: Anthony Mackie
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Runtime: 90 minutes
Why you may like: In 1976, Philadelphia, Marcus returns to his hometown after a long absence, stirring up memories of his involvement in the Black Power movement. He reconnects with Patricia, a childhood friend, and her daughter, finding a sense of comfort and familiarity. However, old conflicts and suspicions about a past betrayal begin to surface, forcing Marcus to confront difficult truths and navigate complex relationships within his community.
180 (TV-MA)
Genre: Thriller
When an unexpected road rage incident puts his son in critical condition, an enraged father spirals down a dark path of emotional turmoil and vengeance.
Starring: Prince Grootboom
IMDB Rating: 4.5/10
Why you may like: When a corrupt system fails to deliver justice, a father swears to bring his son’s attackers to the light. Navigating a dangerous underworld, Zak fights to avenge his son and prevent anything like this happening again. Can he go dark and come back to the light? Watch his descent into madness on Netflix today.
Best Black Romance Movies
Ruth & Boaz (TV-14)
Genre: Faith, Romantic
A talented singer leaves the Atlanta music scene and starts over in Tennessee, where she finds love and new purpose but can’t escape the past.
Starring: Serayah
IMDB Rating: 6.0/10
Runtime: 91 minutes
Why you may like: A modern-day retelling of Ruth and Boaz, one of the most iconic love stories in the Bible. After her decision to walk away from a potential record deal leads to a tragic act of revenge, Ruth feels called to leave. Her late boyfriend’s mother, Naomi, and she both leave Atlanta for a small town in Tennessee to start over from scratch.
Best Black Horror/Thriller Movies
Him (R)
Genre: Horror
Invited to train with his hero, a rising American football star faces a bloody, brutal test of mind, body and soul as he pursues greatness.
Starring: Tyriq Withers
IMDB Rating: 5.0/10
Why you may like: A young athlete descends into a world of terror when he’s invited to train with a legendary champion whose charisma curdles into something darker. As time goes on, he begins to slip deeper into something sinister. Away from his family and friends, can he protect himself from the dangers that come with being the GOAT?
Best Black Musicals
The Wiz (G)
Genre: Musical
A shy Harlem schoolteacher makes an epic journey through a magical version of New York City inspired by “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Starring: Diana Ross
IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
Runtime: 134 minutes
Why you may like: When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy is miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz, she goes in search of the Wiz. The Wiz can help her get back to Manhattan, so she begins her journey with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. This film adaption captures the beauty and energy of the Broadway hit.
Best Black Netflix movies coming this month
Hitch (PG-13) New
Genre: Romantic
A suave New York dating coach finds himself uncharacteristically smitten when he meets a smart, cynical reporter who seems immune to his charms.
Starring: Will Smith
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Why you may like: Described as New York City’s finest date doctor, suave matchmaker Alex Hitchens can guarantee that any man can get the girl of his dreams. And then, nerdy accountant Albert Brennaman enters the picture. As the hopeless man enlists the doctor’s help to catch the attention of beautiful heiress Allegra Cole, something unexpected happens. Hitch discovers inquisitive gossip columnist Sara Melas, his dream match. Can he take his own advice and get the girl of his dreams?
Den of Thieves (R) New
Genre: Adventure
A highly skilled crew of bank robbers plotting a heist at the supposedly impenetrable Federal Reserve faces off against an elite unit of LA cops.
Starring: O’Shea Jackson Jr.
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
Why you may like: In Los Angeles, a team of robbers makes a violent armed attack and hijacks an armored truck. Police officers arrive on the scene, but the crew escapes with the empty armored truck. In the morning, Detective Nick O’Brien investigates the crime scene, having been monitoring the crew for a while.
The Silent Twins (R) New
Genre: Social Issue
Twin sisters who grow up speaking only to each other create a rich fantasy world to escape the reality of their own lives. Based on a true story.
