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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.

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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

‘American Gangster’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV_nssS6Zkg

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’

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

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M008OsQ6fro

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1JiSLkVrns

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUrgF2TwtxE

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQXInltKe8E

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dzoB-tC8Bo

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’

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

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XxK3keq6A0

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyb3NV1U9SA

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BOF9_Ugfb8

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’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1fNTu6gzg8

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.

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