It may be hard to believe but it’s been 30 years since 1995, a year that proved to be a good one considering the plethora of Black films and TV shows that were released.
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Whether it was romantic films with an all-star cast like “Waiting to Exhale” or a future million dollar box office franchise like “Bad Boys,” or short-lived family comedies like “The Parent’ Hood,” what was true about 1995 — and the entire decade of the 90’s to be real — is that it served up more than its fair share of beloved pieces of cinema and television. And its fruits deserve to be honored.
So it’s in that spirit of celebration that we felt it fitting to take a look back at some of the most iconic movies and series that are celebrating the 30th anniversary this year. Fair warning, you’re going to feel a bit of nostalgia so be prepared, but have fun walking down memory lane.
“Waiting to Exhale”
Cast: Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Whitney Houston, Lela Rochon, Gregory Hines, Wendell Pierce, Michael Beach
Director: Forest Whitaker
“Bad Boys”
Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Theresa Randle, John Salley
Director: Michael Bay
“Dead Presidents”
Cast: Larenz Tate, Clifton Powell, Chris Tucker, Keith David
Director: the Hughes Brothers
“Tales From the Hood”
Cast: Clarence Williams III, Joe Torry, David Alan Grier, Rusty Cundieff
Director: Rusty Cundieff
“Higher Learning”
Cast: Omar Epps, Busta Rhymes, Laurence Fishburne, Ice Cube
Director: John Singleton
“Vampire in Brooklyn”
Cast: Angela Bassett, Eddie Murphy, Kadeem Hardison, John Witherspoon
Director: Wes Craven
“Panther”
Cast: Tyrin Turner, Courtney B. Vance, Kadeem Hardison, Mario Van Peebles, Angela Bassett
Director: Mario Van Peebles
“Clockers”
Cast: Delroy Lindo, Mekhi Phifer, Isaiah Washington, Keith David
Director: Spike Lee
“Devil in a Blue Dress”
Cast: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Albert W. Hall
Director: Carl Franklin
“New Jersey Drive”
Cast: Sharron Corley, Gabriel Casseus, Donald Faison, Heavy D
Director: Nick Gomez
“Major Payne”
Cast: Damon Wayans, Karyn Parsons, Orlando Brown, Damien Dante Wayans
Director: Nick Castle
“The Wayans Brothers,” 1995-1999
Cast: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford
Created by: Shawn and Marlon Wayans
“The Parent’Hood,” 1995-1999
Cast: Robert Townsend, Suzzane Douglas, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Faizon Love
Created by: Robert Townsend
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