Between being able to get scared, laugh at stupid sh!t, and being able to sit down and be able to get emotional and relate on a heavier note, Movies have always been a safe space. I have always gravitated towards movies with anything involving horror + physiological thinking, comedy, and anything with a prominent diverse/BLK cast (that is coming from a Mexican + ebony individual!).
i was between 11-13 years old and get out came out which Was when i discovered black horror at my bigger age. Jordan Peels films not just paved the way for black horror for me but also showed me i have a voice at a young age. it [black horror] created a safe environment for me to feel less alone, accommodated to, and like my interests are catered to on a wider scale then just music.
When i was 16 or so when i started venturing out. Realizing the first staple in black horror With going back to 1960 with Night of the Living Dead. Changing horror forever while the lead Duane Jones as its hero, an everyman of color. a black man who not only defends himself against white aggression but demands that white people follow him. Films such as Hood of Horror (2006, Snoop Dogg), Candyman (1992, Tony Todd) and Us (2019, Lupita Nyong'o) followed with my knowledge behind shortly. Being 19 and finally discovering that there was a bigger pathway for Jordan Peels films with Blaxploitation hits i found at 16, like Ganja & Hess and Blacula. A 1973 film with Marlene Clark and Duane Jones once again for which writer+director Bill Gunn uses vampires to press into societal breakdowns. Even just with making this list now realizing a buried memory of my first time ever discovering black horror as a small child with my pops !(aka the man who i think for my love of all things horror and cinema.) Watching Leprechaun 5 and being absolutely terrified of him (im Irish too which i think is ironic LOL.) although i was convinced that the movie was what nightmares are made of as a child LOL, it doesn’t change my love for all things black horror. Here is just a little taste of some of the films I have watched though my adolescence+ that stuck with me. These films do not just explore the horror, physiological thrillers, and comedy side of black cinema. It also explores a wider range black films involving elements that cross between Sci-fi (Attack The Block), Gothic (Eve’s Bayou), and Superhero elements (Blade). don’t be shy to explore any of these 30, fun, frightening, and groundbreaking films in my little guide to essential black films!
This list does not just have those different genre elements but also Blaxploitation + staples in the black community and horror community as well. Either written directed or starring black individual(s) or all three! this list is going to be excluding documents or tv series! This is a list of black horror NOT “black trauma porn.” Granted there is a thin line between the two, needless to say movies like Antebellum and shows like “Them” will be excluded from this list.
Im not going to be going into great depths for each movie because #1 i do not want to spoil everything there is to hear about it. #2 for my brains sake, this is blog is supposed to not just accommodate mine and others interests but this is also a break for my brain [writing], i am not trying to stress it out. Not to mention some of these movies will get their own blog post down the line haha. #3 i want YOU to look into these films and be able to discover what you please!
Night of the Living Dead (1968 sequel to Dawn of the Dead + novel, a prequel, and an anthology — 96 minutes — Director George A. Romero)
Film stars Duane Jones a black man who not only defends himself against white aggression but demands that white people follow him. making him one of the first Black actors to star in a mainstream horror film. Jones's performance as Ben showed audiences that Black people could be dynamic leaders, not just side characters or troublemakers but intelligent responsible non-stereotypical ‘token’ black characters and And our storylines should hold more substance than just making a social commentary stance, which was notable at the time of its release. The film subverted the typical portrayal of Black people in horror films, where they were often villains or monsters. Instead, Night of the Living Dead showed that white America was a threat to Black Americans, both inside and outside. The tension as well, between Ben and Harry represents the racial conflict in the United States. Ben's experience fighting against Harry is similar to the experiences of African Americans in the 1960s. Even going as far as to have unjustified parts that felt a little too familiar and similar throughout American history. Director George A. Romero originally intended to hire a white actor for the role but changed his mind after seeing Jones's audition. The racial commentary that can be read into the film was never intended, as the role of Ben wasn't written for a black man, nonetheless still changing black horror forever.
A group of Pennsylvanians takes refuge in and barricades themselves in an old house when flesh-eating corpses begin to leave the graveyard in search of fresh human bodies to devour. The pragmatic Ben does his best to control the situation, but when the re-animated bodies surround the house, the other survivors begin to panic. As any semblance of order within the group begins to dissipate, the zombies start to find ways inside. One by one, the living humans become the prey of the deceased ones.
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Starring William Marshall, Denise Nicholas, Vonett McGee, and Thalmus Rasulala. it is certainly no secret this film is certainly A highlight of 70s blaxploitation cinema and the first one of its sub genre as a whole. This is about as entertaining as it gets for lovers of cult-cinema, and an absolute must-see for all the blaxploitation enthusiast's out there. Plot and suspense are secondary, of course.
Blacula– gave us the first Black vampire on film in William Marshall's Prince Mamuwalde, an African dignitary cursed with vampirism by the white Count Dracula. Leaving a trail of bloodless victims in his wake after being Sealed in a coffin for several lifetimes. He pursues Lina (Vonetta McGee), a woman who shares a striking resemblance to his dead wife. Meanwhile, Dr. Gordon Thomas (Thalmus Rasulala) and top cop Lt. Peters (Gordon Pinsent) are following close along to the bloodsucker's trail.
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J. D.'s Revenge is a classic mid-70s blaxploitation horror possession film. It stars Glynn Turman, Louis Gossett Jr., and Joan Pringle, a very engaging cast that helps to make this watchable. Glynn Turman's performance as Isaac Hendrix is considered a tour-de-force, showcasing two very different personalities. We get to see locations of New Orleans, mistaken identities, close calls, and poetic justice. We even get to watch the impact this film had throughout time. The film helped to establish Black Horror as a genre, and its release was followed by a lull in the genre until the release of People Under The Stairs and Candyman in the 1990s. The film some say was influential on later Black horror films like Bones.
Although notorious New Orleans gangster J.D. Walker (David McKnight) is shot and killed in the 1940s, his spirit remains restless for three decades, until a hypnotist's supernatural nightclub act allows him to take over the body of Isaac (Glynn Turman), a mild-mannered law student. After inhabiting Isaac, the mobster seeks revenge upon the people who killed him and his sister.
