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2. COMING TO AMERICA
1988
Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall
Directed by John Landis
June 29, 1998
Eddie Murphy was ordered by a court to give 19% of his earnings to co-writer Art Buchwald
because Murphy did not give Buchwald credit for developing the story with him.
The name of the fictional African country the main characters are from is called "Zamunda". This
name was taken from a Richard Pryor routine where he referred to a fictional African tribe of the
same name.
Movie makes several references to Eddie Murphy's 1983 movie "Trading Places."
Most of the dance that's performed by the royal dancers before presenting Prince Akeem's
queen-to-be is a high-tempo rendition of the dance from Michael Jackson's Thriller (1983) also
directed by John Landis.
3. UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
1974
Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier
Directed by Sidney Poitier
July 26, 1974
Harry Belefonte's performance as gangster Geechie Dan Beauford is a send-up of Marlon
Brando's in the "Godfather" (1972).
4. FRIDAY
1995
Ice Cube and Chris Tucker
Directed by F. Gary Gray
April 26, 1995
The entire movie was filmed in only 20 days.
The neighborhood where the film takes place is the same street where the film's director, F.
Gary Gray, grew up in South Central, Los Angeles. Principal houses that were used for filming
were houses of old friends of the director. The scene where Deebo punches Red into the air is
the house that F. Gary Gray grew up in as a child.
5. I’M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA
1988
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans
December 14, 1988
"I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" is a parody of blaxploitation movies, a black hero wannabe reunites
former black heroes from the 70s to help him get revenge on Mr. Big.
Former Kansas City Chief Fred Williamson was offered a part in the film, but was against
parodying the screen persona he created during his career of the cool hero.
6. RICHARD PRYOR: LIVE IN CONCERT
1979
Richard Pryor
Directed by Jeff Margolis
January 1979
Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton is sitting in the audience. Richard Pryor announces this to
the audience but Newton is not actually shown in the film.
7. LIFE
1999
Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and Bernie Mac
Directed by Ted Demme
April 16, 1999
In the scene where Ray (Eddie Murphy) and Claude (Martin Lawrence) are standing on the
bottles Claude mentions that his toe has slipped into one of the bottles. That actually happened
but Martin Lawrence kept going despite laughter from Eddie Murphy which is genuine.
The "F" word is used 63 times in the movie.
8. BLAZING SADDLES
1974
Cleavon Little
Directed by Mel Brooks
February 7, 1974
The role of Bart was intended for Richard Pryor, but due to the controversial nature of Pryor's
stand-up routines of the day and his background, Mel Brooks couldn't secure financing for the
project with Pryor in that role. So Pryor was made a co-writer of the script, and Cleavon Little
played Bart. Pryor later got to star in a different western comedy "Adiós Amigo" (1976).
"Blazing Saddles" was nominated for three Oscars (Best Actress, Best Film Editing and Best
Music, Original Song).
9. THE NUTTY PROFESSOR
1996
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Tom Shadyac
June 28, 1996
The family scene was nearly cut out of the final film due to lack of relevance in the film 's plot.
10. THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY
2000
Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey and D.L. Hugley
Directed by Spike Lee
August 18, 2000
Director Spike Lee shot film on digital video over two nights.
11. COTTON COMES TO HARLEM
1970
Godfrey Cambridge, Raymond St. Jacques and Redd Foxx
Directed by Ossie Davis
May 27, 1970
Based on the Chester Himes novel.
Red Foxx plays a junk dealer pre his popular TV series "Stanford and Son."
12. EDDIE MURPHY: DELIRIOUS
1983
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Bruce Gowers
During the 70-minute stand-up routine the "F" word is used more than 230 times.
13. AMAZING GRACE
1974
Moms Mabley
Directed by Stan Lathan
"Amazing Grace" was Moms Mabley's last film.
14. TRADING PLACES
1983
Eddie Murphy
Directed by John Landis
June 8, 1983
The original title was "Black & White."
15. LETS DO IT AGAIN
1975
Bill Cosby, Sidney Poitier and Jimmie Walker
Directed by Sidney Poitier
October 11, 1975
The soundtrack was produced and written by Curtis Mayfield.
The Staple Singers had a US number one hit with the title track "Lets Do It Again" in December
1975.
16. HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE
1987
Robert Townsend and Keenen Ivory Wayans
Directed by Robert Townsend
March 20, 1987
Producer, director and star Robert Townsend put $40,000 of the film's $100,000 budget on ten
personal credit cards, and obtained free film stock by splicing together leftovers from the
production of "Odd Jobs" (1984) and "Ratboy" (1986), in which he had appeared.
