30 Black Romance Movies to Stream in Honor of Black History Month
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With Black History Month in full swing, we’re taking a moment to highlight some of the best Black romance movies to ever grace the big screen. Whether it’s a heartfelt tale about trying to find love or a timeless comedy about navigating wedding drama, these titles offer a refreshing take on the beauty and complexity of Black relationships. And according to Hunter Harris, a writer at IndieWire, we could use even more stories like this in Hollywood.
“Black relationships should be visible enough to be ordinary, and not always with happy endings,” Harris wrote in his essay for the outlet. “There’s no monolithic blackness, and there ought to be more movies that appreciate that Black lives don’t only matter but contain multitudes.”
Here’s hoping we see even more diverse love stories in 2023. In the meantime, keep scrolling for 30 Black romance movies you can stream right now.
1. Loving (2016)
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga
Rating: PG-13
Set in 1958, Loving details the incredible true story behind Loving v. Virginia, the landmark case that legalized interracial marriage. In the film, Richard and Mildred Loving tie the knot in Washington, D.C. and return to their small Virginia town, where they face multiple consequences for breaking a state law.
2. Queen & Slim (2019)
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine
Rating: R
This compelling crime drama follows Queen and Slim, who, after an awkward first date, are forced to go on the run. There’s no denying the chemistry between the lead characters, but the film also tackles timely themes like racism and police brutality.
3. Brown Sugar (2002)
Cast: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Nicole Ari Parker, Boris Kodjoe
Rating: PG-13
Childhood friends Andre Ellis and Sidney Shaw go way back. As kids, they developed a shared passion for hip-hop in the streets of New York. And now, more than a decade later, they’ve established successful careers in the industry. But they’re not as lucky when it comes to their romantic pursuits with other people.
4. The Photograph (2020)
Cast: Issa Rae, LaKeith Stanfield, Lil Rel Howery
Rating: PG-13
Following the death of her mother, Mae stumbles upon an old photograph, which prompts her to investigate her family’s history for the first time. She crosses paths with a journalist named Michael, who also happens to be looking into her late mother for a work project. As they spend more time together, an unexpected romance ensues.
5. Sylvie’s Love (2020)
Cast: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Eva Longoria
Rating: PG-13
It’s rare to see Black romance movies that aren’t filled with trauma. With Sylvie’s Love, you don’t have to worry about that problem, because it’s a simple, stunning ode to Black joy and love. The movie chronicles the romantic relationship between Sylvie Parker, an aspiring filmmaker, and Robert Halloway, a talented jazz musician.
6. Love & Basketball (2000)
Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Kyla Pratt, Glenndon Chatman
Rating: PG-13
In Gina Prince-Bythewood’s directorial debut, Epps and Lathan star as childhood friends who grow up and fall in love with each other as they pursue their basketball careers. However, the closer they get to achieving their dreams, the more it threatens their relationship.
7. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Cast: KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Colman Domingo, Teyonah Parris, Michael Beach
Rating: R
Set in 1970s Harlem, the drama film centers on engaged couple Tish and Fonny, whose lives are turned upside-down when the latter gets arrested for a crime that he didn’t commit. Pregnant with their future child, Tish must figure out a way to clear Fonny’s name.
8. Malcolm and Marie (2021)
Cast: John David Washington, Zendaya
Rating: R
Following the premiere of his first-ever movie, filmmaker Malcolm stays with his girlfriend, Marie, as he eagerly (but nervously) awaits feedback from critics. Unfortunately, as the night goes on, surprising revelations begin to surface and test their relationship. Washington and Zendaya both deliver unforgettable performances here, and their chemistry is spot-on.
9. Poetic Justice (1993)
Cast: Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Regina King
Rating: R
Following the murder of her boyfriend, a grieving young poet named Justice embarks on a cross-country road trip from L.A. to Oakland with her good friend Iesha. Along the way, she falls for a postal worker and aspiring musician named Lucky, who might be the key to helping her overcome depression. Expect a bit of social commentary, humor and plenty of character growth.
10. Southside with You (2016)
Cast: Parker Sawyers, Tika Sumpter
Rating: PG-13
Curious to know how America’s former president met the woman of his dreams? This heartwarming film depicts the beginnings of Barack Obama’s relationship with his wife who, FYI, was his boss at the time. Throughout the movie, viewers get a glimpse of how the two fell in love during their first date in 1989.
