Best Black-Led Movies and Shows Streaming on HBO Max Right Now

Denzel Washington, Zendaya, Taraji P. Henson and Issa Rae are some of the Black stars featured on the streaming service.

Photo: Ser Boffo

We’ve all been there. It’s Saturday night and you want to watch something cool, but you’re frozen in endless scrolling mode. Well, here’s the answer to your prayers. We’ve done the scrolling for you and have found some of the most interesting titles on all the biggest streaming services. With its deep library of series and movies from Food Network, HGTV, Cartoon Network and DC Comics, Max has plenty of choices across all genres. Skip the scrolling and check out our suggestions for what’s Black on Max.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Marvin Sapp Turns Viral Controversy Into A Song — But Not Everyone’s Praising Him

‘American Gangster’

Multiple Denzel Washington titles, including, ‘American Gangster,’ ‘Man on Fire’ and ‘Flight’ are some of the movies you’ll probably be binging.

‘Dune: Part Two’

If you’ve seen “Dune: Part Two,” you know that Zendaya is the real boss of this universe. If you need to catch up, “Dune” is also available.

‘Delicious Miss Brown’

Kardea Brown does southern recipes with different and unique spins, making traditional dishes feel fresh. If you’re not an experienced cook, she breaks everything down really easy for you. Binge this and you’ll end up as the hit of the cookout.

‘The Color Purple’

If you missed out on the spectacular film adaptation of the Broadway musical when it was in theaters, now you can enjoy it at home where you can sing along as loud as you want.

‘Young Love’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5_moDbq1Kk

This adorable animated series is a follow up to the Oscar-winning short film “Hair Love.” It follows the family as they try to bounce back after Angela is released from the hospital.

‘Batwoman’

If you want to watch Season 1 that’s fine, but you should just find a recap video and jump in with Season 2. Javicia Leslie takes over as Ryan Wilder and instantly improves on everything the show was previously doing. Having a Black Batwoman opened up new stories for Gotham City and the Bat Universe. It’s still disappointing that this show only went three seasons.

‘I May Destroy You’

Photo: Natalie Seery/HBO

Michaela Coel’s brilliant series on how a woman deals with the traumatic aftermath of her assault is required viewing if you like stellar performances and captivating characters.

‘Love to Love You, Donna Summer’

Donna Summer is one of the most successful singers in pop music, but it still feels like she’s underrated. This fascinating documentary offers a rare glimpse into her life off stage and is a must watch for fans of the disco queen.

‘Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero’

The rapper/singer is followed by cameras as he navigates his overnight fame and the scrutiny that comes with being an openly gay Black artist. He deals with the pressures of being a role model, as well as his family’s expectations. As usual Lil Nas X does things his way.

‘The Wire’

At this point, there’s nothing left for us to say about “The Wire’s” greatness. It’s the Lay’s Potato Chips of TV. Once you press play, that’s your whole weekend. You’re not doing anything else.

‘The Boondocks’

Huey and Riley’s fight, the school fundraiser, Tom singing Usher, Grandad and Uncle Rukus’ fights. It’s impossible to pick a favorite “Boondocks” moment.

‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’

The legendary poet allowed a documentary crew to follow her and chronicle her health struggles as she went to various readings and signings, all while framed by the idea of what you would bring if you were going to Mars. It’s a truly fascinating and rare look at one of the greatest writers of our time.

‘Static Shock’

This animated series starring Virgil Hawkins aka Static is a classic entry in the superhero genre. The challenges that Static deals with are timeless for Black kids, making this a fantastic watch for the whole family.

‘Watchmen’

Photo: Mark Hill/HBO

Regina King and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II have a love story for the ages that just happens to be set against the backdrop of a classic graphic novel story. Those first minutes featuring the Tulsa Race Massacre opened a lot of eyes about a huge moment in Black history.

‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’

If you just want to spend the day laughing, look no further than the fall off the couch hilarious “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Made for Black women, by Black women it’s brilliant and fun.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Celebs Who Blessed Miami Art Basel 2025

Black Celebs Who Blessed Miami Art Basel 2025

Lori Harvey, Rihanna and Swizz Beatz were among the Black stars spotted in Miami for Art Basel. We’re looking at how Black folks are enjoying the celebration of modern art …
Even More Crazy Events No One Could Have Predicted in 2025

Even More Crazy Events No One Could Have Predicted in 2025

From Marjorie Taylor Greene resigning to Diddy’s shocking verdict, here are the most unexpected moments from 2025 …
GloRilla Gives Update on Friendship With Young Thug Months After Viral Negative Tweets

GloRilla Gives Update on Friendship With Young Thug Months After Viral Negative Tweets

Rapper Young Thug made waves on social media in September when he bashed GloRilla’s looks. And now there’s an update on where they stand now! …
A Peek Inside The Root 100 Party's Swag Bag

