80s Black Movies - 18 Of The Best
In the 1980s, blackness cinema institute a strong voice, and the decade saw a wide range of movies written, starring, and directed by black men and women.
From over-the-tiptop comedies starring Richard Pryor and Keenan Ivory Wayans to serious dramas almost slavery and gangs, no thing what you're in the mood to watch, you'll find tons of crawly options.
Here are the eighteen best 80s black movies:
The Color Purple (1985)
Heart-wrenching but hopeful, The Colour Purple is the story of a immature blackness woman named Celie Harris and her experiences in early 20th century North Carolina.
While it deals with nighttime themes such as racism, sexism, poverty, and violence, it also presents an objective view of the uglier aspects of American history, making this a film older kids and parents can spotter together.
In that location are films with impressive pedigrees, simply The Colour Purple takes information technology to a whole new level. Information technology's based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning volume of the same name, directed by Steven Spielberg, and stars Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, and Oprah Winfrey.
Stir Crazy (1980)
The 1980s were filled with comedies starring a black lead, a type of movie arguably kicked into gear by Stir Crazy. It'due south a buddy comedy starring the legendary duo of Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, who play best friends framed for a crime and on the run from the constabulary.
With a full domestic gross of over $101,300,000, Stir Crazy is the most successful motion picture Wilder and Pryor made together, and it'south like shooting fish in a barrel to run across why. Their hilarious chemical science is genuinely something to behold, while the outlandish story delivers tons of classic comedic moments.
See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
After Stir Crazy, Wilder and Pryor reunited in 1989 for their third film together (the showtime being 1976'southward Silver Streak). In this movie, Pryor plays a bullheaded human named Wally, and Wilder is his deaf friend Dave.
Framed for murder (a mutual occurrence in their movies), the duo must work together to unravel a mystery and grab the bad guys. While not every joke nigh beingness blind or deaf likely adheres to modern sensibilities, the movie remains practiced-natured and hilarious.
Later on this movie, Wilder and Pryor got back together in 1991 for Another You lot. Unfortunately, that movie was a flop among critics and audiences alike, and the duo never worked together again.
Lean On Me (1989)
Before he played God (and Batman'due south Best Buddy), Morgan Freeman starred as real-life chief Joe Clark. It tells the tale of Clark, often arrogant just never unwavering, equally he attempts to clean upward Eastside High from drugs and gangs while also battling city officials and local bureaucracy.
Freeman's performance is the master depict hither, as he creates a complex picture of a man desperately trying to brand a difference. Although some aspects of the story tin can feel a bit formulaic, overall, it's an uplifting movie almost the power of education.
Glory (1989)
Equally y'all've undoubtedly noticed by now, Morgan Freeman was a big deal throughout the 80s. In Glory, he was office of an all-star bandage that included Denzel Washington, Andre Braugher, Matthew Broderick, and more.
Glory tells the truthful story of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Broderick), who led the first all-black volunteer visitor during the Ceremonious State of war. Aside from fighting the Confederates, they also take to battle intense racism and a lack of support from their fellow Spousal relationship soldiers.
While the moving-picture show is violent and gets dark at times, information technology's also an uplifting story nearly heroism and continuing together in the face of arduousness.
Colors (1988)
If you're old enough, y'all might think this picture's archetype theme vocal, performed by Water ice-T. Colors tells the story of a rookie cop (Sean Penn) and his veteran partner (Robert Duvall) as they navigate the intricate and vehement world of gangs in 1980's East Los Angeles.
While some elements of the movie haven't aged great, it still stands up for the most part as a serious examination of gang life, with themes that resonate even today. Plus, it boasts an impressive assortment of performances from a cast that includes Don Cheadle, Glenn Plummer, Maria Conchita Alonso, and even Damon Wayans in a supporting role.
Directed by Dennis Hopper, Colors is gritty, raw, and violent. While it's not necessarily inappropriate for younger teens, yous might want to spotter it yourself first.