11. Lovers Rock (2020)
Cast: Micheal Ward, Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn
Rating: TV-MA
Lovers Rock tells the simple tale of Martha, a young woman who goes to a reggae house party in West London and falls for the tall, dark and handsome Franklyn. The entire film takes place over the course of one night. And thanks to the stunning cinematography, you can practically smell the island dishes and feel the bass of every reggae tune. (FYI, the movie is actually part of a collection of films directed by Steve McQueen, called Small Axe.)
12. Love Jones (1997)
Cast: Darius Lovehall, Nia Long, Nina Mosley, Savon Garrison
Rating: R
Sparks fly when Nina, a photographer, meets an attractive poet named Darius for the first time. After bonding over music and poetry, the pair decide to pursue a relationship. Their budding romance is threatened when Nina considers returning to her ex. If you’re into love stories that are raw and realistic, then give this ’90s classic a watch.
13. How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Cast: Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg, Regina King
Rating: R
Stella, a successful stockbroker, takes a well-deserved vacation to Jamaica and meets a charming young islander named Winston. The two start a passionate fling, but as Stella’s departure draws near, she realizes that she’s falling in love. Basset’s stunning performance, Diggs’s effortless charm and Goldberg’s cracking humor make this a timeless classic.
14. Guava Island (2019)
Cast: Donald Glover, Rihanna
Rating: PG-13
We may or may not have re-watched Glover’s swoon-worthy performance of “Summertime Magic” countless times in this film. But beyond the amazing musical numbers, the scenic views and the gorgeous chemistry between Rihanna and Glover’s characters, Guava Island is a simple film that tackles some pretty powerful themes, like wealth inequality and the harmful effects of capitalism.
15. Premature (2019)
Cast: Zora Howard, Joshua Boone, Michelle Wilson, Alexis Marie Wint
Rating: R
Stunning cinematography, nuanced characters and raw, emotional scenes are what you can expect from this gripping romantic drama. Set in Harlem, Premature follows 17-year-old Ayanna, who meets and falls in love with an older man during the summer before she starts college. As she navigates the highs and lows of their whirlwind romance, Ayanna begins to understand the complexities of adulthood.
16. The Best Man (1999)
Cast: Nia Long, Taye Diggs, Melissa De Sousa
Rating: R
Harper is about to release his latest novel, which is inspired by his personal life, but the timing couldn’t be worse. When the Chicago-based writer gets chosen to be his friend's best man within days of the book’s release, Harper finds himself in an awkward position as he tries to keep the juicy details of his book under wraps. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Robyn is hoping for a commitment, but Harper is still hesitant to take that step.
17. Jumping the Broom (2011)
Cast: Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Mike Epps, Laz Alonso, Paula Patton
Rating: PG-13
When Sabrina Watson, a corporate lawyer, falls in love with a Wall Street worker named Jason, the two get engaged and plan to get married at Sabrina’s family estate. However, when the bride-to-be’s well-off family crosses paths with Jason’s down-to-earth relatives for the first time, things don’t go as smoothly as the couple planned.
18. Daddy's Little Girls (2007)
Cast: Terri J. Vaughn, Idris Elba, Gabrielle Union, Tracee Ellis Ross
Rating: PG-13
Elba stars as Monty, a hard-working mechanic who enlists the help of Julia, an attractive lawyer, when his ex-wife tries to get sole custody of their daughters. As the attorney gets more involved in the case, however, the two begin to fall in love. While the storyline is mostly predictable, you’ll totally swoon over Monty and Julia’s budding romance (and fall in love with Monty’s adorable girls).
19. Just Wright (2010)
Cast: Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton, Phylicia Rashad
Rating: PG
In this laugh-out-loud comedy, physical therapist Leslie Wright is given the opportunity of a lifetime when she’s hired to work with Scott McKnight—a famous NBA player who also happens to be dating her childhood friend. While she helps Scott recover from his injury, Leslie finds herself falling hard for the NBA star. And based on their undeniable chemistry, it seems like Scott is also catching feelings for her too. What does this mean for Leslie’s BFF?
