The 100 Essential Black Comedy Movies

Critics Consensus: In dramatizing Rudy Ray Moore’s stranger-than-fiction story, Eddie Murphy makes Dolemite Is My Name just as bold, brash, and ultimately hard to resist as its subject.

Synopsis: Performer Rudy Ray Moore develops an outrageous character named Dolemite, who becomes an underground sensation and star of a kung-fu, anti-establishment film that could make… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Keegan-Michael Key

Directed By: Craig Brewer, Michael Beugg, Charisse M. Hewitt

Critics Consensus: Dishing out enough laughter and chemistry to spare through Keke Palmer and SZA, One of Them Days makes the buddy-comedy genre feel like magic once again.

Synopsis: Best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) are about to have One of Them Days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keke Palmer, SZA, Maude Apatow, Lil Rel Howery

Directed By: Lawrence Lamont, Keke Palmer, Sharon Palmer, Charles D. King

Critics Consensus: Fearlessly ambitious, scathingly funny, and thoroughly original, Sorry to Bother You loudly heralds the arrival of a fresh filmmaking talent in writer-director Boots Riley.

Synopsis: In an alternate reality of present-day Oakland, Calif., telemarketer Cassius Green finds himself in a macabre universe after he discovers a magical key that leads… View Full Synopsis

Starring: LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Omari Hardwick

Directed By: Boots Riley, Michael Y. Chow, Michael K. Shen, Kim Roth

Synopsis: Aspiring actor Tom (Mario Joyner), supermarket clerk Johnny (John Leguizamo), wannabe Black Power militant Willie (Doug E. Doug) and unemployed ladies’ man Fernando (Nestor Serrano),… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Doug E. Doug, Mario Joyner, John Leguizamo, Nestor Serrano

Directed By: Joseph B. Vasquez, Janet Grillo

Critics Consensus: Smart, vibrant, and urgent without being didactic, Do the Right Thing is one of Spike Lee’s most fully realized efforts — and one of the most important films of the 1980s.

Synopsis: Salvatore “Sal” Fragione (Danny Aiello) is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito), becomes upset when he… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson

Directed By: Spike Lee

Critics Consensus: A raucous capitalist critique, I Love Boosters careens through the carefully-controlled chaos of writer-director Boots Riley’s imagination to deliver a comedy that’s as funny as it is thought-provoking.

Synopsis: Professional shoplifters embark on a wild adventure as they target a cutthroat fashion mogul.

Starring: Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu

Directed By: Boots Riley

Critics Consensus: Marking an auspicious feature film debut for Eddie Murphy, 48 Hrs. is a briskly paced action comedy that succeeds largely due to the outstanding chemistry between its two leads.

Synopsis: Renegade cop Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) pulls bank robber Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) from a federal prison on a 48-hour leave to help him capture… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Nick Nolte, Eddie Murphy, Annette O'Toole, Frank McRae

Directed By: Walter Hill, D. Constantine Conte

Critics Consensus: Girls Trip is the rare R-rated comedy that pushes boundaries to truly comedic effect — and anchors its laughs in compelling characters brought to life by a brilliantly assembled cast.

Synopsis: Best friends Ryan, Sasha, Lisa and Dina are in for the adventure of a lifetime when they travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee, Preston L. Holmes, James Lopez

Critics Consensus: Heartfelt, thought-provoking, and above all funny, Barbershop: The Next Cut is the rare belated sequel that more than lives up to the standard set by its predecessors.

Synopsis: To survive harsh economic times, Calvin and Angie have merged the barbershop and beauty salon into one business. The days of male bonding are gone… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Sean Patrick Thomas

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee, Malcolm D. Lee, Becki Cross Trujillo, Ronald G. Muhammad

Critics Consensus: Assembling an all-star team and letting them have infectious fun, Bingo Long throws a grand party in the dugout while giving a generation of ballplayers their overdue shine.

Synopsis: Top baseball pitcher Bingo Long (Billy Dee Williams) is fed up with how his Negro League team owner treats him, so he forms his own… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones, Richard Pryor, Rico Dawson

Directed By: John Badham, Berry Gordy

Critics Consensus: Featuring deft interplay between Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, Trading Places is an immensely appealing social satire.

Synopsis: Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and down-and-out hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are the subjects of a bet by successful brokers Mortimer… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche

Directed By: John Landis, George Folsey Jr.

Critics Consensus: As smart, funny, and trenchant as writer-director-star Chris Rock’s best standup work, Top Five is a career highlight for its creator — and one of the comedy standouts of 2014.

Synopsis: Though he began in stand-up comedy, Andre Allen (Chris Rock) hit the big-time as the star of a trilogy of action-comedies about a talking bear…. View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union

Directed By: Chris Rock, Tony Hernandez, Lila Yacoub

Critics Consensus: Sidney Poitier’s directorial debut may be more steady than inspired, but Harry Belafonte’s live-wire performance and a Black perspective on classic Western tropes make for a refreshing addition to the genre.

