10 Must See Iconic Black Holiday Movies
It’s officially cozy season, so in celebration of the holidays, here are 10 classic Black movies that will spice up your holidays and bring in the holiday season with your family. These movies showcase the true essence of Christmas with notable Black actors in the 90s, early 2000s, and present today!
Have Plenty (1998)
A 1997 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Christopher Scott Cherot. The movie follows Lee Plenty, a struggling writer, who receives an unexpected invitation to spend the New Year's holiday weekend with his wealthy childhood friend and her eccentric family. This film highlights an affluent upper-middle-class, Black family’s holiday plans with a writer at the center of the daughter's love interest.
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
A sequel to the classic Black film, The Best Man, this Christmas movie takes you through all the feels! A Christmas-themed dramatic comedy that follows a group of college friends reuniting for the holidays. Bringing their share of drama and heartwarming moments in Malcome D Lee’s second installation of the Best Man Franchise. This highly anticipated film went on to be a box office juggernaut and proved to catapult the franchise to historic heights. The film stars Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Terrance Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Regina Hall, Nia Long, Melissa De Sousa, Harold Perrineau, and Monica Calhoun.
This Christmas (2007)
A heartwarming film that explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional family as they come together for Christmas while uncovering secrets and strengthening family bonds. This Will Packard production is truly a classic for the holidays with such an ensemble cast and a heartwarming story. The ensemble cast includes Lauren London, Regina King, Chris Brown, and more. This Christmas is truly a classic!
The Preacher's Wife (1996)
A modern retelling of the 1947 film "The Bishop's Wife," this Christmas movie stars the talented Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. Set during the Christmas season, an angel appears and helps a preacher and his family learn to love, reconnect, and have faith again. Watch Whitney Houston's in her third feature film riding on the heels of the classic movie Waiting to Exhale (1995) and The Bodyguard (1992).
Almost Christmas (2016)
A comedy-drama that portrays the chaos and love within a dysfunctional Black family during their first Christmas gathering after the loss of the matriarch of the family. Comedian Monique, along with actors Gabrielle Union, Kimberley Elise, J.B Smoove, Nicole Ari Parker, and Danny Glover bring comedy to this feel-good holiday film about love, loss, and the super relatable chaos of the Christmas season.
The Perfect Holiday (2007)
A romantic comedy in which a little girl seeks to find a new love interest for her single mother during Christmas, with the help of an unlikely Santa. Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut bring us back to the early 2000s with this feel-good Christmas romance. There are plenty of celebrity appearances from Queen Latifah, Charlie Murphy, Terrance Howard, Faizon Love, and Katt Williams.
Last Holiday (2006)
Truly a holiday classic that is played every year in my home. This Christmas film stars Queen Latifah and LL Cool J in this comedy-drama, where a terminally ill woman decides to live life to the fullest by quitting her job and going on a European vacation.
Friday After Next (2002)
Craig and Day-Day are back again in the third installment of the hood classic "Friday" films. This time during the Christmas season Ice Cube and Mike Epps are working as security guards in need of making their rent money. So they throw an epic rent party where hilarious characters played by Katt Williams and Terry Crews show up. Craig and Day-Day spend the entire movie navigate holiday hijinks and comedic mishaps.
Black Nativity (2013)
A musical drama based on Langston Hughes's 1961 play, of the same name. Focusing on a teenager's journey of self-discovery during the holiday season. Filled with powerful gospel music, drama, and Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Hudson, and Jacob Latimore bring to life this Christmas drama with musical performances to remember. The ensemble cast includes Angela Basset, Forrest Whittaker, Tyrese Gibson, Mary J. Blige, and rapper Nas.
Are We There Yet (2005)
Nick Persons, played by Ice Cube, is a bachelor and sports shop owner who finds himself entangled in a chaotic adventure. When he agrees to transport two children, Lindsey and Kevin Kingston, to be with their mother, Suzanne, played by Nia Long. This family road trip comedy stands the test of time with pranks, chaotic times, and the Christmas spirit at the heart of the film.