WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The temps are screaming stay at home and, well, covid-19 so we’ve compiled a list of 11 romantic comedies starring African American actors and actresses (in no particular order) that you can binge this Black History Month (or any month).
“Love Jones” (1997)
Cast: Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Lisa Nicole Carson
Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate) is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Mosley (Nia Long), a beautiful and talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or are just "kicking it," they hang out with their friend, talking about love and sex. The poetic chemistry between Darius and Nina will leave you “jonesing” for more.
“Claudine” (1974)
Cast: James Earl Jones, Diahann Carroll, and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs
Claudine (Diahann Carroll) is a single mother of six in Harlem, living on welfare, who falls for Rupert (James Earl Jones) in this 1974 classic. Although this couple faces adversity from the system and from Claudine’s kids, it’s happily ever after in the end.
“Boomerang” (1992)
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin Givens
Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy), a womanizing ad executive finds himself falling for his new boss, who echoes his own cavalier ways and finds his lifestyle choices have turned back on him.
“The Best Man” (1999)
Cast: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Terrence Howard, Regina Hall
College friends reunite for a wedding and stories of past rendezvouses wreaks havoc as the it is discovered one of the friends has written a book about the crew. The all-star cast delivers as Mia (Monica Calhoun) and Lance (Morris Chestnut) make their bond official.
“Brown Sugar” (2002)
Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Taye Diggs, Queen Latifah, Mos Def
The musical genre of the 80’s and 90’s, hip hop is the tie that binds Sidney (Sanaa Lathan) and Dre (Taye Diggs) since their childhood in Brooklyn. In the end, they realize it’s not just the music, but also their mutual love for each other that holds them together.
Coming to America (1988)
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley and John Amos
As a prince of the fictional African nation of Zamund, it’s time for Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) to find a princess and the mission leads him and his most loyal friend to Queens, New York. Portraying an impoverished immigrant student, Akeem finds himself a new job, new friends, new digs, new enemies and lots of trouble.
“Jumping the Broom” (2011)
Cast: Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine
The title signifying the African American tradition when getting married this movie takes a look at the different social standing in the Black community. Coming from different social backgrounds, Sabrina (Paula Patton) and Jason (Laz Alonzo) fid a way to make their love work. Despite meddling parents, family drama and a series of mishaps, luckily, love saves the day.
“Think Like A Man” (2012)
Cast: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Terrence J., Romany Malco, Lala Anthony, Gary Owen
Inspired by Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man a group of charming, sexy yet emotionally challenged men (Terrence Jenkins, Michael Ealy, Romany Malco, Jerry Ferrara and Kevin Hart) turn the tables on their lovely ladies (Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good and Regina Hall) when they discover they’ve been using Steve Harvey’s hit relationship book, Think Like A Man.
“Just Wright” (2010)
Cast: Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade
Leslie (Queen Latifah) is a physical therapist who falls for her pro NBA client that she is treating for an injury, Scott McKnight (Common). All is going well until Leslie finds herself falling for Scott, forcing her to choose between the gig of a lifetime and the tug-of-war inside her heart.
The Wood (1999)
Cast: Taye Diggs, Omar Epps, Richard T. Jones & Sanaa Lathan
It’s a runaway groom! Three old friends -- Mike, Roland and Slim revisit of their childhood in Inglewood, Calif., as they prepare for Roland's wedding. The groom gets cold feet and goes missing, Mike and Slim struggle to find and return him to his impatient bride before the wedding begins.
Why Did I Get Married? (2007)
Cast: Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Tasha Smith, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Richard T. Jones
In this Tyler Perry film, eight married friends embark on their annual trip to Colorado. Through events and frank conversations they address their individual marital issues of insecurity, infidelity, distrust and unbalanced love.
"About Last Night" (2014)
Cast: Michael Ealy, Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant
https://youtu.be/-QEfDr1OE8Q?t=38
On a night out, Danny (Michael Ealy) meets a successful businesswoman, Debbie (Joy Bryant), and they have an instant connection. But despite their wariness of love, the two try to make it work. At the same time, their respective best friends (Kevin Hart, Regina Hall) warn them not to commit.
So go get your popcorn and snacks ready, bundle up under a cozy blanket, get comfortable and start binging these hilarious and heart warming movies.
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