Synopsis: Following the end of the Civil War, soldier-turned-trail-guide Buck (Sidney Poitier) makes a living by helping former slaves find settlements in the West. Along the… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, Cameron Mitchell

Directed By: Sidney Poitier

Critics Consensus: A loving and meticulous send-up of 1970s blaxsploitation movies, Black Dynamite is funny enough for the frat house and clever enough for film buffs.

Synopsis: After The Man kills his brother and poisons the neighborhood with tainted liquor, a kung fu fighter (Michael Jai White) wages a war that takes… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Jai White, Kym Whitley, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Chapman

Directed By: Scott Sanders, James Berkeley, Deanna Berkeley

Critics Consensus: The buddy cop movie continues its evolution unabated with this Eddie Murphy vehicle that’s fast, furious, and funny.

Synopsis: After his childhood buddy is murdered while visiting Detroit, rebellious cop Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) follows the leads to Beverly Hills, Calif., under the auspices… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher

Directed By: Martin Brest, Mike Moder

Critics Consensus: Cooley High crackles with vibrant energy and authenticity, elevated by an impressively natural cast and Michael Schultz’s effortless direction.

Synopsis: Richard “Cochise” Morris (Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs), a local basketball hero, and Leroy “Preach” Jackson (Glynn Turman), who dreams of a career in writing, are likable Chicago… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Glynn Turman, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, Garrett Morris, Cynthia Davis

Directed By: Michael Schultz, Samuel Z. Arkoff

Critics Consensus: Besides bringing on the laughs, Barbershop displays a big heart and demonstrates the value of community.

Synopsis: A smart comedy about a day in the life of a barbershop on the south side of Chicago. Calvin (Ice Cube), who inherited the struggling… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ice Cube, Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer, Sean Patrick Thomas

Directed By: Tim Story, Matt Alvarez, Larry Kennar

Critics Consensus: Essentially a sports movie with drums, the energetic Drumline somehow manages to make the familiar seem fresh.

Synopsis: Set against the high-energy, high-stakes world of show-style marching bands, “Drumline” is a fish-out-of-water comedy about a talented street drummer from Harlem who enrolls in… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldaña, Orlando Jones, Leonard Roberts

Directed By: Charles Stone III, Dallas Austin, Greg Mooradian

Critics Consensus: Keanu‘s absurd premise and compulsively watchable starring duo add up to an agreeably fast-paced comedy that hits more than enough targets to make up for the misses.

Synopsis: Recently dumped by his girlfriend, slacker Rell finds some happiness when a cute kitten winds up on his doorstep. After a heartless thief steals the… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Tiffany Haddish, Method Man

Directed By: Peter Atencio

Critics Consensus: Fast-paced and filled with racial gags, Undercover Brother serves up plenty of laughs and sharp satire.

Synopsis: Blasted from the past and ready to take care of business, “Undercover Brother” is recruited to infiltrate a sinister underground movement headed by The Man…. View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Denise Richards, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee, John Ridley, Bill Carraro, Kim Roth

Critics Consensus: Loaded up with action and a double helping of leading-man charisma, Bad Boys for Life reinvigorates this long-dormant franchise by playing squarely to its strengths.

Synopsis: The wife and son of a Mexican drug lord embark on a vengeful quest to kill all those involved in his trial and imprisonment –… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Jacob Scipio

Directed By: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah, Bill Bannerman, James Lassiter

Critics Consensus: Cool Runnings rises above its formulaic sports-movie themes with charming performances, light humor, and uplifting tone.

Synopsis: Four Jamaican bobsledders dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite never having seen snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Leon, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba, John Candy

Directed By: Jon Turteltaub, Christopher Meledandri, Susan B. Landau

Critics Consensus: White Men Can’t Jump provides a fresh take on the sports comedy genre, with a clever script and a charismatic trio of leads.

Synopsis: Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson) is a white basketball hustler who banks on black players underestimating his skills on the court. When he pulls one over… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez, Tyra Ferrell

Directed By: Ron Shelton, Michele Rappaport

Critics Consensus: House Party is a light, entertaining teen comedy with an infectious energy.

Synopsis: Play’s parents are out of town, and he’s planning the house party to end all house parties. His best friend, Kid, wants to go more… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robin Harris, Christopher Reid, Christopher Martin, Martin Lawrence

Directed By: Reginald Hudlin, Gerald T. Olson

Critics Consensus: Featuring director John Sayles trademark humanity and an expressive performance from Joe Morton, The Brother from Another Planet is an observant, dryly comic sci-fi gem.

