214 Films Exploring Hip-Hop & Racial Themes

Judgment Night

1993 • 109 min • Budget $21M • Box office $12M

Action, Crime, Thriller

Four friends on their way to a boxing match accidentally witness a violent crime. Fleeing the scene in terror, they're haunted by what they saw and fear the perpetrator might be after them. Their ordinary day turns into a suspenseful…

6.5

6.6

17+

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+13

Bad Boys

1995 • 119 min • Budget $19M • Box office $141M

Action, Comedy, Crime

Miami detectives Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey get caught up in a complicated case involving stolen drugs and identity theft. While Burnett juggles his work with family, he partners with the easygoing Lowrey to recover the missing drugs within a…

6.8

17+

Stream on

American Pimp

2000 • 87 min

African-American street pimps share stories about their lives and how they operate. They discuss how they began, the importance of showing off, working in different cities, recruiting women, taking them from other pimps, and the rules of the trade. The…

5.7

6.6

17+

B.A.P.S

1997 • 90 min • Budget $10M • Box office $7M

Comedy

Two dancers leave their small town for Los Angeles, hoping to succeed in Hollywood. They soon discover breaking into the dance world is difficult. To make money while trying to maintain a glamorous lifestyle, they take a job caring for…

5.2

4.9

13+

Stream on

Backstage

2000 • 86 min

This film offers an unvarnished look behind the scenes of one of the biggest rap concert tours ever. It provides an intimate view of life on tour – from performances on stage to the realities of life in hotels and…

5.2

5.9

17+

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Thicker Than Water

1999 • 91 min

In Los Angeles, two rival gang leaders share a passion for music production. When DJ's equipment fails and Lonzo is sidelined by a record producer, they reluctantly team up, initiating an uneasy truce between their gangs. With support from Gator,…

4.6

4.7

17+

Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads

1983 • 60 min

After Joe's murder, Zack Homer inherits the barbershop and finds himself in charge. Zack just wants to keep things traditional, offering classic haircuts, but modern styles are popular and business is struggling. Then, Mr. Lovejoy appears with the same offer…

5.8

5.6

Held Up

1999 • 89 min

Comedy

Michael's romantic getaway turns disastrous when his girlfriend suddenly breaks up with him, leaving him stranded in the desert. His misfortune continues when he's carjacked by a teenager and unexpectedly pulled into an armed robbery at a convenience store called…

5.6

5.2

13+

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+11

Moonlight

2016 • 111 min • Budget $4M • Box office $65M

Drama

This is a poignant story about a young man's journey to self-discovery, shown through three key periods in his life. It follows his experiences with love – the joy, heartbreak, and beauty – as he also comes to terms with…

7.4

17+

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+12

Disappearing Acts

2000 • 115 min

TV Movie, Romance, Drama

A construction worker facing hardship and a musician pursuing their dreams develop a romantic connection.

6.1

6.3

17+

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Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story

2004 • 95 min

Crime, Drama, TV Movie

Redemption is the story of Stan "Tookie" Williams, the founder of the Crips street gang in Los Angeles. It follows his descent into gang life, his imprisonment, and his later work writing children's books promoting peace and non-violence, which earned…

6.0

6.3

17+

Gridiron Gang

2006 • 125 min • Budget $30M • Box office $41M

Crime, Drama

At a juvenile detention center, a group of teenagers find a boost in confidence through playing football, guided by their counselor. This is based on a true story.

7.0

6.9

13+

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Love Don't Co$t a Thing

2003 • 100 min • Box office $21M

Comedy, Drama, Family

A socially awkward high school student enlists a popular cheerleader to pretend to be his girlfriend, hoping to improve his reputation among his peers.

7.5

5.3

13+

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S.W.A.T.

