As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to snuggle up on the couch with loved ones and immerse ourselves in the heartwarming world of Black Christmas films.
While holiday films are all around, it feels like a lot of them don’t represent our beautiful Black community. This year, we scored a Black mermaid on the big screen! And with the Christmas season approaching, it’s important for us to show our kids Black people being happy on screen. Families like ours, experiencing Black joy during the holidays. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, got us covered. Making it easier than ever to enjoy Christmas classics. So, let’s unwrap this list of the best Black Christmas movies to watch with your families this holiday season!
The Best Black Christmas Movies:
“Dashing Through the Snow” (2023)
It stars Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Teyonah Parris, and Lil Rel Howery. A divorced social worker for the Atlanta police department despises Christmas due to a painful childhood memory. When sent on a call while spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, he inadvertently evokes the wrath of a local politician but meets a man who helps him understand the joy and magic of Christmas.
“Candy Cane Lane” (2023)
Eddie Murphy stars as Chris Carver a man determined to win the neighborhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win–and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.
“The Preacher’s Wife” (1996)
Starring: Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, and Courtney B. Vance
In this heartwarming classic, Denzel Washington plays Dudley, an angel sent to assist Reverend Henry Biggs, portrayed by Courtney B. Vance. This soulful and romantic tale explores the power of faith, love, and second chances, making it a must-watch during the holiday season.
“This Christmas” (2007)
Gather ’round the Christmas tree with the Whitfield family as they reunite for the first time in years. With six children and their partners, the Whitfield household is bustling with emotions and surprises. Quentin, Jr., a talented musician who’s been away for years, returns to spark some family tension. And let’s not forget about Lisa, a determined housewife, facing her cheating husband Malcolm (Laz Alonso) head-on. Amidst the laughter and chaos, love and secrets intertwine, bringing about a Christmas Eve to remember. Starring an ensemble cast, including Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Chris Brown, and Regina King.
“Almost Christmas” (2016)
Embark on a laughter-filled journey with the Meyers family as they come together for their first Christmas since their matriarch’s passing. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Danny Glover and Gabrielle Union, this delightful film is a perfect blend of humor and heart, showcasing the love and quirks that make family gatherings so special.
“The Best Man Holiday” (2013)
Reunite with the beloved group of college friends in this heartwarming sequel to “The Best Man.” The film follows the friends as they come together for the holidays, rekindling old flames, and rediscovering the true meaning of friendship. With a talented cast, including Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan, this movie is sure to leave you smiling and shedding a tear or two.
“The Perfect Holiday” (2007)
Experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of young Emily, who wishes for her mother to find true love. Gabrielle Union stars as Nancy, Emily’s mother, who finds herself caught between a charming musician played by Morris Chestnut, and her ex-husband. This heartwarming romantic comedy is a delightful tale of love, family, and holiday miracles.
“Merry Liddle Christmas Baby” (2021)
This holiday, the Liddles have much to be merry about! Jacquie Liddle (Kelly Rowland) and her husband Tyler (Thomas Cadrot) are preparing for the arrival of their first baby. Meanwhile, Jacquie’s sister Treena (Latonya Williams) and her husband Julian (Jaime M. Callica) are thinking about adopting a baby themselves, and spirited, fashionista sister Kiera’s (Bresha Webb) relationship with Chris (Nathan Witte) is heating up. With their family expanding in ways they could never have expected, the Liddles are headed for a crazy Christmas filled with merry mayhem and lots of love and laughter.
Jingle Jangle (2020)
In the enchanting town of Cobbleton, “Jingle Jangle” takes us on a heartwarming adventure with Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker,) a once-beloved toymaker known for his extraordinary creations. But when his prized invention is stolen, Jeronicus loses his spark and shuts down his shop, losing faith in his abilities. Years later, his adventurous granddaughter, Journey (Madelyn Mills,) arrives in Cobbleton and discovers the hidden magic within her grandfather’s forgotten inventions. With the help of Buddy 3000, a whimsical robot, Journey sets out to restore her grandfather’s belief in magic and rediscover the joy of Christmas. Get ready for a magical and touching tale of family, hope, and the spirit of the season!