Harlem Nights (1989)
Harlem Nights is merely as famous for who stars in information technology equally what it's most. The film is written and directed by Irish potato, who wanted to make the film so that he could work with his comedy-hero, Richard Pryor.
This comedy-drama stars Murphy and Pryor as co-owners of a nightclub in 1930s Harlem dealing with gangsters, corrupt cops, and other troubles. Aside from the two leads, the cast includes Danny Aiello, Della Reese, and Redd Foxx in his final movie role. In an interesting twist, Redd Foxx was a pregnant influence on Richard Pryor.
Although critically panned upon release, the film has turned into a cult archetype in the coming decades. Fifty-fifty if it'due south slightly uneven at times, Harlem Nights offers the unique opportunity to run into three comic legends on screen together.
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)
A parody of 70s blaxploitation movies, I'thousand Gonna Git You Sucka helped introduce the world to the sense of humour of Keenen Ivory Wayans and his troupe. Wayans directs and stars along with a terrific cast that includes Jim Brownish, Bernie Casey, and Isaac Hayes.
Yous'll spot more than a few folks who went on to star in In Living Color, such every bit Damon Wayans and David Allen Grier. The picture shares the aforementioned outlandish sense of sense of humor, although interestingly, the title and general concept were created by Eddie Murphy during a conversation with Keenan.
Even if yous've never heard of this moving picture earlier, y'all might be familiar with the viral prune of a immature Chris Rock ordering "one rib." If that scene makes yous express joy, the entire movie volition likely accept you in stitches.
Coming to America (1988)
Eddie Murphy was at the summit of box office popularity throughout the 80s, releasing several classics during the decade, including Coming to America. Far from a cult hitting, Coming to America was popular upon release and finds new fans every yr.
It's a classic fish-out-of-water tale starring Spud equally Prince Akeem, heir to the throne of his wealthy African country. Wanting to flee from an arranged union, the Prince arrives in New York, where he must navigate a whole new world while he finds himself falling in love with his co-worker Lisa.
When yous've finished watching, bank check out the 2022 sequel, Coming 2 America, which reunites much of the original cast.
Krush Groove (1995)
Krush Groove is a chip of an oddity. It'due south a musical comedy-drama based on the real-life story of Def Jam Records and Russell Simmons, who co-produced and served equally a story consultant. The picture show follows "Russell Walker," head of the fledgling Krush Groove record label, equally he attempts to navigate the world of early 80s hip-hop and rap.
Interestingly, even though both Russel Simmons and Def Jam get pseudonyms in the movie, most of the major Def Jam artists play themselves. Watch for appearances from LL Cool J, New Edition, the Beastie Boys, Chaka Khan, and others. The movie is also the characteristic film debut of Blair Underwood.
Is Krush Groove a great movie? With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 43%, many critics didn't seem to recall and so. Only information technology'due south worth a picket anyway, simply for the unique place it has in hip-hop history. Plus, the soundtrack will stone the firm.
Brewster's Millions (1985)
Brewster's Millions is a classic Richard Pryor 80s one-act. It stars Pryor as a minor league baseball player presented with an unusual inheritance. He must spend $30 million in 30 days in order to inherit $300 1000000.
The take hold of? He can't destroy the coin, give it to charity, or even tell anyone what he's doing. Every bit you'd expect from the premise, the movie is definitely wacky but anchored by engaging and heartfelt performances from both Pryor and co-star John Candy.
It's a fun movie with a message about wealth inequality that resonates today. While at that place are some risqué moments, information technology's even so a skillful time for the whole family.
Crisis at Fundamental High (1981)
Crisis at Primal High is a made-for-Goggle box film that aired in 1981. While made-for-TV movies back and so weren't ever known for their quality, Crisis at Primal High stands out for its potent performances and attention to detail.
The movie is based on the memoir of Elizabeth Huckaby, the assistant principal of Central High during the Fiddling Rock Integration Crunch of 1957. Joanne Woodward stars every bit Huckaby while Charles Durning plays the master.
The movie creates some composite characters, and many critics wished the story had focused more on the nine black children instead of the white principal.
However, the film is well-told overall, and acts as an accessible introduction for anyone who might not know much about the original event, such every bit younger audiences.
She's Gotta Have Information technology (1986)
Spike Lee flare-up onto the scene in 1986 with She's Gotta Have It, a black-and-white film made on a small budget. Information technology's the story of Nola Darling, a immature woman living in the Bronx juggling 3 boyfriends. As she attempts to follow her heart, she ends up with a series of romantic entanglements.
She's Gotta Have It showcased Lee's original manner equally a writer, director, and thespian. Plus, Nola's desire to be seen as a free, sexual being was a revolutionary theme for the time and ane many black women could relate to.
Lee released two more films in the 80s, School Daze in 1988 and Do the Correct Thing in 1989. With bigger budgets and more famous casts, they're both excellent 80s black movies in their own right. But if you want to see why this filmmaker became so famous then quickly, start here with his debut.
Crush Street (1984)
Beat Street takes the archetype "kids put on a testify to save the day" story and adds a hip-hop twist. Information technology's about young guys and girls in the South Bronx attempting to observe fame and love. Although not packed with famous names, Rae Dawn Chong plays the lead, and the supporting cast has some superb dance moves.
Is the movie dated? Admittedly, but that's part of its amuse. The world of 80s hip-hop is the real star here, with some type of breakdancing, rapping, tagging, or DJing in practically every scene. You'll catch appearances from Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Moe Dee, Melle Mel, and other icons.
It's a fun and funky picture show for anyone who lived through the era or those born later who just want to check out what it was like back in the day.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Beverly Hills Cop introduced the globe to Axel Foley, Eddie White potato's classic Detroit cop who must navigate the globe of Beverly Hills. The pic delivers winning performances from Tater as well Judge Reinhold and John Ashton as the Beverly Hills detectives he befriends.
Information technology'due south considered one of the greatest activeness comedies of all time, with non just solid one-act but too a gripping plot and high-octane action.
Beverly Hills Cop spawned two sequels, including 1987'southward Beverly Hills Cop Two. The second film kept the humor while upping the action significantly, perhaps not surprising considering manager Tony Scott was now at the helm as the manager.
Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986)
Even though 80s black movies were male-dominated, Whoopi Goldberg also spent the decade quietly establishing herself as both a dramatic and comedic fable. In Jumpin Jack Flash, she stars as a computer whiz working for a New York banking company who finds herself in the middle of an espionage plot.
This motion-picture show is fun, funny, and heady. Whoopi – relatively unknown to audiences at the fourth dimension – delivers an energetic, engaging operation equally Terry Doolittle.
Directed by Penny Marshall from a screenplay by Nancy Myers, Jumpin' Jack Flash is a one-act-hazard that more than holds up for modernistic audiences.
Tap (1989)
Starring the late Gregory Hines, Tap is a crime caper story about Max Washington, a tap dancer, and burglar who was but released from prison and is forced back into his criminal lifestyle.
It's a tightly wound thriller that also happens to have some fantastic tap dancing sequences. Aside from Hines, the film also stars the one-and-only Sammy Davis, Jr. in one of his final film roles.
Tap is often overlooked amid 80s African American films. While the premise might sound a bit odd on paper, it's a well-executed character report with plenty of suspense and some truly masterclass acting.
Purple Rain (1984)
Merely equally there was no one else similar Prince, there'due south no other movie quite like Purple Rain. A star vehicle for the famous musician, Purple Pelting is well-nigh a immature, aspiring musician and his ups and downs both professionally and in matters of the centre.
Is Regal Rain a good pic? With a Metacritic score of 55, it's safe to say that reception has always been mixed. But what it might lack in story, information technology more than makes upwards for with outstanding musical performances from a true legend.
Elevation 80s Blackness Movies, Determination
80s blackness movies were dramatic, comedic, and groundbreaking. They spoke directly to black viewers while also helping to broaden the views of other audiences. Whether you were alive in the 80s and want to relive some of your favorite films, or you're younger and want to check out the styles and ideas of the decade for yourself, a vast range of amazing options are available to spotter.
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