black actors movies 2022

Best Black Cinema of 2022

Some of these films swim in familiar territory, however their unique contribution to the large pool of Black stories will never be taken for granted

2022 was weird, exciting, and sometimes fulfilling. Media fanatics and pop culture enthusiasts came with refreshing reviews, jaw-dropping hot takes, and intriguing theories that make media consumption all the more fascinating. In the midst of all the chaos ensuing in the world, it was great to be met with wonderful media.

The year saw the return of industry giants like Tyler Perry and Jordan Peele while also including fascinating talents like Mariama Diallo and Elegance Bratton. Each director made a bold and clear statement this year with their films. Some movies let us escape into fantasy far from our own reality. Other films threw the hard truth in our faces and left audiences astounded in the aftermath. All of these films provided a foundation or an additional step to already existing discourse about Blackness and its many shades, figuratively and literally speaking.

Some of these films swim in familiar territory and some play with forms and subjects beyond easy comprehension, however their unique contribution to the large pool of Black stories will never be taken for granted. The ability to experiment with the seemingly mundane and entertain the experimental has always been a cherished pillar in Black art. The following nine films range from the most harrowing, to the funniest, to the most enlightening projects to grace our screens this year..

9 A Jazzman’s Blues

One of the latest Tyler Perry productions, A Jazzman’s Blues chronicles the adventures of a talented musician named Bayou, and his boundless love for Leanne (Solea Pfeiffer). Throughout the late 20th century, viewers see multiple shades of Bayou (Joshua Boone): the musician, the lover, and the protector. Perry excels in creating a multi-faceted protagonist with a storyline that highlights the richness of Black stories. The music, the display of affection, and the presentation of strong familial bonds capture the nuanced experiences of Black Americans in a beautiful light.

The traumatic experiences throughout the film are not made into spectacle nor do they largely serve as an educational program for non-Black viewers. Capturing the violence not only accurately depicts the horrific nature of American racism but also contributes to the film’s goal. Humanizing the characters goes beyond showing them in a positive light but includes scenes, lines, and actions that emphasize their humanity. Through A Jazzman’s Blues, Tyler Perry tells an alluring tale of legacy, trauma, and love with strong characterization and captivating storylines.

Nikyatu Jusu's Nanny follows Aisha (Anna Diop), a Senegalese immigrant who works as a nanny for a wealthy couple living on the Upper East Side. The titular nanny ultimately wishes to bring her son to the United States with her. Through horror, the film provides poignant critiques of the American Dream while looking at motherhood from multiple angles: as a duty, as a privilege, and ultimately, a term with fluid definitions.

Related: The Top 12 Black Movies of 2021

Throughout the film, there is a silent interrogation of the different displays of motherhood. In pursuit of the American Dream , some families can afford one type of motherhood, and others can't or don't want to. Who gets to be a mother? Who gets to have multiple maternal figures present in their lives, and who suffers the consequences of their absence? It is that exploration, a look into the lives of both Aisha and her employers, that ultimately makes Nanny one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking films of the year.

7 Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul.

The Ebo sisters' film Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul. is a hilarious commentary on the intersection of race, religion, and sexuality. Hidden among amusing delusions of grandeur and ridiculous props, the film ultimately tackles taboo subjects like sexual abuse, homophobia in the church, and the hypocritical nature of mega-churches and their leaders, all while respecting the religious themes at their roots.

Sterling K. Brown, Regina Hall, and Austin Crute provide the movie’s funniest scenes as well as cutting lines that tear at the facade of fun that the movie intentionally clouds itself with. If you're looking for a film that masters tackling serious topics while providing satisfactory comedy that does not feel unnecessary or forced, Honk For Jesus sits perfectly at the top of recommendations.

6 The Inspection

The Inspection sees the seemingly eternal Gabrielle Union on screen with Jeremy Pope, of Pose and Hollywood fame. Writer and director Elegance Bratton pulled from unique experiences to tell the tale of a queer Black man in the military. The film exquisitely captures the intersectionality that runs through characters and their existence, thus contributing to real-world discussions about race, gender, and sexuality.

Related: The Inspection Review: A Complex Portrait of Love and Acceptance Anchored by Riveting Performances

The film takes a look at ‘being in the closet,’ a phenomenon that could be minimized as a hindrance to a person's progress. What some people fail to realize is that in plenty of spaces, coming out is a privilege many do not enjoy. In the absence of that "privilege," those unable to remain discreet are faced with revolting violence. In the case of Ellis (Pope), he is subjected to horrific treatment in the military largely in part due to his sexuality. Amid rampant homophobia and the added pressure of being Black in the United States, the film reiterates the idea that some people do not have the privilege to exist peacefully. Furthermore, Bratton explores how marginalized groups find a way to navigate those socially-constructed obstacles and in turn help themselves and those around them.

5 Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman

The adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s beloved play Death and the King’s Horseman sees the Nigerian playwright’s words lifted from the page an adapted by director Biyi Bandele, who sadly passed away after finishing the film. Set during the 1940s, the film follows Elesin (Odunlade Adekola), the titular character responsible for following his king into the afterlife. Yoruba religion constitutes that the King’s Horseman must adhere to the order of the universe. As a result, his ritual suicide is stressed as a serious duty to fulfill.

Instead, Elesin remains alive, lusting after the women in his village, to the dismay of many, The film captures the same internal conflict Elesin encounters in the original script. While readers and viewers can empathize with Elesin’s lust for life, it is when he wields his status to evade his duty and the consequences of his actions that elicit conflict. The duty that centers the play brings forth necessary discussions about the “clash of cultures” comment that many historians use to describe imperialism. Like Soyinka, Biyi Bandele masterfully interrogates the aforementioned comment to highlight the impacts of imperialism on indigenous religions and cultures.

Regina Hall makes her second appearance in a great 2022 film with Mariama Diallo’s debut film Master . Inspired by her horrific experience at Yale University, Diallo crafts a world eerily similar to our own. Incorporating traditional horror tropes regarding magic, the supernatural, and the afterlife, Diallo investigates racism on elite college campuses through three Black characters. Gail (Hall) serves as the newly appointed master of Ancaster while Jasmine (Zoe Reeves) is a freshman from the suburbs who grapple with frightening phantoms and her own biases being evaluated.

