The 1980s were a pivotal decade for film, particularly for Black cinema. This era saw the rise of groundbreaking productions that combined insightful social commentary with entertainment value. 80s movies are just as influential, especially 80s Black movies. This was the time where many of the stars that defined media of multiple generations got their start, including names like Eddie Murphy and Spike Lee.
From Oscar-winners to dance epics, '80s Black movies cover a wide range of film genres and styles. These Black 80's movies provided a mix of comedy, drama, and action, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of the Black community during that period.
80s Black movies remain so popular and nostalgic that they are still spawning remakes and reunions amongst the star-studded casts. Here are some of the biggest 80s Black movies that have withstood the test of time and could still be entertaining for even those that weren’t around when they were made.
Comedies that Defined a Generation
Several of the top '80s Black movies have one thing in common: Eddie Murphy. While Murphy was the heaviest comedic hitter of the 1980s, Richard Pryor comedies like Brewster's Millions, Stir Crazy, and The Toy also made big impressions.
Eddie Murphy's Iconic Roles
Eddie Murphy starred in yet another one of these 80s Black movies with the iconic action-comedy film Beverly Hills Cop. Murphy plays Axel Foley, a Detroit cop who travels to Beverly Hills to solve the murder of his friend. The film combines action sequences with humor, and Eddie Murphy’s charismatic performance contributed significantly to its success.
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Directed by John Landis and starring Eddie Murphy, Coming to America is a comedy about an African prince named Akeem, played by Murphy, who travels to New York City in search of a bride who will love him for who he is, rather than his royal status. The film humorously explores culture shock, identity and the pursuit of genuine relationships.
Trading Places is a comedy film starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. The movie revolves around a wealthy commodities broker (Aykroyd) and a street-smart hustler (Murphy) whose lives are manipulated by two wealthy brothers as part of a social experiment. The film explores themes of class, wealth and the impact on an individual’s success of their environment.
48 Hrs is an action-comedy film starring Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte. The movie follows a cop (Nolte) and a convict (Murphy) who are forced to work together to catch a pair of cop killers within 48 hours. The film is known for its blend of action and humor, as well as Eddie Murphy’s breakout performance, showcasing his comedic talent. 48 Hrs. was a box office success and contributed to the rise of Eddie Murphy as a Hollywood star.
Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop
Black Stereotype Sketch - SNL
Dramas That Tackled Social Issues
On the more serious side, the '80s saw the release of great Black dramas like The Color Purple and Glory. These films often tackled complex social issues and provided a platform for important stories to be told.
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Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple
The Color Purple is a poignant drama set in the early 20th century directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. It follows the life of Celie, an African American woman who faces oppression, abuse, and separation from her sister.
Glory: A Story of Courage and Equality
Glory is a historical war drama based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first African American units to fight in the American Civil War. The film stars Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. Glory portrays the challenges and triumphs faced by the soldiers as they fight for recognition and equality in a racially divided society.
Spike Lee's Groundbreaking Films
The 1980s also introduced audiences to Spike Lee. His 1989 classic Do the Right Thing appears on this great 1980s Black films list, as does his 1986 film, She's Gotta Have It.
Do the Right Thing: A Summer of Racial Tension
Do the Right Thing, directed by Spike Lee, is a powerful drama that explores racial tensions on a hot summer day in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. The film follows various characters from different ethnic backgrounds as their lives intersect and conflict escalates, ultimately leading to a tragic event that sparks a riot. On the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence.
She's Gotta Have It: A Modern Take on Relationships
She’s Gotta Have It is a romantic comedy-drama and Spike Lee’s directorial debut. It tells the story of Nola Darling, a young African American woman in Brooklyn, and her relationships with three different men. The film explores themes of love, independence and sexual liberation. She’s Gotta Have It is known for its innovative style, as well as its candid and contemporary take on relationships and societal expectations that was ahead of its time compared to other 80s Black movies.
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School Daze
School Daze is a musical comedy-drama directed by Spike Lee that explores the complexities of college life, particularly focusing on the experiences of African American students at a fictional historically black college. The film delves into themes of colorism, political activism and the cultural divisions within the Black community.
Do the Right Thing Movie Poster
Other Notable Films
Purple Rain
Prince's Purple Rain is another good African American film from the '80s. Purple Rain is a musical drama film starring the iconic musician Prince. The film follows “The Kid,” a talented yet troubled musician navigating the Minneapolis music scene. The story explores themes of love, rivalry and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of Prince’s electrifying performances.
Hollywood Shuffle
Hollywood Shuffle is a satirical comedy film co-written and directed by Robert Townsend. The movie follows the journey of a young actor, played by Townsend, as he navigates the challenges and stereotypes faced by African American actors in Hollywood. The film humorously addresses issues of racism, typecasting and the limited opportunities available to black actors in the entertainment industry.
A Soldier's Story
A Soldier’s Story is a drama set in the United States during World War II. The film follows a black military officer, Captain Davenport, played by Howard E. Rollins Jr., who is sent to investigate the murder of a black sergeant on a Louisiana Army base. The story explores racial tensions and discrimination within the military and the local community.
I’m Gonna Git You Sucka
I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, is a parody of blaxploitation films of the 1970s. The film follows Jack Spade, played by Keenen Ivory Wayans, as he seeks revenge for his brother’s death in a neighborhood overrun by crime. The movie satirizes the clichés and conventions of the blaxploitation genre while delivering laughs and over-the-top action.
The Last Dragon
The Last Dragon, directed by Michael Schultzis, is a martial arts comedy film that combines action, music and elements of fantasy. The story follows Leroy Green, a young martial artist, as he embarks on a quest to achieve the final level of martial arts mastery known as “The Glow.” Along the way, Leroy encounters various challenges, including the villainous Sho’nuff.
Lean on Me
Lean on Me is a drama film based on the true story of Joe Clark, played by Morgan Freeman. Clark is a tough and controversial high school principal who takes charge of an inner-city New Jersey high school plagued by violence and low academic performance. Through strict discipline and unconventional methods, Clark aims to turn the school around.
The Enduring Legacy
The legacy of Black movies from the 80's continues to resonate, shaping both the film industry and pop culture at large. These 1980s Black movies offer not just entertainment but a deeper understanding of social issues and the human experience. The hallmark achievements in storytelling, direction, and acting seen in these films paved the way for future generations of filmmakers, reinforcing the significance of Black 80’s movies in history. As more and more people discover the treasures of this era, the enduring impact of these 1980s Black movies remains clear, enriching the cultural tapestry and inspiring a new generation to create compelling, authentic stories.
