African-american movies coming soon

2024 has brought a slew of thoughtful, funny, frightening, and dramatic new Black movies to streamers and screens, with many still on their way in fall and winter. Movies starring Black actors and by Black creators are worthy of note because, among many reasons, iconic Black movies are still underrepresented in cinema. Even in 2024, a year with some fantastic Black movies, by the end of July, less than 10% of major movie releases starred a mostly Black cast, were directed by a Black director, or were focused on issues pertaining mostly to Black people.

Despite low representation, there have still been some wonderful Black movies this year, and more are on their way. 2024 is expected to end with at least 20 notable new Black movies - and this does not include short films, and focuses mainly on bigger budget or major independent films. Some, like Shirley and Bob Marley: One Love, are dramatic retellings of history; others, like The Book of Clarence, are weighty comedies; while still others, like Bad Boys: Ride or Die and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F are continuations of beloved franchises.

20 The Book Of Clarence (January 12)

A Comedic Retelling Of The New Testament

The Book of Clarence is a comedic retelling of the biblical story of the rise of Jesus Christ. Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is a 1st-c

Offering a list of “most promising Black movies” is kinda quirky. “Promising” is a word that suggests these movies are slightly under the radar and may very well be worth your investment of time and/or money. And that’s exactly what this list is. Because it’s not just listing those blockbuster flicks that get all the press. You may have heard of some of these. But I’m sure there are several you’ll be reading about for the first time right here.

Additionally, this list doesn’t officially include movies, blockbusters or sleepers that have already been released this year… movies that may also demand that you check them out if you haven’t already. But we did include some of them in the “also check out” section.

So, check out our list of “promising Black movies” releasing this month or later, and that have Blackness involved in some way.

American Society of Imaginary Negroes

Aren (Justice Smith of “The Get Down”) is an idealistic young brother who’s recruited by veteran agent Roger (David Alan Grier) into the American Society of Magical Negroes. Aren finds that working for this ancient, secret, magical organization dedicated to making white people’s lives easier, is the most challenging and unexpected journey of his life. This movie, whose title alone calls out that tired Hollywood trope of a Black friend (maid, golf coach, etc.) whose sole purpose is to help the main white character become their best self, is either going to be a masterpiece of gripping social commentary or something that’s cringe-worthy. I’m not even gonna front. I can’t wait to find out.

Imaginary

When Jessica (DeWanda Wise of the “She’s Gotta Have It” remake) moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter Alice develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey she finds in the basement. Alice starts playing games with Chauncey that begin playful yet become bizarre

Look forward to this exciting lineup of Black-led films spanning genres from comedy to horror, animation, and biopics. These must-see releases promise engaging stories and stellar performances.

“One of Them Days” (Jan 17)
A buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA as best friends Dreux and Alyssa scrambling to avoid eviction after a financial mishap caused by Alyssa’s boyfriend. Directed by Lawrence Lamont and produced by Issa Rae, the film is funny and heartfelt.

“Sinners” (March 7)
Ryan Coogler’s chilling horror film stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers Elijah and Elias returning to their hometown seeking a new start but encounter an unexpected evil.

“Sneaks” (April 18)
This animated adventure follows Ty (Anthony Mackie) and Maxine (Chloe Bailey), collector sneakers stolen by “the Collector” (Laurence Fishburne). With help from a streetwise sneaker (Martin Lawrence), Ty embarks on a mission to reunite with his sister.

“Golden” (May 9)
A coming-of-age musical drama produced by Pharrell Williams and directed by Michel Gondry. Set in 1977 Virginia Beach, the story features nostalgia, original music by Pharrell, and stars Halle Bailey, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Quinta Brunson.

“Michael” (Oct 3)
This biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua chronicles the life, struggles, and legacy of Michael Jackson, offering a deep look into the King of Pop’s rise to fame and enduring cultural impact.

Source: BET

Tagged as anthony mackieblack filmsChloe BaileyHalle Baileyissa raekeke palmerLawrence FishburnMartin LawrenceMichael B. JordanPharrell WilliamsSZA

Due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, we lost out on a lot of awesome movies over the past year, as many films got bumped in favor of releasing them at a more convenient time for promoting them alongside the actors. While that sucked for our movie viewing habits, the result is that these next 12 months should be packed with the releases that never happened, providing us with more new Black movies in 2024 than we’ve had in any year in recent memory.

Since we have a lot of movie-viewing time to make up for, let’s not waste any more of it and get right in the new Black movies we need to be on the lookout for in the coming year!

Bad Boys 4

Well, we got the original Bad Boys, which became an instant Black movie classic, in 1995. Then we got the sequel 8 years later in 2003. We had to wait all of 17 years to get the follow-up to that, Bad Boys for Life, in 2020—right before the pandemic. And now, we’ll see what we’re currently calling Bad Boys 4 in 2024, believe to be dropping during Fathers Day weekend, on June 14th. We’re always excited to see Martin Lawrence back on screen, and this may end up being Will Smith’s most anticipated movie since the slap heard around the world at the 2022 Oscars. But we’re also excited to see Tasha Smith, now playing the role of Martin Lawrence’s wife, replacing Theresa Randle who played that role during the previous 3 installments of the Bad Boys franchise.

Mufasa: The Lion King

Well, this should be one of the more fun new Black movies of 2024. After all, what could be more gratifying than a prequel to the Lion King than knowing it will be executed by the one and only Barry Jenkins—one of the most dynamic Black directors of our time? The man behind Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk is venturing into the world of family movies, and I’m excited to see what he, a Black man, can do with this classic tale, that for all intents and purp