The film is at its best when it interrogates what it means to be Black in elite academic circles, to the point where it nearly overshadows the paranormal occurrences on campus. From the secrets of the staff to the rampant racial abuse the protagonists face, Master presses its audience to actively engage with themes present in the film rather than lecture audiences. Using fantasy and horror, Diallo captured just how uncomfortable alienation feels while stressing the real dangers many Black students and faculty face while in higher education.

3 Emergency

Emergency is a fascinating thriller baked in drama and comedy. The film is an adaptation of Carey Williams and KD Dávila’s short film of the same name. In hopes of being the first Black men to complete the “Legendary Tour" of frat parties at their college, best friends Sean (RJ Cyler) and Kinte (Donald Elise Watkin) are met with a deadly dilemma. Discovering the body of a white girl named Emma (Maddie Nichols), the pair and their roommate Carlos try to figure out the best way to help Emma. Calling the police seems like the obvious choice, however, the looming legacy of police brutality sits in the room with the protagonists like a silent side character.

Viewers also meet a frantic Maddy (Sabrina Carpenter), who is searching for her sister Emma alongside her two friends Alice (Madison Thompson) and Rafael (Diego Abraham). When the two groups meet, confusion leads to chaos, biases rise to the surface and the six adolescents experience a night like no other.

The college experience is a unique yet popular experience for millions of Americans. The additional suspense and drama make Emergency sound like a startling series of events on campus, finding itself in the mouth and ears of students and faculty alike. The reality of a hectic night on campus rings true to many and the social commentary makes Emergency one of the best films on screen this year.

2 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster Black Panther finally hit screens earlier this fall. Ryan Coogler’s latest film might be the most exciting sector of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The wonderful strokes of science fiction, the commendable critiques of colonialism, and the gratifying homage to the late Chadwick Boseman all helped its sequel, Black Panther: Wanda Forever .

The returning cast includes Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyongo, Danai Guria, and Winston Dukes just to name a few. To say they amazed audiences would be an understatement. While grieving, we watch the characters grapple with the added pressure from the international world demanding access to vibranium as well as a new threat from beneath the ocean. Additionally, Michaela Coel and Tenoch Huerta shine on their own as their monumental introductions fit right into the franchise and further explore the rich lore Marvel has to offer.

2022 was undoubtedly the year of Keke Palmer. Taking over social media and the silver screen once again, the Hollywood icon’s onscreen roles left the theaters and now rest in the millions of souls who had the fortune of watching her films. Alice and Lightyear display the versatility many of us know and love Keke for. However, Nope was a highly anticipated event that fulfilled everyone’s wishes and in turn, became the media frenzy that not only Palmer but Daniel Kaluuyah, Steven Yeun, Brandon Perea, and especially Jordan Peele.

It feels relieving to see Jordan Peele strike gold again. With Nope , Peele successfully explores spectacle and exploitation by doing what he does best, subverting existing tropes in popular genres. The film follows a brother and sister duo (Kaluuyah and Palmer respectively) of Hollywood horse trainers who are forced to face a startling foe after both humans and horses are mysteriously killed by an unexplainable enemy.

The film does a spectacular job of covering the price of fame and more specifically, the spectacle itself. The actions and events of the film are largely an examination of the intent and impact of performing or acting in the name of spectacle and spectacle only. Typical adventures are flipped on their head and reveal a much more satisfactory and unimaginable conclusion, one that only Jordan Peele could incomparably invent.

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10 Movies by Black Filmmakers We Can't Wait To See in 2022

From Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut to Gina Prince-Bythewood's historical epic, here's a narrowed list of movies directed by Black creators, releasing this year, that we're looking forward to watching. What's on your Watchlist?

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1. A Lot of Nothing (2022)

104 min | Comedy, Drama, Thriller

James and Vanessa are ostensibly the perfect married couple; beautiful, successful, and smart. Their lives spiral out of control when they decide to seek justice against a neighbor they saw commit a crime on the evening news.

Director: Mo McRae | Stars: Sheila Carrasco , Cleopatra Coleman , Justin Hartley , Shamier Anderson

Director: Mo McRae

2. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

PG-13 | 161 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

The people of Wakanda fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourn the death of King T'Challa.

Director: Ryan Coogler | Stars: Letitia Wright , Lupita Nyong'o , Danai Gurira , Winston Duke

Votes: 235,918 | Gross: $453.72M

Director: Ryan Coogler

3. Creed III (2023)

PG-13 | 116 min | Drama, Sport

Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight.

Director: Michael B. Jordan | Stars: Michael B. Jordan , Tessa Thompson , Jonathan Majors , Wood Harris

Votes: 14,878

Director: Michael B Jordan

4. Devotion (II) (2022)

PG-13 | 139 min | Action, Drama, War

A pair of U.S. Navy fighter pilots risk their lives during the Korean War and become some of the Navy's most celebrated wingmen.

Director: J.D. Dillard | Stars: Jonathan Majors , Glen Powell , Christina Jackson , Thomas Sadoski

Votes: 17,440

Director: J.D. Dillard

5. Emergency (2022)

R | 105 min | Comedy, Drama, Thriller

Ready for a night of legendary partying, three college students must weigh the pros and cons of calling the police when faced with an unexpected situation.

Director: Carey Williams | Stars: RJ Cyler , Donald Elise Watkins , Sebastian Chacon , Sabrina Carpenter

Votes: 8,463

Director: Carey Williams

6. Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. (2022)

R | 106 min | Comedy

In the aftermath of a huge scandal, Trinitie Childs, the first lady of a prominent Southern Baptist Mega Church, attempts to help her pastor-husband, Lee-Curtis Childs, rebuild their congregation.

Director: Adamma Ebo | Stars: Regina Hall , Sterling K. Brown , Nicole Beharie , Conphidance

Votes: 3,541

Directors: Adamma Ebo and Adanne Ebo

7. Master (I) (2022)

R | 98 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

Three women strive to find their place at an elite Northeastern university. When anonymous racist attacks target a Black freshman, who insists she is being haunted by ghosts, each woman must determine where the real menace lies.

Director: Mariama Diallo | Stars: Regina Hall , Zoe Renee , Julia Nightingale , Talia Ryder

Votes: 5,430

Director: Mariama Diallo

8. Nanny (2022)

R | 99 min | Drama, Horror

Immigrant nanny Aisha, piecing together a new life in New York City while caring for the child of an Upper East Side family, is forced to confront a concealed truth that threatens to shatter her precarious American Dream.