2003 • 117 min • Budget $80M • Box office $207M

Action, Thriller, Crime

Hondo Harrelson recruits Jim Street for a special unit within the Los Angeles Police Department. They work to find additional members, including Deke Kay and Chris Sanchez, a single mother. The team's initial task is to transport crime boss Alex…

6.2

6.1

13+

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Coach Carter

2005 • 136 min • Budget $30M • Box office $76M

Drama, History

This is a true story about Ken Carter, the head basketball coach at Richmond High School. In 1999, he made national news when he decided to bench his undefeated team. His reason: the players weren't meeting academic standards.

7.6

7.4

13+

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Gun

2010 • 81 min • Budget $10M

Action, Crime

The Detroit Police, working with federal agents, launches a major operation against gun runners, focusing on a criminal named Rich. After a botched gun exchange, Rich's friend Angel intervenes and saves him, forging a strong connection. This new bond makes…

5.2

3.8

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+11

Jason's Lyric

1994 • 119 min • Budget $7M • Box office $20M

Crime, Drama, Romance

This coming-of-age story follows a young man as he explores love, relationships, and growing up. He must overcome his fears to achieve the life he wants. The film examines how our relationships shape us, for better or worse. The protagonist's…

6.7

6.6

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I Got the Hook-Up

1998 • 93 min

Two down-on-their-luck friends strike gold when they discover a truck full of cell phones and start selling them from their van. Their luck turns sour when the phones start malfunctioning. Suddenly, they're facing angry customers and the attention of the…

5.3

4.1

17+

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion

2020 • 75 min

Documentary

Will Smith, Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Alfonso Ribeiro, and DJ Jazzy Jeff reunite for an evening of music and dancing celebrating the television show that aired for six seasons and 148 episodes. It's a funny…

8.1

14+

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Hot Boyz

2000 • 98 min

Driven to crime by injustice, Kool is a talented but struggling artist, skilled in karate, and deeply in love with LaShawna, a bright student with plans for college. One night, she witnesses a stabbing and tragically discovers the victim is…

4.6

4.2

17+

Gang Related

1997 • 111 min

Action, Crime, Thriller

Two corrupt police officers run a profitable scheme: stealing drugs from dealers and selling them on the black market, framing rival gangs for the crimes. Their carefully built world unravels when they accidentally kill an undercover DEA agent posing as…

6.4

17+

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8 Mile

2002 • 111 min • Budget $41M • Box office $242M

Drama, Music

Jimmy Smith, Jr. Faces a constant struggle to maintain hope as he pursues his dreams in Detroit's thriving music scene. He fights for his unique voice and a place in a world defined by rhythm and legendary artists, where every…

7.1

7.2

17+

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The Original Kings of Comedy

2000 • 115 min • Budget $13M • Box office $38M

Comedy, Documentary

This riotous comedy brings together comedians Steve Harvey (of "The Steve Harvey Show"), D.L. Hughley ("The Hughleys"), Cedric the Entertainer ("The Steve Harvey Show"), and Bernie Mac ("Life") in a hilarious summit, directed by Spike Lee.

6.5

6.9

17+

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Mi Vida Loca

1994 • 92 min • Box office $3M

Crime, Drama

In modern-day Los Angeles, Mousie and Sad Girl are inseparable childhood friends growing up in a struggling Hispanic community. Their shared experiences shape them as they navigate difficult circumstances. Their friendship fractures when Sad Girl becomes pregnant after an affair…

6.6

6.5

17+

2 Fast 2 Furious

2003 • 108 min • Budget $76M • Box office $236M

Action, Crime, Thriller

Former police officer Brian O'Conner partners with his old friend, ex-con Roman Pearce, to move a large sum of illicit money for Miami businessman Carter Verone. However, their mission is a setup; they are secretly working with undercover agent Monica…

6.5

6.0

13+

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Notorious

2009 • 122 min • Box office $43M

Music, Drama, History

"Notorious" tells the story of Christopher Wallace. With remarkable talent and unwavering determination, Wallace evolves from a Brooklyn street hustler – who once sold crack to pregnant women – into one of the greatest rappers ever: The Notorious B.I.G. The…

6.9

6.7

17+

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Brown Sugar

2002 • 109 min • Budget $8M • Box office $27M

Romance, Comedy

Sidney and Dre's enduring friendship and the start of their professional lives go back to one defining moment in childhood: watching hip-hop emerge on a New York street corner. Fifteen years later, Sidney is a respected music critic for a…

6.6

6.5

13+

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Jada

2008 • 97 min

Jada is a story about a woman whose life is upended when her husband dies in a suspicious car accident. Her stable middle-class life is shattered when the insurance company declares the accident a suicide and denies her survivor benefits.