The 17 days of shooting were spread over two years, since he had to tour as a stand-up
comedian whenever he could not afford to continue production. Since this movie was shot
without permits, the crew all wore UCLA t-shirts so they could pass themselves off as students
learning how to film in the field.
17. STIR CRAZY
1980
Richard Pryor
Directed by Sidney Poitier
December 12, 1980
Richard Pryor refused to wear the woodpecker costume for the bank scene so a double was
used. He did wear the costume in the poster and for promotional photos.
Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder improvised many of their scenes together.
18. 48 HRS.
1982
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Walter Hill
December 8, 1982
"48 Hrs." was Eddie Murphy's feature film debut.
The "F" word was used 48 times during the film.
19. BILL COSBY: HIMSELF
1983
Bill Cosby
Directed by Bill Cosby
May 20, 1983
Much of the material from this performance, including the "Come here" bit and the mother
speaking to no one in particular, were used in the pilot episode of "The Cosby Show."
20. FOR LOVE OF IVY
1968
Sidney Poitier and Abbey Lincoln
Directed by Daniel Mann
July 17, 1968
Sidney Poitier wrote the story.
21. UNDERCOVER BROTHER
2002
Eddie Griffin and Dave Chappelle
Directed by Malcolm D. Lee
May 31, 2002
Spike Lee is the director Malcolm D. Lee's cousin.
22. RICHARD PRYOR: LIVE ON SUNSET STRIP
1982
Richard Pryor
Directed by Joe Layton
March 12, 1982
The Rev. Jesse Jackson is in the audience.
23. BEVERLY HILLS COP
1984
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Martin Brest
December 5, 1984
Eddie Murphy improvised many of the comic lines. Literally hundreds of takes were ruined by
cast members and the director because they were laughing so hard. They often resorted to
pinching themselves to keep from laughing during takes.
24. BIG MOMMAS HOUSE
2000
Martin Lawrence
Directed by Raja Gosnell
June 2, 2000
Screenwriter Darryl Quarles came up with the idea for the name "Big Momma" because it was
what the neighborhood kids used to call his own real life mother.
25. EDDIE GRIFFIN: DYSFUNKSTIONAL FAMILY
2003
Eddie Griffin
Directed by George Gallo
April 4, 2003
Eddie Griffin shot non-stand-up scenes in his home town of Kansas City, Missouri.
26. CAR WASH
1976
Richard Pryor
Directed by Micheal Schultz
October 22, 1976
"Car Wash" was filmed at an actual car wash in Los Angeles. The car wash was a tourist
attraction until it was torn down in the '80s.
27. A RAGE IN HARLEM
1991
Forest Whitaker, Gregory Hines, Danny Glover and Robin Givens
Directed by Bill Duke
May 3, 1991
Adapted from a Chester Himes novel.
28. BOOMERANG
1992
Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and Halle Berry
Directed by Reginald Hudlin
July 1, 1992
The soundtrack featured the mega hit song "End of the Road" recorded by Boys II Men. At the
time of the films release Robin Givens was billed as a bigger star than Halle Berry.
29. CB4
1993
Chris Rock
Directed by Tamra Davis
March 3, 1993
The three songs performed by CB4 are loose remakes of real rap songs. 'Straight Out of
Locash' was 'Straight Outta Compton' by N.W.A, 'Sweat of my Balls' was 'Talk Like Sex' by Kool
G. Rap & D.J. Polo and 'Rapper's Delight' was originally by the Sugar Hill Gang.
"CB4" is often referred to as rap's "This is Spinal Tap" (1984).
30. A PIECE OF THE ACTION
1977
Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier
Directed by Sidney Poitier
October 7, 1977
The third of the Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier comedy films. All of which were directed by Sidney
Poitier.
31. LOW DOWN DIRTY SHAME
1994
Keenen Ivory Wayans, Charles S. Dutton, Jada Pinkett Smith
Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans
November 23, 1994
Before shaving completely bald at the end of the movie, Shame's haircut is different in almost
every shot.
32. HARLEM NIGHTS
1989
Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and Della Reese
Directed by Eddie Murphy
November 17, 1989
This film was made because Eddie Murphy always wanted to direct and act in a period piece.
The "F" word and its derivatives are said 133 times.