Director: Nikyatu Jusu | Stars: Anna Diop , Michelle Monaghan , Sinqua Walls , Morgan Spector

Votes: 5,941

Director: Nikyatu Jusu

9. Nope (2022)

R | 130 min | Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi

The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.

Director: Jordan Peele | Stars: Daniel Kaluuya , Keke Palmer , Brandon Perea , Michael Wincott

Votes: 204,842 | Gross: $123.28M

Director: Jordan Peele

10. The Woman King (2022)

PG-13 | 135 min | Action, Drama, History

A historical epic inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood | Stars: Viola Davis , Thuso Mbedu , Lashana Lynch , Sheila Atim

Votes: 54,377 | Gross: $67.33M

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

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The New Black View

Best Black movies of 2022

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Black cinema had an impressive year. From the days of Black filmmakers creating movies for segregated Black audiences in the early 1900s, Black movies have come a long way down a rocky road.

The Lincoln Motion Picture Company, established by George P. Johnson in 1916, was the first Black-owned company to produce Black stories for Black audiences. Over 100 years later, the number of Black actors and production companies—including Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, Tyler Perry Studios, and Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, which currently has a deal with Netflix—has increased exponentially. Still, the reality remains that there are significant barriers for most Black creatives in the filmmaking industry.

Fewer Black stories are told on screen. And when they are, they’re chronically underfunded and undermarketed. Likewise, Black actors overall are presented with fewer opportunities in their careers. As these statistics slowly change, an integral part of that shift is highlighting and celebrating the Black creatives and films making a mark on the industry and entertaining audiences.

To underscore the year’s best projects in Black cinema,  Stacker looked at  Metacritic data of all movies released in 2022 and ranked the top 25 films, which had to have at least seven reviews to qualify and either be helmed by Black directors, filmmakers, or actors.

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#25. Emancipation

– Director: Antoine Fuqua – Metascore: 54 – Runtime: 132 minutes

Antoine Fuqua’s “Emancipation” follows the story of Peter (Will Smith), a Civil War-era enslaved man who manages to break away from the Louisiana plantation where he works and fight for the Union. While this is a fictional drama, “Emancipation” is based on the real-life story of Gordon, an enslaved man who did actually manage to escape the plantation where he was held. Later, Gordon was photographed for the magazine Harper’s Weekly, where his brutal scarring served as concrete proof of the abuse inherent to slavery. Released in early December on Apple TV+, “Emancipation” marks a different kind of role for Will Smith, who  underwent a physical transformation to portray the rebellious Peter.

#24. A Jazzman’s Blues

– Director: Tyler Perry – Metascore: 63 – Runtime: 127 minutes

Written, directed, and produced by cinematic powerhouse Tyler Perry, “A Jazzman’s Blues” tells a tale of love and music set in the Jim Crow era of American history. This film features two timelines. The first tells the story of an older woman named Hattie Mae (Amirah Vann) presenting Attorney General Jonathan with letters that could solve a decades-old lynching. Meanwhile, the other plot tells the story contained within those letters: a yearslong courtship between white-passing Leanne and a Black musician named Bayou which results in him being the victim of a lynch mob. While Perry’s film is a romance, it doesn’t shy away from the anger of its subject matter and its protagonists’ desire to escape in the face of blatant racism while touching on themes of colorism and antisemitism.

#23. Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.

– Director: Adamma Ebo – Metascore: 63 – Runtime: 102 minutes

“Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.” is a comedic mockumentary about the hypocrisy of U.S. megachurches and the individuals who run them. The film centers around Lee-Curtis (Sterling K. Brown) and Trinitie Childs (Regina Hall), the pastor and first lady of a megachurch, who attempt to reopen their church a year after losing their following due to a massive scandal. Written, directed, and produced by Adamma Ebo alongside Daniel Kaluuya and Jordan Peele as producer and executive producer, respectively, this film is a powerhouse of impressive contemporary Black talent.

#22. Master

– Director: Mariama Diallo – Metascore: 66 – Runtime: 98 minutes

Comedic genius Regina Hall depicts Gail Bishop, the titular master in question in this eerie endeavor from Mariama Diallo. But “Master” is by no means a comedy. This horror film follows Gail as she becomes the master of a private university in New England allegedly cursed by the ghost of a witch. At times a psychological thriller and a haunting supernatural film at others, Gail and two students, Jasmine (Zoe Renee) and Amelia (Talia Ryder), are forced to question whether the curse is real or a disgruntled faculty member is to blame for the mysterious and murderous events befalling the school. Diallo’s directorial debut blends systemic racism with supernatural themes in a smart story exploring the experiences of Black individuals in higher educational institutions.

#21. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

– Director: Ryan Coogler – Metascore: 67 – Runtime: 161 minutes

Following the untimely death of “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman, director Ryan Coogler was forced to rebuild his franchise all over again: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is the result. This highly anticipated sequel sees Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and Shuri (Letitia Wright), mother and sister of T’Challa (Boseman), grappling with the aftershocks of his death. While they struggle to continue the Black Panther legacy, they must protect the kingdom of Wakanda from invaders from all sides. With themes of colonization, grief, and political autonomy, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” melds the harsh reality of losing Boseman with the increasing political turmoil occurring in the United States all wrapped up in a Marvel blockbuster.

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#20. Wendell & Wild

– Director: Henry Selick – Metascore: 69 – Runtime: 105 minutes

The notable exception on this list, “Wendell & Wild” is a stop-motion animation film about a young Black girl named Kat grieving the loss of her parents. The film does not have a Black director but was co-written by, co-produced by, and co-stars Jordan Peele. The film sees the reunion of the comedic duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as the titular demons Wendell (Key) and Wild (Peele), two brothers trapped in the underworld tasked with applying hair cream on their father’s head. With dreams of starting their own amusement park on Earth, they find their opportunity when they’re linked with Kat (Lyric Ross), a punk orphan forced to attend Catholic school. This film stands out for its beautiful stop-motion animation, previously achieved by “Coraline” director Henry Selick. It is further distinguished for being a stop-motion animation with a Black lead and for having a canonically trans character.

