10 Movies to Watch for Black History Month

February 1, 2026

Black History Month is all about celebrating Black creativity, joy, and storytelling, and I believe rom-coms absolutely belong in that conversation. The films listed below span decades, from sharp ’90s classics to fresh modern takes, featuring memorable characters that are funny, complicated, and deeply human. Whether they’re soulful, messy, glamorous, or quietly tender, each of these movies is well worth revisiting, or discovering for the first time, this Black History Month.

01. Boomerang (1992)

Marcus is a successful advertising executive who woos and beds women almost at will. After a company merger, he finds that his new boss, the ravishing Jacqueline, is treating him in exactly the same way. Completely traumatised by this, his work goes into a downward spiral. This romantic comedy flips gender power dynamics with confidence and style.

02. The Best Man (1999)

After writing a soon-to-be-bestselling novel, Harper Stewart attempts to hide the fact that his saucy new book is loosely based on the lives and loves of his tight-knit group of friends. Now, Harper is set to be the best man at his friend Lance’s wedding, and all his friends will be in attendance. When an advance copy of the book makes its way into the hands of his ex-flame, Jordan, Harper attempts to keep it under wraps. The Best Man has an irresistible mix of romance, friendship, drama, and wedding chaos that feels funny, messy, and real. Also check out its sequel, The Best Man Holiday!

03. Coming to America (1988)

An African prince decides it’s time for him to find a princess… and his mission leads him and his most loyal friend to Queens, New York. In disguise as an impoverished immigrant, the pampered prince quickly finds himself a new job, new friends, new digs, new enemies, and lots of trouble. This movie is a timeless fish-out-of-water love story packed with heart, quotable comedy, and Eddie Murphy at his peak. Skip the sequel.

04. Love Jones (1997)

Darius Lovehall, a young poet in Chicago, begins a romance with Nina Moseley, a gifted photographer, and as they circle the question of whether they’re truly in love or just enjoying the moment. Their relationship is complicated by their friends and insecurities. This romantic dramedy brings a fresh, thoughtful spin to a familiar formula.

05. Two Can Play That Game (2001)

High-powered and impeccably confident Shanté Smith believes she has all the tools to keep her smooth-talking boyfriend Keith in line—until he strays with her longtime rival, Conny, pushing Shanté to plot an all-out strategy to win him back at any cost. This is a fun, battle-of-the-sexes rom-com that is both clever and chaotic.

06. Brown Sugar (2002)

Sidney and Dre can attribute their lifelong friendship and the launch of their careers to one single childhood instant – witnessing the birth of hip-hop on a New York street corner. Now, some 15 years later, she is a revered music critic at a national magazine, and he is a successful yet unfulfilled hip-hop record company executive. One of my favorite friends-to-lovers rom-coms, Brown Sugar is a beautiful love letter to hip-hop and nostalgia.

07. Jumping the Broom (2011)

Sabrina is a successful corporate lawyer who comes from an old-money family. When she meets Jason, she thinks she’s found Mr. Right and eagerly accepts the Wall Street worker’s marriage proposal after a whirlwind courtship. However, when Sabrina’s aristocratic parents meet Jason’s postal worker mother at their estate on Martha’s Vineyard, the class divide seems very wide indeed. This is a lovely destination rom-com that focuses on class, culture, and familial pressure.

08. About Last Night (2014)

Bernie and Joan are two fiery flirters who are passionate about everything from hookups to breakups and each other. When he sets up his best friend, Danny, with her roommate, Debbie, sparks soon fly as they try to navigate the relationship minefields from the bar to the bedroom, and they are eventually put to the test in the real world. A remake of the 1986 film, About Last Night offers an unapologetically honest view on modern dating and sex.

09. Just Wright (2010)

Leslie Wright lands the dream job of working with basketball superstar Scott McKnight, helping him recover from a career-threatening injury. All goes well, and soon Leslie finds herself falling in love with him. Just Wright is the perfect rom-com that centers on self-worth and choosing the love that actually sees you.

10. Rye Lane (2023)

Two twenty-somethings nursing fresh breakups cross paths during a chaotic day in South London, bonding over shared heartbreak, confronting disastrous exes, and slowly rediscovering the possibility of romance. A fresh, modern rom-com that received critical acclaim for its writing and performances. This is definitely one to add to your watchlist!