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10 Black Movies That Aren’t Traumatic
Slavery, segregation and the Black struggle have bombarded the Black Hollywood scene since African-Americans were allowed to star in movies. While these films can be used to educate families, we must remember that these films about trauma are not the only thing Black entertainment can provide. Black people deserve positive representation, romance and cute coming-of-age movies. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Black History Month with your family, check out this list of amazing Black films that do not cause trauma.
Hidden Figures
The story of African-American women who served as human computers and made other vital contributions to NASA during the ’50s and ’60s that helped launched the unmanned space flight program.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Joanna Drayton brings home her Black fiancé to meet her upper-class family. Despite being liberal, Drayton’s parents have a hard time adjusting to the relationship. The comedic drama made waves when it was released, as it was among the first films to depict interracial marriage in a positive light. The comedic drama stars Sidney Poitier, Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.
Jump In!
Starring Corbin Bleu and Keke Palmer, Jump In! focuses on a hallmark of the Black childhood: double dutch. When boxer and alpha male Izzy Daniels finds himself intrigued with the skill and intricate moves of the activity, he must make a choice: his dream or that of his dad. A Disney Channel Original Movie, Jump In! is one of the few with a primarily Black cast.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
In the first multiracial cast performance of the classic fairytale, singer-songwriter Brandy plays Cinderella, navigating life under the cruelty of her wicked stepmother, played by Bernadette Peters. Released in 1997, the film has a star-studded cast, including the late Whitney Houston and Whoopi Goldberg.
Dream Girls
Set in the 1960s and based on the 1981 Broadway musical, Dreamgirls follows a trio of female musicians — the Dreamettes — in their pursuit of mainstream success. With a lineup that includes Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson, this film has all the makings of a Black classic from the beginning.
A Ballerina’s Tale
This documentary examines race and body image in the elite ballet world with the rise of African-American ballerina Misty Copeland. She was the first principal dancer at New York’s American Ballet Theater.
Good Burger
Dexter and Ed (Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson) thought they were getting a typical after-school job flipping burgers, but end up responsible for saving their entire restaurant from being overrun by the new chain in town. The unlikely pairing stops at nothing to get what they want, performing absurd antics and forging a real friendship throughout. Good Burger is one film that is just as funny now as it was then!
Joyful Noise
An integral part of Black culture, the church choir, sits at the center of Joyful Noise. Only this time, they have hit an impasse: Stick to tradition or jump on the train of pop, rock and hip-hop gospel music. Led by Vi Rose (Queen Latifah) and G.G. (Dolly Parton), the choir must learn to work together or risk losing everything, including the national choir competition.
Little
Businesswoman Jordan Sanders (Regina Hall) is a no-nonsense business mogul who mistreats everyone around her, especially her employees. The night before a big presentation, she is magically transformed into a 13-year-old version of herself and now has to rely on the person she treated the worst: her assistant, April. Also starring Marsai Martin and Issa Rae, Little is a humorous but beautiful representation of female Black excellence.
Queen of Katwe
Living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) and her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess. Phiona becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player under Katende’s guidance. Her success in local competitions and tournaments opens the door to a bright future and a golden chance to escape from a life of poverty.