Since it’s time to get into the holiday spirit why not kick it off with a list of Black Christmas movies to watch! The entertainment industry has grown so much over the years. Today we have Redbox. No more Blockbuster. No more VHS, but DVDs. In addition to that, we don’t even need any of those now because of streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix.
I selected 12 Black Christmas movies that you should check out which have been released over the past 25 years.
1. Jingle Jangle (2020)
This is a brand new release in November 2020 on Netflix starring Forrest Whitaker. He plays a toymaker who has a change of perspective once his grand-daughter comes into his life.
2. This Christmas (2007)
The movie starring Loretta Devine, Regina King, Idris Elba, Delroy Lindo, and Chris Brown is about a big family taking time away from their busy schedules to come together at Madea’s home for Christmas. Madea is Loretta Devine’s character. This was the first time I’d heard the name unaffiliated with Tyler Perry. She has 6 children. All are grown except Chris Brown’s character. There are so many family dynamics within the family. I’ll say this is my favorite because it’s the very last movie that I saw with my mom and sister before she died.
3. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
The film stars Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. It’s a remake of The Bishop’s Wife which was released in 1947. The preacher begins to have a midlife crisis and an angel comes in to help him but gets sidetracked by the preacher’s beautiful wife.
4. Madea Christmas (2013)
This movie is funny, but as always there’s a message that Madea has for her family. Tika Sumpter stars in it and her character is dating a white guy and her mother doesn’t find out until she realizes she’s in the boyfriend’s family home for the holidays. Tika’s character’s mother disapproves, but eventually gets over it.
5. Black Nativity (2013)
Angela Bassett, Forrest Whitaker, and Jennifer Hudson star in this film. Be prepared for some soul-stirring singing! The musical is based on the play Black Nativity written by the great Langston Hughes. Speaking of singing, you can check out my older post “The Best Christmas Gospel Songs.
6. Nothing Like The Holidays (2008)
The movie stars Luis Guzman and John Leguizamo. In this comedic film, you’ll experience the Puerto Rican culture as the family put aside their differences, reconcile, and come together for Christmas.
7. Best Man Holiday (2013)
It’s the follow up to the original Best Man film. The group of college friends are older and have family dynamics of their own. They reunite after several years during the holidays.
8. The Perfect Holiday (2007)
Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut star in the movie. Gabrielle’s character is a divorced mother who ends up finding love with Santa by way of her daughter introducing them.
9. A Diva Christmas Carol (2000)
This movie appeared on VH1 in 2000 starring Vanessa Williams. It’s a spin on the original movie, A Christmas Carol.
10. Last Holiday (2006)
Queen Latifah stars in this movie. She’s a woman with a devastating medical diagnosis who decides to “live her best life” like we say today by experiencing a European vacation.
11. Friday After Next (2002)
Initially there was Friday, then Next Friday, and now this. Craig and Day- Day have an encounter with (Bad) Santa who steals their belongings which leads them into trouble.
12. Almost Christmas (2016)
The movie is kind of similar to This Christmas, but more of a comedy. The movie stars Mo’Nique, Danny Glover, and more. It’s about a family coming together to meet for Christmas after a long time apart. There are definitely issues among the family including infidelity.
I had the pleasure of being in a few of the cast members’ presence at Essence Festival 2016. JB Smoove, Kimberly Elise, and Keri Hilson were at Chef Roble’s cooking segment. It was a good time. The cast had great chemistry.
*Honorable Mention*
Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (2020)
This is a new release documentary on Netflix showcasing aspects of legendary choreographer, Debbie Allen’s career and the creation of her version of The Nutcracker.