Summary
- Black movies, starring Black actors and directed by Black creators, are still underrepresented in cinema in 2024.
- Despite low representation, 2024 has seen some fantastic Black movies with at least 20 notable new releases expected by year-end.
- From historical retellings to comedies to continuations of beloved franchises, Black cinema in 2024 offers a diverse and engaging line-up.
2024 has brought a slew of thoughtful, funny, frightening, and dramatic new Black movies to streamers and screens, with many still on their way in fall and winter. Movies starring Black actors and by Black creators are worthy of note because, among many reasons, iconic Black movies are still underrepresented in cinema. Even in 2024, a year with some fantastic Black movies, by the end of July, less than 10% of major movie releases starred a mostly Black cast, were directed by a Black director, or were focused on issues pertaining mostly to Black people.
Despite low representation, there have still been some wonderful Black movies this year, and more are on their way. 2024 is expected to end with at least 20 notable new Black movies – and this does not include short films, and focuses mainly on bigger budget or major independent films. Some, like Shirley and Bob Marley: One Love, are dramatic retellings of history; others, like The Book of Clarence, are weighty comedies; while still others, like Bad Boys: Ride or Die and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F are continuations of beloved franchises.
Related 12 Best Black Actor And Director Collaborations
Although catered more to Black audiences, some of cinema’s best movies come from Black actors and directors collaborating on multiple projects.
20 The Book Of Clarence (January 12)
A Comedic Retelling Of The New Testament
The Book of Clarence RAdventureComedyDrama
The Book of Clarence is a comedy-drama film by writer and director Jeymes Samuel. Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) finds himself in awe of the arrival of Jesus Christ and the miracles he provided in Jerusalem in 29 A.D. Hoping to free himself of his life of poverty; he acts as a false Messiah sent by god to capitalize on the situation.
Director Jeymes Samuel Release Date January 12, 2024 Cast LaKeith Stanfield , Omar Sy , Anna Diop , RJ Cyler , David Oyelowo , Micheal Ward , Alfre Woodard , Teyana Taylor , Caleb McLaughlin , James McAvoy , Benedict Cumberbatch Runtime 136 Minutes
The Book of Clarence is a comedic retelling of the biblical story of the rise of Jesus Christ. Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is a 1st-century Hebrew man living in Jerusalem who hears about the coming of Christ and the followers he has gained through his miracles. Seeing a chance to better his station, Clarence decides to proclaim himself a Messiah as well, leading to fame and fortune, and eventually the fate of most messiahs.
A historical comedy with an eye for deeper issues, a lot is going on in The Book of Clarence. It threatens to become unwieldy, but Stanfield’s performance along with the talented ensemble keeps the characters engaging and the laughs coming.
19 The Underdoggs (January 26)
Snoop Dogg’s Sports Comedy
The Underdoggs RComedySports
Snoop Dogg stars in The Underdoggs, a sports comedy movie that follows a former NFL pro forced to re-evaluate his life after getting in trouble with law enforcement. Given the option to coach an underprivileged youth football team to avoid prison time, Jaycen Jenning (Dogg) decides to take up the task while hoping to revive his pro career.
Director Charles Stone III Release Date January 26, 2024 Cast Tika Sumpter , Snoop Dogg , George Lopez , Mike Epps , Andrew Schulz Where To Stream Prime Video
In The Underdoggs, Snoop Dogg stars as Jaycen, a washed-up former football star who is ordered to perform community service in his hometown after a traffic incident. He decides to help rebuild a struggling youth football program with the cynical intention of helping his own brand identity, but ends up becoming a true believer in the kids.
The R-rated crassness of the comedy is a refreshing and hilarious take on the classic underdog sports story and a reminder of how great Snoop can be on-screen when he’s having a good time.
The Underdoggs is filled with a cast of notable comedians and Snoop still manages to stand out among them. The R-rated crassness of the comedy is a refreshing and hilarious take on the classic underdog sports story and a reminder of how great Snoop can be on-screen when he’s having a good time.