Synopsis: The Brother (Joe Morton) is an alien and escaped slave on the run from his home planet. After he lands in New York City, he… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Joe Morton, Daryl Edwards, Steve James, Leonard Jackson

Directed By: John Sayles

Critics Consensus: Hollywood Shuffle overcomes budgetary constraints with sharp humor and infectious energy, heralding the arrival of an exciting new filmmaking talent in the bargain.

Synopsis: Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor (Robert Townsend) catches the ire of his grandmother (Helen Martin) for auditioning for a role in the… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Townsend, Anne-Marie Johnson, Starletta DuPois, Helen Martin

Directed By: Robert Townsend, Carl Craig

Synopsis: A white insurance salesman, Jeff Gerber (Godfrey Cambridge), gets the surprise of his life when he wakes up and discovers that his skin now resembles… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Godfrey Cambridge, Estelle Parsons, Howard Caine, D'Urville Martin

Directed By: Melvin Van Peebles, Leon Mirell

Critics Consensus: A personal project that warmly reflects on director Spike Lee’s childhood, Crooklyn is an episodic celebration of family and the indelible facets of one’s hometown.

Synopsis: As her teacher mother, Carolyn (Alfre Woodard), and her jazz musician father, Woody (Delroy Lindo), worry over monthly bills, grade-schooler student Troy Carmichael (Zelda Harris)… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, David Patrick Kelly, Zelda Harris

Directed By: Spike Lee

Critics Consensus: What Friday might lack in taut construction or directorial flair, it more than makes up with its vibrant (albeit consistently crass) humor and the charming, energetic performances of its leads.

Synopsis: It’s Friday and Craig Jones has just gotten fired for stealing cardboard boxes. To make matters worse, rent is due, he hates his overbearing girlfriend,… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tommy Tiny Lister

Directed By: F. Gary Gray, Ice Cube

Critics Consensus: Looking for a sweet musical comedy about a witness to a crime hiding out from killers in a convent? There’s nun better than Sister Act.

Synopsis: When lively lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) sees her mobster beau, Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel), commit murder, she is relocated for her protection…. View Full Synopsis

Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena

Directed By: Emile Ardolino, Scott Rudin

Synopsis: When its chairman dies, an advertising firm’s executive board must elect someone to fill the position. Each member, unable to vote for himself, casts a… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Arnold Johnson, Pepi Hermine, Allen Garfield, Laura Greene

Directed By: Robert Downey Sr.

Critics Consensus: The Best Man Holiday manages honest laughs out of broad humor, and affects convincing drama from a deeply conventional plot.

Synopsis: Nearly 15 years after they were last together as a group, college friends Lance (Morris Chestnut), Harper (Taye Diggs), Candace (Regina Hall), Quentin (Terrence Howard),… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee, Preston L. Holmes

Critics Consensus: With a strong cast and a host of well-defined characters, The Best Man is an intelligent, funny romantic comedy that marks an impressive debut for writer/director Malcolm D. Lee.

Synopsis: After writing a soon-to-be bestselling novel, writer and committed bachelor Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) attempts to hide the fact that his saucy new book is… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee

Critics Consensus: Eddie Murphy was in full control at this point, starkly evident in Coming to America‘s John Landis’ coasting direction.

Synopsis: Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is the prince of a wealthy African country and wants for nothing, except a wife who will love him in spite… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, John Amos, James Earl Jones

Directed By: John Landis, Leslie Belzberg, Mark Lipsky

Critics Consensus: About Last Night wanders even further from the David Mamet play that inspired the original, but it benefits from an engaging cast and a screenplay that smartly balances romance and comedy.

Synopsis: While out with loudmouthed pal Bernie (Kevin Hart), Danny (Michael Ealy) meets successful businesswoman Debbie (Joy Bryant), who’s as leery of relationships as Danny is…. View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant

Directed By: Steve Pink, Glenn S. Gainor, Alicia Emmrich

Synopsis: Claudine (Diahann Carroll) is a single mother in New York City who endures an exhausting commute to the suburbs where she works as a maid… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs

Directed By: John Berry

Critics Consensus: Roll Bounce dazzles us with a classic late 1970’s feel, but this coming of age film could have been more than just a spin around the roller rink.

Synopsis: Xavier (Bow Wow), a teenage boy in Chicago, struggles with the loss of his mother and turns to roller skating as a way to deal… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, Chi McBride, Mike Epps, Wesley Jonathan

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee, Dana Reid, Adam Robinson

Critics Consensus: Though predictable and possibly too sweet, Brown Sugar is charming, well-acted, and smarter than typical rom-com fare.

Synopsis: Sidney and Dre can attribute their friendship and the launch of their careers to one single childhood instant … witnessing the birth of hip-hop on… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Yasiin Bey, Nicole Ari Parker

Directed By: Rick Famuyiwa, Magic Johnson

Critics Consensus: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remain good company even when Bad Boys strains to up the ante, proving there’s still life left in this high-octane franchise.