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American blaxploitation horror film written and directed by Bill Gunn and starring Marlene Clark and Duane Jones. It is one of only two films in which the lead role was played by Jones, best known for starring in the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead (though he had bit parts in other movies). The film defies easy classification with its hallucinatory visuals, rich metaphors for addiction, raw sexuality, and lyrical dialogue that offers a wholly unique treatise on African-American identity. Engaging with this wholly unique film requires the viewer to challenge their preconceptions on vampires, class, colonialism, and black artistry. Kelli Weston stated “…a quite classic structure for a horror film" and is founded on "the core premise of horror cinema, that what is repressed must always return". "But Ganja & Hess is enlivened by these black characters and the tension between spirituality, addiction, and the predatory nature of empire," she adds. "Hess faces a curse from another place that he's sort of tied to – there's a rupture between black Americans and Africa, but a sense of feeling always bound or even haunted by it."
After being stabbed with an ancient, germ-infested knife, turn two lovers (Duane Jones, and Marlene Clark) into immortal vampires with an insatiable desire for blood.
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Sugar Hill is a blaxploitation film. Starring Marki Bey, Robert Quarry, and Don Pedro Colley. Blaxploitation was a genre that was often sexist, by breaking away from traditional horror conventions and centering on a Black female lead, Sugar Hill challenged the status quo and expanded the possibilities for future filmmakers. We get to have a fun film and interesting and colorful characters but also we see a revenge plot executed but the film's empowering portrayal of a Black female protagonist and respectful depiction of voodoo. We get a culturally significant and influential film that left a lasting mark on Black America and the horror genre. All these elements made it a standout film. As a testament to resilience and resistance, Sugar Hill continues to be celebrated for its cultural contributions and its innovative approach to horror storytelling.
When nightclub owner Langston (Larry D. Johnson) refuses to sell out to local mob boss Morgan (Robert Quarry), he is beaten to death by a gang of hired thugs. His grief-stricken fiancee, Diana "Sugar" Hill (Marki Bey), vows revenge for his murder and turns to aged voodoo authority Mama Maitresse (Zara Cully). Together they conjure up the demonic spirit of Baron Samedi (Don Pedro Colley), who agrees to help Sugar. He raises an army of zombies and sets them upon Langston's killers.
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Def by Temptation (1990 — 95 minutes — Director James Bond III)
Def by Temptation is a 1990 American black horror film that has elements of buddy comedy. Written, produced, and directed by James Bond III, who also stars in the film alongside Cynthia Bond, Kadeem Hardison, Samuel L. Jackson, and Bill Nunn. This film is also notable as being one of two Troma movies with an all-black cast. While following through this film we see not just an all-Black cast and crew but a fine example of Black horror B movies, a subgenre that is often criticized for its quality. We also see a contribution to a Black filmmaking tradition that doesn't replicate Hollywood's sensibilities. This is also more than a 'blaxploitation' film. It has deep, 'religious overtone's' Director Bond was attempting to make a point to that, 'male unsatisfied lust'! The movie is about a divinity student who questions his faith and is drawn into a series of mysterious murders in New York City. While being entertaining it also doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of faith, politics, promiscuity, and STDs. It is quite thought-provoking while also having a powerful spiritual message. Truly this film is hidden gem for fans of early '90s horror.
Joel (James Bond III), a quiet divinity student from North Carolina, starts to question his faith. So he heads to New York to visit his friend K (Kadeem Hardison), a struggling actor, who takes him out bar-hopping. They meet a gorgeous seductress (Cynthia Bond) who turns out to be a succubus, a demon spirit luring black lotharios to their deaths. When she sets her eyes on Joel, K turns to the help of Dougie (Bill Nunn), a drunken cop who specializes in supernatural investigations.
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A horror comedy film starring Brandon Quintin Adams, Kelly Jo Minte, Ving Rhames, Bill Cobbs, Conni Marie Brazelton, and many more. With a compelling plot the film, People Under the Stairs has some over-the-top preferences, mixed with the detailed set design, some chills, n’ blood making it Wes Craven's most engaging, peculiar, and memorable film. All while exploring serious topics such as gentrification, economic disparity, race, capitalism, the over-policing of marginalized communities, social injustice, and the horrors lurking behind seemingly affluent facades. The cult classic remains a thought-provoking and unsettling cinematic experience that challenges audiences to confront the hidden terrors embedded in societal structures.
When young Fool (Brandon Adams) breaks into the home of his family's greedy and uncaring landlords, he discovers a disturbing scenario where incestuous adult siblings have mutilated a number of boys and kept them imprisoned under stairs in their large, creepy house.
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Based on Clive Barker's short story "The Forbidden" this gothic supernatural horror film stars Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Kasi Lemmons, Vanessa E. Williams, and more. We see our first slasher film to feature a Black supernatural killer. Candyman changed the horror genre not just by being the first Black slasher but by integrating real-world issues into a traditional horror premise, making it a political commentary on racial history. By exploiting the white middle-class fear of urban decay and ignorance about racial violence in the United States, going further into issues of race, Social divisions, poverty, Ignorance about racial violence, Racism and racial stereotypes, and Whitewashing of history. The Racial commentary by it having anti-Black violence at its core, some say it's a pioneering "Black horror" film. This film shows and analyzes how people create and conjure fear through storytelling and monster-making, forcing the viewer to reckon with the unacknowledged history that haunts the back of their minds. The film was extremely changing but even controversial for depicting racism and racial stereotypes. According to Rose, "I had to go and have a whole set of meetings with the NAACP because the producers were so worried and what they said to me when they'd read the script was 'Why are we even having this meeting?”
Skeptical graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams) while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago's Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of the son of a slave who was murdered in the late 19th century for his interracial relationship with the daughter of a wealthy white man. Some of her neighbors believe he may responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman's description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear that the legend may be all too real.
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Starring Billy Zane, William Sadler, Jada Pinkett. This black horror-comedy feature-length film by HBO for their TV series Tales from the Crypt. While there are two male Caucasian protagonists (Sadler and Zane), the third protagonist is both Black and female. Having a Black female protagonist who leads the film in the end is rare, and having one who is not pushed into the “black mother” stereotype or “helpless female” is even more significant. Ernest Dickerson Said “It was a great cast. I was also happy to do the first film where an African-American woman saves the world. That was a good project to be involved with"
Ex-soldier Frank Brayker is the guardian of an ancient key that can unlock tremendous evil; the sinister but charming Collector is a demon who wants the key so he can initiate the apocalypse. On the run from wicked mercenaries for almost 90 years, Brayker finally stops in at a boarding house in New Mexico where with the help of its quirky residents he plans to face off against the Collector and his band of ghouls, preventing them from ever capture the key.