33. PURLIE VICTORIOUS (a.k.a. GONE ARE THE DAYS!)
1963
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee
Directed by Nicholas Webster
September 23, 1963
Based upon the play "Purlie Victorious" by Ossie Davis, which ran on Broadway from 28
September 1961 to 12 May 1962 (261 performances). All actors in the play, except Hilda Haynes
recreated their roles for this movie. A musical version entitled "Purlie!" later appeared.
34. EDDIE MURPHY: RAW
1987
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Robert Townsend
December 18, 1987
Samuel L. Jackson plays Eddie Murphy's uncle in the opening sketch.
35. DAVE CHAPPELLE’S BLOCK PARTY
2006
Dave Chappelle
Directed by Micheal Gondry
March 3, 2006
Concert-goers had to register on-line, then were told to meet at a secret location in the
Chinatown section of Manhattan. From there, they were bussed to the concert location, which
was also kept secret. The majority of the acts that would be appearing were also kept secret
from the concert-goers. Admission to the concert was free. Dave Chappelle funded this project
with his own money. The actual concert was shot on Downing Street in Brooklyn, NY on
September 18, 2004.
The scenes in Ohio leading up to the concert were shot three days in advance. The college
marching band used is Central State University from Wilberforce, Ohio.
This was the first time The Fugees (Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Pras) performed together in seven
years.
36. SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT
1986
Spike Lee and Tracy Camilla Johns
Directed by Spike Lee
August 8, 1986
"She's Gotta Have It" is Spike Lee's first feature film.
Because the film's budget was so tight, there were no retakes of any scenes.
The film originally was going to get an "X" rating due to its sexual content. However, after Lee
edited some of the sex scenes it received an "R" rating.
Whenever the cast broke for a meal, Spike Lee would tell them not to throw away the aluminum
soda cans because would turn them in for recycling money.
37. BOWFINGER
1999
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Frank Oz
August 13, 1999
Director Frank Oz encouraged improvisation during select scenes, and occasionally the result
wound up in the film. An example of this is Eddie Murphy asking his manager to find him a
retarded slave role so he can win an Academy Award.
The Eddie Murphy part was actually written for Keanu Reeves.
The company could only get Eddie Murphy for a brief, six week window, to shoot his role in the
movie. He was in between shooting "Life" (1999) and "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" (2000)
and had just a brief time in his busy schedule to work on this project.
38. HOUSE PARTY
1990
Christopher Reid, Christopher Martin, Martin Lawrence and Robin Harris
Directed by Reginald Hudlin
March 9, 1990
"House Party" served as the thesis film for director Reginald Hudlin for his Harvard University
degree.
House Party was originally written for DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, a.k.a. Jeffrey A. Townes
and Will Smith.
During the party at Play's house, all of the dance sequences were done with no music. A.J.
Johnson choreographed her and Tisha Campbell's routine for the battle. The toe-touch and
kicks were actually signature moves for Kid-N-Play. They had become very popular as back up
dancers for Salt-n-Pepa using these and more acrobatic stunts. The music was added after the
dancing had been shot.
39. SISTER ACT
1992
Whoopi Goldberg
Directed by Emile Ardolino
May 29, 1992
One of the teenage girls that Deloris befriends is played by Desreta Jackson, who played
Whoopi Goldberg's character Celie in "The Color Purple," as a young girl.
40. MEDEA’S FAMILY REUNION
2006
Tyler Perry
Directed by Tyler Perry
February 24, 2006
After the first week record-breaking release of the first "Madea" film "Diary of a Mad Black
Woman" by Tyler Perry, Lions Gate Entertainment acquired a seven-picture deal of the
remaining Madea films.
The movie is adapted from Tyler Perry's successful gospel stage play of the same name. Tyler
perry plays "Meadea" which is derived from "My Dear" a black southern term for the matriarch of
the family.
41. BAMBOOZLED
2000
Damon Wayans, Tommy Davidson and Jada Pinkett Smith
Directed by Spike Lee
October 20, 2000
Most of this film was shot only on digital (Mini DV) camcorders, the kind you can buy at any
electronics store. While this sacrificed quality, it allowed them to shoot with 15 cameras at a
time, and it also allowed Spike Lee to get all the footage he needed shot within the film's
modest budget. The only scenes shot on film were the "Mantan: The New Millennium Minstrel
Show" sequences, which were shot on 16mm film.
The names of two characters are based on real performers of the past. "Mantan" came from
Mantan Moreland and "Sleep 'n' Eat" was based on Willie Best, who was sometimes credited
only as "Sleep 'n' Eat" in early films.
42. AMOS & ANDREW
1993
Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by E. Max Frye
March 5, 1993
Slapstick Spoofs the "Amos 'n Andy Show" (1951).
43. THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY
1980
N!xau
Directed by Jamie Uys
July 9, 1984 (US Release)
Didn't receive a major U.S. release until 1984.
Director Jamie Uys searched for three months in the Kalahari desert of South Africa, to find the
perfect Sho (N!xau), who in real life had no contact with modern civilization to play the role of
Xixo. Xixo's frequent look of bewilderment was genuine, since actor N!xau, an actual Sho, was
seeing many of these things for the very first time.
Biggest foreign box office hit during its release.
Was banned shortly after release in Trinidad and Tobago following protests from pressure
groups that claimed it was racist.
The film was made by a South African director and was financed with South African government
funds, but was released as a Botswana film because there was a hard international embargo
against South Africa.
44. BE BE'S KIDS
1992
Robin Harris
Directed by Bruce W. Smith
July 31, 1992
The first "black" themed animated feature.
45. DOLEMITE
1975
Rudy Ray Moore
Directed by Durville Martin
July 1975
In most of the fight scenes the fighters clearly miss each other.
46. THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET
1984
Joe Morton
Directed by John Sayles
September 7, 1984
At the end of the credits, it is written that the story, all names, characters and incidents portrayed
in the film are "fictious."
47. TALK TO ME
2007
Don Cheadle and Taraji P. Henson
Directed by Kasi Lemmons
August 3, 2007
An earlier version of this film was in development in June 2000. It was to be titled "Petey
Greene's Washington" and star Martin Lawrence. Greene's biographer Lurma Rackley was to
write the script but contract negotiations broke down.
48. BARBERSHOP
2002
Cedric the Entertainer, Ice Cube and Anthony Anderson
Directed by Tim Story
September 13, 2002
Shortly after the film's theatrical release, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton protested
over some of the statements made by Cedric the Entertainer's character Eddie about African-
American historical figures Rosa Parks, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jackson himself.
Jackson and Sharpton pressured MGM to edit these scenes out of the film before its DVD
release in January 2003. The film was released with the "controversial" scenes intact.
49. HAV PLENTY
1998
Hill Harper
Directed by Christopher Scott Cherott
June 19, 1998
Screwball Comedy The small independent film was writer/director Christopher Scott Cherott's
first film and received solid reviews from "The New York Times," "The Los Angeles Times" and
"USA Today."
50. BOOTY CALL
1997
Jamie Foxx, Tommy Davidson and Vivica A. Fox
Directed by Jeff Pollack
February 26, 1997
A "booty call" is slang for a telephone call, other communication, or visitation made with the sole
intent of engaging in sex with the person being contacted. In most instances, a booty call is
made when the prospect of a traditional romantic date is highly unlikely (e.g., late in the evening,
after midnight or in the pre-dawn hours), thus making it obvious that the intent of the call is for
the sole purpose of obtaining and engaging in sexual intercourse.
List compiled by FOX-TV film critic Shawn Edwards. Edwards has been a film critic for FOX 4
News in Kansas City since 2000. The award-winning journalist is also the co-founder of the
African American Film Critics Association and is a voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics
Association. Edwards wrote and directed the 2007 documentary "The 100 Best Black Films
(Ever)." He is currently writing a book about the history of black film.
1988
Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall
Directed by John Landis
June 29, 1998
Eddie Murphy was ordered by a court to give 19% of his earnings to co-writer Art Buchwald
because Murphy did not give Buchwald credit for developing the story with him.
The name of the fictional African country the main characters are from is called "Zamunda". This
name was taken from a Richard Pryor routine where he referred to a fictional African tribe of the
same name.
Movie makes several references to Eddie Murphy's 1983 movie "Trading Places."
Most of the dance that's performed by the royal dancers before presenting Prince Akeem's
queen-to-be is a high-tempo rendition of the dance from Michael Jackson's Thriller (1983) also
directed by John Landis.
3. UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
1974
Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier
Directed by Sidney Poitier
July 26, 1974
Harry Belefonte's performance as gangster Geechie Dan Beauford is a send-up of Marlon
Brando's in the "Godfather" (1972).
4. FRIDAY
1995
Ice Cube and Chris Tucker
Directed by F. Gary Gray
April 26, 1995
The entire movie was filmed in only 20 days.
The neighborhood where the film takes place is the same street where the film's director, F.
Gary Gray, grew up in South Central, Los Angeles. Principal houses that were used for filming
were houses of old friends of the director. The scene where Deebo punches Red into the air is
the house that F. Gary Gray grew up in as a child.