—

7.0

13+

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Ali G Indahouse

2002 • 85 min • Budget $7M • Box office $23M

Comedy

Ali G accidentally gets involved in a sinister scheme by an evil Chancellor to remove the Prime Minister of Great Britain. Ironically, instead of succeeding, the Chancellor's plan backfires. Ali G is embraced by the public as a representative of…

6.1

6.2

17+

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Gravesend

1997

Four friends try to find a way to pay for covering up the accidental death of someone close to them on a Saturday night. As the night goes on, they become increasingly stressed, and their relationships become strained by the…

6.5

6.3

17+

City of God

2002 • 129 min • Budget $3M • Box office $30M

Drama, Crime

In 1970s Rio de Janeiro's impoverished favelas, two young men make contrasting choices. Rocket is an aspiring photographer who documents the escalating drug violence in his community. Meanwhile, José "Zé" Pequeno is an ambitious newcomer to the dangerous world of…

8.4

8.6

17+

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First Sunday

2008 • 96 min • Budget $20M • Box office $38M

Comedy, Action

Durell and LeeJohn are best friends and inept criminals. They are given one week to pay a $17,000 debt, or Durell will lose his son. Desperate, they plan to rob their local church. Instead, they find themselves spending the night…

5.7

4.7

13+

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Belly

1998 • 96 min • Budget $3M • Box office $9M

Crime, Drama

Tommy Bundy and Sincere are a formidable duo, known as best friends, criminals, and powerful figures in their community. Respected and feared, they've maintained control of their territory despite police pressure. Now, facing potential arrest and competition from ambitious newcomers,…

6.0

6.2

17+

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+10

Walk the Walk

1970 • 95 min

A young Black student studying theology struggles with addiction to both heroin and alcohol.

4.1

4.3

17+

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Strictly Business

1991 • 84 min • Box office $7M

Comedy, Romance

Waymon has a promising career in real estate, but his personal life is lacking. His relationship isn't fulfilling, and he desires more. He meets Natalie, a captivating woman who sparks his interest with her vibrant personality. Realizing he needs help…

5.3

5.5

13+

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Leprechaun in the Hood

2000 • 90 min

Horror, Comedy

To finance their demo, Butch, Postmaster P, and Stray Bullet break into a hip-hop mogul's studio. They discover the secret to his success: a magical flute. Suddenly, their performances are a hit, but they find themselves pursued by a vengeful…

4.8

3.8

17+

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The Wash

2001 • 97 min • Budget $7M • Box office $10M

Action, Comedy

Facing an urgent need for money with rent overdue and his car immobilized, Sean is desperate for a solution. His roommate Dee Loc suggests he take a job washing cars at the local car wash.

5.5

4.8

17+

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State Property: Blood on the Streets

2005 • 94 min

In Philadelphia, three rival gangsters fight for dominance over the city's underworld.

5.7

4.5

17+

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Janky Promoters

2009 • 85 min • Budget $10M • Box office $9K

Comedy

Two unscrupulous concert promoters face trouble when their opportunity to book a famous rapper falls through.

5.6

5.1

17+

Stream on

+11

Poetic Justice

1993 • 109 min • Budget $14M • Box office $27M

Drama, Romance

"Justice" is a moving story about a young hairdresser dealing with grief and heartbreak as she deals with love and friendship. Following the murder of her boyfriend, Justice finds comfort in writing poetry to process her pain. When a car…

6.8

6.2

17+

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Four Brothers

2005 • 109 min • Budget $45M • Box office $92M

Action, Crime

Four brothers, who were adopted and raised apart, go back to their Detroit hometown after their mother is killed. They decide to seek revenge on those responsible.