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With actors such as Clarence Williams, Roger Guenveur Smith, Rosalind Cash, and so on, This American black horror comedy anthology film presents four short urban-themed horror stories based on problems that affect the African-American community. Police corruption, domestic abuse, racism, and gang violence. Tales from the Hood was extremely groundbreaking for the 1990s. Cundieff had stated “I had written a stage play called Black Horror Show, and I talked to Darin about how to proceed with a black horror movie. The title, Tales From the Hood, seemed to be the automatic way to put across the idea that it was an anthology, and also related to the black experience, whatever that was at the time. I wanted to make sure that there was something socially relevant within each piece, and also create a situation where the horror and supernatural forces were things that you were rooting for as opposed to against. We didn’t have young co-eds who you wanted to stay alive. All the humans in Tales from the Hood do bad things and the supernatural is their comeuppance.“
A creepy mortician, Mr. Simms (Clarence Williams III), attempts to scare teenage drug dealer Stack (Joe Torry) and his friends straight by telling them four horrifying stories. One is about a guilt-riddled cop who goes crazy after ignoring his corrupt partner. He also tells of a meek schoolboy (Brandon Hammond) with terrifying supernatural powers. Although the young boys want to take their drugs and escape Mr. Simms, he still has two more tales to tell.
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Vampire in Brooklin (1995 — 100 minutes — Director Wes Craven and writer Eddie Murphy and Charles Q. Murphy)
Wes Craven and Eddie Murphy gave us this comic vampire horror love story in one film. With a strong cast, strong performances, and strong chemistry starting Eddie Murphy himself, Angela Bassett, and Kadeem Hardison. We see some gross-out humor moments that keep the movie moving along with the signature comedy touch of the director and even a reference to a more obscure horror, “Blacula” (1972). After producing a series of scary movies, Craven was looking to make a comedy. This clashed with Murphy’s desire to portray a straight horror role, leading to a cult classic that doesn’t know whether it’s trying to be funny or scary. Apart from 1972’s Blacula, there weren’t many African-American horror films or even horror-comedy films at the time that were predominantly aimed at an African-American audience. Vampire in Brooklyn changed this by making Murphy into a highly romanticized monster and bringing it to a very urban setting in front of a very urban audience. The film also weaves in some serious notes, exploring the vampire's loneliness and yearning, chilling moments, and a good soundtrack. Vampire in Brooklyn anchored itself as part of an ever-evolving vampire lore that draws roots from Eastern-European folklore and which produced a series of works, both in literature and cinematography that at times many have deemed exclusionary and was able to change that. About the movie, Eddie Murphy said: "I've always wanted to do something where I was the villain in the movie. I love horror pictures and I was a big fan of Wes Craven. This movie started out as something small, this was a movie my company was just going to produce and the screenplay came together so well that I thought it will be a fun role to play. Because I got to do something kind of scary and had a safety net because the vampire can turn into other peoples… and I got all these funny stuff happening around me. I felt it was a unique piece to do."
In the wake of her mother's death in a mental institution, detective Rita Veder (Angela Bassett) is assigned to a baffling serial murder case. After examining the crime scene - a corpse-filled ship found adrift at sea - Rita meets Maximilian (Eddie Murphy), a smooth-talking Caribbean playboy determined to romance her. When Rita begins suffering from crippling hallucinations, she calls upon Dr. Zeko (Zakes Mokae), an occultist who suspects a vampire is on the loose.
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Eve’s boyou (1997 — 109 minutes + 116 minutes (Director's Cut) — Director and writer Kasi Lemmons)
a Southern Gothic film that gave us diversity from the other black films that were received around that time. Back in the 1990s, we were receiving more poverty perspective-driven stories while this one was around wealth. Showcasing an aspect of the Black experience that was rarely depicted in the 1990s, It was made to be the most commercially successful independent film of 1997. Kasi Lemmons made her directorial debut with this film. While Samuel L. Jackson served as a producer and starred in the film with Lisa Nicole Carson, Jurnee Smollett, Lynn Whitfield, Debbi Morgan, Meagan Good, and Diahann Carroll. There isn't one actor in this film that you do not fully appreciate. Everyone in this film gives everything that they have to help create this hidden masterpiece. Eve's Bayou is a beautiful exploration of Black girlhood, family trauma, and the confusion of youth. Being a coming-of-age film (an exceedingly rare example of one that privileges the experience of young black girls) It weaves a tale that fully shows the complexity of Black American life without the white gaze. We also see a beautiful showing of the beauty of black southern culture. This film also does an outstanding job exploring and inhabiting boundaries between dreams and reality, childhood and adulthood, perception and imagination, like an indistinct memory from which the fog always seems to be lifting yet never does while never causing a dull moment in the slightest. Though the story is not autobiographical, Lemmons said "there are definitely pieces of my family in it", and that the writing process was therapeutic, as it allowed her to process "things that happened to me—things that I was still wrestling with…” needless to say that made me fall in love with this film more.
The story is told from the viewpoint of his (Samuel L. Jackson) middle child, Eve, wonderfully played by Jurnee Smollett, who sees her middle-class family life threatened by her father's infidelities. A tale of a Black family caught up in family tensions that drive the plot but never overpower the family's love for each other. Infidelity, an over-protective mother, the psychic aunt's tragic loss of loves, and a delicious dose of voodoo
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Blade was noted as a dark superhero film for its time, based on Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan’s “Tomb of Dracula” comics, it was seen as a blaxploitation anachronism. At various points in development, the studio wanted the project to skew more comedic, like a parody, at one juncture even considering racebending Blade to be played by a white actor. Regardless of being Marvel's first successful film, Needless to say, Blade Helped Revive the Superhero Genre. It was followed by two sequels, Blade II (2002) and Blade: Trinity (2004), both written by Goyer.
Blade is a Dhampir, a human with vampire strengths but not their weaknesses. A vampire-hunter who was, himself, a vampire. Out to avenge his mother's death and rid the world of vampires. The modern-day technologically advanced vampires he is going after are in search of his special blood type needed to summon an evil god who plays a key role in their plan to execute the human race.