5. I’M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA
1988
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans
December 14, 1988
"I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" is a parody of blaxploitation movies, a black hero wannabe reunites
former black heroes from the 70s to help him get revenge on Mr. Big.
Former Kansas City Chief Fred Williamson was offered a part in the film, but was against
parodying the screen persona he created during his career of the cool hero.
6. RICHARD PRYOR: LIVE IN CONCERT
1979
Richard Pryor
Directed by Jeff Margolis
January 1979
Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton is sitting in the audience. Richard Pryor announces this to
the audience but Newton is not actually shown in the film.
7. LIFE
1999
Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and Bernie Mac
Directed by Ted Demme
April 16, 1999
In the scene where Ray (Eddie Murphy) and Claude (Martin Lawrence) are standing on the
bottles Claude mentions that his toe has slipped into one of the bottles. That actually happened
but Martin Lawrence kept going despite laughter from Eddie Murphy which is genuine.
The "F" word is used 63 times in the movie.
8. BLAZING SADDLES
1974
Cleavon Little
Directed by Mel Brooks
February 7, 1974
The role of Bart was intended for Richard Pryor, but due to the controversial nature of Pryor's
stand-up routines of the day and his background, Mel Brooks couldn't secure financing for the
project with Pryor in that role. So Pryor was made a co-writer of the script, and Cleavon Little
played Bart. Pryor later got to star in a different western comedy "Adiós Amigo" (1976).
"Blazing Saddles" was nominated for three Oscars (Best Actress, Best Film Editing and Best
Music, Original Song).
9. THE NUTTY PROFESSOR
1996
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Tom Shadyac
June 28, 1996
The family scene was nearly cut out of the final film due to lack of relevance in the film 's plot.
10. THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY
2000
Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey and D.L. Hugley
Directed by Spike Lee
August 18, 2000
Director Spike Lee shot film on digital video over two nights.
11. COTTON COMES TO HARLEM
1970
Godfrey Cambridge, Raymond St. Jacques and Redd Foxx
Directed by Ossie Davis
May 27, 1970
Based on the Chester Himes novel.
Red Foxx plays a junk dealer pre his popular TV series "Stanford and Son."
12. EDDIE MURPHY: DELIRIOUS
1983
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Bruce Gowers
During the 70-minute stand-up routine the "F" word is used more than 230 times.
13. AMAZING GRACE
1974
Moms Mabley
Directed by Stan Lathan
"Amazing Grace" was Moms Mabley's last film.
14. TRADING PLACES
1983
Eddie Murphy
Directed by John Landis
June 8, 1983
The original title was "Black & White."
15. LETS DO IT AGAIN
1975
Bill Cosby, Sidney Poitier and Jimmie Walker
Directed by Sidney Poitier
October 11, 1975
The soundtrack was produced and written by Curtis Mayfield.
The Staple Singers had a US number one hit with the title track "Lets Do It Again" in December
1975.
16. HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE
1987
Robert Townsend and Keenen Ivory Wayans
Directed by Robert Townsend
March 20, 1987
Producer, director and star Robert Townsend put $40,000 of the film's $100,000 budget on ten
personal credit cards, and obtained free film stock by splicing together leftovers from the
production of "Odd Jobs" (1984) and "Ratboy" (1986), in which he had appeared.
The 17 days of shooting were spread over two years, since he had to tour as a stand-up
comedian whenever he could not afford to continue production. Since this movie was shot
without permits, the crew all wore UCLA t-shirts so they could pass themselves off as students
learning how to film in the field.
17. STIR CRAZY
1980
Richard Pryor
Directed by Sidney Poitier
December 12, 1980
Richard Pryor refused to wear the woodpecker costume for the bank scene so a double was
used. He did wear the costume in the poster and for promotional photos.
Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder improvised many of their scenes together.
18. 48 HRS.
1982
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Walter Hill
December 8, 1982
"48 Hrs." was Eddie Murphy's feature film debut.
The "F" word was used 48 times during the film.
19. BILL COSBY: HIMSELF
1983
Bill Cosby
Directed by Bill Cosby
May 20, 1983
Much of the material from this performance, including the "Come here" bit and the mother
speaking to no one in particular, were used in the pilot episode of "The Cosby Show."
20. FOR LOVE OF IVY
1968
Sidney Poitier and Abbey Lincoln
Directed by Daniel Mann
July 17, 1968
Sidney Poitier wrote the story.
21. UNDERCOVER BROTHER
2002
Eddie Griffin and Dave Chappelle
Directed by Malcolm D. Lee
May 31, 2002
Spike Lee is the director Malcolm D. Lee's cousin.
