There are so many great films to appreciate in Black Hollywood. Whether you're in the mood for romance (Love Jones), want to be scared as hell (Get Out), need a '90s throwback, or just want to find a good movie on Netflix, there are countless classics and modern hits to choose from. But there's almost nothing better than sitting down for a great laugh. Legends like Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Ice Cube, Regina Hall, the Wayans brothers (we can keep going) have given us some of the funniest Black movies from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, and we'll never get tired of them—no matter how many times we've seen them recycled on BET. If you're on the market for a feel good film to stream, look no further than these iconic Black comedies.
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1
Coming to America (1988)
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Garcelle Beauvais
In an effort to thwart an arranged marriage, the privileged Prince Akeem runs away to America to escape his fate and find his future queen himself. But disguised as a fast food worker, Akeem is in for a major case of culture shock.
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2
Harlem Nights (1989)
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Jasmine Guy, Arsenio Hall
Set in the time of Prohibition, Sugar Ray (Pryor) and his adopted son Quick (Murphy) co-run a successful speakeasy that begins to outperform the rival establishment owned by the neighborhood gangster, who hires a dirty cop to sabotage the competition.
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3
House Party (1990)
Cast: Christopher "Kid" Harris, Christopher "Play" Martin, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell
1980s hip-hop duo Kid 'n Play portray themselves in this hilarious musical about best friends who are determined to have the most epic night at a wild house party hosted by Play. Kid also has his eyes set on the prettiest girl in school.
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4
White Men Can't Jump (1992)
Cast: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez
Billy makes his money by betting on Black players underestimating his basketball skills as a white guy. But when Sidney falls for Billy's hustle, the two visit various courts across L.A., partnering up to con unsuspecting players.
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5
Bad Boys (1995)
Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Téa Leoni
This blockbuster action comedy directed by Michael Bay follows Miami detectives Mike Lowry and Marcus Burnett, partners who are tasked with recovering millions of dollars of stollen drugs in order to save their narcotics team. This is the first of a successful three-film franchise.
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6
Friday (1995)
Cast: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, John Witherspoon, Mike Epps, Nia Long, Regina King, Bernie Mac
Heard of the phrase "Bye, Felicia?" You've got Friday—and Ice Cube—to thank for that.The rapper penned this four film franchise that takes us along on an eventful Friday in South Central L.A. Two best friends owe money to the neighborhood drug dealer by the end of the day. As the time grows closer and closer to their deadline, they run into a variety of obnoxious neighborhood characters.
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7
The Nutty Professor (1996)
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett Smith, Larry Miller, Dave Chapelle
Murphy plays scientist Sherman Clump (in addition to Clump's mother, father, brother, and grandmother) who creates a fast working weight-loss solution that he tries on himself. What results is his womanizing, vulgar, and fit alter ego named Buddy Love, who tries everything he can to overturn Clump's modest life.
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8
B.A.P.S. (1997)
Cast: Halle Berry, Natalie Desselle, Bernie Mac
Two Georgia waitresses set out for L.A. to raise money for their joint soul food restaurant/hair salon business. They soon find a friend in an elderly millionaire, who could make their dream finally come true.
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9
Life (1999)
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Bernie Mac, Bokeem Woodbine
Two men team up and head for Mississippi on a bootlegging mission that's supposed to bring in some much-needed cash during Prohibition. But instead, they earn a false murder charge that lands them a life sentence in this comedy-drama.
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10
Barbershop (2002)
Cast: Ice Cube, Eve, Cedric the Entertainer, Michael Ealy, Anthony Anderson
Calvin, played by Ice Cube, wants to sell his late father's barbershop, a pillar of his south side Chicago community. But as he and an opinionated group of co-workers and customers go about their day, he begins to question his decision. This is the first of a successful three film series.
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11
Deliver Us From Eva (2003)
Cast: Gabrielle Union, LL Cool J., Meagan Good
To distract Eva (Union)—the intimidating and strong-willed older sister of their wives—her brother-in-laws higher the charismatic Ray to catch her her attention. But when they begin to fall in love, the plan falls apart.
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12
White Chicks (2004)
Cast: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Terry Crews, Busy Philipps
In this must-see 2000s comedy, the Wayans brothers play FBI agents who are forced to disguise themselves as two socialites who are very rich, blonde, and white. What follows is exactly the hilarious disaster you'd imagine.
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13
Johnson Family Vacation (2004)
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Cast: Cedric the Entertainer, Vanessa Williams, Solange, Bow Wow, Steve Harvey, Jason Momoa
In an effort to salvage his marriage and bring him and his kids closer together, patriarch Nate Johnson sets out on a cross country road trip from California to Missouri to attend his family reunion. But the voyage does not go smoothly—at all. And, fun fact? You'll spot a super young Jason Momoa make a small cameo.
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14
Soul Plane (2004)
Cast: Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, Sofia Vergara, DL Hughley, Loni Love
In this raunchy cult classic, Nashawn Wade (Hart) scores millions after winning a lawsuit against a major airline. So what does he do with his newfound wealth? He launches his very own airline.
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15
Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)
Cast: Tyler Perry, Kimberly Elise, Shemar Moore, Cicely Tyson
In the first of 10 wildly popular Madea films, Tyler Perry brings the outspoken, unashamed grandma to the big screen in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. After her husband leaves her for another woman, Helen (Elise) flees and seeks out the comfort of Madea, who encourages her to get revenge on her ex. But afterwards, Helen ends up under house arrest, which somehow leads her to find true love.
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16
Are We There Yet? (2005)
Cast: Ice Cube, Nia Long, Tracy Morgan
In order to win over a divorcee, Nick (Ice Cube) volunteers to take her kids on a road trip in his treasured Lincoln Navigator. But he's not a fan of children, and a task that seemed simple enough soon gives way to a tumultuous ride.
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17
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008)
Cast: Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, Mo'Nique, Nicole Ari Parker
A geeky kid turned successful radio host, Roscoe returns to his Southern hometown for his parents' anniversary with something to prove.
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18
Death At a Funeral (2010)
Cast: Chris Rock, Martin Lawerence, Peter Dinklage, James Marsden, Zoe Saldana, Tracy Morgan, Danny Glover
Aaron attempts to lay his father to rest in a peaceful ceremony that's repeatedly stalled by over-the-top family members and a secret that was supposed to be taken to the grave.
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19
Think Like a Man (2012)
Cast: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Terrence J., Romany Malco, Lala Anthony, Gary Owen
When a group of friends discover that the women in their lives have been reading Steve Harvey's book, Think Like a Man for relationship advice, the men decide to use the book's teachings as well to gain the upper hand.
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20
About Last Night (2014)
Cast: Michael Ealy, Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant
One night, Danny (Ealy) meets successful businesswoman Debbie (Bryant), and they have an instant connection. But despite being cautious when it comes to love, the two want to make it work. At the same time, their best friends are strongly against commitment—while simultaneously falling for each other, too.
