-By: Michael Arceneaux
Now that we are knee deep in Negro History Month—yes Beyoncé has made the use of “Negro” the move again so I’m just getting in formation with the Queen—we’ll continue our celebration of the best aspects of Black culture. In this case, we’re throwing two thumps up for Black movies of the 1980s that went under the radar of the mainstream at the time, but are forever cherished by fans. Many of these films are considered Black cult classics and here are the 10 you should have in your Netflix playlist if you haven’t seen them already.
BTW, if you don’t see your favorite film from the era here, please have a shot of chill. I settled on a list of 10, not 20 or 27. But if you want a reason to be mad, blame Hollywood for making it harder for Black actors and directors to make more movies during this decade. No shade.
Comedians Michelle Buteau and Jade Catta-Preta talk to ’Coming to America’ star John Amos about the pranks Eddie Murphy pulled on set.
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This film stars comedic icons Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Redd Foxx. Murphy, by this time a hugely popular movie star, wrote and directed the film which chronicles the waning days of prohibition as Sugar Ray (Pryor), and his adopted son, Quick (Murphy), fight to keep illegal gambling house, Club Sugar Ray, open in the midst of big competition, opposing gangsters, and corrupt cops.
Based on Spike Lee’s own experiences at Morehouse College, the film tackles racism, colorism, and divisions within the Black community through the story of a man’s quest to join a frat while fraternity and sorority members clash. You can’t see me, but I’m currently singing “Good or Bad Hair.”
When you’re grown up and doing adult things you realize this movie is ridiculous as hell, but it is an all-time favorite nonetheless. Bruce Leeroy, a New York City martial arts student must defeat the evil Sho-Gun of Harlem in order to achieve the final level of mastery known as the glow. He also has to save Vanity from Vanity 6. It’s perfect, tbh.
If you’ve ever come across the handle “Nola Darling” on social media (and you have) and you are unclear of the source, look no further than Spike Lee’s first feature-length film. Nola Darling can’t decide what kind of man she wants to date, so she opts to date three men at the same damn time. Don’t judge her until you’ve seen the film. Bottom line, Nola was a multi-dimensional woman in control of her sexuality.
Eddie Murphy movies are basically my childhood, so while I begrudgingly could not include The Golden Child , I’ll happily include the story of Prince Akeem who travels to Queens, New York to find a bae unaware of his royal title and trust fund.
P.S. My name is Peaches and I’m the best. All the DJs want to feel my breasts.
Rightfully hailed as one of the greatest films of all-time, Spike Lee packs all the racial tension and resentment building in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn (inspired by IRL events) and we watch it explode into cinematic greatness.
The breakthrough satirical comedy had a budget of $100,000, the majority of which was funded by director and star Robert Townsend’s personal credit card. The movie went on to gross more than $5 million, but more importantly, serve as groundbreaking film exposing the lack of substantial roles for Black actors and the misrepresentation of minorities in Hollywood. Yeah, kinda like 2016, but worse.
Inspired by the life and times of the Purple One, this film gifted us with a seminal soundtrack to boot. The Kid is a Minneapolis musician on the rise with his band, the Revolution, through his art he tries to move beyond his volatile family life. Morris Day and Apollonia are here, too. Yeah, I’m very upset Prince no longer performs (religious reasons) “Darling Nikki” live.
Based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings, up-and-coming manager Russell Walker played by Blair Underwood, manages all of the hottest rap acts on Kush Groove Records. One of those acts, Run-D.M.C. has a hit record only Russell doesn’t have the money to press records. He borrows money from a street hustler and…the rest of the movie happens. No spoilers. We need a movie like this about Ca$h Money.
This parody film inspired by the blaxploitation movies of the ’70s can still deliver some LOL moments. Written, directed and starring Keenen Ivory Wayans the film features many of the stars of that era like Isaac Hayes , Jim Brown , and Antonio Fargas along with future stars such as Chris Rock . Members of the Wayans family are still making millions off of parody films, so need I say more?
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