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Movies in theaters with Black actors will inspire you or make you laugh!

A couple sitting with cups and popcorn in a movie theater - Movies with Black Actors

Whether it’s in theaters or streaming, quality entertainment is a must for movie watchers everywhere. Black actors headline plenty of movies on the big and small screens- it’s only a matter of where to look. Check out this list of box-office hits.

2024’s lineup of movies with Black actors is looking great! Explore movies in various genres from comedy, drama, action, and more. Don’t miss out. Check out what’s out now 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. 

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Must see Movies with Black Actors in 2024

Dune: Part Two (PG-13)

Release date: March 1
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
A boy becomes the Messiah of nomads on a desert planet where giant worms protect a commodity called Spice. This sequel explores the Messiah’s journey and his new path with his people. Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against his family’s attackers. Facing a choice between the love of his life and fate, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future.
Stars: Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet
IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
Watch time: 2 hours, 46 minutes
Trailer

Challengers (R)

Release date: April 26
Genre: Drama, Sports
Directed by: Luca Guadagnino
Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, is married to a champion who is on a losing streak. Her strategy takes a surprising turn when he must face off against his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. When old feelings resurface, will Tashi stay in control and prove her knowledge of the game?
Stars: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor
IMDB Rating: Not yet rated
Watch time: 2 hours, 11 minutes
Trailer

We Grown Now (PG)

Release date: April 26
Genre: Coming of Age, Drama
Directed by: Minhal Baig
In 1992 Chicago, as Michael Jordan became a champion, a story of two young legends begins. Best friends Malik and Eric look to escape school’s mundaneness and public housing’s hardships. When tragedy strikes and challenges their unbreakable bond, will Malik and Eric still be able to fly? Their story has just begun, and the sky is the limit.
Stars: Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Watch time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Trailer

Related Article: Best Black Movies on Netflix to Watch Now.

I Saw The TV Glow (PG-13)

Release date: May 3
Genre: Drama, Horror
Directed by: Jane Schoenbrun
Owen is just trying to make it through life when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show. The show gives the teenager a glimpse of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack and rearrange.
Stars: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Watch time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Trailer

The Garfield Movie (PG)

Release date: May 24
Genre: Animated, Comedy
Directed by: Mark Dindal
How did Garfield meet his beloved owner, Jon? When Garfield leaves the alley where he was abandoned, Jon finds him and takes him under his wing. But what happens when Garfield’s father returns? After an unexpected reunion, Garfield and Odie join his father in a heist and leave luxury behind.
Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt
IMDB Rating: Not yet rated
Watch time: Not yet known
Trailer

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Not yet rated)

Release date: June 7
Genre: Action, Comedy
Directed by: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
What are you going to do when the Bad Boys come for you? Miami’s finest is back and ready to crack the case. But there’s a twist—Miami’s finest is now on the run. The Bad Boys are only just getting started. Watch as they work to clear their names and uncover the truth of the situation.
Stars: Will Smith, Martin Lawerence
IMDB Rating: Not yet rated
Watch time: Not yet known
Trailer

Related Article: Best Disney Films for Black Children

A Quiet Place: Day One (Not yet rated)

Release date: June 28
Genre: Drama, Horror
Directed by: Michael Sarnoski
Experience the day the world went quiet. This terrifying prequel explores how it all began and helps you hear how it all began. How did these noise-sensitive creatures appear in our world? See humanity fight for survival against these creatures and ensure the continuation of the species. Day One is only the beginning of a new life.
Stars: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn
IMDB Rating: Not yet rated
Watch time: Not yet known
Trailer

Possum Trot (Not yet rated)

Release date: July 4
Genre: Drama, Inspiring
Directed by: Joshua Weigel
Donna and Reverend Martin ignited a movement of compassion to adopt the most difficult-to-place kids in the foster system. After 22 families adopted 77 children, the Martins led the charge to prove that faith, community, and perseverance have power. The Martins used their leadership in the church to change the lives of children and reimagine the situation.
Stars: Nika King, Demetrius Grosse
IMDB Rating: 8.9/10
Watch time: Not yet known
Trailer

Wicked (Not yet rated)

Release date: November 27
Genre: Fantasy, Musical
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Hear the untold story of the two witches of Oz. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. After encountering The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths. What makes Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West?
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande
IMDB Rating: Not yet rated
Watch time: Not yet known
Trailer

Related Article: Family-friendly Movies for Black History Month

Black actors are not the only champions in the film industry. Black filmmakers, screenplay writers, and workers in cinematography come together to create blockbusters. Interested in Black cinematic history? Check out The National Black Movie Association. Learn about the highest-grossing Black films and the art of Black people on and behind the big screen.

Did we miss any Black theatrical releases? Please let us know in the comments or contact us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati. All of the films listed have the potential to go to the Oscars and earn nominations, such as Best Picture.

Written by: Jaylyn Nurredin

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,s 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 513-270-3880.

Movies with Black Actors photo provided by © [serhilbobyk] /Adobe Stock

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