Movies About Black Singers

From Taylor Hackford, starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Clifton Powell
Rated PG-13

Ray is a biographical drama about the life of legendary music icon Ray Charles, spanning from his early childhood in the 1930s, up until his death in 2004. The movie follows Charles' rise to fame and the immense challenges he faced due to his battle with addiction and blindness. Despite his many difficulties and setbacks, Charles persevered and became one of the most influential musical figures of the 20th century. The film stars Jamie Foxx as the titular character, and also features appearances from Regina King, Kerry Washington, and Bokeem Woodbine. The movie depicts Charles' rise to fame, his tumultuous personal relationships, and his battle to break down racial barriers in the music industry. The movie received widespread acclaim and was a success at the box office, grossing over $124 million worldwide and earning Foxx an Academy Award for Best Actor.

From Norman Jewison, starring Denzel Washington, Vicellous Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger, Liev Schreiber
Rated R

The Hurricane is a 1999 biographical sports drama film directed by Norman Jewison and starring Denzel Washington. The film tells the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a former middleweight boxer who was wrongly convicted of triple murder and sentenced to life in prison. After spending nearly 20 years in prison, Carter is eventually freed and his conviction is overturned after a team of lawyers and supporters worked for his release. The film follows Carter and his lawyer, Terry Swinton, as they fight for justice and finally expose the truth of the false accusations and malicious prosecution that sent Carter to prison. The film also details Carter's life in prison and his struggle to stay hopeful despite the injustice. The Hurricane ultimately shows how one man's courage and determination can lead to justice and redemption.

From Directors: Alan Hicks, Rashida Jones, starring Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Clarence Avant
Rated TV-MA

Quincy is a 2018 documentary film about the extraordinary life of legendary music producer and artist Quincy Jones. Directed by Alan Hicks and Rashida Jones, the film explores the many facets of Jones’ life as an artist, producer, father, and mentor. Through extensive interviews with Jones himself and those who have been closest to him over the years, the film delves deep into the man behind the music, revealing a complex and inspiring individual who has made an extraordinary impact on the world of music. Quincy is a celebration of a man whose career has spanned generations and genres, and whose influence can still be felt today.

From Brian Helgeland, starring Chadwick Boseman, T.R. Knight, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie
Rated PG-13

"42" is a 2013 biographical drama film directed by Brian Helgeland, which tells the story of legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. The movie follows Robinson's struggle to break the color barrier of the sport while facing racism and prejudice, and his determination to prove himself and become an iconic figure in history. The film also chronicles the life of Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey, who overcame immense pressure to sign Robinson to the team, and examines the complex relationship between the two men. Featuring Chadwick Boseman in the lead role, "42" also stars Harrison Ford and Christopher Meloni. The film was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for several awards, including Best Motion Picture at the 2013 Academy Awards.

From Reginald Hudlin, starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Sterling K. Brown
Rated PG-13

From Denzel Washington, starring Denzel Washington, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant, Malcolm David Kelley
Rated PG-13

From Kasi Lemmons, starring Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bruce McFee, Mike Epps
Rated R

From Brian Gibson, starring Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, RaéVen Kelly, Virginia Capers
Rated R

From Gary Fleder, starring Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Clancy Brown, Darrin Dewitt Henson
Rated PG

From Justin Chadwick, starring Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto, Robert Hobbs
Rated PG-13

From Darnell Martin, starring Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Beyoncé, Columbus Short
Rated R

From Tate Taylor, starring Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis
Rated PG-13

From Julian Schnabel, starring Jeffrey Wright, Michael Wincott, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Forlani
Rated R

From Michael Mann, starring Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles
Rated R

From Kasi Lemmons, starring Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn
Rated PG-13

From Bill Condon, starring Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover
Rated PG-13

From George Tillman Jr., starring Jamal Woolard, Anthony Mackie, Derek Luke, Momo Dione
Rated R

From Darrell Roodt, starring Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard, Elias Koteas, Wendy Crewson
Rated R

From John Ridley, starring André 3000, Hayley Atwell, Imogen Poots, Ruth Negga
Rated R