18 Bob Marley: One Love (February 14)
The True Story Of The Reggae Legend
Bob Marley: One Love PG-13BiographyDramaMusic Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, Bob Marley: One Love is a biographical music-drama that explores the life of Bob Marley, as portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir. The film highlights the ups and downs of Marley’s life and career until his untimely death in 1981.
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green Release Date February 14, 2024 Cast Kingsley Ben-Adir , Lashana Lynch , James Norton , Tosin Cole , Anthony Welsh Runtime 107 Minutes
Kingsley Ben-Adir stars as the titular reggae legend in Bob Marley: One Love, a musical biopic about the lead singer of The Wailers and one of the most important musicians of the modern era. The film tracks Marley’s life from the mid-1970s during his rise to fame, to 1981, when he died from cancer at the age of 36.
Ben-Adir’s performance as Marley is remarkable, as he captures the posture, vocal quality, and energy of the singer. The film itself may be a slightly paint-by-numbers musical biopic in terms of structure, but the performances, and of course, the incredible music, make it a must-watch for anyone who’s ever appreciated his warbling tones.
17 Mea Culpa (February 23)
A Legal Thriller From Tyler Perry
Mea Culpa (2024) RCrimeDramaThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Mea Culpa is a 2024 dramatic crime thriller written and directed by Tyler Perry. A criminal defense attorney takes up a domestic murder case when an artist is believed to have murdered his girlfriend – all hoping for the level of the case to propel them to the position of partner at their firm.
Director Tyler Perry Release Date February 23, 2024 Cast Kelly Rowland , Trevante Rhodes , Nick Sagar , Sean Sagar , RonReaco Lee , Shannon Thornton , Kerry O’Malley , Arianna Barron Runtime 120 Minutes
Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa is a courtroom thriller that follows Mea Harper (Kelly Rowland), a seasoned defense attorney, who takes on the case of a local artist, Zyair Malloy (Trevante Rhodes), accused of murdering his girlfriend. A dramatic and twisting series of events follow, leading to Mea Culpa‘s shocking ending.
Mea Culpa
is a Latin phrase that means ”
my fault
” or ”
my mistake
” and is used to signify an acknowledgment of having done something wrong.
A campy thriller, Mea Culpa uses outrageous plotlines and steamy, noir tropes to create a story that is at times silly, but still a classic addition to the Perry filmography. It won’t disappoint anyone familiar with his films, and the twists and turns are unexpected enough to be surprisingly thrilling.
16 Parallel (February 23)
An Independent Science-Fiction Thriller
Parallel DramaSci-FiThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Kourosh Ahari Release Date February 23, 2024 Cast Aldis Hodge , Edwin Hodge , Danielle Deadwyler Runtime 88 Minutes
Iranian director Kourosh Ahari’s second feature film, Parallel, is a small science fiction film starring only three actors; Danielle Deadwyler as Vanessa, Aldis Hodge as Alex, and Edwin Hodge as Martel. Vanessa is a grieving woman who suddenly finds herself moving between parallel universes.
Parallel continues the recent science fiction trend of films about multiverses and parallel worlds and does so with an all-Black cast who have excellent chemistry with one another. It’s enough chemistry that the complex mechanisms of the twisting plot don’t get in the way of the well-told and even better-acted film.
15 The American Society Of Magical Negroes (March 15)
Black Filmmakers Satirizing A Racist Trope
The American Society of Magical Negroes PG-13ComedyFantasySatire Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
The American Society of Magical Negroes is a satirical fantasy-comedy film by writer-director Kobi Libii released in 2024. Aren, a young man, discovers he has magical abilities when invited into a secret society of Black people with magic dedicated to making the lives of white people easier. However, when Aren is tasked with helping a man secure a romance with a woman at work, the situation becomes complicated when he falls for her himself.
Director Kobi Libii Release Date March 22, 2024 Cast Justice Smith , David Alan Grier , An-Li Bogan , Drew Tarver , Michaela Watkins , Aisha Hinds , Tim Baltz , Rupert Friend , Nicole Byer Runtime 104 Minutes
The American Society of Magical Negroes follows Aren (Justice Smith), a young biracial African-American man who joins a secret group of magical African-Americans who dedicate their lives to improving those of white people- a take on the ‘magical negro’ trope. At first, enjoying his magical powers and a new outlook on life, Aren soon realizes that being subservient comes at the cost of his own happiness.