Synopsis: This Summer, the world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig

Directed By: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah, Barry H. Waldman, Mike Stenson

Critics Consensus: Strong lead performances and catchy musical interludes rescue this coming-of-age story from its formulaic script and uneven direction.

Synopsis: Four working-class teenagers live in an Atlanta neighborhood where hip-hop music rules and the coolest place to hang out is the local rollerskating rink. As… View Full Synopsis

Starring: T.I., Lauren London, Mykelti Williamson, Keith David

Directed By: Chris Robinson, Timothy M. Bourne, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins

Critics Consensus: The Nutty Professor falls back on juvenile humor eagerly and often, but Eddie Murphy’s consistently funny work in dual roles means more for audiences to love.

Synopsis: Brilliant and obese scientist Sherman Klump (Eddie Murphy) invents a miraculous weight-loss solution. After a date with chemistry student Carla Purty (Jada Pinkett) goes badly,… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett Smith, James Coburn, Larry Miller

Directed By: Tom Shadyac, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Jerry Lewis, Mark Lipsky

Critics Consensus: I’m Gonna Git You Sucka puts a satirical spin on ’70s nostalgia with a comedy whose somewhat scattershot laughs are often offset by pure energetic silliness.

Synopsis: Jack Spade (Keenen Ivory Wayans) comes home to the ghetto and finds his brother dead from a gold chain overdose. With the help of his… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Bernie Casey, Antonio Fargas, Steve James

Directed By: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Eric L. Gold, Raymond Katz

Critics Consensus: While it won’t win any awards for originality, the combustible chemistry between its stars means Rush Hour hits just as hard on either side of the action-comedy divide.

Synopsis: When a Chinese diplomat’s daughter is kidnapped in Los Angeles, he calls in Hong Kong Detective Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) to assist the FBI with… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Tom Wilkinson, Tzi Ma

Directed By: Brett Ratner, Jay Stern

Critics Consensus: A charming piece of work with believable characters.

Synopsis: Three old friends — Mike (Omar Epps), Roland (Taye Diggs) and Slim (Richard T. Jones) — recount memories of their shared childhood in Inglewood, Calif.,… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Omar Epps, Taye Diggs, Richard T. Jones, Sean Nelson

Directed By: Rick Famuyiwa, Van Toffler

Critics Consensus: Solid performances and a steady directorial hand help The Preacher’s Wife offer some reliably heartwarming – albeit fairly predictable – holiday cheer.

Synopsis: A cleric begins to doubt himself and is visited by an angel. The heavenly emissary is supposed to help the good reverend over his midlife… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines

Directed By: Penny Marshall, Elliot Abbott, Robert Greenhut

Synopsis: A wrongly jailed man (Rudy Ray Moore) and his female kung-fu friends seek vengeance on the rival (D’Urville Martin) who put him away.

Starring: Rudy Ray Moore, D'Urville Martin, Jerry Jones, Lady Reed

Directed By: D'Urville Martin

Critics Consensus: Though somewhat formulaic and predictable, Perry succeeds in mixing broad humor with sincere sentimentality to palatable effect.

Synopsis: Madea catches teenage Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home. She decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Brian White

Directed By: Tyler Perry, Michael Paseornek

Critics Consensus: School Daze is undeniably messy, but thought-provoking themes, strong performances, and Spike Lee’s ingratiating energy help tie it all together.

Synopsis: At historically black Mission College, the activist-minded Dap (Larry Fishburne) immerses himself in a world of political rhetoric and social movements — one day he… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Joe Seneca

Directed By: Spike Lee, Grace Blake

Critics Consensus: A pleasant and innocuous diversion for kids, but adults may have trouble sitting through the movie’s predictable plotlines and schmaltz.

Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old, hoops-loving Calvin Cambridge has a dream: to be a famous basketball player — to mix it up among the NBA’s greatest. But in a… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, Morris Chestnut, Jonathan Lipnicki, Robert Forster

Directed By: John Schultz, Adam Silver, Gregg Winik

Critics Consensus: Although Queen Latifah’s bountiful life-affirming spirit permeates the film, director Wayne Wang is unable to revive this remake with any real flair.

Synopsis: The discovery that she has a terminal illness prompts introverted saleswoman Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) to reflect on what she realizes has been an overly… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Queen Latifah, Gérard Depardieu, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton

Directed By: Wayne Wang

Critics Consensus: Its heart is in the right place — and so is its appealing cast — but Jumping the Broom is ultimately too cliched and thinly written to recommend.