A Peek Inside The Root 100 Party’s Swag Bag

Shampoo from Cécred, beard oil from Bask & Lather, and a festive bottle of Martell were just a few of the goodies in this year’s The Root 100 swag bag …
The Pros <i>and</i> Cons For Your Favorite Black Shows When Netflix Buys Warner Bros. Discovery

The Pros and Cons For Your Favorite Black Shows When Netflix Buys Warner Bros. Discovery

With Netflix’s impending takeover of Warner Bros., let’s take a look at how this historic deal could impact the future of Black stories and storytellers! …
Why Supreme Court's MAGA-Friendly Redistricting Ruling Could Change Everything For Jasmine Crockett, Other Texas Dems

Why Supreme Court’s MAGA-Friendly Redistricting Ruling Could Change Everything For Jasmine Crockett, Other Texas Dems

Under the Supreme Court temporarily ruling in favor of Trump, but where does it leave the Democrats, who are more than outnumbered …
Customer Pulls Gun on Black Barber After A Messed Up Haircare... and That's Not All

Customer Pulls Gun on Black Barber After A Messed Up Haircare… and That’s Not All

Miami police caught up with Darious Dwayne Davis after he was identified as the man who viciously attacked a Black barbershop owner …
Quinta Brunson's Latest Move Might Change the Lives of Philly Public School Students Forever

Quinta Brunson’s Latest Move Might Change the Lives of Philly Public School Students Forever

Actress Quinta Brunson just launched a new fund designed to for Philadelphia public school students …
Breaking Down Beyoncé, Brandy and Ray J's Social Media Drama!

Breaking Down Beyoncé, Brandy and Ray J’s Social Media Drama!

There’s been a whole bunch of online chatter regarding Beyonce, Brandy and Ray J. Let’s break down what it’s all about! …
How Black Folks and Asians Found Themselves Bonding Over Tiktok Drama About White People

How Black Folks and Asians Found Themselves Bonding Over Tiktok Drama About White People

Black folks have found themselves in the middle of Asian TikTok drama and we’ll tell you why …
Michelle Obama Reveals Seven Unknown Facts About Katt Williams

Michelle Obama Reveals Seven Unknown Facts About Katt Williams

The comedian opened up to Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson on their podcast, sharing a vulnerability you rarely see …
Why Expert Says DHS's 'Not a Nation of Immigrants' Announcement Is Deeper Than You Think

Why Expert Says DHS’s ‘Not a Nation of Immigrants’ Announcement Is Deeper Than You Think

DHS’s “Not a Nation of Immigrants” stance has deeper Implications, according to Experts …
Meghan Markle's Holiday Netflix Special is Just the Kind of Self-Care Black Folks Need Right Now

Meghan Markle’s Holiday Netflix Special is Just the Kind of Self-Care Black Folks Need Right Now

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has a special holiday episode of her lifestyle show and her Black fans are here it. Spoiler alert: Prince Harry loves gumbo! …
Here's How Much it Costs to Rent Out Kanye West's Formerly Abandoned Malibu Mansion

Here’s How Much it Costs to Rent Out Kanye West’s Formerly Abandoned Malibu Mansion

Since 2021, the Malibu mansion that once belonged to Kanye West has been through renovations, potential timeshares and now a possible foreclosure …
The <i>Real</i> Reason Star Boxer Terence Crawford Was Stripped Of His WBC Title

The Real Reason Star Boxer Terence Crawford Was Stripped Of His WBC Title

Terence Crawford refused to pay a $300,000 sanctioning fee that was mandated by the World Boxing Coucil (WBC) …
About Those Pics of Diddy Smiling with Inmates...

About Those Pics of Diddy Smiling with Inmates…

Diddy just became the latest victim of artificial intelligence after the truth behind his viral prison pictures are finally revealed …
Why the Netflix Diddy Doc Has Everyone Furious at This Black Woman Juror From the Trial

Why the Netflix Diddy Doc Has Everyone Furious at This Black Woman Juror From the Trial

After watching the Netflix Diddy documentary, fans call out Juror 160 on behavior which may have impacted the court ruling …
Halle Berry Trashes the Idea of Gavin Newsom as President For One Crucial Reason

Halle Berry Trashes the Idea of Gavin Newsom as President For One Crucial Reason

Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry is calling out California Gov. Gavin Newsom for his veto of legislation supporting one crucial topic …
'Industry' Star Myha'la's Response to Learning Her Roots Will Have You Reaching For Tissues

‘Industry’ Star Myha’la’s Response to Learning Her Roots Will Have You Reaching For Tissues

‘Industry’ star Myha’la Herrold sobs after landing in the country of her ancestral roots for the first time …