An ambitious and novel concept, The American Society of Magical Negroes boldly examines a creative idea with a satirical bent. With a romance subplot, as well as a clear interest in the actual fantasy of the story, The American Society of Magical Negroes maybe tries to juggle too many plates. The acting, however, is great, as are many individual scenes dotted throughout the film.
14 Shirley (March 15)
The True Story Of Shirley Chisholm’s Presidential Run
Shirley (2024) PG-13BiographyDramaHistory
Shirley is a biographical drama film written and directed by John Ridley and was created for Netflix. The film explores the life and career of political icon Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to reach Congress successfully and continue to aim higher – as high as running for the office of the President of the United States.
Director John Ridley Release Date March 22, 2024 Cast Regina King , Lance Reddick , Lucas Hedges , Brian Stokes Mitchell , Dorian Missick , Amirah Vann , W. Earl Brown , Brad James , Andre Holland Runtime 117 Minutes Where To Stream Netflix
Regina King stars as Shirley Chisholm during her 1972 presidential run in Shirley. Chisholm, who was the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress, deals with sexist and racist blowback when she becomes the first Black person to run for a major-party nomination for president and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s nomination.
While Shirley ends on a defeated note, it’s still an inspiring tale of determination and willpower. Chisholm’s story is incredible on its own, but King brings a regalness and realness to the character that’s mesmerizing to watch whenever she’s on-screen.
13 We Grown Now (April 19)
A Coming-Of-Age Drama In The 1990s
We Grown Now PGDrama
We Grown Now is a 2023 drama film by writer-director Minhal Baig. The film centers on best friends Malik and Eric, who are growing up in the contemporary design of the Cabrini-Green housing complex built in 1992. Despite his family having lived there for generations, the dangerous shift in the community and a new job opportunity for his mother may move them out of Cabrini-Green, driving the two friends apart.
Director Minhal Baig Release Date April 26, 2024 Cast Matthew Campbell , Giovani Chambers , David Folsom , Avery Holliday , Lil Rel Howery Runtime 93 Minutes
We Grown Now follows two friends, Malik (Blake Cameron James) and Eric (Gian Knight Ramirez), as they grow up together in a Cabrini-Green housing project in Chicago, Illinois. Both boys’ innocent worldviews are shattered when another young boy is gunned down in the project, forcing them both to grow up much faster than they ever would have realized.
Eminently charming in its simplicity, and absolutely brutal at certain key points, We Grown Now is a moving look at the lives of many Black families and children living under the poverty line in dangerous situations. Despite the heavy themes, We Grown Now never feels saccharine or unrelenting. It’s a slice-of-life, about a life not experienced by better-off people in the country.
12 Not Another Church Movie (May 10)
Not Another Teen Movie For Tyler Perry Fans
The parody film Not Another Church Movie takes aim directly at Tyler Perry and his Madea franchise, as well as the many other works by the director/showrunner. Kevin Daniels stars as Taylor Pherry/Madude, an obvious reference, who finds himself on a mission from God (Jamie Foxx) to create a movie based on his own dysfunctional family. The parallels are not subtle as the film riffs on the many tropes of Perry’s films.
While Not Another Church Movie doesn’t break new territory in the parody movie genre, it will be a delight for those who enjoy Perry’s films. Daniels, Foxx, and Mickey Rourke as the Devil make up a funny and talented trio who keep the film lively even when it starts to go over its skis with obscure references and some cheap laughs.
11 Bad Boys: Ride or Die (June 7)
The Fourth Installment In The Bad Boys Franchise
Bad Boys: Ride or Die ActionAdventureComedy
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is the fourth installment in the action-comedy film series starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The series centers on hard-boiled Miami detectives Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett, who take on dangerous drug kingpins and thwart dangerous schemes as they attempt to stop the circulation of illicit drugs in their city.