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This film with a stellar cast starring Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Yada Beener, and many more tells a powerful and emotional adaptation of Toni Morrison's novel about a runaway slave's struggles with freedom and secrets in this gothic psychological horror drama. Beloved centers on a formerly enslaved person after the American Civil War, her haunting by a poltergeist, and the visitation of her reincarnated daughter. This film was praised not just for telling the story through mood and accumulation of incidents, the emotional impact, and Historical significance through focusing on the period of American history immediately following slavery when Black Americans were still considered sub-human, as well as the themes exploring the more daring topics of motherhood, race, brutality, the dangers of love and commitment, and freedom.
In 1873 Ohio, Sethe (Oprah Winfrey) is a mother of three haunted by her horrific slavery past and her desperate actions for freedom. As a result, Sethe's home is haunted by a furious poltergeist, which drives away her two sons. Sethe and her daughter (Kimberly Elise) endure living with the spirit for 10 more years, until an old friend, Paul D. Garner (Danny Glover), arrives to run it out. After Garner moves in, a strange woman named Beloved (Thandie Newton) enters their lives, causing turmoil.
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Leprechaun 5: In the Hood (2000 Series — 91 minutes — Director Rob Spera )
In this Parody Horror Comedy starring Ice-T, Anthony Montgomery, Rashaan Nall, and more we get a film trying to be more realistic than usual through the plot, setting, and kills in this film. The movie has some good character beats with the three protagonists in this funny horror spoof. One reviewer called it "bloody, broad, and comically brutal, it's blaxploitation at its best.”
When three rappers Butch (Red Grant), Postmaster P. (Anthony Montgomery), and Stray Bullet (Rashaan Nall) want to get even with record producer Mack Daddy (Ice-T), they accidentally unleash a leprechaun who goes on a trail to find Butch, Postmaster P., and Stray Bullet, along with Mack Daddy himself. And he is on the hunt to reclaim his stolen gold.
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Starring Snoop Dogg, Pam Grier, Clifton Powell, and Michael T. Weiss in this horror psychological mystery thriller. It has the makings of a great horror classic— gore, violence, sympathetic villain, social parable, dark plot, comical scenes, and decent acting. Bones is a must-see for anyone who adores those "so-bad-they're-good movies"—(not even that bad).
Snoop Dogg is the eponymous Jimmy Bones, a murdered numbers runner whose spirit is about to make a comeback to avenge his death. The film is presented as a homage to blaxploitation films of the 1970s and incorporates numerous elements from the genre.
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Free — Tubi
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In this hip-hop version of Tales from the Crypt, Snoop Dogg as the Crypt or storyteller whatever you wanna call it haha. In this comedy-horror, you'll get a lot of familiar faces (Danny Trejo MY HUSBANDDD AND BABYDADDY IN ONEEE, and others lol). All stories have some very nasty and entertaining blood 'n' gore effects. This is a little comedic watch and a fun play on Tales from the Crypt.
Snoop is a local gang member-turned-spirit (sometimes as an animated gangster and sometimes as a man in hell) who treats you to three different stories here that are loosely tied together. And they are surprisingly good. The stories revolve around the residents of an inner-city neighborhood whose actions determine where they will go in the afterlife. There is a tagger who discovers that not all gangsters die hard, a foolish Texas oil fortune heir who kills for money but can't afford to stay living, and a huge rap star who uncovers a few skeletons in his dressing room and tries to kick down his door.
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Attack the Block is a British film that stars John Boyega, Franz Drameh, Leeon Jones, Simon Howard, Danielle Vitalis, Michael Ajao, and many more. This film has a unique blend of action, humor, and social commentary while taking a different perception to other alien invasion films giving the audience a fresh take. This film also makes sure not to just give us that diverse cast but also to explore many themes relevant to Black cinema. We get to see black heroes on screen, exploring the social and political underpinnings of the lives of the diverse kids while serving a timely message about how white people see Black criminality before they see humanity. We see Morally ambiguous characters, and kids making mistakes and discovering we can learn and grow from them. Mixed with some extremely real acting that leads the audience through a series of complex emotions, this film doesn't just pull you on a rollercoaster of emotions but also amplifies the meaning of finishing what you start throughout the film.
Attack the Block follows an unlucky young woman and a gang of tough inner city kids who make an unlikely alliance to try to defend their turf against an invasion of savage alien creatures, turning a South London apartment complex into an intergalactic war-zone.
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Meet the blacks is An asinine film (with a grain of seriousness) but whenever it feels like it is running out of steam, something strange and surreal will happen to elevate it above a typical spoof movie. Starring Mike Epps, Zulay Henao, Alex Henderson, Bresha Webb, and Lil Duval+ with their comic performances in the ultra-low-budget film, Meet the Blacks is so unpredictable and versatile it virtually makes up for the film’s many dull patches.
When some unexpected money comes his way, Carl Black (Mike Epps) moves his family from windy Chicago to sunny Beverly Hills, Calif. As they settle into their beautiful new home, they start to notice some strange behavior in the neighborhood. Nighttime is approaching, and President El Bama (George Lopez) announces that the annual purge is about to begin. Carl and his loved ones must now endure 12 hours of lawlessness before they can continue with their lives again.
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A Psychological film starring Daniel Kaluuya. The film addresses a different type of racism that is a little more subtle. A type of racism that is more covert and not so obvious. Passive aggressive racism if you will, is the type of racism that can be the reason why you have to watch the tone you speak while talking to police to not sound threatening and wind up in the obituaries. This film was made to show the audience what the racially motivated anxiety of being a black person feels like. It shows what goes through the mind of a black person in an interracial relationship meeting their significant other for the first time. Layering with symbolism and satire that mirror the black experience in current times.
Chris and his girlfriend, Rose, have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating. She invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with her parents, Missy and Dean. Chris at first reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined leaving him to be the main source of a conspiracy.
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Sweetheart (2019 — 82 minutes — Director J.D. Dillard)
Sweetheart is an effective horror movie that blends genres starring Kiersey Clemons. It is a supernatural thriller that combines horror, survival, and monster movie tropes. In this solid creature feature film, it digs deeper into themes such as isolation and the discovery of one's self. An equal parts monster survival movie and a social commentary film in one.
A woman washes ashore on a small uninhabited tropical island after an accident. The situation turns from bad to worse when she realizes there is a mysterious creature hunting at night.
