Not every Christmas movie needs a cheesy storyline to make for a holiday classic. We understand that holiday movies can be a bit mellow and dramatic, which isn’t everyone’s vibe, so that’s why we put together this curated guide to make your time on the couch a little more entertaining. From the musical performances of “Dreamgirls” to the wildly funny moments in “Harlem Nights,” this curated list will be sure to keep you entertained throughout a relaxing holiday break.
Suggested Reading
“Dreamgirls”
When “Dreamgirls” comes on, you’d better be in your living room reciting one of the lines and performing all of the background choreography. Set in 1960s Detroit, the film follows Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrell Robinson as they rise to fame under ambitious manager Curtis Taylor Jr. But when Effie is pushed aside for the more “marketable” Deena, her journey of heartbreak and redemption becomes the film’s emotional core. The holidays are the perfect excuse to press play and enjoy this classic.
“Crooklyn”
“Crooklyn” is a classic coming-of-age story about nine-year-old Troy Carmichael as she grows up with her four brothers and her loving but stressed parents in 1970s Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. From sibling fights and neighborhood chaos to an adventurous trip down South, the film captures childhood in all its messy beauty. When Troy’s mother falls ill, she’s forced to grow up fast, learning responsibility, resilience, and the importance of family. Anytime is a good time to watch “Crooklyn.”
“Boomerang”
“Boomerang” is one of the urban classics that deserves to be in your movie vault. The 90s classic follows Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy), a charming, womanizing ad executive who is the ultimate emotionally unavailable man any single woman should fear. His world is turned upside down when his new boss, Jacqueline (Robin Givens), treats him the same way, prompting him to examine his own behavior and beliefs about love. With the help of his growing friendship—and romance—with Angela (Halle Berry), Marcus learns what commitment and maturity really mean. There are just too many reasons why “Boomerang” needs to be on your list of movies to binge-watch during break, so just hit play.
“Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit”
In “Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit,” Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) returns to the convent to help a struggling inner-city Catholic school. The no-nonsense nun is tasked with leading a group of underperforming students in a music program, helping them discover their talent and confidence, while encouraging them to achieve their goals. More than 30 years later, the film’s impact is undeniable. Call your people, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy this amazing movie together one more time.
“Brown Sugar”
When two childhood best friends create a bond over their love for hip-hop, it’s a story we have to watch. “Brown Sugar” is a romantic comedy about Sidney (Sanaa Lathan), a hip-hop journalist, and Dre (Taye Diggs), a record executive, whose lifelong friendship begins to blur into something more. The film explores love, loyalty, ambition, and a very important question every music lover asks: when did you fall in love with hip-hop? “Brown Sugar” is the perfect feel-good pick for a cozy movie night.
“Harlem Nights”
“Harlem Nights” is a timeless crime comedy set in 1930s Harlem, following Sugar Ray (Richard Pryor), the smooth-talking owner of an illegal gambling club, and his protégé Quick (Eddie Murphy). When Bugsy Calhoune, a ruthless gangster, tries to take over their operation, Sugar Ray and Quick plan to outsmart him while protecting their business and family. The movie is packed with hard-hitting one-liners, legendary performances, and old-school nostalgia, making it a perfect pick for a classic Black cinema experience.
“Creed”
“Creed” follows Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), the son of the late boxing legend Apollo Creed, as he walks away from his white-collar job to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter and to step out from his father’s shadow. After teaming up with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), Adonis trains for a career-defining match against world light heavyweight champion “Pretty” Ricky Conlan, all while Rocky quietly battles cancer. Through grueling training and his growing relationship with Bianca, Adonis learns what it truly means to honor his legacy while forging his own path.
“The Wood”
“The Wood” follows three best friends — Mike, Roland, and Slim — who reunite on the day of Mike’s wedding. As they travel through Inglewood, they revisit moments from their teenage years, including their first loves, heartbreaks, and experiences that have created their bond. The comedy drama explores brotherhood, loyalty, and vulnerability.
“The Color Purple”
The 2023 remake of the iconic film, “The Color Purple,” is a musical drama that brings Alice Walker’s powerful story to life. It follows Celie, a Black woman who endures years of abuse, separation from her sister Nettie, and the loss of her children, before reclaiming her sense of self. Featuring grand musical set pieces and a more vibrant visual style than the 1985 original, this film is a heartfelt and inspiring option for family viewing over the holiday break.
“Black Is King”
The holidays won’t feel complete without a little Beyoncé. “Black Is King” is a captivating visual album and film that reimagines a story of a young African prince as a spiritual and cultural journey across the African diaspora. It follows him from exile and confusion through temptation, self‑doubt, and disconnection from his roots, ultimately leading him towards rediscovering his ancestry. With its breathtaking visuals and mesmerizing performances, this is the kind of film you’ll find yourself hitting replay again and again.
“Friday After Next”
It won’t be a fun holiday break without watching Craig and Day-Day act a fool on film. “Friday After Next” is a Christmas hood classic where cousins Craig (Ice Cube) and Day-Day (Mike Epps) work as security guards after moving into their own apartment, only to have a robber dressed as Santa steal their rent and gifts on Christmas Eve. Facing eviction from their landlady, they throw a wild rent party while tracking down Santa. The movie is filled with hilarious scenes that make it a holiday go-to option.
“Holiday Heart”
“Holiday Heart” is a drama about Holiday, a drag queen and lounge singer, who opens his home to Wanda, a crack-addicted single mother, and her young daughter, Niki. As Wanda struggles with addiction and abusive relationships—particularly with drug dealer Silas—the family faces repeated turmoil, forcing Holiday to step in and raise Niki on his own. The film is a powerful exploration of unconventional bonds, resilience, and the ways chosen family can help people heal.
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