Netflix Just Released Their Black History Month Content For ‘Black Leads’: What’s On It? – Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Black History Month has arrived and theres a ton of content in film, music, and literature to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans. In addition to Google dropping its campaign commercial in celebration of this month, the Emmy-winning subscription service has released its official black leads list of films in honor of the next 28 days. Here are seven films that subscribers are the most excited about.

The 2001 biographical sports drama stars Will Smith as boxing legend, Muhammed Ali. The film highlights ten years of Alis life from 1964 to 1974. Some of the major areas Ali focuses on are his capture of the heavyweight title from fellow boxer Sonny Liston, his religious conversion to Islam, his public criticism of the Vietnam War that resulted in major backlash, his banishment from boxing, his return boxing in 1971, and ends with him reclaiming the heavyweight title from George Foreman in 1974. Ali also follows his close relationships with Civil Rights leaders and his work within the movement.

Booty Call is a 1997 romantic comedy starring some of the most popular African American leads of the 90s. Jamie Foxx, Tommy Davidson, Vivica A. Fox, and Tamala Jones hilariously depict the idea of a late-night intimate session in this cult classic. Critics chastised the film for its message at the time but audiences loved it. Variety called it an effective comic mix of the politically correct and outre stereotyping.

Lauded as one of the first films to depict interracial dating in a positive manner, Guess Whos Coming To Dinner starred Sidney Portier in the lead role in which his white partner brings him home to visit her parents who unbeknownst to them is dating a Black man. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy star as the leading ladys parents. Released in 1967, the film was a box-office hit, grossing over $58 million. Critics also gave mainly positive reviews during a time when interracial dating was not shown on screen.

The follow-up to the original, Scary Movie 2 is a parody of an array of supernatural and haunted house films from various decades. Produced, written and starring the Wayans family, it grossed over $140 million at the box office but reviews were harsh. The film, however, was a hit with audiences citing the first two films of the franchise to be the best.

The six-part docuseries is premiering on Feb. 21 on the streaming service. Producers of Who Killed Malcolm X reopens the case with never before heard interviews from witnesses, survivors and close people to the investigation. The series also includes never-before-seen archival material and newly reviewed files related to the case. Malcolm Xs life and death are examined with the intention to uncover the truth of his assassination.

Viewers will quickly learn how Braxton Family Values became Americas longest-running reality show featuring an all-Black cast. Songtress Toni Braxton leads the pack of her four younger sisters who all have equal singing ability and talent. The We TV produced series follows Toni, Traci, Towanda, Trina, Tamar and their mother, Evelyn, as they embark on their journey to steer clear of Tonis shadow while building their own careers. Through singing, laughter, love, and drama, the Braxton family gives the Kardashian family a run for their money. The show has been included as a streaming option on and off since season 1, but for the first time in years, the first two seasons will now be made available.

The 1984 musical film stars Prince in his acting debut playing The Kid. The film is based on a character inspired by the late singer and was developed to showcase the entirety of Princes talents as a singer, composer, musician, and performer. Purple Rain won an Oscar for Best Original Song Score, which was the last film to receive the award. Its also been regarded by publications and critics as one of the greatest musical films. The accompanying soundtrack was certified 13 times platinum by the RIAA.

Enjoy all these films and more this Black History Month!

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Netflix Just Released Their Black History Month Content For 'Black Leads': What's On It? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero