Best Black Led Movies Listicle
February is Black History Month, a perfect time for the Arts and Entertainment Department to take a look at a few of the best black-led movies released.
“Daddy Daycare” (2013)
In 2013 the release of family comedy, Daddy Daycare, Charlie Hinton–the father played by Eddie Murphy– sparked a laugh from audience members of all ages.
Going from corporate workers to stay-at-home fathers, Hinton and his co-worker embark on a journey to opening a daycare, defying odds along the way.
The plot alone is enough to generate some laughter, but the majority of the comedic value of the movie comes from Murphy’s magic touch.
Throughout the 1980s to the early 2000s virtually every movie he starred in generated buzz in Hollywood: Dr. Dolittle (1998), Imagine That (2009), Coming to America (1988), etc.
During his primetime, the enlarged image of his character made it impossible to miss the movies he was starring in.
All good things come to an end, a fact that made no exception for the Hollywood Star.
Murphy revealed in an interview on Marc Maron's "WTF" podcast that he stopped making movies in 2011, as he wasn’t striking as much luck over his past couple of movies at the time.
Hopeful that he one day makes a comeback, there is no doubt that Murphy's magic era is surely one to look back on with a smile. - Abigail Chachoute
“I Am Legend” (2007)
Will Smith has been a prominent black figure in the media for decades. Smith’s fame and success stem from his experiences as an actor, comedian, rapper and producer.
His most memorable roles include The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Men in Black and half of the former rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, which produced 5 albums.
Delving into another notable film, I am Legend is set in New York City, now evacuated and running rampant with blood-thirsty mutants. Will Smith plays Robert Neville, the sole survivor.
Upon discovering his immunity to the virus, Neville stays behind after his wife and daughter make it out of the city safely.
Adopting the role of a mutant hunter, Neville makes strides towards finding a cure for the virus and reviving the city he knows and loves.
Neville is outnumbered and vulnerable at night (when the creatures thrive), but he fights against those odds to prevent the spread of infection and assure the safety of his family.
Will Smith’s portrayal of the character allows his emotions to shine through the cracks of his tough exterior. In other words, Neville was brought to life and humanized, sparing the audience from the overplayed gritty, stone-cold ‘hero’ role. - Jah-Preece Landrum
“White Chicks” (2004)
Although the title is misleading, this film stars two Black male actors that use whiteface to disguise themselves as White women to solve a kidnapping in this hilarious comedy.
Actors Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans play brothers that are FBI agents together and they represent a sibling relationship accurately and humorously as they are brothers in real life.
When they yet again mess up an important mission by getting the Wilson sisters they needed to escort into a car accident, they take matters into their own hands by disguising themselves as the girls to attend their event.
The brothers face a variety of hilarious challenges while trying to portray the gorgeous and high-class women.
They encounter friendships, rivalries, romantic relationships and female topics that they respond to in humorous ways, while also having their agenda as themselves- getting girls/keeping them happy and solving crime.
This movie has a silly plot that was amazingly developed into a story with emotions, character development, intense humor and a sweet ending. “White Chicks” is an amazing film with substance and comedy that makes it stand out. - Rachel Fisher
Abigail Chachoute is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email axc6070@psu.edu.
Jah-Preece Landrum is a third-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jahpreecelandrum@gmail.com.
Rachel Fisher is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email rlf5481@psu.edu
About the Contributors
Rachel Fisher
2025 /
Rachel Fisher is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. She is the DJ Coordinator of the Arts and Entertainment Department and an involved member, focusing on music and TV news. She is from Ocean, New Jersey, and is interested in singing, food, music, and audio production. Follow her on Instagram @rachelfisherrr_
Jah-Preece Landrum
Third / Telecommunications
To contact Jah-Preece, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