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Us (2019 — 116 minutes — written and directed by Jordan Peele)
Phycological film features an ensemble cast, starring Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, Elisabeth Moss, and Tim Heidecker. The central theme of the film is American privilege. Peele stated, "One of the central themes in Us is that we can do a good job collectively of ignoring the ramifications of privilege.” It's about how we, as a country, try just to rename, reclaim, and wash out the stains of the past, as if that will just make everything better. Its commentary on social and political issues, its complex narrative, and its ability to inspire debate that tests the limitations of what a horror film can be, are just some of the many reasons this film is worth the watch.
Accompanied by her husband, son, and daughter, Adelaide Wilson returns to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. Haunted by a traumatic experience from the past, Adelaide grows increasingly concerned that something bad is going to happen. Her fears soon become a reality when four masked strangers descend upon the house, forcing the Wilsons into a fight for survival. When the masks come off, the family is horrified to learn that each attacker takes the appearance of one of them called the "Tethered".
Where To Stream —
subscription — Hulu, Peacock, Disney+
Premium subscription — Sling TV, YouTube TV
Rent—Buy — YouTube, Google Play Movies and TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home — Free with Cable TV — FXNOW
Thriller (2019 — 147 minutes — director Dallas Jackson)
Starring Jessica Allain, Tequan Richmond, and Luke Tennie Thriller reimagines the slasher movie from a modern black perspective, envisioning the boogeyman as just another young black man in a hoodie. Compton High School, however, is in the lead-up to their homecoming dance. Lisa (Jessica Allain) for one is waiting to hear back from her college applications, a daunting cost that she doesn’t believe she can afford without a scholarship, despite her middle-class nuclear family. Andre (Tequan Richmond) is questioned by his peers about his ‘tough guy’ front that he believes is necessary to avoid gang-related violence on his streets, and Derrick (Luke Tennie) already believes his fate is sealed; as a young black man, he knows that at this age the most likely cause of death is murder. There are moments of Friday the 13th, Prom Night, and the earlier mentioned Michael Myers weaved throughout the story – but what the film lacks that the aforementioned do is not fun kills. It’s hard to recall how the victims perished. Whether this is an intentionally serious comment on the murder rates amongst black youth that doesn’t seek to stylize the issue is a bit unclear, but needless to say film's overall political stance shines through. None of these characters want to become just another black statistic, not another faceless percentage, victim, or part of a diversity quota. The hooded black figure is a representation of these concerns, a silent stalker hot on the tails of these urban teens who will survive by any means necessary.
Years after a childhood prank goes horribly wrong, a clique of South Central LA teens find themselves terrorized during Homecoming weekend by a killer hell-bent on revenge.
Where To Stream —
Subscription —
Netflix
MA (2019 — 99 minutes — Director Tate Taylor)
A psychological thriller mystery film that explores how past trauma influences adult decisions and behaviors that anyone regardless of color can relate to. Starring Octavia Spencer, Spencer has told Variety “Lupita Nyong’o had a film debut at Sundance [the thriller “Little Monsters”], but before that and before “Ma”, these types of roles haven’t been available to women of color much. And I think it’s about time that changes”. Jason Blum, a producer on “Ma,” also weighed in on seeing more leading roles in this genre for women of color. Statements such as “For so long it hasn’t been the case with horror movies, so I think the audience is starved to see that,” “We’ve done a lot of movies with African American casts [including collaborating with Jordan Peele on “Get Out” and this year’s “Us,” which also starred Nyong’o] and particularly playing parts that African Americans don’t typically play. There’s a real pent-up demand for it.”
This revenge film follows Sue Ann (Spencer), a woman who struggles with social rejection, peer pressure, and bullying. She is a lonely veterinary aide. Things start to go wrong when befriends some teenagers. Despite their age differences, Sue Ann is invited into the clique, where she buys them alcohol at the start. At first, it's fun for Sue Ann, who they must also refer to as Ma, as her friendship with the high schoolers gives her the opportunity and allows her to be social and gets her invited to parties. Nonetheless, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to let go of her friends during weekends. But as Ma's hospitality starts to curdle into obsession. The involvement of her friends' parents also triggers past trauma.
Where To Stream —
Free — Tubi
Rent—Buy — Google Play Movies and Tv, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube, Apple Tv, Fandango at Home
His house (2020 — 93 minutes — Director Remi Weekes)
Starring Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku His House is a horror drama film on Netflix that goes beyond just supernatural scares but also explores themes of grief, guilt, racism, and the challenges of immigration. The movie creates an atmosphere of constant tension through its visuals, storytelling, and relevance to daily life. The struggle to belong is a heavy focus throughout this film.
A refugee couple makes a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, but then they struggle to adjust to their new life in an English town that has a terrifying evil lurking beneath the surface.
Where To Stream —
subscription —
Netflix
A Psychological film starring Daniel Kaluuya. The film addresses a different type of racism that is a little more subtle. A type of racism that is more covert and not so obvious. Passive aggressive racism if you will, is the type of racism that can be the reason why you have to watch the tone you speak while talking to police to not sound threatening and wind up in the obituaries. This film was made to show the audience what the racially motivated anxiety of being a black person feels like. It shows what goes through the mind of a black person in an interracial relationship meeting their significant other for the first time. Layering with symbolism and satire that mirror the black experience in current times.
Chris and his girlfriend, Rose, have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating. She invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with her parents, Missy and Dean. Chris at first reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined leaving him to be the main source of a conspiracy.
Where To Stream —
subscription — Peacock
Premium subscription — Hulu, YouTube TV
Rent—Buy — Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies and TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Sweetheart is an effective horror movie that blends genres starring Kiersey Clemons. It is a supernatural thriller that combines horror, survival, and monster movie tropes. In this solid creature feature film, it digs deeper into themes such as isolation and the discovery of one's self. An equal parts monster survival movie and a social commentary film in one.
A woman washes ashore on a small uninhabited tropical island after an accident. The situation turns from bad to worse when she realizes there is a mysterious creature hunting at night.
Where To Stream —
Rent—Buy —
Amazon Prime Video
Phycological film features an ensemble cast, starring Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, Elisabeth Moss, and Tim Heidecker. The central theme of the film is American privilege. Peele stated, "One of the central themes in Us is that we can do a good job collectively of ignoring the ramifications of privilege.” It's about how we, as a country, try just to rename, reclaim, and wash out the stains of the past, as if that will just make everything better. Its commentary on social and political issues, its complex narrative, and its ability to inspire debate that tests the limitations of what a horror film can be, are just some of the many reasons this film is worth the watch.