22. RICHARD PRYOR: LIVE ON SUNSET STRIP
1982
Richard Pryor
Directed by Joe Layton
March 12, 1982
The Rev. Jesse Jackson is in the audience.
23. BEVERLY HILLS COP
1984
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Martin Brest
December 5, 1984
Eddie Murphy improvised many of the comic lines. Literally hundreds of takes were ruined by
cast members and the director because they were laughing so hard. They often resorted to
pinching themselves to keep from laughing during takes.
24. BIG MOMMAS HOUSE
2000
Martin Lawrence
Directed by Raja Gosnell
June 2, 2000
Screenwriter Darryl Quarles came up with the idea for the name "Big Momma" because it was
what the neighborhood kids used to call his own real life mother.
25. EDDIE GRIFFIN: DYSFUNKSTIONAL FAMILY
2003
Eddie Griffin
Directed by George Gallo
April 4, 2003
Eddie Griffin shot non-stand-up scenes in his home town of Kansas City, Missouri.
26. CAR WASH
1976
Richard Pryor
Directed by Micheal Schultz
October 22, 1976
"Car Wash" was filmed at an actual car wash in Los Angeles. The car wash was a tourist
attraction until it was torn down in the '80s.
27. A RAGE IN HARLEM
1991
Forest Whitaker, Gregory Hines, Danny Glover and Robin Givens
Directed by Bill Duke
May 3, 1991
Adapted from a Chester Himes novel.
28. BOOMERANG
1992
Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and Halle Berry
Directed by Reginald Hudlin
July 1, 1992
The soundtrack featured the mega hit song "End of the Road" recorded by Boys II Men. At the
time of the films release Robin Givens was billed as a bigger star than Halle Berry.
29. CB4
1993
Chris Rock
Directed by Tamra Davis
March 3, 1993
The three songs performed by CB4 are loose remakes of real rap songs. 'Straight Out of
Locash' was 'Straight Outta Compton' by N.W.A, 'Sweat of my Balls' was 'Talk Like Sex' by Kool
G. Rap & D.J. Polo and 'Rapper's Delight' was originally by the Sugar Hill Gang.
"CB4" is often referred to as rap's "This is Spinal Tap" (1984).
30. A PIECE OF THE ACTION
1977
Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier
Directed by Sidney Poitier
October 7, 1977
The third of the Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier comedy films. All of which were directed by Sidney
Poitier.
31. LOW DOWN DIRTY SHAME
1994
Keenen Ivory Wayans, Charles S. Dutton, Jada Pinkett Smith
Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans
November 23, 1994
Before shaving completely bald at the end of the movie, Shame's haircut is different in almost
every shot.
32. HARLEM NIGHTS
1989
Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and Della Reese
Directed by Eddie Murphy
November 17, 1989
This film was made because Eddie Murphy always wanted to direct and act in a period piece.
The "F" word and its derivatives are said 133 times.
33. PURLIE VICTORIOUS (a.k.a. GONE ARE THE DAYS!)
1963
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee
Directed by Nicholas Webster
September 23, 1963
Based upon the play "Purlie Victorious" by Ossie Davis, which ran on Broadway from 28
September 1961 to 12 May 1962 (261 performances). All actors in the play, except Hilda Haynes
recreated their roles for this movie. A musical version entitled "Purlie!" later appeared.
34. EDDIE MURPHY: RAW
1987
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Robert Townsend
December 18, 1987
Samuel L. Jackson plays Eddie Murphy's uncle in the opening sketch.
35. DAVE CHAPPELLE’S BLOCK PARTY
2006
Dave Chappelle
Directed by Micheal Gondry
March 3, 2006
Concert-goers had to register on-line, then were told to meet at a secret location in the
Chinatown section of Manhattan. From there, they were bussed to the concert location, which
was also kept secret. The majority of the acts that would be appearing were also kept secret
from the concert-goers. Admission to the concert was free. Dave Chappelle funded this project
with his own money. The actual concert was shot on Downing Street in Brooklyn, NY on
September 18, 2004.
The scenes in Ohio leading up to the concert were shot three days in advance. The college
marching band used is Central State University from Wilberforce, Ohio.
This was the first time The Fugees (Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Pras) performed together in seven
years.
36. SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT
1986
Spike Lee and Tracy Camilla Johns
Directed by Spike Lee
August 8, 1986
"She's Gotta Have It" is Spike Lee's first feature film.
Because the film's budget was so tight, there were no retakes of any scenes.