Director Adil El Arbi , Bilall Fallah Release Date June 7, 2024 Cast Will Smith , Martin Lawrence , Vanessa Hudgens , Alexander Ludwig , Paola Núñez , Eric Dane , Ioan Gruffudd , Tasha Smith
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is another funny and action-packed installment in the Bad Boys franchise. In the fourth movie, Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) set out to clear the legacy of their late captain, Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano), after it’s suggested he was involved in a criminal conspiracy.
Smith and Lawrence’s chemistry is as good as ever, and they slide back into their routine like they’d never stopped playing the characters. Bad Boys: Ride or Die is chaotic and roughly made in the best way possible with some fantastic stunts and action sequences as good as any in the franchise.
10 Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (July 3)
Eddie Murphy Returns As Axel Foley
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F RActionComedyCrime Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley is the fourth film in the popular comedy franchise starring Eddie Murphy. Murphy returns as Axel Foley in the Netflix film alongside returning cast members Judge Reinhold and John Ashton and Bronson Pinchot as Serge. Kevin Bacon and Joseph Gordon-Levitt also star in the sequel as new characters.
Director Mark Molloy Release Date July 3, 2024 Cast Eddie Murphy , Kevin Bacon , John Ashton , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Paul Reiser , Judge Reinhold Runtime 118 Minutes
In Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Eddie Murphy appears as Detective Axel Foley for the first time since 1994. Axel returns to Beverly Hills from Detroit after he discovers his daughter Jane (Taylour Paige) and his old partner Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) are in danger. Together, with Jane’s old flame, Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), they uncover a criminal conspiracy.
Christopher Macdonald has a cameo in
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
as a golfer, a reference to Shooter McGavin from
Happy Gilmore
.
A nostalgic ride through California, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F balances callbacks to the franchise and fresh takes with new characters in equal measure, making for a breezy and charming action comedy. Murphy alone is reason to watch, but the rest of the cast, mostly brought back from the old movies, round out the movie.
9 Divorce In The Black (July 11)
Tyler Perry’s Family Drama
Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black RDramaThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Ava, a young bank professional, is heartbroken when her husband Dallas leaves her. Despite her determination to save the marriage, fate reveals Dallas’ deceitful actions, which not only ruined their relationship but also prevented Ava from being with her true soulmate.
Director Tyler Perry Release Date July 11, 2024 Cast Meagan Good , Cory Hardrict , Joseph Lee Anderson , Shannon Wallace , Taylor Polidore , Richard Lawson , Debbi Morgan Runtime 143 Minutes
Tyler Perry’s second movie of 2024, Divorce in Black, stars Meagan Good as Ava, a church preacher’s daughter whose husband, Dallas (Cory Hardrict), suddenly abandons her. After his departure, Ava begins to reckon with the abusive relationship she was in and finds comfort in her friend Benji (Joseph Lee Anderson).
Divorce in Black is the less successful of Perry’s two 2024 movies, the other being Mea Culpa, but Divorce in Black still features a powerful leading performance from Good, who depicts the anger, sadness, and frustration of Ava with subtlety. The film has a soap opera-like sensibility that fans of those shows and Perry’s films will enjoy.
8 Sing Sing (July 12)
The Real-Life Story Of A Group Of Theatrically-Minded Inmates
Sing Sing (2024) Drama
Based on actual events, Sing Sing is a drama movie that tells the story of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility and a group of prisoners within that decide to stage their own musical production within the prison’s walls.
Director Greg Kwedar Release Date March 8, 2024 Cast Colman Domingo , Paul Raci Runtime 105 Minutes
Sing Sing, named for the real-life correctional facility in Ossining, New York, tells the actual tale of a group of inmates who participated in a Rehabilitation Through the Arts program there. Coleman Domingo stars as John “Divine G” Whitfield, an inmate who leads the theater group as they prepare for their original play, Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code. One of the actual students of the program, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, co-stars as himself.
The slang expression “up the river” to describe someone going to prison, comes from Sing Sing, as the facility lies on the Hudson River, north (up) of New York City.