20. The Wood (1999)
Cast: Omar Epps, Taye Diggs, Richard T. Jones
Rating: R
Everyone’s excited for Roland and Lisa's wedding, but there’s just one problem: Roland has gone missing. When his longtime BFFs, Mike and Slim, set out to find him before the ceremony, they recall some of their favorite childhood memories and the lessons they learned.
21. Jason's Lyric (1994)
Cast: Allen Payne, Jada Pinkett, Bokeem Woodbine
Rating: R
Jason is an electronics salesman who lives in one of the worst neighborhoods in Houston. When he meets and falls in love with a beautiful girl named Lyric, he’s hopeful that his dreams will become a reality. He soon realizes that it won’t be easy, thanks to his family’s complicated past.
22. Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Cast: Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon
Rating: R
This iconic tale revolves around four close-knit friends as they navigate the ups and downs of their romantic relationships. (Need we remind you of that classic scene, where Bassett's character, Bernadine, sets her husband’s car on fire?)
23. Deliver Us from Eva (2003)
Cast: LL Cool J, Gabrielle Union, Duane Martin, Essence Atkins
Rating: R
A trio of frustrated men are desperate to keep Eva, the older sister of their spouses, out of their personal affairs. Together, they come up with a rather interesting solution: pay Ray Adams, a charming ladies’ man, to distract Eva. At first, it seems to work. But when Eva and Ray start to develop real feelings for each other, the guys’ plan goes south.
24. Moonlight (2016)
Cast: Mahershala Ali, Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders
Rating: R
Moonlight paints an intimate portrait of Chiron, a black man who embarks on a challenging journey to self-discovery while growing up in Miami. Told in three time periods, the Oscar-winning film explores themes like peer pressure, sexual identity and the importance of having solid role models. (We’ll admit, romance isn’t the focus, but the movie does tease a romantic storyline.)
25. Think Like a Man (2012)
Cast: Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall
Rating: PG-13
The comedy revolves around a group of women who start to rely on Steve Harvey's book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, for their relationships. Determined to regain the upper hand, the fellas use the same book against their girlfriends, although things don’t go according to plan…
26. Nappily Ever After (2018)
Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Ernie Hudson, Lyriq Bent, Lynn Whitfield
Rating: TV-MA
Violet’s visit to the salon turns into a literal nightmare when her hair begins to fall out. Luckily, this disaster is exactly what she needed to get her life together. After learning that she hasn’t been prioritizing her needs and desires, Violet decides to cut all her hair off in hopes of getting a fresh start and embracing her natural hair. And in the process, she strikes up a romance with the handsome barber who helps her along the way.
27. Boomerang (1992)
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin Givens
Rating: TV-14
Eddie Murphy is Marcus Graham, a chauvinistic advertising executive who’s had several casual affairs with women. However, the businessman finally meets his match in Jacqueline Broyer, who is just like him when it comes to men. After getting a dose of his own medicine, he and Jacqueline start to date. But Marcus’s eyes begin to wander when he meets the more considerate kind-hearted Angela.
28. Two Can Play That Game (2001)
Cast: Vivica A. Fox Anthony Anderson Wendy Raquel Robinson, Morris Chestnut
Rating: R
Need some pointers on how to keep your boyfriend in check? Shante Smith has got your back, thanks to her encyclopedic knowledge about men. All is well when she starts to date an attorney named Keith—but when she catches him with another woman, she’s forced to initiate her “10-Day Plan” to get him back. Watch for the laughs and Fox’s amusing schemes.
29. Beyond the Lights (2014)
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, Machine Gun Kelly
Rating: PG-13
Set in '90s London, Beyond the Lights follows Noni Jean, a talented singer who’s on the rise to superstardom. However, the pressures of her newfound fame cause her to attempt suicide. Fortunately, she’s saved by a handsome young officer named Kaz, and the two start to develop feelings for each other. But their budding romance isn’t met with approval, and several people try to keep them apart.
30. Really Love (2020)
Cast: Kofi Siriboe, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing, Uzo Aduba
Rating: TV-MA
Isaiah is a promising Black painter who’s working hard to make it big in the art world. When he meets a gorgeous and ambitious woman named Stevie, they pursue an unexpected romance. If you enjoyed The Photograph or Love Jones, you’ll appreciate this poignant film for its honest take on love and self-discovery. Plus, the on-screen chemistry between Siriboe and Wong-Loi-Sing is undeniable.
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