#19. Sidney

– Director: Reginald Hudlin – Metascore: 70 – Runtime: 111 minutes

This feature film documentary centers the life of iconic actor and director Sidney Poitier, as told through Poitier’s own words. Director Reginald Hudlin structures the narrative around Potier’s voice-over and interviews, starting from his childhood in the Bahamas to his life as a hugely successful Black actor in the United States. Hudlin also features Poitier’s interviews with celebrities—including Oprah Winfrey, who produced the film—and cultural critics alike who don’t shy away from discussing difficult topics like Poitier’s complicated relationship with his Black identity.

#18. The African Desperate

– Director: Martine Syms – Metascore: 72 – Runtime: 97 minutes

“The African Desperate” is about a woman trying to navigate an overwhelmingly, and sometimes oppressively, white environment. Through the story of Palace (Diamond Stingily), an MFA hopeful, this coming-of-age story, comedy, and drama makes a pointed statement about the struggles Black artists face in the world of fine art. Directed by Martine Syms, who comes from an art background herself, “The African Desperate” is both an emotional and experimental film that cements Syms’ artistic voice.

– Director: Nikyatu Jusu – Metascore: 72 – Runtime: 97 minutes

Like 2020’s “His House” and 2021’s “No One Gets Out Alive” before it, “Nanny” is a contemporary horror film centered around the already harrowing experience of immigrants and refugees. The plot follows Aisha (Anna Diop), an immigrant from Senegal who takes a nanny job to send money to her son, who has yet to immigrate to America. The film centers around the maternal struggle of leaving a child behind to take care of another one and weaves African folklore throughout the predominantly white space Aisha navigates.

#16. Pirates

– Director: Reggie Yates – Metascore: 73 – Runtime: 80 minutes

“Pirates” is a charmingly comedic British tribute to the ’90s Y2K music scene created by actor-turned-director Reggie Yates. The film follows Cappo (Elliot Edusah), Two Tone (Jordan Peters), and Kida (Reda Elazouar), who make garage music and run a pirate radio station as they attempt to gain admittance to a legendary New Year’s Eve party so Two Tone can win over his crush. “Pirates” is a love letter and a time capsule of ’90s London, filled with spectacular dialogue and an impressive soundtrack.

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#15. Emergency

– Director: Carey Williams – Metascore: 73 – Runtime: 105 minutes

What starts as a “Superbad”-esque comedy following three college kids trying to achieve the “legendary tour” of attending seven frat parties in one night quickly turns into a horror story once the trio, all people of color, find a white teenage girl passed out in their living room. They can’t call the police for fear of being blamed, and they’re not sure what’s happened to the girl to render her unconscious. Either way, they try to get her to an emergency room but face several roadblocks along the way. Streaming on Amazon Prime, “Emergency” explores the tension and unrest on modern college campuses, and the trauma young Black Americans have come to expect from campus life.

#14. The Inspection

– Director: Elegance Bratton – Metascore: 73 – Runtime: 95 minutes

Perfectly setting the tone for this masterful 2022 film, writer-director Elegance Bratton describes the time in his life that inspired “The Inspection” as “Full Metal Jacket” meets “Moonlight.” Ellis French (Jeremy Pope) is a young gay Black man who is kicked out of his family for being gay. When he joins the Marine Corps, he is forced to once again come face-to-face with brutal homophobia in the ironically homoerotic confines of the Marine brotherhood. Pope’s performance as Ellis has earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama.

– Director: Rebeca Huntt – Metascore: 74 – Runtime: 79 minutes

This first feature film by Afro Latina director Rebeca Huntt is an intimate and explorative documentary centered entirely around Huntt herself. “Beba” is a coming-of-age story, a family history, and an exploration of contemporary racism directed toward intersectional identities like Huntt herself. Intercut with arthouse titles and a grainy colorful aesthetic, Huntt gets deeply personal with stories about her family’s migration to New York and her father’s narrow escape from ethnic cleansing.

#12. On the Count of Three

– Director: Jerrod Carmichael – Metascore: 74 – Runtime: 86 minutes

Marking the impressive directorial debut of stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael, “On the Count of Three” balances heavy topics like suicide and fatherhood while also being a Black comedy. The film follows two friends, Val (Carmichael) and Kevin (Christopher Abbott), who decide to tackle all their unfinished business in one day after they make a suicide pact, including killing a former molester and recovering stolen money. While the plot is strong, the performances of Carmichael and Abbott form the heart of this movie, using comedy to take an unflinching look at men’s mental health.

#11. The Woman King

– Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood – Metascore: 77 – Runtime: 135 minutes

Based on the real-life exploits of the Agojie, a band of elite female warriors that protected Benin (formerly the West African kingdom of Dahomey), “The Woman King” fictionalizes history to create an engaging story of female empowerment. The award-winning actor Viola Davis leads this film as General Nanisca, who trains young warriors to join the Agojie ranks under the advisement of King Ghezo (John Boyega). Director Gina Prince-Bythewood has accomplished the difficult feat of creating an engaging Hollywood blockbuster that still has heart and depth of character that makes it easily stand out.

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– Director: Jordan Peele – Metascore: 77 – Runtime: 130 minutes

“Nope” marks the third feature film by comedian-turned-horror master Jordan Peele. With his most grand and technologically advanced film to date, “Nope” also features one of the most horrifying cold opens of the year. The film follows a brother-sister duo of horse trainers in California named OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) whose lives get completely turned upside down when they discover a UFO has killed their father and taken up residence above their ranch. “Nope” is both a critique of the importance of spectacle in modern entertainment and an exploration of the exploitation of Black people and animals in cinema history.

– Director: Jean Luc Herbulot – Metascore: 78 – Runtime: 84 minutes

Set in the countries of Guinea-Bissau and Senegal during the real-life historical coup of Guinea-Bissau in 2003, “Saloum” follows a trio of mercenaries who are stranded in an isolated camp following an extraction. “Saloum” is a brilliant example of genre hybridity, with Richard Kuipers of Variety describing the film as a combination of “Spaghetti Westerns, samurai dramas, and classic monster movies” while still being a wholly African film. Despite the various genre and tonal shifts, director Jean Luc Herbulot creates a cohesive and engaging film that successfully creeps audiences out with its chilling supernatural events.