Our Christmas Journey (2021)
As a single mom and her teenage son with autism come to a crossroads during Christmas, she must learn to let go so he can flourish as she finds her own heart healing in unexpected ways. Starring Holly Robinson Peete, Lyriq Bent and Nik Sanchez
A Miracle Before Christmas (2022)
With a little help from an angel, Mercedes Wright, a fast-talking popular relationship therapist with all the answers when it comes to fixing everyone else’s marriage, must now use the magic of Christmas to find the secret to save her own. Starring Romeo Miller, Keith David, and Letoya Luckett
The Best Man: The Final Chapters (TV Series 2022)
The Best Man: The Final Chapters isn’t a movie but WE all tuned in to see how our faves were doing. The series takes place a few years after The Best Man Holiday. After eight episodes full of dramatic highs and lows mixed with appreciated comedic moments, The Best Man: The Final Chapters concludes the story of characters we’ve known for 23 years. In the last moments of the series finale, the cast appropriately danced their way into the end credits, reminding viewers of how the original The Best Man ended, with the friends dancing to Cameo’s “Candy” at Lance (Morris Chestnut) and Mia’s (Monica Calhoun) wedding. Starring: Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, and Harold Perrineau.
Holiday Rush (2019)
In “Rush,” widowed hip-hop DJ Rashon “Rush” Williams faces a tough blow when he loses his job at the radio station and has to move back with his four children to Aunt Jo’s house. Determined to get back on his feet, Rush and his producer Roxy buy an old radio station, WBQL, but face opposition from CamCom, the new owner of their former station. Amid the challenges, Rush and Roxy’s relationship blossoms, but when Rush’s son Jamal runs away, the family must confront their new reality. With perseverance and support from unexpected sources, Rush manages to turn things around, finding hope and love during the magical Christmas season. Starring Romany Malco and Sonequa Martin-Green
Hip Hop Family Christmas (2022)
Hip-Hop’s most famous family agrees to participate in a live Christmas television special to address the negative press and soften their image. Starring MC Lyte, Redman, and Keri Hilson.
“A New Diva’s Christmas Carol” (2022)
Aphrodite was made famous back in the day for performing “the” timeless love song of the era. The song that everyone plays at their weddings, in every sappy commercial for diamonds or rings or puppies or soldiers coming home. It made her a ton of money, but Aphrodite “hates” this song. She’s now the meanest judge on Pop The Question but her life changes when Brianna becomes the breakthrough contestant, exuding love and purity. When Aphrodite reluctantly becomes her mentor, she does everything possible to steer her away from love and love anthems. Due to Aphrodite’s sour attitude, Aphrodite is visited by three spirits who take Aphrodite on a journey through love and Christmas past, present, and future to try and shake her out of her funk and let love back in. Starring Ashanti, Vivica A. Fox, and Eva Marcille.
“Snowbound for Christmas” (2019)
It’s the Christmas season and Rachel Carter just landed her dream job as a marketing director. She is eager to impress her boss, Adrian Blackstone, and when a new project arises, she steps up presenting an impressive marketing video. This gets her a spot on her boss’ team heading to a resort for a much bigger presentation. While there, a snowstorm moves in trapping her and Adrian at the resort. They get to spend some quality time together realizing there may be more to their relationship than just business.
“Inventing the Christmas Prince” (2022)
Shelby is about to quit her job when her daughter becomes convinced that her boss Evan is the Christmas prince from a story Shelby made up a few years ago. Starring Tamera Mowry-Housley, Ronnie Rowe, and Isabel Birch.
“Coins for Christmas” (2018)
Single mom Madison finds herself scraping pennies together two weeks before Christmas after the IRS freezes her bank account, her ex fails to come through with any help and her boss fires her. Desperate to pay bills and buy gifts for her teenage children, Madison jumps into the ever-popular “gig economy.” That’s when she meets and eventually gets hired by obnoxious, sidelined former pro football player Alec Darby, also secretly on the verge of going broke. This odd couple butt heads time and time again, but they eventually forge a friendship. And, to their surprise, they learn a lot about themselves and teach one another how to be better people. Starring: Essence Atkins, Stephen Bishop, and Tyla Harris.
“Last Holiday” (2006)
Georgia is a talented cook and dreams of attending a prestigious culinary school, but she lacks the confidence to pursue her passions. She keeps a “Book of Possibilities,” in which she writes down all the things she would do if she were more daring. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives some shocking news from her doctor. Starring Queen Latifah and LL Cool J.
“A Diva’s Christmas Carol” (2000)
In this heartwarming and soulful holiday tale, get ready to meet Ebony Scrooge, a world-famous and ego-driven singer who’s about to embark on a transformative journey. Based on Charles Dickens’s classic “A Christmas Carol,” this modern retelling takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and redemption. Starring Vanessa Williams and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas.
I love the movies you featured. There are some I never seen before and would love to watch this year.