Although the writers and actors strikes of 2023 justly saw movie studios and theater owners more hard-pressed than they would have liked (some projects are no longer coming out this year), 2024 is going to be epic for Black cinema.
With an incredible lineup of powerful biopics, science fiction thrillers and long-awaited prequels to start, this year’s Black-led films are on track to making a huge impact on big and small screens alike.
Ahead is a roundup of upcoming Black cinematic excellence for your consideration.
Parallel
Release date: Feb 23
Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
Watch the trailer:
Devastated by the loss of her child, Vanessa (Danielle Deadwyler) seeks shelter at a lake house, only to encounter an unwanted anomaly of herself from inside an alternate universe where she realizes it holds the power to either release her grief or hold her captive forever. Written by and co-starring brothers Aldis and Edwin Hodge.
Where to watch: In theaters
Mea Culpa
Release date: Feb 23
Crime, Thriller
Watch the trailer:
Hopeful to make partner, a criminal defense attorney (Kelly Rowland) takes the case of a seductive visual artist accused of murdering his girlfriend. But when intense sexual desire takes hold of her, things become too heated and dangerous. Written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry.
Where to watch: Netflix
No New Friends
Release date: Feb 28
Drama, Thriller
Watch the trailer:
Written and directed by independent filmmaker and founder of Geechee One Films, Felicia Rivers, her latest film, No New Friends follows the gathering of a group of friends in remembrance of a childhood friend’s passing years prior. They quickly learn that a friend in need isn’t always a friend indeed.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Tubi
Imaginary
Release date: Mar 8
Horror, Mystery
Watch the trailer:
In Imaginary, a supernatural horror film starring DeWanda Wise and Suzette Lange, Jessica (Wise) moves back into her childhood home with her family and discovers that her stepdaughter, Alice, has developed a bizarre attachment to a stuffed bear she finds in the basement, named Chauncey. However, what starts out as playful games for Alice turns increasingly eerie. As her behavior becomes more worrisome, Jessica intercedes only to realize Chauncey is much more than just a toy.
Where to watch: In theaters
Shirley
Release date: Mar 22
Drama
Watch the trailer:
A biographical drama film written and directed by John Ridley, Shirley depicts the 1972 presidential run of Shirley Chisholm (played by Regina King), who was already the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Also stars Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, Dorian Missick and André Holland.
Where to watch: Netflix
The American Society of Magical Negroes
Release date: Mar 15
Comedy
Watch the trailer:
When a young man is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people, those who dedicate their lives to making white people’s lives easier, he’s at first in love with his new powers but then begins to question their worth as they become the most unexpected and challenging part of his journey. The American Society of Magical Negroes is written, directed and co-produced by Kobi Libii and stars Justice Smith, David Alan Grier and Nicole Byer.
Where to watch: In theaters
We Grown Now
Release date: Apr 19
Drama
Watch the trailer:
Set in 1992, We Grown Now tells the story of best friends Eric and Malik’s travels across the city of Chicago in search of some excitement that breaks up the everyday humdrum of school and growing up in public housing. However, they soon discover their impenetrable bond is jeopardized when a tragedy rocks their community. Stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Lil Rel Howery, and Jurnee Smollett.
Where to watch: In theaters
Challengers
Release date: April 26
Romance, Sports
Watch the trailer:
Initially scheduled for a September 2023 release, the film, Challengers faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, but it has now secured an April 26 date, as reported by Deadline. It stars Zendaya as a one-time tennis prodigy-turned-coach who is married to a tennis champion in a losing slump. To move things in a more positive direction, she arranges a challenging match between her husband and his former best friend, but he also happens to be her former lover.
Where to watch: In theaters
Bad Boys 4
Release date: June 14
Action, Comedy, Thriller
The bad boys, aka Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, are back, just four years after number 3, Bad Boys for Life, a box office success. DJ Khaled joins the cast as Manny the Butcher.
Where to watch: In theaters
A Quiet Place: Day One
Release date: Jun 28
Horror, Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
Watch the trailer:
The spin-off prequel to the A Quiet Place film series, A Quiet Place: Day One centers around New York City’s invasion of alien creatures that hunt by sound. Stars Lupita Nyong’o and Djimon Hounsou.
Where to watch: In theaters
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Release date: Jul 3
Action, Comedy, Crime
Watch the trailer:
With a Netflix-confirmed, updated release date of July 3, Eddie Murphy is back on the beat in Beverly Hills as detective Axel Foley. When his daughter’s life is threatened (played by Taylour Paige), she and Foley team up with a new partner and old pals Billy Rosewood and John Taggart to turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy.
Where to watch: Netflix
American Dream: The 21 Savage Story
Release date: Jul 4
Drama, Music
Watch the trailer:
21 Savage, Donald Glover and Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin have joined forces for a new film about the Atlanta rapper’s life, how he conquers adversity, and the infamous 2019 arrest by the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Written and directed by Stephen Glover, Jamal Olori and Fam Udeorji, and stars Donald Glover, Caleb McLaughlin, 21 Savage, Gail Bean and Jabari Banks.
Where to watch: In theaters
Flint Strong
Release date: Aug 9
Documentary, Drama, Sports
Written and produced by Barry Jenkins (best known for writing and directing the Oscar-winning film Moonlight), Flint Strong is based on the 2015 documentary T-Rex, about pro boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields and her training for the 2012 Olympics. She is played by Ryan Destiny (Star, Oracle, Grownish), with Brian Tyree Henry, Ice Cube and Olunike Adeliyi in supporting roles.
Where to watch: In theaters
Wicked
Release date: Nov 27
Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Watch the trailer:
A big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West (played by Cynthia Erivo), her relationship with Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and how an unlikely friendship between the two emerges while Elphaba seeks to expose the deceitful, unscrupulous Wizard who rules the land.
Where to watch: In theaters
Mufasa: The Lion King 2
Release date: Dec 20
Animation, Action, Drama
Watch the trailer:
Directed by Barry Jenkins, along with a musical score by Pharrell Williams, Mufasa is the prequel to the CGI version of The Lion King from 2019 and the original from 1994.
Where to watch: In theaters
Black Films already released in 2024:
Jan 12 – Lift, The Kitchen, The Book of Clarence
Jan 19 – Origin
Feb 13 – Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive
Feb 14 – Bob Marley: One Love , A Soweto Love Story
