All About the Latest Movies in Theaters Featuring Black Actors
Movies with Black actors are bringing fresh stories, big laughs, and unforgettable performances to theaters this year. From action films to heartfelt dramas, new movies with black actors are giving movie fans plenty of reasons to head to the big screen. This guide covers trending black movies, popular releases, and a few surprise hits worth checking out.
Use this list to find exciting new releases, standout actors, and films perfect for all viewers. Read on to see the new Black movies out now in theaters and what to look forward to over the next few months.
Related Article: TV Shows with Black Actors
*The information in this article is as current as the publication date.
Must see Movies with Black Actors in 2026
Black Drama Movies
The Drama (R)
Release date: April 3
Genre: Drama, Romance
Emma Harwood, a literary editor, and Charlie Thompson, a British museum curator, are engaged and preparing for their wedding. Their relationship appears stable and loving, but can true love survive when the darkest secrets of the past are revealed? See what happens when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.
Stars: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
Watch time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Trailer
Is God Is (R)
Release date: May 15
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Two twin sisters, Racine and Anaia, were severely burned as children in a fire set by their father. Their mother, instructs them to seek vengeance, sending them on a journey from their home in the Northeast to the California desert, to confront him. Can the pair get their revenge and repair this broken family?
Stars: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
Watch time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Trailer
Black Romance Movies
You, Me, and Tuscany (PG-13)
Release date: April 10
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Anna is a young woman who has abandoned her dreams of becoming a chef and drifts through her twenties with a series of bad choices. When Anna loses her house-sitting job (and housing) in one fell swoop, a chance encounter with Matteo will inspire her to jet off for Italy. Can she keep it friendly?
Stars: Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
Watch time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
Trailer
Related Article: Best Black Movies on Netflix to Watch Now
Black Comedy Movies
I Love Boosters (R)
Release date: May 22
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
The story follows The Velvet Gang, a group of professional shoplifters led by Corvette, a fearless and charismatic leader. Their mission is to take down Christie Smith, a ruthlessly cutthroat fashion mogul who has stolen their designs and is exploiting the system. The crew’s heist is framed as a form of “community service” — a bold act of resistance against capitalist excess.
Stars: Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie
IMDB Rating: Not yet rated
Watch time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Trailer
Scary Movie 6 (Not Yet Rated)
Release date: June 5
Genre: Comedy, Parody
Twenty-six years after outrunning a suspiciously familiar masked killer, the Core Four are back in the killer’s crosshairs, and no horror movie IP is safe. Shorty, Ray, Cindy, and Brenda reunite in Scary Movie alongside returning favorites and fresh faces to slash through everything. Nothing is sacred. No trope survives. Every line gets crossed. The Wayans are back to cancel the Cancel Culture.
Stars: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans
IMDB Rating: Not yet rated
Watch time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Trailer
Related Article: Best Disney Films for Black Children
Black Biopics
Michael (PG-13)
Release date: April 24
Genre: Biography, Music
The cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Jackson’s life beyond the music, from the lead of the Jackson Five, to becoming the biggest entertainer in history. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, audiences get a front-row seat to Michael Jackson. This is where his story begins.
Stars: Jafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Watch time: 2 hours, 7 minutes
Trailer
Related Article: Family-friendly Movies for Black History Month
This year’s theater lineup proves that Black actors and filmmakers continue to shape some of the most exciting stories on screen. From comedy and action to drama and family films, there are plenty of new releases worth watching.
Interested in Black cinematic history? Check out The National Black Movie Association. Learn about the highest-grossing Black films and the artistic contributions of African American individuals both in front of and behind the camera.
Did we miss any Black theatrical releases? Please let us know in the comments or contact us 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.
Movies with Black Actors photo provided by © [serhilbobyk] /Adobe Stock
