The 100 Essential Black Comedy Movies

(Photo by Sony Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection. ONE OF THEM DAYS)

Laughter can be the ultimate form of celebration, so what better way to honor Juneteenth than by watching the most outrageous, hilarious, and soulful Black comedies ever made!

We’re compiling an essential assortment of laugh-out-loud Black films, ranging from classic hits starring iconic comedians, like Beverly Hills Cop and Undercover Brother, to raunchy escapades, like Girls Trip and Booty Call. Black Dynamite and Friday make the list, representing subversive comedic takes on genres that were often centered around Black characters, locations, and themes (Blaxploitation and “Hood” films respectively), while Cooley High and Bebe’s Kids hysterically capture the rebellious spirit of adolescence. We also included Pootie Tang because… well, because it’s Pootie Tang.

So light up the barbecue, kick back, and turn up the volume as you dive into our list of essential Black comedies! You’re welcome. — Bryce Marrero

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