Sing Sing is one of the best dramas of 2024 and is likely to remain high on critics’ lists as the year closes out. Domingo is perhaps doing his best work and Divine Eye, in his first professional performance, is incredible playing himself. It’s a moving look at the power of art and the idea of redemption.
7 The Deliverance (August 16)
Lee Daniels’ Supernatural Horror Story
The Deliverance (2024) RHorrorThriller
A woman returns to her childhood home to confront dark secrets from her past. As supernatural forces emerge and family tensions rise, she must uncover the truth behind her haunting visions and protect her loved ones from an ancient evil threatening their lives.
Director Lee Daniels Release Date August 30, 2024 Cast Andra Day , Glenn Close , Caleb McLaughlin , Demi Singleton , Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor , Tasha Smith , Omar Epps , Christina Wren
Lee Daniels’ The Deliverance is the prolific director’s sixth film and his first horror movie. When Ebony Jackson (Andra Day) moves to a new home, she finds herself fighting to protect her family from a mysterious force threatening to tear them apart. After Child Services gets involved, Ebony finds herself warring on two fronts to save her children.
The Deliverance
is loosely based on Latoya Ammons’ similar experiences in Gary, Indiana in 2011 (via
IndyStar
).
With Day, Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor set to star, and the Academy Award-nominated Daniels directing, The Deliverance has a high pedigree on the creative side and is sure to be an unsettling and capably crafted tale. The film releases in select theaters on August 16, and then streams on Netflix on August 30, via Netflix.
6 Rob Peace (August 16)
A Biopic About A Son’s Efforts To Help His Father
Rob Peace Not Yet RatedBiographyDrama
Rob Peace is a biographical drama written and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor and was released in 2024. Based on the biography by Jeff Hobbs, Rob Peace follows the titular man who grew up in a life of poverty and crime in New Jersey but still managed to attain an Ivy League education at Yale while making money selling marijuana on the side.
Director Chiwetel Ejiofor Release Date January 22, 2024 Cast Jay Will , Mary J. Blige , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Camila Cabello , Michael Kelly Runtime 119 Minutes
Based on the 2014 biography The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs, Rob Peace tells the story of the titular Yale student, played by Jay Will. When Rob, known as Shaun at the time, learns of his father’s imprisonment for crimes he may not have committed, Shaun turns to drug dealing to earn bail for his father, doing so while he juggles his academic pursuits.
Jeff Hobbs, the biographer, was Rob Peace’s roommate at Yale.
Rob Peace will release in select theaters on August 16 and early reviews for the movie are positive, with a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews call it an emotionally moving and gut-wrenching film with fantastic performances from the all-star cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mary J. Blige, and Camila Cabello.
5 Mountains (August 16)
An Authentic And Poignant Story Set In Haiti
Mountains (2023) Drama
Mountains is a 2023 drama film directed by John Lee starring Emily Blunt and James McAvoy. Set in the remote wilderness, the film follows a couple struggling to reconnect and save their marriage during a mountain expedition. As they face treacherous terrain, their personal conflicts come to the forefront, challenging their resilience and commitment. The film explores themes of survival, human connection, and the transformative power of nature.
Director Monica Sorelle Release Date June 9, 2023 Cast Atibon Nazaire , Sheila Anozier , Chris Renois , Kerline Alce , Karina Bonnefil , Yaniel Castillo , Henri Claude Douze , Serafin Falcon Runtime 95 Minutes
Mountains premiered at the Tribeca film festival in 2023 and will be released widely on August 16. The film follows Xavier (Atibon Nazaire), a Haitian demolition worker who has to face the reality of his rapidly gentrifying neighborhood in Little Haiti, Miami.
The film currently has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics referring to the quiet beauty of the movie. Mountains gives an insight into the complex nature of being a Black immigrant in America, working alongside American-born Black people. It seems like it will be a human and moving tale about aspirations, wants, and the passage of time.
4 The Supremes At Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (August 23)
An Adaptation Of Edward Kelsey Moore’s 2013 Novel
The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (2024 ) PG-13Drama
The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat follows three lifelong friends, Odette, Barbara Jean, and Clarice, who have supported each other through marriages, children, joy, and sorrow. As heartbreak and illness resurface past issues, their friendship faces its toughest challenges yet. Based on the novel by Edward Kelsey Moore.