– Director: Chinonye Chukwu – Metascore: 79 – Runtime: 130 minutes

The murder of Emmett Till is a deeply disturbing example of the racism present in American society. For its part, 2022’s “Till” seeks to highlight the fearless activism of Emmett’s mother, Mamie Till, while simultaneously exploring the ramifications of his death. “Till” is careful to avoid exploiting said death for shock value, with director Chinonye Chukwu promising not to depict any onscreen violence against Black characters. The film has been praised for its directing, cinematography, and performances, with particular attention to the brilliant performance of Danielle Deadwyler as Mamie, which has cemented her as a star.

#7. Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues

– Director: Sacha Jenkins – Metascore: 80 – Runtime: 106 minutes

“Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues” takes the structure of the documentary film and puts an artistic twist on it, modeling itself as a scrapbook. Indeed, director Sacha Jenkins was directly inspired by Louis Armstrong’s scrapbooks, which are exhibited in the film. Jenkins’ film takes us through Armstrong’s life, which is filled with charming anecdotes of his boyhood; interviews with other artists who knew him later in life; and a celebration of his musical performances that everyone knows and loves. However, the documentary does not shy away from asking the audience challenging questions about Armstrong’s public involvement, or lack thereof, with the civil rights movement in a nuanced way that does not condemn the man.

#6. Neptune Frost

– Directors: Anisia Uzeyman, Saul Williams – Metascore: 83 – Runtime: 105 minutes

Originally conceived as both a graphic novel and later a stage musical, “Neptune Frost” is a hybrid science fiction musical film with queer and anticapitalist themes. Falling into the genre of Afrofuturism, which illustrates conceptions of the future through a Black lens, this film follows a miner and an intersex hacker who find themselves in another dimension where they join a rebellion. “Neptune Frost” was created by the musician Saul Williams, who co-directs with his wife, Anisia Uzeyman. Together, the duo successfully creates a dreamlike yet energetic film with beautiful cinematography.

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#5. Is That Black Enough for You?!?

– Director: Elvis Mitchell – Metascore: 83 – Runtime: 135 minutes

“Is That Black Enough for You?!?” stands out on this list as a Black film aboutthe history and evolution ofBlack cinema, specifically in the 1970s. Written, directed, and narrated by Elvis Mitchell—who has long served as a film critic, working for publications like the New York Times and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram—the documentary has a more personal tone, prioritizing the subject’s significance to Mitchell over objective historical reporting in a way that makes the film all the more engaging. It also includes stellar interviews with Black icons like Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, and Whoopi Goldberg, who, with Mitchell, lived through the history they discuss in the film.

– Director: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun – Metascore: 83 – Runtime: 87 minutes

Chosen by the country Chad as their official submission to the 94th Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category (though not selected), “Lingui” (also called “Lingui, The Sacred Bonds”) is a slice-of-life drama about motherhood and the experiences of women within a religious and patriarchal society. The film follows single mother Amina and her teenage daughter Maria, who is sexually assaulted and desperately seeks an abortion, a procedure banned by law and religion in their predominantly Muslim homeland. Written and directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, who was born and raised in Chad, the intimacy and empathy of the film make it a moving and ultimately hopeful viewing experience.

#3. Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America

– Directors: Emily Kunstler, Sarah Kunstler – Metascore: 84 – Runtime: 117 minutes

In this impressive documentary, criminal defense and civil rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson paints a truthful portrait of the history of racism against Black people in the United States and the unfortunately relevant presence of white supremacy in contemporary America. “Who We Are” intercuts Robinson with archival footage and interview subjects, including a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre named Mother Randle and Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, whose brother was killed on live television. The film is an adaptation of a series of lectures Robinson gave around the United States, directed by sisters Emily and Sarah Kunstler, who aim to bring said lectures to a wider audience.

#2. Aftershock

– Directors: Paula Eiselt, Tonya Lewis Lee – Metascore: 87 – Runtime: 86 minutes

“Aftershock” is a documentary about two Black families ripped apart by the grief that follows the mothers’ deaths post-childbirth, leaving the now single fathers to raise their children and discover a new way forward. Fathers Omari Maynard and Bruce McIntyre quickly form a lifelong bond through their shared trauma, deciding to become mental health activists and bring awareness to the maternal mortality crisis. Black director-producer Tonya Lewis Lee co-created the film; she is the wife of Spike Lee.

#1. Descendant

– Director: Margaret Brown – Metascore: 88 – Runtime: 109 minutes

Distributed by former President Barack Obama’s film production company Higher Ground, “Descendant” is a documentary about the Clotilda, the last slave ship to reach American soil in 1860. Sparked by the discovery of the ship’s remains, the heart of the film is about Africantown, a community where many of the descendants of those enslaved on the Clotilda still live. This film was directed by Margaret Brown, a white director, but Brown intentionally brought on Black producer Essie Chambers and worked in conjunction with Dr. Kern Jackson, an African American studies professor from the University of South Alabama, to ensure the project was still fundamentally a Black story.

You may also like: Why these famous films were banned around the globe

Join the Conversation

Thanks, I’m looking forward to seeing most of these films very soon.

I truly enjoyed all of the wholesome Christmas movies featuring black families this year. Some were very outstanding as well as entertaining!

‘Descendant’ is a wonderful documentary. Very important historically. I hope its story Will NOT be Removed from school curricula!

* THIS STORY NEEDS to be TOLD * AND TOLD … and TOLD!

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The Top 15 Black Films of 2022

Each year, we look forward to watching films showcasing African American talent. In 2022, there were a variety of movies that spoke to our community, and even impacted our culture. Check out this round-up of some of the best films starring Black leads that came out this year.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Wakanda Forever beautifully continues the legacy of the Black Panther while paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman .

Emancipation

Inspired by the personal account of a slave named Peter, Emancipation follows a man's quest for freedom while keeping a strong sense of self in the midst of brutality.

Till gives color to the unjust murder of Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley's, dedication to upholding his memory and fighting for justice.

Honk For Jesus, Save Your Soul

Peering into the life of a pastor and his first lady as they work to move past a major scandal, Honk For Jesus, Save your Soul is a deep portrayal of how far one's faith will take them to protect a legacy while balancing the shadow of public opinion.

Devotion  follows Jesse Brown as he makes history as the U.S. Navy's first Black aviator. Brown is able to accomplish his dreams through the support of the love of his wife and his friends.

The Woman King

Inspired by true events, The Woman King exemplifies just how strong and passionate Black woman and gives us insight into the fierce Dahomey kingdom.