Starring: Letitia Wright
IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
Why you may like: Based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons, real-life identical twins who grew up in Wales. The two became known as “the silent twins” because of their refusal to communicate with anyone other than each other. They developed their own language and became catatonic when separated. Can a young boy uncover the truth?
The Gospel According to André (PG-13) New
Genre: LGBTQ+ Documentary
This documentary profiles André Leon Talley from his humble beginnings in the segregated South to the top of Vogue.
Starring: André Leon Talley
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Why you may like: This documentary is an intimate portrait for André Leon Tally, a fixture in the world of fashion. Viewers go on a journey from André’s roots growing up to becoming one of the most influential tastemakers and fashion curators of our times. While highlighting his career, fashion icons Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Bethann Hardison, Valentino, and Manolo Blahnik make appearances.
Wanda Sykes: Legacy (TV-MA) New
Genre: Stand-up
Wanda Sykes returns to her alma mater with a fearlessly funny takedown of everything under the sun.
Starring: Wanda Sykes
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Why you may like: Filmed at Hampton University, Sykes’ alma mater in Virginia, she returns to the stage 40 years after her 1986 commencement Martin Cid Magazine. In this special, Sykes continues to take aim at both the powers-that-be in Washington, D.C., as well as the powers taking aim at her home. Explore her comedic legacy once again in her latest special.
Nope (R) New
Genre: Sci-Fi
Siblings OJ and Emerald risk everything when they set out to capture footage of a strange entity lurking in the clouds over their family’s ranch.
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
Why you may like: In Agua Dulce, California, the Haywood family runs a horse-handling business for film productions. After their father, Otis Sr., is killed by falling debris from the sky, siblings OJ and Emerald inherit the ranch and struggle to maintain it. OJ begins noticing strange occurrences: power outages, nervous horses, and unexplained disappearances. Convinced something in the sky is hunting them, he and Emerald decide to capture it on film, calling their goal the “Oprah shot”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Black movies are coming to Netflix in May 2026?
Major additions include:
- Hitch starring Will Smith
- Den of Thieves starring O’Shea Jackson Jr
- The Silent Twins starring Letitia Wright
- Nope starring Daniel Kaluuya
- Wanda Sykes: Legacy starring Wanda Sykes
- The Gospel According to André starring André Leon Talley
What are the best Black movies on Netflix right now?
Top-rated Black movies on Netflix currently streaming include:
- 12 Years a Slave- 8.1 IMDB
- Man on Fire- 7.7 IMDB
- Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within- 7.3 IMDB
- Becoming- 7.2 IMDB
What Black comedy movies are streaming right now?
Some of the best Black comedy movies on Netflix currently streaming include:
- Almost Christmas starring Kimberly Elise
- Joe’s College Road Trip starring Tyler Perry
- Trevor Noah: Joy in the Trenches starring Trevor Noah
What Black drama movies are streaming right now?
Some of the best Black drama movies on Netflix currently streaming include:
- Straw starring Taraji P. Henson
- Night Catches Us starring Anthony Mackie
- Don’t Let Go starring David Oyelowo
Does Netflix offer Black historical films?
Some of the best Black historical movies on Netflix currently streaming include:
- 12 Years a Slave starring Chiwetel Ejiofor
- The Six Triple Eight starring Kerry Washington
- Bob Marley: One Love starring Kingsley Ben-Adir
Check availability as Netflix availability changes monthly.
Related article: Free Black movies and shows for kids
Black Netflix movies give viewers plenty of reasons to laugh, cry, or be inspired. Whether it’s action, romance, comedy, or powerful true stories, there is always something new to add to the watchlist. Dive deep into this list and check out the best Black movies on Netflix today!
Did we miss a Black Netflix movie? Let us know at the Voice of Black Cincinnati.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
Black Netflix Movies photo provided by © saksit /Adobe Stock
This is a great article! Thanks for the updates.
Glad you like it! Hope you continue to enjoy our website!
Im looking for black couples fighting in movie but on netflix.