February is all about watching romantic movies that showcase black people in love and celebrating Black History Month. In fact to stay on top of wellness holidays, go to the shop to purchase the wellness calendar.
It only makes sense to offer a list of some of my favorite classic black whirlwind movies that I watch year-round. These movies are especially good to watch in February, just saying.
Movies To Watch With Your Significant Partner or Other
1. Photograph (2020)
Mind you, this list is in no particular order but it shouldn’t surprise you that I would start with a movie starring Issa Rae.
I just love her and all that she’s doing.
Being that I saw this movie on Valentine’s day with my husband, this movie was one of the first movies that came to mind.
This plot revolves around a famed photographer dying unexpectedly, leaving her estranged daughter confused and angry.
Questions arise when Mae (Issa Rae) finds a photograph that leads her down a path to learn more about her mother while also brewing a romance with a journalist.
It’s one of the first millennial-approved movies that exhibit intimate black love correctly if I do say so myself.
It’s a must-see in February and every month for that matter. Black love is beautiful for real.
2. Love And Basketball (2000)
When I think of a love story involving two athletes that happen to love basketball, I think of this movie.
Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, this film has to be one of my favorite movies I watched when I got a little older.
No joke, it made me want to go play basketball.
Outside of the black culture, it’s probably not appreciated but within the black community, this is one of the best black love stories of our time.
This movie takes place around two next-door neighbors who are talented in their own right while pursuing a career in basketball.
The most telling about this film is that they end up unexpectedly falling in love with each other.
The ultimate black teen love movie.
For the first time, we saw black intimacy in the realm of sports with both main characters equally loving the sport of basketball and loving each other just as hard.
Classic Love Movies 90s
3. Waiting To Exhale (1995)
Where do I start when it comes to this movie? This movie will leave you seeking friendships like this.
I consider this movie in the group of underrated black films because this dynamic cast of black actresses brought something so compelling to this film.
Taken place in Phoenix, Arizona ( so interesting, might I add), it centers around 4 women who are friends but are going through their own journey involving men and relationships.
But this movie offers so much more than that. It will make you laugh, and possibly cry all while rooting for those in pursuit of love.
Best Black Romantic Comedies
4. How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Starring Angela Basset and Taye Diggs, the title of this movie tell you everything that you need to know.
It’s starring a hardworking, newly divorced broker who decides to go on a well-deserved vacation in Jamaica after some coaxing from her best friend.
She finds herself in a whirlwind romance with a handsome black man (native to the island) who is 20 years younger than her.
When she returns to her real life, she and her love interest are trying to navigate the world together as a couple.
This movie is on repeat in my house.
This movie is by far one of the best 1990s romance movies not just because Angella Basset is in but because this falls under African American movies based on books.
I love the adaptation of it, what about you?
The Most Believable Black Romantic Couple
6. Love Jones (1997)
One of my favorite 90s black love movies starring Nia Long and Larenz Tate. I literally watch this movie about 20 times every year.
This film draws me in due to the art scene’s influence.
Taken place in Chicago, a photographer (Nia Long) and a writer (Larenz Tate) take a chance on love when they find in common that their passions lie in art, music, etc. They become intimate with each other and their relationship is tested as they work to figure out if they really want it to work.
I just love black love, don’t you? Many of us could easily find the Love Jones full movie on youtube but I tend to watch it on Netflix like all of the other young people.
I don’t know if there is a list of highest-grossing black films about black love but if there is one, this movie should be on that list. The soundtrack alone is legendary.
7. Sylvie’s Love (2020)
You’ll often find this on one of those best black romance movie lists because it does not disappoint. This full movie about love is so satisfying to watch.
This movie is set in the 1950s when a young woman meets an eager saxophonist player in her father’s music shop. There is nothing like being able to witness a romantic black man attempt to court a woman.
I enjoyed watching their budding love turn into something deeper, even when love was nearly lost, I kept rooting for those two to win. It’s the epitome of African American love back when we referred to ourselves on a regular basis as “African American.”
8. Really Love (2020)
Talk about watching something so normal to us, black young love. This is the kind of movie that you want normalized and seen in theaters. I’m beginning to notice a trend of loving movies that revolve around black creatives.
This emotional rollercoaster movie takes you on a journey with a talented painter who meets a beautiful lawyer-to-be law student. Truthfully speaking, it’s one of the best black love story movies out today. The director did such a good job capturing this American romance.
Their tender moments are captured so well. My husband and I sat and watched this together when we were all mandated to be home with a curfew.
I feel so fortunate to have been able to watch this movie with ease because their love was impactful and so telling. For black couples, this is the perfect black valentines movie to watch with your boo.
Black Love Romance Movies
So, I have to know, which movie listed is your favorite?