Director Tina Marby Release Date July 23, 2024 Cast Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor , Sanaa Lathan , Uzo Aduba , Mekhi Phifer , Julian McMahon , Vondie Curtis-Hall , Russell Hornsby
Based on the Edward Kelsey Moore novel of the same name, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat followed a group of long-time friends, who call themselves “The Supremes”. Spanning decades, the film follows “The Supremes” lives as they go through good and bad times, always supporting one another. However, their most recent test is the most difficult one they’ve ever had to face and threatens to split them up.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, and Uzo Aduba star in this film from Tina Mabry. From the trailer, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat looks to be a funny, warm, and near-mythical tale about friendship and how people and relationships change over the years. The film will release theatrically on August 16, and then be available to stream on Hulu on August 23.
3 Exhibiting Forgiveness (October 18)
A Complicated Father-Daughter Relationship
Exhibiting Forgiveness Not RatedDrama
Exhibiting Forgiveness is a drama film written and directed by Titus Kaphar and released in 2024. A Black artist on the rise to fame has his future thrown in jeopardy when his estranged father arrives seeking to reconnect with his son, only to discover that forgiveness is only one part of the uphill battle to recovery.
Director Titus Kaphar Release Date January 20, 2024 Cast Andre Holland , John Earl Jelks , Andra Day , Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Runtime 117 Minutes
Set to premiere on October 18, 2024, Exhibiting Forgiveness stars Andra Day as Aisha, a Black artist who’s nearly made it in her career when her estranged and recovering addict father, Tarrell (André Holland), comes to town. The pair soon realize that forgiveness won’t come so easily.
This is Andra Day’s first role since her Golden Globe-winning performance as Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. It’s also Holland’s second role in 2024 after his appearance as Walter Fauntroy in Shirley. Exhibiting Forgiveness is sure to be a difficult look at fathers and daughters and the ties that are not so easily repaired once broken.
2 Nickel Boys (October 25)
A Fictionalized Version Of A Real Boys’ School
Nickel Boys (2024) PG-13Drama Director RaMell Ross Release Date October 25, 2024 Cast Ethan Herisse , Brandon Wilson , Hamish Linklater , Fred Hechinger , Daveed Diggs , Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor , Robert Aberdeen , Jonathan Auguste
Based on The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, which is in turn based on the historic Dozier School in Florida that was notorious for its abusive treatment of its students, The Nickel Boys is set for theatrical release on October 25. Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse) is sent to the Nickel Academy, a fictitious version of the Dozier School, where he meets another boy, Turner (Brandon Wilson). The two form a strong friendship in the face of the school’s evil administrators.
This is director RaMell Ross’ first feature-length movie, but his 2018 documentary
Hale County This Morning, This Evening
was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film.
The Nickel Boys novel won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and TIME named it one of the best books of the decade, so any adaptation will have to be worth checking out. This is director RaMell Ross’ first feature-length movie, but his 2018 documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film. With the story and talent behind the film, it should be a film to look forward to.
1 The Fire Inside (December 25)
The Story Of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields
The Fire Inside (2024) PG-13BiographyComedyDrama Director Rachel Morrison Release Date December 25, 2024 Cast Ryan Destiny , Jazmin Headley , Kylee D. Allen , Brian Tyree Henry , De’Adre Aziza , Chrystian Buddington , Maurice Wayne Anglin , Teanna Weir
Set for release on Christmas Day, The Fire Inside is an adaptation of the documentary T-Rex that follows American professional boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields training for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Ryan Destiny stars as “T-Rex”. Judy Greer, Brian Tyree Henry, Oluniké Adeliyi, and De’Adre Aziza are also set to star.
Shields’ journey to the London Olympics is a fascinating and intense one, as is the boxer herself, so any movie about her will no doubt be worthwhile. With an exciting Paris Olympics wrapping up the same year, there should be a lot of interest in this sports drama and the last Black movie to close out 2024.