The film originally was going to get an "X" rating due to its sexual content. However, after Lee
edited some of the sex scenes it received an "R" rating.
Whenever the cast broke for a meal, Spike Lee would tell them not to throw away the aluminum
soda cans because would turn them in for recycling money.
37. BOWFINGER
1999
Eddie Murphy
Directed by Frank Oz
August 13, 1999
Director Frank Oz encouraged improvisation during select scenes, and occasionally the result
wound up in the film. An example of this is Eddie Murphy asking his manager to find him a
retarded slave role so he can win an Academy Award.
The Eddie Murphy part was actually written for Keanu Reeves.
The company could only get Eddie Murphy for a brief, six week window, to shoot his role in the
movie. He was in between shooting "Life" (1999) and "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" (2000)
and had just a brief time in his busy schedule to work on this project.
38. HOUSE PARTY
1990
Christopher Reid, Christopher Martin, Martin Lawrence and Robin Harris
Directed by Reginald Hudlin
March 9, 1990
"House Party" served as the thesis film for director Reginald Hudlin for his Harvard University
degree.
House Party was originally written for DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, a.k.a. Jeffrey A. Townes
and Will Smith.
During the party at Play's house, all of the dance sequences were done with no music. A.J.
Johnson choreographed her and Tisha Campbell's routine for the battle. The toe-touch and
kicks were actually signature moves for Kid-N-Play. They had become very popular as back up
dancers for Salt-n-Pepa using these and more acrobatic stunts. The music was added after the
dancing had been shot.
39. SISTER ACT
1992
Whoopi Goldberg
Directed by Emile Ardolino
May 29, 1992
One of the teenage girls that Deloris befriends is played by Desreta Jackson, who played
Whoopi Goldberg's character Celie in "The Color Purple," as a young girl.
40. MEDEA’S FAMILY REUNION
2006
Tyler Perry
Directed by Tyler Perry
February 24, 2006
After the first week record-breaking release of the first "Madea" film "Diary of a Mad Black
Woman" by Tyler Perry, Lions Gate Entertainment acquired a seven-picture deal of the
remaining Madea films.
The movie is adapted from Tyler Perry's successful gospel stage play of the same name. Tyler
perry plays "Meadea" which is derived from "My Dear" a black southern term for the matriarch of
the family.
41. BAMBOOZLED
2000
Damon Wayans, Tommy Davidson and Jada Pinkett Smith
Directed by Spike Lee
October 20, 2000
Most of this film was shot only on digital (Mini DV) camcorders, the kind you can buy at any
electronics store. While this sacrificed quality, it allowed them to shoot with 15 cameras at a
time, and it also allowed Spike Lee to get all the footage he needed shot within the film's
modest budget. The only scenes shot on film were the "Mantan: The New Millennium Minstrel
Show" sequences, which were shot on 16mm film.
The names of two characters are based on real performers of the past. "Mantan" came from
Mantan Moreland and "Sleep 'n' Eat" was based on Willie Best, who was sometimes credited
only as "Sleep 'n' Eat" in early films.
42. AMOS & ANDREW
1993
Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by E. Max Frye
March 5, 1993
Slapstick Spoofs the "Amos 'n Andy Show" (1951).
43. THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY
1980
N!xau
Directed by Jamie Uys
July 9, 1984 (US Release)
Didn't receive a major U.S. release until 1984.
Director Jamie Uys searched for three months in the Kalahari desert of South Africa, to find the
perfect Sho (N!xau), who in real life had no contact with modern civilization to play the role of
Xixo. Xixo's frequent look of bewilderment was genuine, since actor N!xau, an actual Sho, was
seeing many of these things for the very first time.
Biggest foreign box office hit during its release.
Was banned shortly after release in Trinidad and Tobago following protests from pressure
groups that claimed it was racist.
The film was made by a South African director and was financed with South African government
funds, but was released as a Botswana film because there was a hard international embargo
against South Africa.
44. BE BE'S KIDS
1992
Robin Harris
Directed by Bruce W. Smith
July 31, 1992
The first "black" themed animated feature.
45. DOLEMITE
1975
Rudy Ray Moore
Directed by Durville Martin
July 1975
In most of the fight scenes the fighters clearly miss each other.
46. THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET
1984
Joe Morton
Directed by John Sayles
September 7, 1984
At the end of the credits, it is written that the story, all names, characters and incidents portrayed
in the film are "fictious."
