When a Black story is told in Hollywood it is most likely about slavery, segregation or the Black struggle. While these topics are important and these films can be used for educational purposes, they don’t always accurately portray the Black experience. Here are five Black films that don’t solely focus on trauma.

Black Panther (2018)

Marvel fans got their first look at T’Challa, also known as Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman, in “Captain America: Civil War” and then later in 2018’s “Black Panther.” This film was Marvel Studios’ first film with a Black director, Ryan Coogler, and a predominantly Black cast.

The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira and Letitia Wright. “Black Panther” follows T’Challa being crowned king of Wakanda after his father’s death, but things take a turn when Kilmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, challenges him for the throne. 

T’Chaka, T’Challa’s father, killed Kilmonger’s father when he was a little boy so he’s back for revenge and wants to rule over Wakanda so he can distribute Vibranium and Wakandan weapons to other African countries.

Last Holiday (2006)

This romantic-comedy stars Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Alicia Witt and Gérard Depardieu and is based on a British film of the same name. 

Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) works as a department store assistant and wants to be a professional chef, but is too shy to go after it. Instead, she keeps a scrapbook detailing a better life for herself and documents her feelings for her co-worker Sean Williams (LL Cool J). 

When she learns that she has a rare brain condition and only has a few weeks to live, she takes the rest of the money she has left and jets off to Europe to enjoy her last few weeks alive. 

While enjoying herself at the luxury resort, a hotel worker convinces Georgia to go back and confess her feelings for Sean, but as she’s heading for the airport she notices that an avalanche is blocking the road. 

Coming to America (1988)

“Coming to America” is a romantic comedy created by Eddie Murphy who is also the lead in the film. The film also stars Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones and Shari Headley. 

This film follows Prince Akeem Joffer, played by Murphy, who grows tired of his wealthy lifestyle in Zamunda and enlists the help of his best friend Semmi, played by Hall, to travel together to New York City to find a bride that likes him for who he is and not his title. 

Akeem and Semmi pose as foreign students while in NYC and end up attending a rally where Akeem meets Lisa McDowell. To get closer to her, Akeem and Semmi work at her father’s fast food restaurant McDowell’s, a knock-off of McDonald’s.

King Richard (2021)
This biopic stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, father and coach to Venus and Serena Williams, and what he did to set off their careers as tennis stars. The film also stars Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton and Tony Goldwyn. 

“King Richard” follows their life growing up in Compton as a family of seven and how Richard had the plan to turn them into successful tennis players before they were born. Richard and Brandy, played by Aunjanue Ellis, both train the girls while also making sure they’re doing good in school and working full-time jobs to keep the whole family afloat.

All while doing this, Richard hands out brochures and contacts tennis coaches all over to see who can train the girls until Paul Cohen, played by Goldwyn, takes him up on his offer. 

Love & Basketball (2000)

“Love and Basketball” is a romantic sports drama that stars Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard and Dennis Haysbert. Quincy and Monica, played by Epps and Lathan, have been next-door neighbors since childhood and bonded over their shared love of basketball.

The film details the struggles Monica faces as a woman basketball player, while Quincy is recognized early in his career. They both have dreams of playing professionally, but on their journey, they deal with setbacks, feelings for each other, as well as growing up and apart.