Fall is here, and as always, it’s the perfect season for film lovers. As awards season rapidly approaches, autumn is the perfect time to head to the movies as studios put out their best projects in hopes of taking home some trophies in the coming months. With so much to see, we’re breaking down the best films with Black stars to check out this season.
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Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
“Knives Out” fans are in for a treat with “Wake Up Dead Man.” The murder mystery series is back for a third installment, just a few years after Janelle Monaé gave the performance of her career in “Glass Onion.” The latest film once again assembles an all star cast of actors, this time with “Scandal” star Kerry Washington joining for some good old fashioned mystery. Releasing this Thanksgiving before hitting Netflix in December, we’re sure this is set to be one of the biggest films of the year.
“Wake Up Dead Man” is in select theaters November 26 and on Netflix on Dec. 12.
Wicked: For Good
“Wicked” took the world by storm last year, bringing fans into the world of Oz long before Dorothy dropped in. The story continues in “Wicked: For Good,” with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and more reprising their roles from the first film. This time around, Colman Domingo joins as the voice of the Cowardly Lion, in a film that is sure to please fans of the first, and perhaps once again score Oscar nominations for the lead actresses.
“Wicked: For Good” hits theaters on Nov. 21.
Hedda
Nia DaCosta’s new film has earned rave reviews from critics. An adaptation of the classic play “Hedda Gabler” by Henrik Ibsen, “Hedda” stars Tessa Thompson in perhaps her most exciting role yet. In the titular role, Thompson’s Hedda “finds herself torn between the lingering ache of a past love and the quiet suffocation of her present life.”
Hedda is now streaming on Prime Video.
One Battle After Another
Everyone’s talking about “One Battle After Another.” The Paul Thomas Anderson film earned rave reviews when it premiered in theaters last month, and already has Oscar buzz surrounding it. Starring Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall and newcomer Chase Infiniti, the film is a good old-fashioned action thriller, following a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.
“One Battle After Another” is in theaters now.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Avatar is back! Another sequel to the highest grossing film of all time is coming this December, with Zoe Saldana once again reprising her role of Neytiri. This film is set to introduce the “Ash” people, a new tribe of Na’vi set to change the planet of Pandora as we know it.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” hits theaters on Dec. 19.
After the Hunt
Breakout “The Bear” star Ayo Edibiri’s greatest role yet is here. Starring alongside acting legend Julia Roberts, Edibiri’s latest film is “After the Hunt,” from Luca Guadagnino. The film follows a college professor who “finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads” when a star pupil (Edibiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues and “a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.”
“After the Hunt” is in theaters now.
The Running Man
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, “The Running Man” follows a man who joins a game show in which contestants, allowed to go anywhere in the world, are pursued by hunters hired to kill them. Colman Domingo and Daniel Ezra join Glen Powell in supporting roles.
“The Running Man” hits theaters on Nov. 14.
Sarah’s Oil
The next great American biographical drama film might be here. “Sarah’s Oil” is based on the real life story of Sarah Rector. Adapted from the book “Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America“, the film follows 11-year-old Sarah, played by young actress Naya Desir-Johnson, who in the early 1900s, “believes there is oil beneath the barren land she’s allotted and whose faith is proven right.”
“Sarah’s Oil” is in theaters now.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
The “Now You See Me” franchise is back with a third installment this fall. Once again, following skilled illusionists conducting a high-stakes heist, this sequel introduces a new, young group of magicians to the fold, including film and TV star Justice Smith as Charlie. These films are always a blast, and new fresh faces in the franchise is a perfect way to breathe new life into the trilogy.
“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” hits theaters on Nov. 14.
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