A Jazzman's Blues

Tyler Perry's latest Netflix film A Jazzman's Blues highlights the bounds of forbidden love in the Jim Crow south.

The latest thriller film in the Jordan Peele universe, Nope follows two siblings as they strive to understand the extra-terrestrial presence above their family's ranch in the clouds.

Dwayne "The Rock" John stars in the titular role as a demigod who strives to prove his power and status as a superhero after being dormant for 5000 years.

Alice is an enslaved woman who escapes from the brutality of her enslavers only to find that she is living in the year 1973, which is long after the abolition of slavery. She is then rescued by a pro-Black activist who opens her eyes to the lies she has been told about herself.

Tired of the lack of respect and assistance he has been dealt, Marine veteran Brian Brown-Easley holds several individuals hostage inside a bank leading to a tense confrontation with law enforcement. Breaking is the late actor Michael K. William's last film.

At a prestigious predominately white institution in New England, a newly appointed Black professor and student discover an evil presence oppressing Black folks on the campus.

Wendell & Wild

13-year old rebel Kat would do anything to see her parents again including selling her soul to two wily demons named Wendell and Wild . Kat quickly learns that her wish is not as simple as it seems, and discovers a scheme to devastate her home town.

A foreign woman works hard to support herself and her child only for her dreams and reality to become burdened by a violent, supernatural entity.

Fantasy Football

A daughter learns that she has the power to up her father's game on the football field through a video game console.

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New Black Movies To Watch In 2022 - updated in February 2023

This is our list of new movies with Black actors and actresses in 2022. This list includes casting information, trailers, premiere dates and where to watch new Black movies this year.

Table of Contents

• What To Watch Right Now
• Coming Soon

New Black Movies To Watch Right Now

New Movies released in 2022 with Black Leads, already available on theaters and streaming services.

Where to Watch Holiday Heritage

Holiday heritage (december 16, 2022).

Where to Watch As Good As Dead

As good as dead (december 16, 2022).

Where to Watch Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration

Beauty and the beast: a 30th celebration (december 15, 2022).

Where to Watch A Christmas Fumble

A christmas fumble (december 10, 2022).

Where to Watch A Family Matters Christmas

A family matters christmas (december 09, 2022).

Where to Watch Emancipation

Emancipation (december 09, 2022).

Where to Watch A New Orleans Noel

A new orleans noel (december 03, 2022).

Where to Watch The Holiday Stocking

The holiday stocking (december 03, 2022).

Where to Watch Darby and the Dead

Darby and the dead (december 02, 2022).

Where to Watch Christmas Ransom

Christmas ransom (december 01, 2022).

Where to Watch Faith Heist: A Christmas Caper

Faith heist: a christmas caper (november 26, 2022).

Where to Watch Fantasy Football

Fantasy football (november 25, 2022).

Where to Watch Devotion

Devotion (november 23, 2022).

Where to Watch Nanny

Nanny (november 23, 2022).

Where to Watch Bones and All

Bones and all (november 23, 2022).

Where to Watch Strange World

Strange world (november 23, 2022).

Where to Watch Inventing the Christmas Prince

Inventing the christmas prince (november 18, 2022), stay updated with black movies & tv.

Subscribe and be the first to know the new movies and TV shows with Black leads on cinema and streaming services.

Where to Watch Christmas Time Is Here

Christmas time is here (november 13, 2022).

Where to Watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Black panther: wakanda forever (november 11, 2022).

Where to Watch All Saints Christmas

All saints christmas (november 06, 2022).

45 Best Black Christmas Movies 2022

Where to Watch A Wesley Christmas

A wesley christmas (november 03, 2022).

Where to Watch Run Sweetheart Run

Run sweetheart run (october 28, 2022).

Where to Watch The System

The system (october 28, 2022).

Where to Watch Wendell and Wild

Wendell and wild (october 28, 2022).

Where to Watch Black Adam

Black adam (october 20, 2022).

Black Romance Films for a Heartwarming Valentine's Day 2023

Where to Watch The School for Good and Evil

The school for good and evil (october 19, 2022).

Where to Watch The Curse of Bridge Hollow

The curse of bridge hollow (october 14, 2022).

Where to Watch Bitch Ass

Bitch ass (october 14, 2022).

Where to Watch Till

Till (october 07, 2022).

Where to Watch On the Come Up

On the come up (september 23, 2022).

Where to Watch The Woman King

The woman king (september 16, 2022).

Where to Watch End of the Road

End of the road (september 09, 2022).

Where to Watch Barbarian

Barbarian (august 31, 2022).

Where to Watch Me Time

Me time (august 26, 2022).

Where to Watch The Invitation

The invitation (august 26, 2022).

Where to Watch Beast

Beast (august 19, 2022).

Where to Watch Day Shift

Day shift (august 12, 2022).

Where to Watch Bodies Bodies Bodies

Bodies bodies bodies (august 05, 2022).

Where to Watch The Silent Twins

The silent twins (july 22, 2022).

Where to Watch Nope

Nope (july 22, 2022).

Where to Watch The Sea Beast

The sea beast (july 08, 2022).

Where to Watch Beauty

Beauty (june 29, 2022).

Where to Watch Gatlopp: Hell of a Game

Gatlopp: hell of a game (june 27, 2022).

Where to Watch The Man from Toronto

The man from toronto (june 24, 2022).

Where to Watch My Fake Boyfriend

My fake boyfriend (june 17, 2022).

Where to Watch Civil: Ben Crump

Civil: ben crump (june 17, 2022).

Where to Watch Snoop Dogg's 'F*cn Around' Comedy Special

Snoop dogg's 'f*cn around' comedy special (june 16, 2022).

Where to Watch The Cave of Adullam

The cave of adullam (june 13, 2022).

Where to Watch Trees of Peace

Trees of peace (june 10, 2022).

Where to Watch I'm Charlie Walker

I'm charlie walker (june 10, 2022).

Where to Watch B-Boy Blues

B-boy blues (june 09, 2022).

Where to Watch Yuri Marçal: Ledo Engano

Yuri marçal: ledo engano (june 02, 2022).

Where to Watch Father & Soldier

Father & soldier (may 27, 2022).

Where to Watch Emergency

Emergency (may 20, 2022).

Where to Watch Katt Williams: World War III

Katt williams: world war iii (may 17, 2022).

