Black love oozed from this John Singleton classic. “Poetic Justice” (1993) showed Black love on the margins of society, beyond partner relationships. Embodied within the central four characters was self-love so carefree that it led them to love each other fiercely and unapologetically.
Though “Jason’s Lyric” (1994) premiered at the height of “hood films,” this movie is a love story. So intense and powerful was the Black love represented in this film, the Motion Picture Association of America worked hard to cut the iconic love scene in a field of flowers. They didn’t mind all the violence, of course. Side eye.
Set in Chicago’s spoken word scene, “Love Jones” (1997) follows aspiring poet Darius and aspiring photographer Nina as they defy standards of who they should be, and fall in love on their own terms. The film also captures the essence of Black love in friendships.
It’s the classic trope of next-door neighbors and friends falling in love told from the Black perspective. With a strong sports metaphor weaving this tale of love together, “Love & Basketball” (2000) has become a perfect go-to film for a dose of Black love.
“Moonlight” (2016), an Academy Award-winning coming-of-age masterpiece, beautifully captures the heart wrenching struggles and triumphs experienced by Chiron, a Black boy raised in a poor Miami neighborhood, as he navigates the complex dynamics of Black male masculinity, Black sexuality, and Black love. Did your favorite movie make the list?