Accompanied by her husband, son, and daughter, Adelaide Wilson returns to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. Haunted by a traumatic experience from the past, Adelaide grows increasingly concerned that something bad is going to happen. Her fears soon become a reality when four masked strangers descend upon the house, forcing the Wilsons into a fight for survival. When the masks come off, the family is horrified to learn that each attacker takes the appearance of one of them called the "Tethered".
Where To Stream —
subscription — Hulu, Peacock, Disney+
Premium subscription — Sling TV, YouTube TV
Rent—Buy — YouTube, Google Play Movies and TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home — Free with Cable TV — FXNOW
Starring Jessica Allain, Tequan Richmond, and Luke Tennie Thriller reimagines the slasher movie from a modern black perspective, envisioning the boogeyman as just another young black man in a hoodie. Compton High School, however, is in the lead-up to their homecoming dance. Lisa (Jessica Allain) for one is waiting to hear back from her college applications, a daunting cost that she doesn’t believe she can afford without a scholarship, despite her middle-class nuclear family. Andre (Tequan Richmond) is questioned by his peers about his ‘tough guy’ front that he believes is necessary to avoid gang-related violence on his streets, and Derrick (Luke Tennie) already believes his fate is sealed; as a young black man, he knows that at this age the most likely cause of death is murder. There are moments of Friday the 13th, Prom Night, and the earlier mentioned Michael Myers weaved throughout the story – but what the film lacks that the aforementioned do is not fun kills. It’s hard to recall how the victims perished. Whether this is an intentionally serious comment on the murder rates amongst black youth that doesn’t seek to stylize the issue is a bit unclear, but needless to say film's overall political stance shines through. None of these characters want to become just another black statistic, not another faceless percentage, victim, or part of a diversity quota. The hooded black figure is a representation of these concerns, a silent stalker hot on the tails of these urban teens who will survive by any means necessary.
Years after a childhood prank goes horribly wrong, a clique of South Central LA teens find themselves terrorized during Homecoming weekend by a killer hell-bent on revenge.
Where To Stream —
Subscription —
Netflix
A psychological thriller mystery film that explores how past trauma influences adult decisions and behaviors that anyone regardless of color can relate to. Starring Octavia Spencer, Spencer has told Variety “Lupita Nyong’o had a film debut at Sundance [the thriller “Little Monsters”], but before that and before “Ma”, these types of roles haven’t been available to women of color much. And I think it’s about time that changes”. Jason Blum, a producer on “Ma,” also weighed in on seeing more leading roles in this genre for women of color. Statements such as “For so long it hasn’t been the case with horror movies, so I think the audience is starved to see that,” “We’ve done a lot of movies with African American casts [including collaborating with Jordan Peele on “Get Out” and this year’s “Us,” which also starred Nyong’o] and particularly playing parts that African Americans don’t typically play. There’s a real pent-up demand for it.”
This revenge film follows Sue Ann (Spencer), a woman who struggles with social rejection, peer pressure, and bullying. She is a lonely veterinary aide. Things start to go wrong when befriends some teenagers. Despite their age differences, Sue Ann is invited into the clique, where she buys them alcohol at the start. At first, it's fun for Sue Ann, who they must also refer to as Ma, as her friendship with the high schoolers gives her the opportunity and allows her to be social and gets her invited to parties. Nonetheless, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to let go of her friends during weekends. But as Ma's hospitality starts to curdle into obsession. The involvement of her friends' parents also triggers past trauma.
Where To Stream —
Free — Tubi
Rent—Buy — Google Play Movies and Tv, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube, Apple Tv, Fandango at Home
His house (2020 — 93 minutes — Director Remi Weekes)
Starring Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku His House is a horror drama film on Netflix that goes beyond just supernatural scares but also explores themes of grief, guilt, racism, and the challenges of immigration. The movie creates an atmosphere of constant tension through its visuals, storytelling, and relevance to daily life. The struggle to belong is a heavy focus throughout this film.
A refugee couple makes a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, but then they struggle to adjust to their new life in an English town that has a terrifying evil lurking beneath the surface.
Where To Stream —
subscription —
Netflix
Black box (2020 — 100 minutes — director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. and writers him and Stephen Herman)
Film leans more into psychological thriller territory, underpinning its story with elements of science-fiction and horror mystery. This emotional film features strong performances from Mamoudou Athie and Phylicia Rashad. Having a Unique premise, makes this film more compelling as well. Exploring the idea of transplanting brain waves to reconstruct consciousness from the dead to the living. The film has lots of positive representations for Black viewers intertwined within.
After losing his wife and memory in a car accident, a single father undergoes a tiring and agonizing experimental treatment that causes him to question who he truly is.
Where To Stream —
Free —
Amazon Prime Video and Freevee
Film leans more into psychological thriller territory, underpinning its story with elements of science-fiction and horror mystery. This emotional film features strong performances from Mamoudou Athie and Phylicia Rashad. Having a Unique premise, makes this film more compelling as well. Exploring the idea of transplanting brain waves to reconstruct consciousness from the dead to the living. The film has lots of positive representations for Black viewers intertwined within.
After losing his wife and memory in a car accident, a single father undergoes a tiring and agonizing experimental treatment that causes him to question who he truly is.
Where To Stream —
Free —
Amazon Prime Video and Freevee
Candyman (2021 a direct sequel — 91 minutes — director Nia Dacosta and writer Jordan Peele+)
The film is a direct sequel to the 1992 film of the same name and the fourth film in the Candyman film series. Staring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo+. Candyman takes an incisive, visually thrilling approach to deepening the franchise's mythology -- and terrifying audiences along the way. The 2021 Candyman may not compare to the original, but it expands the story in ways that fans of the franchise should enjoy. This film has progressive themes taking a progressive approach to themes like the power of art and storytelling, and blends social commentary with horror following behind a Visual style with the way it plays with perspective. Even the production location made a visit back to Cabrini Green neighborhood, where the 1992 film was also filmed. This is a must see series.
For decades, the housing projects of Chicago's Cabrini-Green were terrorized by a ghost story about a supernatural, hook-handed killer. In present day, an artist begins to explore the macabre history of Candyman, not knowing it would unravel his sanity and unleash a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.