6.8

17+

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+10

Light It Up

1999 • 99 min • Budget $13M • Box office $5M

Drama, Thriller

During a bitter winter in Southside Queens, a normal day at a high school quickly escalates into a tense armed standoff between six students and the New York police. The school becomes the setting for the crisis, with empty classrooms…

6.7

6.0

17+

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Django Unchained

2012 • 165 min • Budget $100M • Box office $425M

Drama, Western

A freed slave teams up with a German bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a cruel plantation owner in Mississippi.

8.2

8.5

17+

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+14

Why Do Fools Fall In Love

1998 • 116 min • Box office $12M

Drama, Romance

In the mid-1980s, three women from Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Georgia – each with their own lawyer – travel to New York to meet with entertainment manager Morris Levy. They are all fighting for royalties from the estate of their…

6.3

6.4

17+

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Dangerous Ground

1997 • 95 min

Vusi Madlazi travels back to his South African village for his father's funeral. There, he reunites with his brother Ernest, who reveals their other brother Stephen is unreachable. Vusi journeys to Johannesburg to find him, initially connecting with Karin, a…

4.3

4.5

17+

Exit Wounds

2001 • 101 min • Budget $33M • Box office $79M

Action, Crime, Thriller

Police officer Orin Boyd is known for successfully taking down criminals, but his unconventional methods often cause trouble. He's transferred to Detroit's most challenging precinct after one such incident. There, he uncovers a secret drug operation run by fellow detectives.…

5.8

5.6

17+

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1998 • 60 min

Jay-Z recounts his experiences growing up in Brooklyn, weaving together a personal story with musical performances. The film follows his journey from street hustler to successful artist, using a narrative structure that blends storytelling and music to depict his life.

8.0

6.6

Next Day Air

2009 • 84 min • Budget $3M • Box office $10M

Action, Comedy, Crime

Two bumbling criminals accidentally receive a package of cocaine and believe they've struck it rich, setting off a chain of events that dramatically alters the lives of ten people.

5.1

5.7

17+

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Above the Rim

1994 • 96 min

A talented high school basketball player navigates complex relationships with two brothers: one involved in drug dealing, and the other a former basketball star struggling with life as a security guard.

7.0

6.6

17+

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Riot

1997 • 95 min

April 1992. The aftermath of the Rodney King verdict erupts into widespread unrest in Los Angeles, setting the stage for four interconnected personal stories.

5.0

6.2

17+

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Slam

1998 • 104 min

Raymond Joshua, a young Black performance poet, is arrested and jailed in Washington, D.C., for a minor marijuana offense. Inside the prison, he finds unexpected strength and defines himself while encountering a prison gang leader and a writing teacher named…

6.8

7.0

17+

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South Central

1992 • 99 min • Budget $4M

Crime, Drama

Set in South Central Los Angeles, this drama follows Bobby Johnson as he navigates a path to redemption after a ten-year prison sentence for killing a rival gang leader. Inside, Bobby finds support and guidance from fellow inmate Ali, who…

6.7

6.8

17+

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Hangin' with the Homeboys

1991 • 89 min

On a Friday night, four people – two African-Americans and two Puerto Ricans (one of whom claims to be Italian) – go out together. They'll have to get to know each other, and, unexpectedly, learn to become friends.

