Rotten Tomatoes is celebrating the work of Black filmmakers and performers and the stories they have brought to our theaters over the past 20-plus years. In this guide to the best-reviewed African American movies of the 21st Century - that’s from 2000 all the way to now - you’ll find some of the most incredible voices working in movies today, and some of the most game-changing, industry-shaking films to hit theaters in decades.
Alongside the work of longtime industry veterans like Spike Lee, you’ll find incredible debut features, like Dee Rees’ Pariah, Justin Simien’s Dear White People, Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You, Phillip Youmens’ Burning Cane, which he directed while still in high school, and, of course, Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning social thriller Get Out and his follow-up, Us.
You’ll also discover documentaries that have stirred the national conversation - DuVernay’s 13th, Ezra Edelman’s O.J.: Made In America - alongside recent mega hits that, like Black Panther, alerted Hollywood’s decision-makers to the fact that there was a huge audience for stories made by Black filmmakers, featuring Black actors, telling Black stories: Malcolm D. Lee’s Girls Trip, F. Gary Gray’s Straight Outta Compton, which told the story of N.W.A. and became a box office hit.
To compile our list, we chose the top Certified Fresh Black films, according to the Tomatometer, released in theaters since 2000.
Sometimes, nothing is better than curling up with a great action flick. Movies that will get your blood pumping, adrenaline-spiking, and heart racing. Tis the season for the celebration of positive representation. With that in mind, let's look at some of the best Black-led action films you can enjoy today.
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Here is a list of great movie with strong black male stars:
Top Picks for African American Action Films
Blade
It would be a total disservice to not list Blade at the top of this list. Wesley Snipes and the Blade franchise had the honor of unofficially kicking off the action-packed Marvel Cinematic Universe. Before Blade, we had some bizarre Marvel-based films to contend with (I'm looking at you, Howard the Duck and Captain America). Once Blade hit the scene, with its adult themes, gore, and stone-faced Snipes, people started taking comic book movies a bit more seriously. 26 years later, and we are drowning in Marvel films. You can thank, and blame Blade for that.
Man on Fire
I have yet to see Denzel Washington make a bad action film. Man On Fire remains one of the best entries in the pantheon of Denzel films. Hell, it's just one of the best action movies, period. In it, Denzel plays John Creasy, an alcoholic former CIA agent hired as the bodyguard of young Lupita "Pita" Ramos. When Pita is kidnapped, Creasy decides it's appropriate to creatively kill every single person in his path in his mission to rescue her. I can't tell you how amazing this movie is, from the cinematography to the absolutely bonkers' actions Creasy takes on his crusade to resume his Pita. If you haven't watched this movie, do yourself a favor and watch it now. Take off work if you have to.
The Woman King
Viola Davis can't be stopped. When that woman commits to a role, dammit, she commits. The Woman King follows General Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie. They are an all-female tribe of warriors protecting the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. The Agojie take on the Oyo Empire, who look to sell captive Dahomey villagers into slavery. With Viola at the helm as General Nanisca, you know you are in for it. We all knew Viola could cry better than anyone in Hollywood, but did you know she could kick everyone's ass as well? That woman can carry a film. The Woman King is a revenge tale wrapped in a family drama and an action movie. Viola is as captivating as she is fierce, per usual, and the all-female warrior tribe does absolute work on their enemies.
Men in Black
Men In Black remains an action, sci-fi, and comedy staple in film history. That's a triple threat, folks. When Officer James Edwards is recruited into the secret alien policing agency known as the Men In Black, he must stop a giant alien bug and an alien armageddon threat. All in his first week. Will Smith absolutely nails his leading man presence in this film with his trademark charisma and comedic timing. It also happens to be his follow-up alien action film after the also incredible Independence Day a year before. THe late 90s were Big Willie's ( I don't appologize for calling him that).
