Celebrate Black History Month with nostalgic popular movies and TV shows

HOUSTON – If you grew up in a Black household, then you may be familiar with the following recommended movies and TV shows. But if not, grab a snack and relax for a weekend this February by enjoying some classic Black films or TV shows that have become a household name.

We acknowledge that many films have been made to bring awareness to the cruelties of slavery, but here, we choose to celebrate how far we have come as a community. This list is a reflection of our joy, resilience, and cultural impact, and we invite everyone to enjoy these classic shows and movies with us.

Movies (Chronological Order)

• Imitation of Life (1959)
• Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
• Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975)
• Cooley High (1975)
• The Wiz (1978)
• House of Dies Drear (1984)
• The Color Purple (1985/2023)
• Do the Right Thing (1989)
• House Party (1990)
• Boyz n the Hood (1991)
• New Jack City (1991)
• Boomerang (1992)
• Dead Presidents (1995)
• Friday (1995)
• The Nutty Professor (1996)
• Soul Food (1997)
• Eve’s Bayou (1997)
• The Best Man (1999)
• Love & Basketball (2000)
• Two Can Play That Game (2001)
• How High (2001)
• Drumline (2002)
• Like Mike (2002)
• Barbershop (2002)
• Brown Sugar (2002)
• Deliver Us From Eva (2003)
• The Cookout (2004)
• Beauty Shop (2005)
• Roll Bounce (2005)
• ATL (2006)
• Last Holiday (2006)
• Stomp the Yard (2007)
• Norbit (2007)
• Django Unchained (2012)
• Moonlight (2016)
• Black Panther (2018)
• The Woman King (2022)
• One of Them Days (2025)
• Sinners (2025)

TV Shows (Chronological Order)

• Sanford and Son (1972-1978)
• Good Times (1974-1979)
• The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
• The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
• Family Matters (1989-1998)
• In Living Color (1990-1994)
• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
• Martin (1992-1997)
• Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper (1992-1997)
• Living Single (1993-1998)
• The Wayans Brothers (1995-1999)
• The Steve Harvey Show (1996-2002)
• Moesha (1996-2001)
• The Parkers (1999-2004)
• Girlfriends (2000-2008)
• The Bernie Mac Show (2001-2006)
• My Wife and Kids (2001-2005)
• The Hughleys (1998-2002)
• The Proud Family (2001-2005, reboot 2022-present
• Soul Food (2000-2004)
• The Wire (2002-2008)
• Chappelle’s Show (2003-2006)
• Being Mary Jane (2013-2019)
• Power (2014-2022)
• Power Book II: Ghost (2020-2024)
• Insecure (2016-2021)
• Twenties (2020-2021)
• Power Book III: Raising Kanan (2021-)
• Bel Air (2022-)
• Alex Cross (2024-)
• Paradise (2025-)

These movies and TV shows have left an undeniable mark on Black culture, shaping entertainment and storytelling across generations. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering a new favorite, celebrate Black History Month with these iconic selections!