The Best, Blackest Fall Movie Preview of the Year

Synopsis: This documentary chronicles the life and influence of Donyale Luna, the first Black supermodel to appear on the cover of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

First Impression: It’s always fascinating to hear about the people who broke barriers, but never received the credit they deserve. It’s even more interesting when those people are Black women.

Cast: John David Washington, Madeleine Yuna Voyles, Gemma Chan, Allison Janney and Ken Watanabe

Synopsis: This action-thriller takes place in a world ravaged by a war between humans and AI.

First Impression: We’ve been telling you AI is a bad idea, well now, John David Washington has to save the day because y’all wanted a robot to write your term paper.

Cast: Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, Bowen Yang, Megan Thee Stallion

Synopsis: An over the top musical comedy about two guys who think they’re long lost twins.

First Impression: This movie looks like some complete nonsense, but Megan Thee Stallion looks like she’s having a blast.

Cast: Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Joe Manganiello, Maya Hawke

Synopsis: Assassins set up a money-laundering scheme in the art world, and weird comedy ensues.

First Impression: If you like black comedy that takes things off the beaten path, this might be your cup of tea. Samuel L. Jackson’s ability to constantly find new ways to be a badass is spectacular.

Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Nettles, Ann Dowd, Leslie Odom Jr.

Synopsis: A direct sequel to the horror classic finds a father trying to save his 12-year-old daughter from demonic possession.

First Impression: The filmmakers who revived Halloween are trying to do the same with The Exorcist.

Cast: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani and Samuel L. Jackson

Synopsis: Carol Danver, Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan must unite against the villain who’s manipulated their powers.

First Impression: I don’t care what the world is saying about the MCU, this looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun to see these three badass women team up.

Cast: Dr. Angela Davis, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Dr. Jennifer L. Morgan, and Dr. Ibram X Kendi.

Synopsis: Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams’ documentary based on Kendi’s best-selling book uses “ vivid animations” to examine the history of racist tropes and images.

First Impression: Using animation to explore these topics sounds like a fascinating way to put a fresh take on documentaries.

Cast: Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Matt Cedeño and Jason Biggs

Synopsis: At Christmastime, two friends try to find the balance between reality and expectations.

First Impression: Everyone has that one friend who needs everything to be perfect during the holidays. Spoiler alert: Nothing is perfect during the holidays. The real question is will we get to hear Brandy sing holiday favorites?

Cast: Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen, CCH Pounder, Jeffrey Wright and Audra McDonald

Synopsis: This biopic chronicles civil rights leader Bayard Rustin’s organization of the March on Washington.

First Impression: I cannot wait to see Colman Domingo embody Rustin and give this inspiring leader his long overdue, well deserved flowers.

Cast: Rachel Zegler, Jason Schwartzman, Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis

Synopsis: Future President Snow seemingly falls in love amid the 10th Hunger Games in this prequel to the popular franchise.

First Impression: If you’ve ever watched The Hunger Games and wondered how Donald Sutherland’s Coriolanus Snow became such a soulless jerk, this is your story.

Cast: Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Ariana DeBose

Synopsis: This Disney animated fairy tale is the origin story to where all those magical wishes come from.

First Impression: Look, it doesn’t matter whether you’re interested or not. If you have kids, you’re absolutely going to go see this Thanksgiving weekend.

Cast: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la, Farrah Mackenzie

Synopsis: A middle class white family and an upper class Black family are stuck together during a mysterious run of apocalyptic events.

First Impression: With a cast this talented, you know this one is going to be must-watch. I can’t wait for the tense back and forth between Hawke and Ali as they try to figure out if the world is ending.

Cast: Jason Momoa, Ben Affleck, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Synopsis: I have no idea, but does it even matter since the DC film universe is clearly moving on from all these characters.

First Impression: We’ve finally reached the last gasp of the DCEU. This Aquaman sequel has been on the shelf so long, we won’t actually believe it’s been released until we see it in a theater.

Cast: Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Ray Fisher, Anthony Hopkins

Synopsis: Kora assembles an unlikely team of warriors to defend her village from the galaxy’s powerful, tyrannical army.

First Impression: Um, I can just watch Star Wars. I don’t need overly long knockoffs overflowing with slow motion fight scenes.

Cast: Fantasia; Danielle Brooks; Taraji P. Henson; Colman Domingo; Corey Hawkins; H.E.R.; Halle Bailey; Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor; Louis Gossett Jr.

Synopsis: Adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the 1985 film.

First Impression: Fantasia singing “I’m Here” is a life-changing experience.