17 Realllllly Freaking Good Movies That White People Need To Watch At Least Once In Their Lives

I love movies, and even though Black-led films like Get Out and Moonlight have rightfully become cultural touchstones, there are so many others that are underrated, go completely unnoticed (especially by white audiences!), or are just really freaking good. So, I wanted to highlight some of my favorites for you here because, well, you just need to watch them.

Obviously ~everyone~ can and should enjoy these movies, but I'm especially hoping that this roundup inspires people to expand their horizons and seek out more diverse storytelling. Enjoy!

1. Nickel Boys (2024) is the best movie of the year, and I'll riot if it doesn't win Best Picture at the Oscars. The film is shot entirely from the first-person perspective of its two main characters, so the camera only follows what their eyes see. It's an inventive, stunning experience that will give you goosebumps several times. Also, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor radiates in this, as she does in everything. Give it every single award.

What it's about: "Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, this movie chronicles the powerful friendship between two young Black men who are navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in 1960s Florida."

2. Rye Lane (2023) is the best rom-com of the last 20 years, and it's not even close. It's relatable and current and just a breath of fresh air. This one will immediately make you fall in love with David Johnsson and Vivian Oparah, and I. Want. More.

What it's about: "Two twentysomethings reeling from bad breakups connect over an eventful day in South London."

3. Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. (2022) is a satirical mockumentary starring Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall as a disgraced megachurch couple who are desperately trying to make a comeback. I promise you'll laugh just as many times as your jaw drops from its sheer ridiculousness.

What it's about: "In the aftermath of a huge scandal, Trinitie Childs, the first lady of a prominent Southern Baptist Mega Church, attempts to help her pastor-husband, Lee-Curtis Childs, rebuild their congregation."

4. Origin (2023) had me sobbing so loudly in the theater that a random woman next to me grabbed some tissues and asked if I was okay. This masterpiece from Ava DuVernay will teach you so much about the world, make you fall in love with its real-life characters, and tear your heart into a million pieces. And, yes, I'm STILL mad that Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor wasn't nominated for Best Actress.

What it's about: "While grappling with tremendous personal tragedy, Isabel sets herself on a path of global investigation and discovery while crafting one of the defining American books of our time."

5. Luce (2019) is a tense thriller featuring Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, and Tim Roth. If you haven't had the pleasure of watching Kelvin Harrison Jr. on screen yet (what are you waiting for?!), then this movie will immediately have you saying, "Wow, this kid is gonna be a star." And he is!

What it's about: "A married couple is forced to reckon with their idealized image of their son, adopted from war-torn Eritrea, after an alarming discovery by a devoted high school teacher threatens his status as an all-star student."

6. Clemency (2019) is a gripping drama that stars Alfre Woodard as a prison warden who oversees the execution of inmates. This one is heavy! It's emotional! And, wow, Alfre 100% deserved an Oscar nomination for her performance.

What it's about: "As she prepares to execute another inmate, Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill."

7. Portrait of Jason (1967) is a wild, fun, and groundbreaking documentary told through the eyes of Jason Holliday, a Black, gay hustler in the 1960s. Y'all want iconic? You've got it. I promise you'll hang on to every single word that escapes Jason's mouth.

What it's about: "Black gay sex worker Jason Holliday is rigorously interviewed on his story and character, revealing nuanced truths about life and art."

8. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) is a romantic drama that's adapted from James Baldwin's book of the same name. Barry Jenkins wrote and directed the film – which rightfully earned Regina King an Oscar – and I will never, ever, ever, get over how freaking perfect its entire score is. Like, damn!

What it's about: "A young woman embraces her pregnancy while she and her family set out to prove her childhood friend and lover innocent of a crime he didn't commit."

9. Black Dynamite (2009) is a hilarious parody of those Blaxploitation films from the '70s. This will always hold a special, nostalgic place in my heart, and you will be laughingggggg out loud nonstop.

What it's about: "Black Dynamite is the greatest Black action star of the 1970s. When his only brother is killed by The Man, it's up to him to find justice."

10. Miss Juneteenth (2020) will leave you saying two words: 1. Nicole. 2. Beharie. She's fantastic in everything, but she shines especially bright in this tender drama about a former pageant queen who's struggling to raise her daughter in Texas. Just trust me on this one.

What it's about: "A former beauty queen and single mom prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for the Miss Juneteenth pageant."

11. Femme (2023) is centered around a drag performer who tries to get revenge on the closeted man who attacks them. The acting in it is fantastic, though the subject matter is pretty heavy, but I promise you'll finish watching as a better person.

What it's about: "Jules is targeted in a horrific anti-gay attack, destroying his life and career. Some time after that event, he encounters Preston, one of his attackers, in a gay sauna. He wants revenge."

12. The Watermelon Woman (1996) is a groundbreaking queer movie about a woman who tries to uncover the truth about a fictional Black background actor from Old Hollywood. You'll go down severalllll Wikipedia rabbit holes after watching this one.

What it's about: "A young, Black, lesbian filmmaker probes into the life of The Watermelon Woman, a 1930s Black actress who played 'mammy' archetypes."

13. Sylvie's Love (2020) is a romantic love story set in 1950s New York. Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha are just so fun to watch (and look at) as they light up the screen, and Aja Naomi King deserves equal praise. Run – don't walk – to this one.

What it's about: "When a young woman meets an aspiring saxophonist in her father's record shop in 1950s Harlem, their love ignites a sweeping romance that transcends changing times, geography, and professional success."

14. Cooley High (1975) is a bittersweet coming-of-age movie that also happens to be Viola Davis's favorite film of all time. This one is a C.L.A.S.S.I.C., and it even has one of my favorite soundtracks ever, so I promise you'll love it.

What it's about: "In 1964, on Chicago's Near-North Side, the lives of four carefree high school seniors and best friends, including an aspiring playwright and an all-city basketball champion, take a tragic turn."

15. Uncorked (2020) is a super charming and underrated story about family, passion, and destiny. It also stars alllllll your favorite people (Niecy Nash! Courtney B. Vance!), but the real stunner is Mamoudou Athie, who will make you want to follow your own dreams. It's just a fun, enjoyable movie that will make you smile.

What it's about: "Elijah must balance his dream of becoming a master sommelier with his father's expectations that he carry on the family's Memphis BBQ joint."

16. Tangerine (2015) follows two bold and chaotic trans sex workers over a single night in Los Angeles. The movie was actually shot entirely on an iPhone, and it was written and directed by Sean Baker (aka the guy who made Anora, Red Rocket, and The Florida Project), so that's really all the convincing you should need.

What it's about: "A sex worker tears through Tinseltown on Christmas Eve while searching for the pimp who broke her heart."

17. And finally, Master (2022) is further proof that Regina Hall can ACT, as if you were foolish enough to ever have doubts. This is a modern horror film in more ways than one, and there are twists that will actually make your jaw drop.

What it's about: "Three women strive to find their place at an elite Northeastern university. When anonymous racist attacks target a Black freshman, who insists she is being haunted by ghosts, each woman must determine where the real menace lies."

Did your favorites not make the list? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!