We're in a strange time. Due to the unfortunate circumstances around the COVID-19 epidemic, many of us are doing our part to stop the spread of the virus by staying indoors. If you long for something to curb the lockdown induced cabin fever then we've got just the thing for you.
In this blog we break down must-watch Netflix shows and movies that feature a black lead character. These will definitely transport you to a different reality with their gripping plots and captivating story lines. So sit back and grab some popcorn as you enjoy your cinematic escape.
Genre: Period Drama, Romance
Bridgerton is a period drama set in the 1820s and focussed on the romance and drama in London's high society. With a mixed race queen, forbidden love and a family failing to keep up appearances of being wealthy, this is a series filled with explosive storylines that will draw you into an entirely different world.
Our rating: 7/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%
Genre: Comedy
Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia is a comedy show hosted by award winning comedian, Trevor Noah. He delves into his perspective as a South-African born man living in the United States of America. His story telling is incredibly funny and we found ourselves laughing so hard we cried. Relax and get ready for non-stop laughter with this comedy special.
Our rating: 9.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Star Trek: Discovery is a fantasy drama that follows the adventures of a young officer on a space ship exploring the universe. The story kicks off as a war erupts with a Klingon race previously thought to be extinct and we see the intelligent, beautiful, lead character, Michael Burnham racing to save the world on more than one occasion. Get strapped in for an exhilarating ride with this show.
Our rating: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%
Genre: Drama
Tiny Pretty Things is a drama focussed on the intriguing world of ballet. The story focuses on Neveah Stroyer, a dancer from Inglewood, California who is given a full scholarship at the Archer School of Ballet after a student falls from a rooftop and into a coma. She does not receive a welcome reception upon arrival and we follow her journey into the unfolding scandal at the school of ballet
Our rating: 5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 53%
Genre: Drama, Comedy
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding is a South African set dramedy that follows the drama caused by Tumi who tries to make things right after ruining what should have been her sister's picture-perfect Christmas wedding.
Our rating: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A
Genre: Comedy
Sister Sister is a comedy that centres on identical twin sisters separated at birth who discover one another while shopping with their adoptive parents. It is a funny, endearing shows that will have you laughing out loud at the twins adventures.
Our rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A
Genre: Comedy
Girlfriends is a sitcom that centres on four black women and their relationships romantically and with one another. We watch them through their laughter, tears, highs and lows and we can't help but see elements of ourselves in them. Grab some wine and enjoy the world of girlfriends.
Our rating: 7/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 40%
Genre: Comedy
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a sitcom that centres on a street smart teenager who moves from Philladelphia to live with his wealthy uncle and his family in a Bel-Air mansion after getting into a fight on the playground. Will Smith is extremely funny as he adjusts into his new world and brings some elements of his old world with him.
Our rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A
Genre: Thriller
Snowpiercer is a thriller which follows the passengers of a gigantic train circulating the globe carrying the last survivors of humanity after the world becomes a frozen wasteland. The poor are kept at the bottom of the train whilst the rich live well in first class and the show follows the problems faced by the passengers and the controllers of the train.
Our rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%
Genre: Drama
New Money is a drama which follows an aspiring fashion designer's life which is transformed after she discovers she's the heiress of a billion-dollar empire left by her late father.
Our rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Think Like A Man is a feel good rom-com where four friends conspire to turn the tables on their women when they find out that their ladies have been using Steve Harvey's dating guidelines. This is one to curl up on the sofa and laugh out loud with.
Our rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 54%
Black Lightning
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Black Lightning is a superhero series about a retired superhero turned school principal who reprises his role following political and social tensions in his neighbourhood. Although a tad far fetched, this show is packed full of action and is the perfect form of escapism for superhero lovers.
Our rating: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 95%
8. Queen Sono
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Queen Sono is an action series revolving around a strong and sexy South African secret agent. The series follows her exploits as a spy while she tries to balance the demands of her personal life and the pressure of living up to reputation of her revolutionary mother.
Our rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90%
7. Self Made
Genre: Drama
Self Made is a light and bright mini series that recounts the rise of Madam C.J. Walker from a lowly washerwoman to the first female self-made millionaire. This inspirational story focuses on the obstacles she faced in establishing her business and leaves you feeling both excited and motivated.
Our rating: 7/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 65%
6. Dear White People
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Dear White People is a witty and sarcastic college dramedy about the trials and tribulations of a group of black students in a predominantly white ivy league college. The shows makes very relevant social commentary whilst keeping it funny with its nods to pop culture.
Our rating: 7.5 /10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 91%
5. She Did That
Genre: Documentary, Biography
She Did That is a documentary exploring the experiences of four black businesswomen. It is an inspirational testimony of how grit and perseverance can break glass ceilings. This documentary oozes all things #GirlBoss and will have you motivated to make your dreams a reality.
Our rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A
How To Get Away With Murder
Genre: Thriller
How To Get Away With Murder is the story of bad-ass criminal lawyer Annalise Keating and her 5 proteges who due to a series of unfortunate events incidentally become her partners in crime. The series features a flashback format with different episodes focusing on a particular character's perspective.This bingeworthy series will have you at the edge of your seats and have you rooting for the bad guy.
Our rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90%
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Genre: Drama
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is a moving tale of a 13 year old boy from Malawi who takes an unconventional approach to save his community from famine. This uplifting story will turn the hardest of hearts to mush.
Our rating: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 86%
Raising Dion
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Raising Dion is the story of a grieving mother and her young son who discovers he has super powers following the suspicious death of his father. The plot follows his mother’s struggle to raise him while keeping his powers under wraps. Despite the heartbreaking premise of the show, it manages to remain light and somewhat relatable through its witty writing and spot on casting. Although the dilemmas characters are faced with at times frustrating, Raising Dion is ultimately a feel-good show.
Our rating: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 82%
When They See Us
Genre: Crime, Drama
When They See Us is the harrowing true story of five black boys who are wrongly convicted of the rape and murder of a young woman and their journey through the American justice system. This intense and emotional tale of injustice will have you fired up to right the wrongs of the world.
Our rating: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 98%