Where to Watch Sneakerella

Sneakerella (may 13, 2022).

Where to Watch On the Count of Three

On the count of three (may 13, 2022).

Where to Watch The Takedown

The takedown (may 06, 2022).

Where to Watch Silverton Siege

Silverton siege (april 27, 2022).

Where to Watch Marlon Wayans Presents: The Headliners

Marlon wayans presents: the headliners (april 21, 2022).

Where to Watch Executive Order

Executive order (april 14, 2022).

Where to Watch Ambulance

Ambulance (april 08, 2022).

Where to Watch The Devil You Know

The devil you know (april 01, 2022).

Where to Watch Night's End

Night's end (march 31, 2022).

Where to Watch Cheaper by the Dozen

Cheaper by the dozen (march 18, 2022).

Where to Watch Master

Master (march 18, 2022).

Where to Watch Alice

Alice (march 18, 2022).

Where to Watch Outsiders

Outsiders (march 11, 2022).

Where to Watch Blind Ambition

Blind ambition (march 03, 2022).

Where to Watch The Legionnaire

The legionnaire (february 24, 2022).

Where to Watch jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy

Jeen-yuhs: a kanye trilogy (february 15, 2022).

Where to Watch Kimi

Kimi (february 10, 2022).

Where to Watch Staycation

Staycation (february 10, 2022).

Where to Watch Ghosts of the Ozarks

Ghosts of the ozarks (february 04, 2022).

Where to Watch Moonfall

Moonfall (february 03, 2022).

Where to Watch Vanished: Searching for My Sister

Vanished: searching for my sister (january 22, 2022).

Where to Watch Amandla

Amandla (january 21, 2022).

Where to Watch The Commando

The commando (january 07, 2022).

• {{created}}

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Movies in Theaters with Black actors in 2022 and 2023

Movies in theaters with black actors will inspire you or make you laugh.

Movies with Black Actors coming out this year

Most popular Black movies in 2022

Black movies in theaters now

When Black films come out in theaters

One thing moviegoers and couch-surfers all have in common is watching something worth their time. New movies with African American actors and actresses debut monthly on small and big screens. Don’t be out of the loop with your friends!

Below are current movies with famous Black actors in lead roles. Genres include true crime, comedy, drama, suspense, action, and more. Plus, see what you can look forward to watching in the coming months.

*The information in this article is as current as the publication date. 

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Must-See Movies with Black Actors in 2022 and 2023

Black adam (pg-13).

In theaters October 21 Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world. Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Viola Davis IMDB Rating: 6.7/10 Watch time: 2 hours, 4 minutes Trailer

Devotion (PG-13)

In theaters November 23 Genre: Action, War Director: J.D. Dillard A pair of U.S. Navy fighter pilots risk their lives during the Korean War and become some of the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen. Stars: Jonathon Majors, Glen Powell IMDB Rating: 5.9/10 Watch time: 2 hours, 18 minutes Trailer

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (PG-13)

In theaters November 11 Genre: Action, Drama Director: Ryan Coogler The nation of Wakanda is pitted against intervening world powers as they mourn the loss of their king T’Challa. Stars: Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright IMDB Rating: 7.3/10 Watch time: 2 hours, 41 minutes Trailer

Related Article: TV Shows with Black Actors

Strange world (pg).

In theaters November 23 Genre: Adventure, Animation Director: Don Hall, Qui Nguyen The Clades, a legendary family of explorers, attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew. Stars: Gabrielle Union, Jaboukie Young-White IMDB Rating: 4.8/10  Watch time: 1 hour, 42 minutes Trailer

Avatar: The Way of Water (PG-13)

In theaters December 16 Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi Director: James Cameron Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the planet of Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns, Jake must work with Neytiri and the Nav’i race to protect their planet. Stars: Zoe Zaldana, Sam Worthington IMDB Rating: Not yet rated Watch time: 3 hours, 12 minutes Trailer

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (PG-13)

In theaters December 21 Genre: Biography, Drama Director: Kasi Lemmons The joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom. Stars: Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci IMDB Rating: Not yet rated Watch time: 2 hours, 26 minutes Trailer

Related Article: Add these films to your Netflix movie list.

Ant-man and the wasp: quantumania (not yet rated).

In theaters February 17, 2023 Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Director: Peyton Reed Scott and Hope explore the Quantum Realm, where they interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure. Stars: Jonathon Majors, Paul Reed IMDB Rating: Not yet rated Watch time: Not yet known Trailer

Creed III (Not Yet Rated)

In theaters March 3, 2023 Genre: Drama, Sport Director: Keenan Coogler, Ryan Coogler, Zach Baylin Adonis has been thriving in his career and family life, but a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces. Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors IMDB Rating: Not yet rated Watch time: Not yet known Trailer

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Not Yet Rated)

In theaters March 31, 2023 Genre: Adventure, Fantasy Director: John Francis Daley, Jonathon Goldstein A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic. Stars: Justice Smith, Regé-Jean Page IMDB Rating: Not yet rated Watch time: Not yet known Trailer

Related Article: Disney Movies for Black Children

Disney’s the little mermaid (not yet rated).

In theaters May 26, 2023 Genre: Family, Musical Director: Rob Marshall A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs. Stars: Halle Bailey, Daveed Diggs IMDB Rating: Not yet rated Watch time: Not yet known Trailer

Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse (Not Yet Rated)

In theaters June 2, 2023 Genre: Action, Animation Director: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure. Stars: Shameik Moore, Issa Rae IMDB Rating: Not yet rated Watch time: Not yet known Trailer

The Color Purple (Not Yet Rated)

In theaters December 20, 2023 Genre: Drama, Musical Director: Blitz Bazawule A musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel about the lifelong struggles of an African American woman. Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey IMDB Rating: Not yet rated Watch time: Not yet known

Related Article: Family-friendly movies for Black History Month

Looking for more information about Black people in the film industry?  Check out The National Black Movie Association .

Did we miss any movies coming to theaters? Please let us know in the comments or contact us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati so we can add them.

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 posting, scholarships 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

Written by Crystal Kendrick

The Best Black Movies of 2022

The 2022 movies that kept us on the edge of our high-priced theater seats..

