In a short period of time, HBO Max has expanded its platform to feature an astonishing array of original films and TV shows, as well as blockbuster movies, licensed classics, and some of the most recent hit TV episodes and movies. HBO Max only debuted in 2020, yet it has already established itself as a top streaming service. HBO Max is one of the most downloaded apps, it might not take long for it to reach membership levels comparable to those of Netflix and Disney+. Fortunately, HBO Max assures that its entertainment is worth the cost for all of its subscribers—current, potential, and past. The streaming service thrives in Black-led TV shows and films, for example. On HBO Max, there are several excellent films with Black leads.
If you’re curious to know which are the Best Black Movies On HBO Max Must Watch 2023 then this article is a best guide for you.
Here are some of the best black movies on HBO Max you must watch in 2023.
12 Years A Slave (2014)
This Best Picture Academy Award-winning movie was directed by Steve McQueen and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, a free African-American who was abducted and sold into slavery. Along with Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Fassbender, Sarah Paulson, and Benedict Cumberbatch, 12 Years a Slave features these amazing actors.
The moving movie 12 Years a Slave gives viewers a peek of some of the atrocities that many Black people endured on a daily basis at the hands of their captors. It’s not an easy movie to see, and it shouldn’t be since it serves as a horrifying reminder of the horrors that can befall people who treat others as property or less than human. The entire cast of 12 Years a Slave gives outstanding performances, but Lupita Nyong’o, who received her first Academy Award for her role.
Release date: February 7, 2014
Director: Steve McQueen
Writers: John Ridley, Solomon Northup,
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender
Genre: Drama, History
Shooting Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Famous dialogue: “Before I came to you I was a free man.”
IMDb: 8.1/10
Friday (1995)
A 1995 comedy called Friday follows the shenanigans of Craig (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker). Nia Long, Bernie Mac, the late John Witherspoon, and Regina King are all featured in the first Friday. The comedic nature of the movies, their cheerful tone despite the serious subject matter, and the appearance of rising stars like Regina King and comic greats like Bernie Mac all contribute to their cult status.
It’s a must-see 1990s film that taught us about the easiest ways to jeer someone named Felisha or not. There are two additional Friday After Next episodes on HBO Max. Simply watch these films and laugh at the absurd situations that Craig, Smokey, and Day-Day (Mike Epps) find themselves in.
Release date: April 26, 1995
Director: F. Gary Gray
Writers: Ice Cube, DJ Pooh
Cast: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Shooting Place: Los Angeles, California, USA
Famous dialogue: “Weed is from the earth. God put this here for me and you. Take advantage man, take advantage.”
IMDb: 7.2/10
The Batman (2022)
There are two common responses to The Batman: Either you believe it to be the best Batman film ever made, or you have no opinion at all. But until you see it, you won’t know! In order to portray Bruce Wayne’s alter persona, Robert Pattinson dons a huge black cloak and an entire Hot Topic’s worth of black eye makeup.
The movie follows Batman as he pursues a murderer while having the unique quirk of leaving behind a trail of cryptic puzzles in his wake, learning disturbing details about Gotham’s murky past as a corrupt city. Colin Farrell’s performance as The Penguin, in which he pulls off a remarkable imitation of a New York accent while donning 200 coats of prosthetics that make him completely unrecognizable, is the standout moment of the film. The best performance and brilliant acting made this Best Black Movies On HBO Max.
Release date: March 4, 2022
Director: Matt Reeves
Writer: Matt Reeves, Peter Craig, Bob Kane
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright
Genre: Action, Crime and Drama
Shooting Place: Liverpool and London, England, UK
Famous dialogue: “Fear is a tool. When that light hits the sky, it’s not just a call. It’s a warning. For them.”
IMDb: 7.8/10
Malcolm X (1992)
Malcolm X, a biographical movie on civil rights hero Malcolm X, was co-written and directed by Spike Lee. Denzel Washington plays the lead in the movie, and Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, and Delroy Lindo play supporting roles. One of Denzel Washington’s most recognizable performances and one of Spike Lee’s finest works is Malcolm X.
In addition to Washington’s outstanding performance, the movie provides a nuanced portrait of among the most significant and enduring figures of the past 100 years. Additionally, it offers viewers a glimpse of a Black leader at a pivotal juncture in American history. Other excellent movies on HBO Max with Denzel Washington are Training Day, The Little Things, and Inside Man, which was also directed by Washington.
Release date: November 18, 1992
Director: Spike Lee
Writer: Arnold Perl, Spike Lee, Alex Haley
Cast: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo
Genre: Drama, History
Shooting Place: Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca
Famous dialogue: “A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
IMDb: 7.7/10
A Patch of Blue (1965)
Sidney Poitier and Elizabeth Hartman starred in Guy Green’s film A Patch of Blue. The story centers on the bond between a Black man and an 18-year-old blind white girl. It illustrates some of the tension that developed between them as friends during this time in history (the 1960s), when racism and division were the norm.
The character played by Elizabeth Hartman is mentored by Sidney Poitier, who also appears to be the only person who genuinely cares about assisting this young lady. It’s an engaging and well-acted interpretation of the concept of loving a person for the essence of their character rather than their skin tone. It’s one of Sidney Poitier’s best films. More Poitier films are available on HBO if you’re in the mood.
Release date: December 10, 1965
Director: Guy Green
Writers: Elizabeth Kata, Guy Green
Cast: Sidney Poitier, Shelley Winters, Elizabeth Hartman
Genre: Drama, Music and Romance
Shooting Place: Los Angeles
Famous dialogue: “I know everything I need to know about you. I love you.”
IMDb: 8/10
Hotel Rwanda (2005)
The true story of Paul and Tatiana Rusesabagina, who tried to rescue more than 1,000 refugees by giving them sanctuary during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, served as the inspiration for the movie Hotel Rwanda. Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo are its stars. The movie takes a sobering look at political brutality and corruption.
Because the creatures are real and this actually occurred not too long ago and might happen again, it is one of those films that stays with you. In Hotel Rwanda, Don Cheadle delivers one of his greatest performances.
Release date: December 22, 2004
Director: Terry George
Writers: Keir Pearson, Terry George
Cast: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix
Genre: Biography, Drama and History
Shooting Place: Kigali, Rwanda, and Johannesburg, South Africa
Famous dialogue: “You cannot seriously think that you can kill them all!”
IMDb: 8.1/10
Wrapping Up
Above mentioned movies are amazing to watch with family and if you are interested in black movie content then there are variety of Best Black Movies On HBO Max.