Synopsis: Sabrina Watson (Paula Patton) is a successful corporate lawyer who comes from an old-money family. When she meets Jason Taylor (Laz Alonso), she thinks she’s… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine

Directed By: Salim Akil

Critics Consensus: In Think Like a Man, an otherwise standard rom-com is partially elevated by a committed — and attractive — cast, resulting in a funny take on modern romance.

Synopsis: For one reason or another, friends Dominic, Jeremy, Michael and Zeke just can’t seem to seal the deal with the women in their lives. When… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall

Directed By: Tim Story, Steve Harvey, Rushion McDonald, Rob Hardy

Critics Consensus: Bernie Mac demonstrates he can play the game even if the movie’s a few innings short of a complete game.

Synopsis: Milwaukee Brewers player Stan Ross (Bernie Mac) angers his teammates by retiring during a 1995 playoff game after making the 3,000th base hit required to… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Bernie Mac, Angela Bassett, Michael Rispoli, Brian White

Directed By: Charles Stone III, Jonathan Glickman, Timothy M. Bourne

Critics Consensus: Bamboozled is too heavy-handed in its satire and comes across as more messy and overwrought than biting.

Synopsis: A blistering satire of network television’s pitfalls and prejudices, a humorous look at how race, ratings and the pursuit of power lead to a television… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Damon Wayans, Savion Glover, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tommy Davidson

Directed By: Spike Lee

Synopsis: After many failed attempts to establish themselves as rappers, Albert (Chris Rock), Euripides (Allen Payne) and Otis (Deezer D) get their big break when nightclub… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Rock, Allen Payne, Deezer D, Chris Elliott

Directed By: Tamra Davis

Critics Consensus: Boomerang injects some fresh color into the corporate rom-com formula, but the frothy fun is undercut by off-putting gender dynamics and misjudged gags.

Synopsis: A cocky ad executive, Marcus (Eddie Murphy) has a reputation as a ladies’ man. However, Marcus gets a taste of his own medicine when a… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin Givens, David Alan Grier

Directed By: Reginald Hudlin, Mark Lipsky

Critics Consensus: Well-intentioned but formulaic, Just Wright has winning leads but can’t overcome its preponderance of cliches.

Synopsis: Physical therapist Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) lands the dream job of working with basketball superstar Scott McKnight (Common). All goes well until Leslie finds that… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton, James Pickens Jr.

Directed By: Sanaa Hamri

Critics Consensus: A disappointingly uneven but overall agreeable spin on a familiar formula, Little benefits from a big heart — and a story that makes good use of its talented, well-matched cast.

Synopsis: Jordan is a take-no-prisoners tech mogul who torments her long-suffering assistant, April, and the rest of her employees on a daily basis. She soon faces… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Regina Hall, Issa Rae, Marsai Martin, Justin Hartley

Directed By: Tina Gordon, Marsai Martin, Josh Martin, Regina Hall

Critics Consensus: Bad Boys stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have enjoyable chemistry; unfortunately, director Michael Bay too often drowns it out with set pieces and explosions in place of an actual story.

Synopsis: Miami-Dade detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) blow a fuse when $100 million worth of heroin they recently confiscated is heisted… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Téa Leoni, Tchéky Karyo

Directed By: Michael Bay, Lucas Foster, Bruce S. Pustin

Critics Consensus: Soul Men features lively performances from Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson and some hilarious moments, but ultimately suffers from an unoriginal script.

Synopsis: Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd (Bernie Mac) used to be one of the country’s top musical duos, until they broke up and never spoke… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac, Sharon Leal, Adam Herschman

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, W. Mark McNair

Critics Consensus: Doctor Dolittle finds some mirth in the novelty of wisecracking critters, but this family feature’s treacly tone is made queasy by a reliance on scatological gags that undercut the intended warmth.

Synopsis: After a fender bender, Dr. John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) gets back his childhood ability to converse with animals. But the gift turns out to be… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Ossie Davis, Oliver Platt, Peter Boyle

Directed By: Betty Thomas, Sue Baden-Powell, Jenno Topping

Critics Consensus: It’s amusing and it assembles a talented cast, but Neil LaBute’s surprisingly faithful remake of the 2007 Frank Oz dramedy ultimately falls short of the original.

Synopsis: Preparing for a funeral is never pleasant, but for Aaron, it is shaping up to be the worst day of his life. Sibling rivalry, meddling… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keith David, Loretta Devine, Peter Dinklage, Ron Glass

Directed By: Neil LaBute, Jim Tauber, Dean Craig, Glenn S. Gainor

Critics Consensus: Though Union and LL Cool J are appealing romantic leads, Deliver Us From Eva is too predictable and contrived.