5.7

6.9

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Changing the Game

2012 • 104 min

This is the story of a brilliant young African-American man who escapes the harsh streets of North Philadelphia to become successful in high finance at a top Wall Street firm. He discovers, however, that the world of wealth is just…

3.0

4.0

17+

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Clockers

1995 • 128 min • Budget $25M • Box office $13M

Crime, Drama, Mystery

Strike is a young man involved in the city's drug trade, working for the ruthless Rodney Little. When a murder occurs at a local fast-food restaurant – the night manager is found dead with four gunshot wounds – Strike’s older…

6.7

6.9

17+

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Fruitvale Station

2013 • 82 min • Budget $900K • Box office $17M

Drama

In Oakland, California, young African-American Oscar Grant navigates relationships with family, friends, and rivals, as well as encounters with strangers, leading up to the fateful moments on a train platform at Fruitvale Station in the early hours of New Year's…

7.4

7.5

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MP Da Last Don

1998 • 58 min

Nino never desired his father's life as a gangster, but after his father, Don Corleone, is murdered, he is forced to take over and seek revenge. Now the head of the family, Nino must navigate a dangerous world of lies,…

4.5

3.0

Jungle Fever

1991 • 132 min • Budget $14M • Box office $32M

Drama, Romance

This drama follows a successful African American man facing a difficult moral choice: pursuing an affair with a white coworker. He struggles with the potential social consequences and the complexities arising from their different races. The film explores societal expectations,…

6.4

6.6

17+

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The Wrecking Crew

2000 • 80 min

Action, Thriller, Drama

A highly trained government team is deployed for a dangerous assignment in urban environments.

2.7

2.2

17+

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Dead Presidents

1995 • 119 min • Budget $10M • Box office $24M

Action, Crime, Drama

This drama tells the story of a Vietnam veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life. Back home, he becomes involved with organized crime and teams up with fellow veterans to plan a major robbery. Their target is an armored car…

6.7

6.9

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Dangerous Minds

1995 • 99 min • Budget $23M • Box office $179M

Drama

This inspiring drama tells the story of Louanne Johnson, a former Marine who takes on an unusual teaching assignment at a struggling inner-city high school. The program focuses on promising students facing obstacles in their lives. After a difficult first…

7.0

6.5

17+

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The Breaks

1999 • 86 min

Derrick, an Irish man raised by a Black family in a tough neighborhood, is having a terrible day. He's desperate to impress his exasperated mother and a woman he likes, proving he's not a failure. His simple mission – buying…

6.2

6.1

17+

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Set It Off

1996 • 123 min • Budget $9M • Box office $41M

Crime, Drama, Thriller

In 1981, ITC Entertainment produced the television film *Revenge of the Mysterons from Mars*, assembled from footage of the 1967 series *Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons*. The film combines four original episodes: "Shadow of Fear", "Lunarville 7", "Crater 101", and…

7.2

6.9

17+

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Drumline

2002 • 118 min • Budget $20M • Box office $57M

Drama, Romance, Comedy

A gifted street drummer from Harlem attends a university in the South, aiming to lead the school's marching band to win. He struggles to adjust to his new environment, eventually learning that success requires more than just talent.

6.9

6.0

13+

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Friday After Next

2002 • 85 min • Budget $20M • Box office $33M

Comedy, Drama

Craig and his cousin Day-Day have moved into their first home and are working security at a mall at night. On Christmas Eve, their house is broken into, and they decide to find the person responsible.

6.4

5.8

17+

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Love Jones

1997 • 108 min • Budget $10M • Box office $12M

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Set in Chicago, this drama follows Darius Lovehall, a gifted young poet, as he deals with love, life, and relationships. His life becomes complicated when he connects with Nina Moseley, a photographer who shares his creative spirit. Their conversations with…

7.4

7.3

17+

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Sucker Free City

2004 • 113 min

This film centers on three young men who become involved in criminal activities. Nick, working a corporate job, commits credit card fraud and sells drugs. K-Luv is a member of the "V-Dubs," an African-American street gang. Lincoln is a rising…

5.9

6.7

17+

Waist Deep

2006 • 97 min • Box office $21M

Action, Adventure, Drama

A former prisoner is drawn into the world of organized crime when his vehicle is stolen with his son aboard.