Where To Stream —
Free — Amazon Prime Video, Tubi
Premium subscription — Sling TV
Rent—Buy — Youtube, Google Play Movies and TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
The blackening (2022 — 97 minutes — director Tim Story and writer Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins)
Like “Get Out,” the movie is self-aware with rapid-fire one-liners while fresh takes on classic horror Beats along with stars such as Grace Byers, Melvin Gregg, Jermaine Flower, Dewayne Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, and so many more in this horror comedy. There is a handful of references, one being a direct reference to Pinkett Smith's Scream 2 character (if you are unaware Pinkett Smith's character is stabbed to death in front of a movie theater audience before the opening credits have even rolled.), and plentiful jokes and gags poking fun at unique aspects of Black culture. Much has changed over the last few years as Black creators have found more opportunities and mainstream success in exploring blackness through a horror lens. Black characters are all over this genre now, even triumphing over the bodily threats they face from their horrific predators. The Blackening acknowledges this and thus poses an apt and ingenious question as its premise: What happens when every main character in the slasher flick is Black? It digs a bit deeper on a sociocultural level than most spoofs ever aspire to. As stated by Aisha Harris “It doesn't feel like a spoiler to say that it boldly imagines a world too few horror movies dared to depict for years – one where Blackness survives and triumphs.”
“The Blackening” follows a group of old college friends reuniting for a Juneteenth celebration at a cabin in the woods. After catching up and a few games of Spades, they find themselves in the clutches of a killer. With only their street smarts and knowledge of Black culture to get them through, what ensues is a riotous culture cry of a film in a whole.
Where To Stream —
subscription — Starz
Premium subscription — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Youtube TV, Philo — Primetime subscription — Youtube
Rent—Buy — Google Play Movies and TV, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
Barbarian (2022 — 102 minutes — Director Zach Cregger)While starring Georgina Campbell, Barbarian has been characterized as having themes related to sexual abuse, trauma, and themes of different forms of misogyny. Barbarian also offers a lesson on reaping and sowing — in the karmic sense. The story is not all that original for horror fare, but Barbarian is a testament to the power of HOW a story is told. It plays almost like three movies combined into one, each with a distinct tone and central character. As well as with the use of innovative plot, creative use of characters, and effective cinematography. Race is never mentioned in Barbarian, with that said the story takes place in a particularly “bad”—and very much real—part of Detroit. The film takes time to feature the dismissive attitude of the police toward Brightmoor’s mostly black, lower-class residents—further cementing the fact that Tess is on her own and so forth. A more central idea is violence against women, with Tess taking the form of an Everywoman (noteworthy for a black actress) who’s put in a situation that demands the sort of heightened paranoia to which women must attune themselves daily.
A young woman discovers the rental home she booked is already occupied and accidentally double-booked by a man. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the night but soon discovers there's a lot more to fear than meets the eye.
Where To Stream —
subscription — Amazon Prime Video
Premium subscription — Hulu, Sling TV, Youtube TV
Rent—Buy — Youtube, Google Play Movies and TV, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
Jagged Mind (2023 — 88 minutes — Director Kelley Kali)Starring Rosaline Elbay, Shein Mompremier, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, and so on. This film is a psychological thriller involving bloody death scenes along with voodoo-style curses. Jagged Mind doesn’t just have a compelling premise mixed with strong performances. But intertwining strong cinematography and fast-paced editing makes for one that inspires and brings up the questions for a further and deeper discussion about relationships, abuse, agency, manipulation, and the perversion of love.
Jagged Mind is a compelling story about a woman who is plagued by blackouts and strange visions. Soon she discovers she's stuck in a time loop, possibly related to her new mysterious girlfriend.
Where To Stream —
subscription —
Hulu and Disney+
Nine Honorable Mentions
Some of these are technically not black horror films. Rather horror films with a blk diverse cast, where they aren’t casted as a stereotypical character.
Son of Ingagi (1940.)
Night of the demons (1988.)
Anaconda (1997.)
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998.)
Deep Blue Sea (1999.)
Queen of the Damned (2002.)
Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016.)
Bad Hair (2020.)
Nope (2022.)
Thirteen films on the yours cruelly to watch list!
Vampires vs. the bronx (2020.)
Master (2022.)
Bodies bodies bodies (2022.)
Talk to me (2022.)
Susie Searches (2022.)
The curse of bride hollow (2022.)
Missing (2023.)
Birth/Rebirth (2023.)
The reading (2023.)
The strays(2023.)
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (2023.)
Cobweb (2023.)
The front room (2024.)
Word n’ Link Glossary
there may be some words that you may be unaware of their meaning(s)! heres a few of the words and their definitions as well as links to all my sources !
sequel : a continuation or part two
trilogy : three films that are closely related and share a theme, characters, or setting
series : a collection of related films in succession that share the same fictional universe, or are marketed as a series. (Or more than 3+ movies in the case of this entry!)
Blaxploitation : an ethnic subgenre of the exploitation film that emerged in the United States during the early 1970s. Featured Black actors in a transparent effort to appeal to Black urban audiences.
Blaxploitation horror films often depict the lived experiences of Black Americans, such as racism, police brutality, and lynching.
more information on blaxploitation, below. skip for links.
After the race films of the 1940s and 1960s, the genre emerged as one of the first in which black characters and communities were protagonists, rather than sidekicks, supportive characters, or victims of brutality. The genre's inception coincides with the rethinking of race relations in the 1970s.
The Essential Black Horror Movies
The LOWEST Rated Black Horror Films that Became Cult Classics | BFTV
Essential Black Horror Movies | Real Queen of Horror
The Black Gaze in Resistance and Power in “The Demon Knight”
Tales from the Hood’ at 25: How the Classic ’90s Anthology Anticipated the Future of Black Horror
Top 10 Black Horror Movies to Watch
African-Americans in Horror Films
Best Black Horror Movies of 2023
These are a good read and or watch if you’re interested!:
WE NEED BLACK HORROR NOW MORE THAN EVER
Meet the Creatives Behind Black Horror
How Black Horror Became America’s Most Powerful Cinematic Genre
I'm A Survivor: Black Actors Who Didn't Die In Horror Films
A History Of Black Characters Surviving In Horror Movies. They cant kill us all
The film is a direct sequel to the 1992 film of the same name and the fourth film in the Candyman film series. Staring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo+. Candyman takes an incisive, visually thrilling approach to deepening the franchise's mythology -- and terrifying audiences along the way. The 2021 Candyman may not compare to the original, but it expands the story in ways that fans of the franchise should enjoy. This film has progressive themes taking a progressive approach to themes like the power of art and storytelling, and blends social commentary with horror following behind a Visual style with the way it plays with perspective. Even the production location made a visit back to Cabrini Green neighborhood, where the 1992 film was also filmed. This is a must see series.