Synopsis: Eva has been in charge of her younger sisters ever since their parents died, many years ago. Eva’s uncanny ability to interfere in her sisters’… View Full Synopsis

Starring: LL Cool J, Gabrielle Union, Duane Martin, Essence Atkins

Directed By: Gary Hardwick, Paula Weinstein, Barry Levinson

Critics Consensus: Girl 6 has a compelling star, a Prince soundtrack, and Spike Lee’s vivid style – and, unfortunately, a story that’s never as compelling or insightful as it needs to be.

Synopsis: Trying to make it in the acting world, a young black woman (Theresa Randle) resorts to working as a phone sex operator to pay the… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Theresa Randle, Isaiah Washington, Spike Lee, Jenifer Lewis

Directed By: Spike Lee, Jon Kilik

Critics Consensus: Despite a strong performance by Queen Latifah, Beauty Shop is in need of some style pointers.

Synopsis: Far from Chicago, hairdresser Gina Norris has relocated to Atlanta with her daughter and has quickly established herself as a rare talent in her profession…. View Full Synopsis

Starring: Queen Latifah, Alicia Silverstone, Andie MacDowell, Alfre Woodard

Directed By: Bille Woodruff, Matt Alvarez, Ice Cube, Todd Lieberman

Synopsis: When Shirley (Loretta Devine), Madea’s niece, receives distressing news about her health, the only thing she wants is her family gathered around her. However, Shirley’s… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tyler Perry, Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, Loretta Devine, Cassi Davis

Directed By: Tyler Perry, Michael Paseornek, Ozzie Areu

Synopsis: In this animated depiction of a calamitous first date, Robin Harris hits it off with the gorgeous Jamika, whom he meets at her boss’ funeral…. View Full Synopsis

Starring: Faizon Love, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Wayne Collins, Jonell Green

Directed By: Bruce W. Smith, Reginald Hudlin, Warrington Hudlin

Critics Consensus: Martin Lawrence lends his comedic touch, but the movie isn’t much more than standard action-comedy fare.

Synopsis: When a heist goes wrong, thief Miles hides a diamond at a construction site before he’s arrested. After serving two years, Miles returns to the… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Martin Lawrence, Luke Wilson, Peter Greene, Dave Chappelle

Directed By: Les Mayfield, Daniel Melnick, Allen Shapiro

Synopsis: Single mother Diana Armstrong takes to sliding down a stripper pole in order to pay for college — and make a better life for her… View Full Synopsis

Starring: LisaRaye McCoy, Bernie Mac, Monica Calhoun, Anthony Johnson

Directed By: Ice Cube, Ice Cube

Critics Consensus: Good Burger might please hardcore fans of the 1990s Nickelodeon TV series that launched leads Kenan and Kel to stardom, but for all others, it will likely prove a comedy that is neither satisfyingly rare nor well done.

Synopsis: Teen misfits (Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson) at a modest burger joint face competition from a hamburger emporium across the street.

Starring: Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson, Sinbad, Abe Vigoda

Directed By: Brian Robbins, Julia Pistor

Synopsis: Innocent young black man Ashtray (Shawn Wayans) is forced to move into a tough Los Angeles slum with his family, including his oddly streetwise, pot-smoking… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Tracey Cherelle Jones, Chris Spencer

Directed By: Paris Barclay, Mark Burg, Dan Genetti

Critics Consensus: Big Momma’s House is funny in some parts, but it is essentially a one-joke movie.

Synopsis: FBI agent Malcolm Turner is tough, smart and a master of disguise. There’s nothing he can’t handle. So Malcolm, taking on his most challenging “role”… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, Paul Giamatti, Anthony Anderson

Directed By: Raja Gosnell, Jeff Kwatinetz, Martin Lawrence, Rodney Liber

Critics Consensus: A sloppy, poorly directed action-comedy, All About the Benjamins is too derivative and gratuitously violent.

Synopsis: Bounty hunter Bucum Jackson (Ice Cube) teams with the small-time con artist, Reggie Wright (Mike Epps), that he is pursuing, in an attempt to locate… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Eva Mendes, Tommy Flanagan

Directed By: Kevin Bray

Synopsis: Rushon is sexually pent-up and ready to take things to the next level with his girlfriend, Nikki. But when he calls for a date, she… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tommy Davidson, Vivica A. Fox, Tamala Jones

Directed By: Jeff Pollack, Lawrence Turman

Critics Consensus: Head of State squanders its potentially ripe premise with watered-down satire and formulaic gags.

Synopsis: A low-level Washington, D.C., public servant, Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock), is thrust into the national spotlight when he’s asked by Martin Geller (Dylan Baker), the… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Dylan Baker, Nick Searcy

Directed By: Chris Rock, Ezra Swerdlow

Critics Consensus: You’d have to be high to dig Half Baked‘s half baked production and scattershot sense of humor — although maybe that was the point of this Dave Chapelle-led joint.

