Nearly halfway through the year, time seems to by flying and so to is Hollywood production. While 2023 saw a major slowdown in the world of movies due to the SAG-AFTRA strike that began on July 14 and lasted for over 100 days, alongside a concurrent WGA strike, 2024 has certainly picked things back up. Fortunately, there is much to look forward to in the world of cinema.
This year promises a compelling array of new Black movies featuring Black casts and crews. These films span various genres, from horror and rom-coms to psychological thrillers and dramas.
Black cinema has a rich history of producing beloved classics, from enduring comedies like Friday and The Nutty Professor to more recent instant classics in the horror genre, as seen in the works of Jordan Peele. These movies resonate because they center stories around relatable Black protagonists, emphasizing the importance of representation on the big screen. This diverse selection of movies reflects this as well. Here are 14 new Black movies from 2024 to check out, along with their release date.
Recently Released Black Movies
1. Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told (Released: March 21)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Audience Score: 18%
Imdb Ranking: 5.8/10
The Hulu documentary recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta HBCU picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted ATL as a major cultural stage. Directed by P. Frank Williams, the documentary film also features celebrities 21 Savage, Andre 3000, Jermaine Dupri, Rasheeda, and CeeLo Green, among others.
2. Shirley (Released: March 15)
Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
Audience Score: 71%
Imdb Ranking: 6.3/10
Netflix’s Shirley is an intimate portrayal of trailblazing political icon Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for President of the U.S., and the cost of accomplishment for Shirley herself. This film tells the story of Chisholm’s boundary-breaking and historic presidential campaign, based on exclusive and extensive conversations with family, friends and those who knew her best. Written and directed by John Ridley, the film stars Regina King, Terrence Howard and Lance Reddick.
3. The Book of Clarence (Released: January 12)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Audience Score: 80%
Imdb Ranking: 5.6/10
LaKeith Stanfield stars as Clarence, a man struggling to find a better life who is captivated by the power of the rising Messiah and soon risks everything to carve a path to a divine existence. Written and directed by Jeymes Samuel, the movie also features performances by Omar Sy and Anna Diop. The movie is available to stream on Netflix.
4. The Underdogs (Released: January 26)
Rotten Tomatoes: 41%
Audience Score: 58%
Imdb Ranking: 5.6/10
The film follows Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings, played by Snoop Dogg, is a washed-up ex-professional football star who has hit rock bottom. When Jaycen is sentenced to community service coaching an unruly pee-wee football team, he sees it as an opportunity to turn his life around. The film also stars Tika Sumpter and Mike Epps and is available to stream on Prime Video.
5. Bob Marley: One Love (Released: February 14)
Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
Audience Score: 92%
Imdb Ranking: 6.3/10
The film, starring Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, it is Bob Marley’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. It is available to stream on Paramount+.
6. The Kitchen (Released: January 12)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Audience Score: 47%
Imdb Ranking: 4.8/10
Set in a dystopian future in London, The Kitchen depicts a reality where all social housing has been eliminated, Izi and Benji fight to navigate the world as residents of The Kitchen, a community that refuses to abandon their home. The film is the newest Daniel Kaluuya project and stars Kano, Jedaiah Bannerman and Hope Ikpoku Jnr. It is available to stream on Netlflix.
7. The American Society of Magical Negroes (Released: March 15)
Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
Audience Score: 63%
Imdb Ranking: 3.1/10
The film follows a young man, Aren, is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people’s lives easier. It was written and directed by Kobi Libii and is available to stream on Peaco*ck.
Black Movies Coming Soon
8. Flint Strong (Release date: August 9)
No ranking as at time of publication
In this biopic, Ryan Destiny stars as Claressa Shields, following the professional fighter’s journey to compete at the 2012 Summer Olympics. The film is the highly-anticipated latest project from writer Barry Jenkins. It is directed by Rachel Morrison.
9. Mufasa: The Lion King (Release date: December 20)
No ranking as at time of publication
Mufasa: The Lion King depicts Simba, having become king of the Pride Lands, determined for his cub to follow in his paw prints while the origins of his late father Mufasa are explored. The film is directed by Barry Jenkins and will feature performances by Blue Ivy Carter, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen and more.
10. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Release date: July 3)
No ranking as at time of publication
The action, comedy, crime film follows Axel Foley, played by Eddie Murphy, who returns to Beverly Hills after his daughter life is threatened for a family reunion that includes old pals John Taggart and Billy Rosewood to uncover a conspiracy. Directed by Mark Malloy, the movie also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kevin Bacon.
11. The Piano Lesson (Release Date: not yet available)
No ranking as at time of publication
A retelling of the classic story by August Wilson, the film is based off of the play of the same name. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor. It is set to star John David Washington,Samuel L. Jackson,Danielle Deadwyler,Ray Fisher,Erykah Badu, andCorey Hawkins.
