12 Best African American Comedy Movies on Netflix Right Now – Comedy has been a genre that has been relevant since the dawn of cinema. While comedies are amusing, they can also be socially meaningful and address themes that other genres would not address. Despite the popularity of the genre, there was never enough representation of minorities in American comedy in the past. The advent of blaxploitation films in the 1970s saw the birth of the first black movie heroes to whom a whole generation could look up.

Spike Lee was another man who rose to prominence in the late 1980s. Lee took American audiences by storm with his sophomore film, ‘Do The Right Thing,’ (1989), depicting the lives of black and other minority people in a way that had never been done before. When it comes to comedy with a black cast, we’ve produced a list of some of the best. Here’s a list of great black comedy movies on Netflix that you can watch right now.

12. She’s Gotta Have It (1986)

Spike Lee’s directorial debut, and it immediately demonstrated that America was being introduced to a fairly unusual voice. The plot revolves around a woman who is dating three men at the same time and does not want to settle down. However, the three guys become aware of her predicament and confront her. The film is about the decisions that women must make in a male-dominated world. It gained critical praise and spawned a television series of the same name. The film also aided Spike Lee’s reputation as one of the most prominent directors of the 1980s. Lee would go on to make a number of significant films, including ‘Do The Right Thing’ (1989), ‘Malcolm X’ (1992), and others. Tracy Camilla Johns takes the lead role in the film.

11. Fatherhood (2021)

The comedy film ‘Fatherhood,’ directed by Paul Weitz, stars Kevin Hart as Matthew “Matt” Logelin. It follows Matt as he attempts to raise his daughter, Maddy, after his wife dies. Matt, who is dejected and despondent, comes to accept the task of motherhood and discovers the joys that his daughter brings into his life. However, he confronts amusing challenges, devises some amusing solutions, and finds assistance from unexpected places. Critics gave the picture mixed reviews, but Hart’s performance and the poignant story were both commended.

10. The Wedding Party (2016)

‘The Wedding Party’ is not a film made in the United States. It is derived from the Nigerian film industry, often known as Nollywood. The film gives us a glimpse into Nigerian society and shows how, in certain social contexts, we are all essentially the same. The plot centres around a wedding reception, as the title suggests. Dunni Coker and Dozzi Onwuka are both wealthy and successful, and they throw a lavish wedding reception. Both the bride’s and groom’s families and friends are present in significant numbers. As the day progresses, issues arise amongst some of the attendees and even the couple. The entire film is wrapped in a lovely, hilarious tone. It is the second highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time, only being exceeded by its sequel. The film’s director is Kemi Adetiba.

9. Holiday Rush (2019)

Leslie Small’s ‘Holiday Rush’ portrays an African American family whose life of luxury and comfort comes to an unexpected end. Rashon “Rush” Williams, a widowed DJ who loses his job shortly before Christmas and is forced to care for his four spoilt children who are accustomed to a lavish lifestyle, is played by Romany Malco. The family downsizes and moves in with Rush’s sister, where they form bonds. With outstanding performances and witty writing, the film offers a new perspective on luxury and family values.

8. 2 Alone in Paris (2008)

This is a lighthearted post-apocalyptic story set in Paris, where only two individuals remain alive. One is a cop who has been on the lookout for a notorious robber for years, while the other is the crook himself. Gervais is the name of the former, and Curtis is the name of the criminal. Even after the apocalypse, the hostility between the two has not subsided, but as they realize they are the only two left, they resolve to start behaving civilly with each other. The visual effects of the film have been praised. Critics have also appreciated the film’s depiction of post-apocalyptic Paris. Ramzy Bedia and Eric Judor play the key roles in this film, which is directed by Ramzy Bedia.