For decades, the housing projects of Chicago's Cabrini-Green were terrorized by a ghost story about a supernatural, hook-handed killer. In present day, an artist begins to explore the macabre history of Candyman, not knowing it would unravel his sanity and unleash a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.
Where To Stream —
Free — Amazon Prime Video, Tubi
Premium subscription — Sling TV
Rent—Buy — Youtube, Google Play Movies and TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Like “Get Out,” the movie is self-aware with rapid-fire one-liners while fresh takes on classic horror Beats along with stars such as Grace Byers, Melvin Gregg, Jermaine Flower, Dewayne Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, and so many more in this horror comedy. There is a handful of references, one being a direct reference to Pinkett Smith's Scream 2 character (if you are unaware Pinkett Smith's character is stabbed to death in front of a movie theater audience before the opening credits have even rolled.), and plentiful jokes and gags poking fun at unique aspects of Black culture. Much has changed over the last few years as Black creators have found more opportunities and mainstream success in exploring blackness through a horror lens. Black characters are all over this genre now, even triumphing over the bodily threats they face from their horrific predators. The Blackening acknowledges this and thus poses an apt and ingenious question as its premise: What happens when every main character in the slasher flick is Black? It digs a bit deeper on a sociocultural level than most spoofs ever aspire to. As stated by Aisha Harris “It doesn't feel like a spoiler to say that it boldly imagines a world too few horror movies dared to depict for years – one where Blackness survives and triumphs.”
“The Blackening” follows a group of old college friends reuniting for a Juneteenth celebration at a cabin in the woods. After catching up and a few games of Spades, they find themselves in the clutches of a killer. With only their street smarts and knowledge of Black culture to get them through, what ensues is a riotous culture cry of a film in a whole.
Where To Stream —
subscription — Starz
Premium subscription — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Youtube TV, Philo — Primetime subscription — Youtube
Rent—Buy — Google Play Movies and TV, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
While starring Georgina Campbell, Barbarian has been characterized as having themes related to sexual abuse, trauma, and themes of different forms of misogyny. Barbarian also offers a lesson on reaping and sowing — in the karmic sense. The story is not all that original for horror fare, but Barbarian is a testament to the power of HOW a story is told. It plays almost like three movies combined into one, each with a distinct tone and central character. As well as with the use of innovative plot, creative use of characters, and effective cinematography. Race is never mentioned in Barbarian, with that said the story takes place in a particularly “bad”—and very much real—part of Detroit. The film takes time to feature the dismissive attitude of the police toward Brightmoor’s mostly black, lower-class residents—further cementing the fact that Tess is on her own and so forth. A more central idea is violence against women, with Tess taking the form of an Everywoman (noteworthy for a black actress) who’s put in a situation that demands the sort of heightened paranoia to which women must attune themselves daily.
A young woman discovers the rental home she booked is already occupied and accidentally double-booked by a man. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the night but soon discovers there's a lot more to fear than meets the eye.
Where To Stream —
subscription — Amazon Prime Video
Premium subscription — Hulu, Sling TV, Youtube TV
Rent—Buy — Youtube, Google Play Movies and TV, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
Starring Rosaline Elbay, Shein Mompremier, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, and so on. This film is a psychological thriller involving bloody death scenes along with voodoo-style curses. Jagged Mind doesn’t just have a compelling premise mixed with strong performances. But intertwining strong cinematography and fast-paced editing makes for one that inspires and brings up the questions for a further and deeper discussion about relationships, abuse, agency, manipulation, and the perversion of love.
Jagged Mind is a compelling story about a woman who is plagued by blackouts and strange visions. Soon she discovers she's stuck in a time loop, possibly related to her new mysterious girlfriend.
Where To Stream —
subscription —
Hulu and Disney+
Nine Honorable Mentions
Some of these are technically not black horror films. Rather horror films with a blk diverse cast, where they aren’t casted as a stereotypical character.
Son of Ingagi (1940.)
Night of the demons (1988.)
Anaconda (1997.)
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998.)
Deep Blue Sea (1999.)
Queen of the Damned (2002.)
Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016.)
Bad Hair (2020.)
Nope (2022.)
Thirteen films on the yours cruelly to watch list!
Vampires vs. the bronx (2020.)
Master (2022.)
Bodies bodies bodies (2022.)
Talk to me (2022.)
Susie Searches (2022.)
The curse of bride hollow (2022.)
Missing (2023.)
Birth/Rebirth (2023.)
The reading (2023.)
The strays(2023.)
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (2023.)
Cobweb (2023.)
The front room (2024.)
Word n’ Link Glossary
there may be some words that you may be unaware of their meaning(s)! heres a few of the words and their definitions as well as links to all my sources !
sequel : a continuation or part two
trilogy : three films that are closely related and share a theme, characters, or setting
series : a collection of related films in succession that share the same fictional universe, or are marketed as a series. (Or more than 3+ movies in the case of this entry!)
Blaxploitation : an ethnic subgenre of the exploitation film that emerged in the United States during the early 1970s. Featured Black actors in a transparent effort to appeal to Black urban audiences.
Blaxploitation horror films often depict the lived experiences of Black Americans, such as racism, police brutality, and lynching.
more information on blaxploitation, below. skip for links.
After the race films of the 1940s and 1960s, the genre emerged as one of the first in which black characters and communities were protagonists, rather than sidekicks, supportive characters, or victims of brutality. The genre's inception coincides with the rethinking of race relations in the 1970s.
The Essential Black Horror Movies
The LOWEST Rated Black Horror Films that Became Cult Classics | BFTV
Essential Black Horror Movies | Real Queen of Horror
The Black Gaze in Resistance and Power in “The Demon Knight”
Tales from the Hood’ at 25: How the Classic ’90s Anthology Anticipated the Future of Black Horror
Top 10 Black Horror Movies to Watch
African-Americans in Horror Films
Best Black Horror Movies of 2023
These are a good read and or watch if you’re interested!:
WE NEED BLACK HORROR NOW MORE THAN EVER
Meet the Creatives Behind Black Horror
How Black Horror Became America’s Most Powerful Cinematic Genre
I'm A Survivor: Black Actors Who Didn't Die In Horror Films
A History Of Black Characters Surviving In Horror Movies. They cant kill us all
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