Synopsis: When a member of their crew gets arrested for killing a New York City police horse by feeding it junk food, three slackin’ stoners are… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Dave Chappelle, Guillermo Díaz, Jim Breuer, Harland Williams

Directed By: Tamra Davis

Critics Consensus: While Eddie Murphy is still hilarious as the entire Klump family, the movie falls apart because of uneven pacing, a poor script, and skits that rely on being gross rather than funny.

Synopsis: Professor Sherman Klump (Eddie Murphy) is getting married. And the Klump family could not be more delighted. His fiancée Denise (Janet Jackson) is thrilled to… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Janet Jackson, Larry Miller, John Ales

Directed By: Peter Segal, James D. Brubaker, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Jerry Lewis

Critics Consensus: Divided between sincere melodrama and populist comedy, Madea Goes to Jail fails to provide enough laughs — or screen time — for its titular heroine.

Synopsis: After a high-speed car chase, Madea winds up behind bars because her quick temper gets the best of her. Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Josh Hardaway… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tyler Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, David Mann

Directed By: Tyler Perry, Michael Paseornek

Critics Consensus: Based as it is on a short skit, Pootie Tang overstays its welcome.

Synopsis: Adapted from a comedy sketch on HBO’s The Chris Rock Show, Pootie Tang (Lance Crouther) is the ultimate superhero. A cool-walking, smooth-talking lady’s man, Pootie… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Lance Crouther, Jennifer Coolidge, Wanda Sykes, Robert Vaughn

Directed By: Louis C.K., Van Toffler, Sean Daniel, Michael Rotenberg

Critics Consensus: An all-star comedy lineup is wasted on a paper-thin plot and painfully clunky dialogue.

Synopsis: In the waning days of Prohibition, Sugar Ray (Richard Pryor) and his adopted son, Quick (Eddie Murphy), run a speakeasy called Club Sugar Ray. When… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Danny Aiello

Directed By: Eddie Murphy, Eddie Murphy

Synopsis: An unassuming teacher, Jefferson Reed (Robert Townsend) lives and works in an urban area plagued by a tough gang. When a falling meteor hits Jefferson,… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Townsend, Marla Gibbs, Eddie Griffin, Robert Guillaume

Directed By: Robert Townsend

Critics Consensus: While it has its moments, Kingdom Come is marred by a script that’s low on laughs and uneven in tone.

Synopsis: The best and the worst of the Slocumb family are on display when Woodrow Bud Slocumb keels over from a stroke. As the town swelters… View Full Synopsis

Starring: LL Cool J, Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, Loretta Devine

Directed By: Doug McHenry, Lawrence Turman, Rochelle Bates

Critics Consensus: Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion is sincere in its positive intentions, but leaves something to be desired as a film.

Synopsis: Southern matriarch Madea has a lot on her plate. Her nieces have relationship troubles, and Madea has just been ordered by the court to become… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tyler Perry, Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitfield, Boris Kodjoe

Directed By: Tyler Perry, Michael Paseornek

Critics Consensus: This Friday installment is more shapeless and stale than its predecessors.

Synopsis: Finds Craig (Ice Cube) and Day-Day (Mike Epps) back in the old neighborhood where it all began. It’s Christmastime and a ghetto Santa Claus breaks… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford

Directed By: Marcus Raboy, Douglas Curtis, Matt Moore, Toby Emmerich

Critics Consensus: How High is a sloppily constructed stoner movie filled with lame, vulgar jokes.

Synopsis: Multi-platinum rap superstars Redman and Method Man star as Jamal and Silas, two regular guys who smoke something magical, ace their college entrance exams and… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Method Man, Redman, Obba Babatundé, Mike Epps

Directed By: Jesse Dylan, Pamela Abdy, Louis G. Friedman, Jonathan Weisgal

Critics Consensus: Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins has moments of comic inspiration — and long stretches of overdone slapstick.

Synopsis: As a child, RJ Stevens (Martin Lawrence) was the awkward brunt of numerous jokes. Now, RJ is a successful talk-show host who dispenses advice and… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Martin Lawrence, James Earl Jones, Margaret Avery, Joy Bryant

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee, Malcolm D. Lee, Timothy M. Bourne, Gary Barber

Critics Consensus: Next Friday lacks the fun of the original Friday. The movie is messy and plotless and relies on unfunny vulgar gags.

Synopsis: Craig bails his friend out of trouble, survives a climactic confrontation with Debo, the neighborhood bully, and ends up with the girl. In Next Friday… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Justin Pierce, John Witherspoon

Directed By: Ice Cube, Michael Gruber, Claire Rudnick Polstein, Steve Carr

Critics Consensus: Even the return of Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte, and director Walter Hill can’t hide the lazy, patchwork quality of Another 48 Hrs.