We don’t need to tell you that it’s not cheap to go to the movies. Every time you decide to head to the theater, you’re committing to spend at least $12-15 per ticket and maybe $15-20 on concessions. With that much money on the line, the last thing you want is to sit through a mediocre movie. Luckily, none of these films fall into that category. These are the ones that you went back and paid that high price to see again. Take a moment and reflect on The Root’s best Black movies of 2022.

10: Honk For Jesus, Save Your Soul

Black churches are so essential to the Black community, but it’s also no secret that some of them aren’t completely in it for the Lord. The way this film challenges the institution with fantastic performances from Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown is fun and thought provoking. Seriously, put some respect on Regina Hall’s name!

The thing about Jordan Peele’s work is that it’s always interesting, and that’s not something you can say about a lot of filmmakers. He never phones it in. No matter what you think of the craziness, you’ll be talking about it long after you’ve seen the movie.

8: Devotion

Jonathan Majors is having a moment right now. The closest comparison I can come up with is ‘90s Denzel, where he’s delivering banger after banger after banger. In Devotion , he deftly balances honoring Jesse Brown, the decorated pilot, with telling the story of his humanity and struggle for dignity in a world that doesn’t think he deserves it.

7: Descendant

For all those white people who want to take slavery out of textbooks and think it happened so long ago it doesn’t matter anymore, I suggest you watch Descendant . The residents of Africatown are in a direct fight to stop the industrial complex from bulldozing their history at the same time we’re all fighting to prevent certain governmental systems from erasing ours. Descendant is a showcase for why documentaries are still such an important part of filmmaking.

6: The Inspection

Elegance Bratton’s debut film chronicling a Marine’s quest for acceptance and peace of mind is a barrage of emotions, but it’s all beautifully handled by the veteran cast. Jeremy Pope and Gabrielle Union are at the top of their game as they guide the audience through every step of this standout work of art.

Honoring an icon like Sidney Poitier isn’t necessarily easy. We all know about his impact on Black entertainment and how many actors and filmmakers he’s inspired. But where Sidney excels is that it finds the humanity behind the star and actually honors the man, not the icon.

It takes a strong performer to embody a woman like Mamie Till-Mobley and not get lost in the importance of the story. Danielle Deadwyler guides us through every moment of Mamie’s grief, resolve, shock and strength without ever going over the top or losing sight of the real woman behind the history.

3: Everything Everywhere All at Once

It’s so rare to be surprised by a movie nowadays, but that’s exactly what Everything Everywhere All at Once did. Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan are awesome, the visuals are cool and it’s fun to watch. I don’t want to spoil how truly spectacular this movie is, but just know that it’s entertaining in every single universe.

2: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler managed to guide us all through our collective grief while also delivering a thrilling follow-up to a history-making, game-changing film. Shuri, Nakia, M’Baku and Okoye all grew as characters and Wakanda grows as a country. In any other year, it would have been the unquestioned best movie, but you can never count out Viola.

1: The Woman King

From the cast, to the direction, to the historical setting, The Woman King excels on every level. It’s the kind of art that sticks with you long after you’ve seen it. Viola Davis is a general in every sense of the word. She commands the audience to follow her and her warriors through this gripping story. Then she expertly moves us through every emotion she rains down on us. This film will have a lasting legacy as an impactful moment for cinema.

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The Best Black Movies Of 2022

The best Black movies of 2022 are coming out in every genre imaginable including sci-fi, comedy, and biographical films.  Master , Alice , and  Amandla  show that this list of 2022 Black films is off to an amazing start. If you are a fan of the horror movie genre, you're going to need to watch  Nope  when it's finally released. You'll also need to get ready to laugh if you plan on watching A Madea Homecoming . These are really just a few of the great 2022 Black movies coming out this year.

But which one should be at the top of the list? You get to help decide by voting up your favorites and voting down any that you think other fans can skip that are coming out in 2022. Be sure to check back as new African-American films are added to this list once they are released throughout the year.

A Jazzman's Blues

• Actors : Joshua Boone, Solea Pfeiffer, Amirah Vann, Austin Scott, Milauna Jackson
• Directed by : Tyler Perry
• # 38 of 63 on The Best Historical Films Of 2022
• # 104 of 135 on The Best Black Drama Movies
• # 57 of 85 on The Best Netflix Original Movies Of 2022

The Woman King

• Actors : Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin
• Directed by : Gina Prince-Bythewood
• # 20 of 25 on The Best Movies About Female Warriors
• # 142 of 152 on The Best Movies Of 2022, Ranked
• # 10 of 148 on The Best Female Leading Movies Of 2022

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

• Actors : Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong'o, Tenoch Huerta, Danai Gurira
• Directed by : Ryan Coogler
• Everything You Need To Know About Ironheart's Short Existence In Marvel Comics
• # 30 of 49 on The Best Superhero Movie Sequels
• # 6 of 42 on Every Lake Bell Movie And TV Show, Ranked

Emancipation

• Actors : Will Smith, Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Owuor, Mustafa Shakir
• Directed by : Antoine Fuqua

The Silent Twins

• Actors : Letitia Wright, Tamara Lawrance, Nadine Marshall, Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn, Declan Joyce
• Directed by : Agnieszka Smoczynska
• # 19 of 25 on The Best 2022 Movies Based On A True Story
• # 128 of 142 on The Best Indie Movies Of 2022
• # 28 of 101 on The Best Women Directed Movies Of 2022

• Actors : Idris Elba, Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Jeffries, Liyabuya Gongo
• Directed by : Baltasar Kormákur
• # 41 of 167 on The Best New Thriller Movies Of The Last Few Years
• # 5 of 96 on The Best Thrillers Of 2022
• # 30 of 59 on The Best Action Movies Of 2022

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WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for essence newsletters the keep the black women at the forefront of conversation., new and exciting black films to check out this summer.

Summer is finally here. So, you know what that means? – cookouts, pool parties, festivals, and every other outdoor activity you can think of. 

What has become a lost outing during the pandemic is going to the movies. COVID restrictions completely shut that down in the beginning of 2020, but we slowly but surely have been getting back to the silver screen.

There will be a lot of films highlighting the talents of Black actors, writers, and producers in the coming months. You can catch Lena Waithe’s Beauty on Netflix next week, Jordan Peele’s Nope in July, or marvel at KeKe Palmer’s wit in Lightyear , which dropped last Friday.

Take a look at what’s new and Black in film and streaming this summer.