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The Last Dragon
The legend of Leroy Green is known far and wide. His epic battle for The Glow against the fiendish Shogun of Harlem, Sho'Nuff, echos in the halls of history. The Last Dragon is an incredible example of earnest 1980s martial arts action. It exemplifies the effect of martial arts films on the Black community in the 80s, leading to cult legends like Leroy and Sho'Nuff. The action is cheesy, the acting is laughable, and the premise is straight out of a comic book. But everyone takes it seriously, and no one is phoning anything in, making it a fun, light-hearted, culturally inappropriate 80s action movie. If you haven't seen it, you are going to love it.
Beverly Hills Cop
Eddie Murphy has made countless classics. If you are looking for one of his classics, look no further than the action comedy Beverly Hills Cop. Set in Los Angeles in the 80s, Detroit cop Axel Foley goes on a revenge mission to find his friend's killer and uncover a black-market drug operation. The action comedy genre was built on films like this, as Murphy expertly blends his style of comedy with fast-paced action. The supporting cast of Judge Reinhold and John Ashton as Detective Rosewood and Seargent Taggart, respectively, make for an action Odd Thruple. The trio was so strong, they trotted them out for an upcoming fourth installment of the series.
Black Panther
The entire Black Panther franchise is beset by incredible leading actors, from the late Chadwick Boseman to the incomparable Angela Basset to the scene-stealing Winston Duke and Danai Gurira. I could list all the incredible actors, but that would be cheating. The first Black Panther film was a triumph of cultural representation that moved many fans to adopt the "Wakanda Forever" salute daily. It built a gorgeous, immersive African world filled to the brim with strong, fleshed out characters. It gave fans the representation they'd been craving since Blade sauntered on the scene. The second installment continued the tradition, handing the spotlight to Auntie Angela to remind you who she is. The action and new Marvel villain Namor offset the somber tone of Wakanda Forever. It serves as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, and a fitting entry in the MCU.
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Gangster Movies with Black Leads
Here are top 20 best black gangster movies:
- Belly
- Hoodlum
- American Gangster
- Dead Presidents
- Boyz n the Hood
- Menace II Society
- Paid in Full
- Shottas
- Superfly
- New Jack City
- In Too Deep
- Set It Off
- Harlem Nights
- The Harder They Come
- Streets Is Watching
- Bluehill Avenue
- Above the Rim
- Training Day
- Black Caesar
Other Notable Films
The best Black action movies on this list are some of the best action movies ever made. The best Black action films can be both action-packed as well as dramatic. Some Black action films revolve around supernatural threats while other good Black action movies feature hero cops.
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Bad Boys
Featuring the iconic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the Bad Boys franchise, excels in providing exhilarating action and unmatchable bromantic chemistry, making it a classic Black action series. As detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, Smith and Lawrence handle Miami crime with wit and fearless bravado, making each installment a blockbuster hit. The franchise, which earned international acclaim, continually showcases diverse talents, captivating narratives, and compelling camaraderie.
New Jack City
New Jack City, flaunting an all-star cast, including Wesley Snipes and Ice-T, delves into the ruthless world of drug kingpin Nino Brown and the detectives striving to take him down. This arresting crime-action masterpiece resonates with fans through its high-octane chases, impeccable acting, and examination of African-American inner-city life.
Black Action Movies on Netflix
Looking for new Black Netflix movies? Check out many options, from Oscar-winning dramas to thrilling, action-packed adventures. Here are some black action movies available on Netflix:
- The Karate Kid
- Money Talks
- K.O.
Whether you’re in the mood for a captivating series or a blockbuster movie, you will find something to watch. Don’t have a subscription? Sign up for a free one-month trial today. After registering, instantly watch these Black Netflix original movies, films, or TV shows from a computer, smart TV, game console, or phone. These Black Netflix movies tell plenty of stories. From action to documentaries, there’s something for everyone on this list. Grab some popcorn and check out these Black movies on Netflix!
Life can be rotten sometimes, and taking some time off is essential. Whether it’s a movie about a small-town romance, a sequel, or a cult classic, Netflix has an incredible selection. Looking for some of the best horror films or action movies similar to the Avengers or Batman? Netflix is sure to have it. Take some time off and scroll through Netflix today!