7. Sextuplets (2019)

‘Sextuplets,’ the first film on this list featuring Marlon Wayans, depicts the story of Alan, a soon-to-be parent. Feeling the strain of approaching parenting, he decides to search for his biological mother. When he discovers he was born with five siblings, his search has an unanticipated outcome. He then decides to track down everyone of them before becoming a father himself. This film represents Wayans’ deliberate attempt to establish himself in the same league as Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle, both of whom have acted many roles on-screen at the same time. Unfortunately, the film received mostly unfavorable reviews after its initial release, but that hasn’t stopped Wayans from making crazy comedies in the future.

6. The Lovebirds (2020)

Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani’s (Issa Rae) four-year relationship appears to be coming to an end in Michael Showalter’s romantic action comedy ‘The Lovebirds.’ Exhausted by the continual squabbles, the two decide to part ways amicably. Jibran ends up knocking over a cyclist with his car shortly after the split. But the man flees before they can help him. Another man appears out of nowhere, steals their automobile while claiming to be a police officer, and kills the first man with Jibran’s car. The second man then prepares to murder Jibran and Leilani but is forced to flee when the police arrive. Although Jibran wishes to turn himself in to the authorities, Leilani claims that they would be held responsible for everything. The former couple eventually recognizes that they must work together if they are to escape this horrific situation.

5. Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

‘Dolemite Is My Name,’ directed by Craig Brewer, represents Eddie Murphy’s long-awaited comeback to mainstream cinema. Murphy plays 1970s stand-up comedian Rudy Ray Moore in the critically praised film. Moore is best remembered for his roles in the 1975 comedy ‘Dolomite’ and its sequels, ‘The Human Tornado’ and ‘The Return of Dolemite.’

This is undoubtedly Murphy’s strongest performance to date, as well as his most personal. ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ is a tribute to showmanship and an artist’s natural urge to entertain their audience. Moore works at a radio store at the beginning of the film and wishes to reach out to more people. He dresses himself in gaudy attire, calls himself a Dolemite, and performs ‘The Signifying Monkey,’ an amateurish but nonetheless entertaining act. Murphy received multiple honors for his performance as Dolemite, including several Best Actor nominations.

4. Naked (2017)

‘Naked,’ directed by Michael Tiddes, premiered on Netflix in 2017. Marlon Wayans plays Rob Anderson, a high school teacher who is hesitant to accept a full-time teaching position. His girlfriend, Megan, is a successful doctor, and the couple plans to marry soon. However, on the day of his wedding, Rob becomes trapped in a time loop and must employ a variety of strategies to break free and arrive at the church on time. Rob’s girlfriend is played by Regina Hall.

3. The After Party (2018)

‘The After Party’ tells the story of a rapper attempting to get into the music industry. Owen is his name, and Jeff, a boyhood friend from school, is his manager, urgently attempting to find him gigs or a record deal. Jeff is successful in getting Owen into a large event, but he falls on stage and vomits on Khalifa. This comedy focuses on the requirements of a modern rapper and demonstrates how difficult it is to break into the music industry. The two main protagonists in the film are played by Kyle Harvey and Harrison Holzer. Ian Edelman is in charge of the direction.

2. Deidra & Laney Rob a Train (2017)

This is Sydney Freeland’s second feature film. It’s the story of two little girls whose mother has been arrested and who have to look after their baby brother. Deidre, the oldest, believes she needs money to keep her siblings out of foster care and to bail out her mother. She believes the only way she will be able to accomplish this is if she succeeds to rob a train. The film is humorous and had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival before being released on Netflix.

1. The Incredible Jessica James (2017)

‘The Incredible Journey’ Jessica James is the story of a fiercely independent woman named Jessica who is trying to heal from a recent breakup with her partner. Jessica is a theatre instructor for youngsters, and in order to get her life back on track, she meets a man she enjoys spending time with. Boone’s name is Boone, and he is divorced. However, both of them continue to stalk their ex-partners. The film is about Jessica’s life troubles and how she copes with her mental state. The film has gained critical acclaim, with some even claiming that Jessica Williams is one of Hollywood’s finest black actors.