Synopsis: Jack Cates once again enlists the aid of ex-con Reggie Hammond. This time it is to take down The Iceman, a ruthless drug lord operating… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte, Brion James, Kevin Tighe

Directed By: Walter Hill, Mark Lipsky, Ralph S. Singleton

Critics Consensus: Sister Act is off-key in this reprise, fatally shifting the spotlight from Whoopi Goldberg to a less compelling ensemble of pupils and trading its predecessor’s sharp comedy for unconvincing sentiment.

Synopsis: In this sequel, Las Vegas performer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) is surprised by a visit from her nun friends, including Sister Mary Patrick (Kathy… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Barnard Hughes, Maggie Smith

Directed By: Bill Duke, Mario Iscovich, Laurence Mark, Christopher Meledandri

Critics Consensus: A raunchy sendup of Airplane! that never really takes off.

Synopsis: Following a ridiculously awful flight that leads to his pet’s death, Nashawn Wade files a lawsuit against the airline, and wins a multimillion-dollar settlement. Determined… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kevin Hart, Tom Arnold, Method Man, Snoop Dogg

Directed By: Jessy Terrero, Bo Zenga, Paul Hall

Synopsis: Waitresses at a Georgia restaurant, Nisi and Mickey, decide to fly to Los Angeles for a music-video audition in order to raise money for their… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Halle Berry, Martin Landau, Ian Richardson, Natalie Desselle-Reid

Directed By: Robert Townsend, Michael De Luca, Jay Stern

Critics Consensus: Mo’ Money only comes with mo’ problems in this comedically bankrupt outing from the Wayans brothers.

Synopsis: After petty criminal Johnny (Damon Wayans) falls for the lovely Amber (Stacey Dash), he decides to stop breaking the law and gets a gig at… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Damon Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Stacey Dash, Joe Santos

Directed By: Peter MacDonald, Eric L. Gold, Damon Wayans

Critics Consensus: Scattershot comedy that’s silly and obvious.

Synopsis: Two FBI agent brothers, Marcus (Marlon Wayans) and Kevin Copeland (Shawn Wayans), accidentally foil a drug bust. As punishment, they are forced to escort a… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Jaime King, Frankie Faison

Directed By: Keenen Ivory Wayans

Critics Consensus: Black Knight feels like a lazily constructed movie, filled with lame gags and constant mugging from Lawrence.

Synopsis: Jamal (Martin Lawrence), an employee of the Medieval World amusement park, suffers a blow to the head and wakes up in 14th Century England. He… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Martin Lawrence, Marsha Thomason, Tom Wilkinson, Vincent Regan

Directed By: Gil Junger, Martin Lawrence, Jeff Kwatinetz, Peaches Davis

Synopsis: Ladies’ man Darnell Wright (Martin Lawrence) is used to getting his way with women. Although he is committed to marrying his longtime love, Mia (Regina… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Martin Lawrence, Lynn Whitfield, Regina King, Bobby Brown

Directed By: Martin Lawrence, Martin Lawrence

Critics Consensus: Neither scary nor very funny, this misguided effort never lives up to its premise.

Synopsis: In the wake of her mother’s death in a mental institution, detective Rita Veder (Angela Bassett) is assigned to a baffling serial murder case. After… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison

Directed By: Wes Craven, Stuart M. Besser, Marianne Maddalena

Critics Consensus: A stale, unnecessary remake of Can’t Buy Me Love.

Synopsis: Science nerd Alvin Johnson (Nick Cannon) is proficient at engineering but incompetent when it comes to dating. One day, popular girl Paris Morgan (Christina Milian)… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Nick Cannon, Christina Milian, Kenan Thompson, Kal Penn

Directed By: Troy Byer, Oren Koules

Critics Consensus: This supposed family comedy staring the usually blameless Ice Cube and Nia Long has provoked most critics to write, “Is it over yet?”

Synopsis: Attempting to win the favor of the newly divorced Suzanne (Nia Long), Nick (Ice Cube) offers to accompany her children, Lindsey (Aleisha Allen) and Kevin… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ice Cube, Nia Long, Jay Mohr, M.C. Gainey

Directed By: Brian Levant

Synopsis: After his grandmother is killed in a Mafia hit, Darryl (Damon Wayans) fashions a bulletproof overcoat to wear over red long johns, becoming Blankman, a… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Damon Wayans, David Alan Grier, Robin Givens, Christopher Lawford

Directed By: Mike Binder, Damon Wayans

Critics Consensus: With its tired premise, Juwanna Mann’s jokes fall flat.

Synopsis: When pro basketball star Jamal Jeffries gets booted from the big leagues after an outrageous on-court stunt, his unwillingness to give up the sport leads… View Full Synopsis

Starring: Miguel A. Núñez Jr., Vivica A. Fox, Kevin Pollak, Tommy Davidson

Directed By: Jesse Vaughan, Jonathan A. Zimbert, Ralph S. Singleton