47. TALK TO ME
2007
Don Cheadle and Taraji P. Henson
Directed by Kasi Lemmons
August 3, 2007
An earlier version of this film was in development in June 2000. It was to be titled "Petey
Greene's Washington" and star Martin Lawrence. Greene's biographer Lurma Rackley was to
write the script but contract negotiations broke down.
48. BARBERSHOP
2002
Cedric the Entertainer, Ice Cube and Anthony Anderson
Directed by Tim Story
September 13, 2002
Shortly after the film's theatrical release, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton protested
over some of the statements made by Cedric the Entertainer's character Eddie about African-
American historical figures Rosa Parks, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jackson himself.
Jackson and Sharpton pressured MGM to edit these scenes out of the film before its DVD
release in January 2003. The film was released with the "controversial" scenes intact.
49. HAV PLENTY
1998
Hill Harper
Directed by Christopher Scott Cherott
June 19, 1998
Screwball Comedy The small independent film was writer/director Christopher Scott Cherott's
first film and received solid reviews from "The New York Times," "The Los Angeles Times" and
"USA Today."
50. BOOTY CALL
1997
Jamie Foxx, Tommy Davidson and Vivica A. Fox
Directed by Jeff Pollack
February 26, 1997
A "booty call" is slang for a telephone call, other communication, or visitation made with the sole
intent of engaging in sex with the person being contacted. In most instances, a booty call is
made when the prospect of a traditional romantic date is highly unlikely (e.g., late in the evening,
after midnight or in the pre-dawn hours), thus making it obvious that the intent of the call is for
the sole purpose of obtaining and engaging in sexual intercourse.
List compiled by FOX-TV film critic Shawn Edwards. Edwards has been a film critic for FOX 4
News in Kansas City since 2000. The award-winning journalist is also the co-founder of the
African American Film Critics Association and is a voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics
Association. Edwards wrote and directed the 2007 documentary "The 100 Best Black Films
(Ever)." He is currently writing a book about the history of black film.
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The 50 Funniest Black Movie Comedies (Ever)
1. WHICH WAY IS UP?
1977
Richard Pryor
Directed by Micheal Schlutz
November 4, 1977
"Which Way is Up?" is the remake of a 1972 Italian film "The Seduction of Mimi" which is about
a Sicilian dockworker who loses his job when he votes against the Mafia candidate in what he
thinks is a secret ballot.
Richard Pryor plays three different roles -- a beleaguered, sex-starved farm worker named
Leroy Jones; the farm worker's randy old father Rufus; and the hypocritical preacher Rev.
Lenox Thomas in this serio-comic tale of love, seduction, jealousy and betrayal set against the
milieu of central California's strife-torn farm country.
1. WHICH WAY IS UP?
1977
Richard Pryor
Directed by Micheal Schlutz
November 4, 1977
"Which Way is Up?" is the remake of a 1972 Italian film "The Seduction of Mimi" which is about
a Sicilian dockworker who loses his job when he votes against the Mafia candidate in what he
thinks is a secret ballot.
Richard Pryor plays three different roles -- a beleaguered, sex-starved farm worker named
Leroy Jones; the farm worker's randy old father Rufus; and the hypocritical preacher Rev.
Lenox Thomas in this serio-comic tale of love, seduction, jealousy and betrayal set against the
milieu of central California's strife-torn farm country.
BLACK MOVIE HALL OF FAME
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WHAT IS A BLACK MOVIE?
1. A movie that is written, produced and/or directed by "Do the
Right Thing" (Spike Lee), "Friday" (F. Gary Gray), "Eve's Bayou"
(Kasi Lemmons)
2. A movie about the black experience even if it not written,
produced and/or directed by someone black.
"The Color Purple" (Steven Speilberg), "The Hurricane" (Norman
Jewison), "Carmen Jones" (Otto Preminger)
3. A movie with a black person in the lead role. "Beverly Hills
Cop" (Eddie Murphy), "I Am Legend" (Will Smith), "Blazing
Saddles" (Cleavon Little)
1. A movie that is written, produced and/or directed by "Do the
Right Thing" (Spike Lee), "Friday" (F. Gary Gray), "Eve's Bayou"
(Kasi Lemmons)
2. A movie about the black experience even if it not written,
produced and/or directed by someone black.
"The Color Purple" (Steven Speilberg), "The Hurricane" (Norman
Jewison), "Carmen Jones" (Otto Preminger)
3. A movie with a black person in the lead role. "Beverly Hills
Cop" (Eddie Murphy), "I Am Legend" (Will Smith), "Blazing
Saddles" (Cleavon Little)