6.5

5.8

17+

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Action, Comedy, Romance

Newly released from prison, Brian Hooks finds himself in a state implementing harsh "three strikes" laws. With two prior convictions, he's determined to turn his life around. However, a chance ride with a friend turns into a nightmare when his…

5.5

4.8

17+

Gridlock'd

1997 • 91 min • Budget $5M • Box office $5M

Comedy, Crime, Drama

Two friends, Spoon and Stretch, are forced to confront their drug habits after witnessing a friend's overdose. They desperately try to get help through a government detox program, but face endless delays and bureaucratic obstacles. Pursued by drug dealers and…

6.7

6.9

17+

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New Jack City

1991 • 97 min • Budget $8M • Box office $47M

Thriller, Crime, Drama

This drama explores the lives of two men connected by their work but with very different perspectives: Nino, a powerful figure in the Cash Money Brothers, and Scotty, an undercover police officer trying to dismantle the gang's criminal operation. Nino…

6.6

6.7

17+

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Lockdown

2000 • 105 min

Drama, Thriller

Avery (Jones) returns to college to resume competitive swimming after rebuilding his life. However, his renewed stability is shattered when he and his two friends (Bonds, Casseus) are falsely accused of murder and are incarcerated.

5.9

6.2

17+

Roll Bounce

2005 • 112 min • Budget $10

Comedy, Drama, Family

Summer 1978. A group of teenage friends navigate typical adolescent hurdles when their local roller-skating rink shuts down, requiring them to find a new place to hang out.

6.7

6.3

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Drama

This is the true story of a gifted, politically outspoken debate coach who empowers a team of underestimated African-American college students. Under his guidance, they rise to become a formidable force, challenging the intellectual dominance of their Harvard counterparts.

7.2

7.5

13+

Thug Life

2001 • 90 min

Having turned his life around, Boo is pulled back into his old world when Mecca asks for a favor. This leads them to a chop shop, where complications arise and things quickly go wrong.

2.5

2.6

Straight Outta Compton

2015 • 147 min • Budget $28M • Box office $201M

Drama, Music, History

In 1987, five young men channeled their frustration and anger about life in a dangerous part of America into powerful music. *Straight Outta Compton* tells the true story of these cultural rebels who, armed with lyrics, confidence, and talent, challenged…

7.8

17+

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+10

House Party 2

1991 • 94 min

Comedy

This coming-of-age story follows two friends, Kid and Play, as they move from their neighborhood into adulthood and college. Kid faces the challenges of higher education, discovering that success requires more than just hard work and talent. Play pursues wealth…

5.3

17+

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House Party 3

1994 • 94 min

Comedy

Kid 'N' Play are back in an energetic sequel that follows the lives of Kid (Christopher "Kid" Reid) and Play (Christopher Martin) as they navigate love, friendship, and the music business. Kid is marrying his girlfriend Veda (Angela Means), while…

5.1

4.7

17+

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Corrupt

1999 • 66 min

Following years of conflict, two dangerous street gangs cautiously agree to a truce. Young MJ (Silkk the Shocker) sees an opportunity to leave her neighborhood behind. However, Corrupt (Ice-T) stands as the sole obstacle, leading to a violent and intense…

4.6

2.5

17+

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2016 • 139 min • Budget $24M • Box office $64M

Drama

Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the film follows a Black father grappling with the challenges of poverty and racism while striving to provide for his family. He also battles personal struggles as he navigates life.

6.9

7.2

13+

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+10

Class Act

1992 • 98 min

Comedy, Drama

This comedy-drama follows Duncan and Blade, two very different students whose lives are upended by a school record mix-up. The academically gifted Duncan is mistakenly identified as a delinquent and unexpectedly gains notoriety. He initially enjoys the attention, but it…

6.1

13+

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100

Knights of the South Bronx

2005 • 89 min

A businessman decides to become a teacher and takes a position at a challenging school in the South Bronx. He introduces his students to chess, and through the game, they gain valuable life lessons.

6.8

6.7

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