Have you ever thought about the fact that Black History Month and Valentine’s Day are both celebrated in the same month? While BHM holds deeper importance (considering it’s the only time of the year dedicated to displaying and educating the world of black excellence), I decided to take advantage of the coincidence and create a list of movies that show off black love.
Whether you’re spending time with your boo or enjoying the day alone, I’ve put together a list of classic movies like Poetic Justice and Love Jones, to newer films like Sylvie’s Love, to put you in the mood for love. Whether you’re sure to find a romantic movie that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Love Jones (1997)
Now this a movie that a lot of us can recite all the words to! (Also one of my personal favorites!) Nia Long and Larenz Tate star in this 90’s classic, following the lives of two creatives who meet and start dating. The question is this a love thing or are they just kicking it? Stream here.
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Brown Sugar (2002)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in a relationship with your best friend? Well, Brown Sugar is a story about how a pair of besties (Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs) who share a mutual love for Hip Hop, find out they just might be in love with each other. Ironically Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker (real-life couple) star in this movie too. Stream Here.
The Photograph (2020)
When a journalist meets the daughter of a famous photographer he’s working on a story about, he finds more than he bargained for.. love! If you’re looking for an unproblematic romantic story about two people learning to love, then this is your movie. Stream here.
Sylvie’s Love (2020)
Sylvie’s love is set in 1950’s Harlem and stars Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha; two young adults who have a summer romance that stands the test of distance, time, career goals, and other relationships. Stream Here.
Love & Basketball (2000)
Now we know everybody and their momma has seen this movie! Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps star in this coming to age story about a childhood crush that develops into much more as the years pass by. Stream Here.
Beyond The Lights (2014)
Love is found in an unexpected place when Noni, (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw) a famous singer falls for Kaz, (played by Nate Parker) a police officer, who saves her from taking her own life.
Gabrielle Union plays ‘Eva’, an older sister who has spent the majority of her life raising her siblings. Her life is turned upside down when her younger sister’s significant others pay a ‘womanizer’ (played by LL Cool J) to distract her. Stream here.
Deliver Us From Eva (2003)
Gabrielle Union plays ‘Eva’, an older sister who has spent the majority of her life raising her siblings. Her life is turned upside down when her younger sister’s significant others pay a ‘womanizer’ (played by LL Cool J) to distract her. Stream here.
Poetic Justice (1993)
See John Singleton’s softer with one of his earliest films: An exploration of how two people connect despite trials and tribulations in their individual lives, starring Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson. Stream here.
Love Don’t Cost A Thing (2003)
Christina Milian and Nick Cannon star in a more ‘seasoned’ version of the 1987 classic Can’t Buy Me Love, where a high school nerd pays a cheerleader to be his girlfriend. This romantic comedy will give you all the early 2000’s vibes. Stream here.
Top 5 (2014)
If you’re a person who likes to laugh but still wants to see an affectionate tale, you’ve probably been waiting for a romantic comedy. This modern-day ‘Cinderella’ tale, spends the day with a reporter (played by Rosario Dawson) who is interviewing a comedian (played by Chris Rock) who is trying to transition to being an actor. Stream Here.