As much as we enjoy Christmas classics like “Elf,” “Home Alone” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we don’t need to see them four million times between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It would be great if we could mix in some Black holiday stories throughout the season. Queen Latifah, Ludacris, Loretta Devine, Eddie Murphy and Tyler Perry all have unforgettable Black Christmas movies we’d love to see this time of year.
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To save you from all the extra internet searches, we’ve done the work for you and gathered this helpful list of where to find them. Bookmark this page, grab your hot cocoa and check out where to stream your favorite Black holiday movies.
‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ – Netflix
It’s not just the stellar cast led by Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Rose, Keegan-Michael Key and Phylicia Rashad that makes “Jingle Jangle” such an interesting Christmas movie. It’s the fantastic music and the unique story that keeps us coming back every year. It doesn’t feel like every other Christmas movie out there, which is why it’s so endearing.
‘The Best Man Holiday’ – Prime Video
Honestly, we don’t need to wait until Christmas to enjoy “The Best Man Holiday,” but it does make the film’s setting feel more authentic if we watch it while surrounded by holiday decorations. And if you decide to make it a full “The Best Man” binge, the first film is available on Starz and the limited series “The Best Man: Final Chapters” is on Peacock.
‘This Christmas’ – Disney+
You’d be hard pressed to find a more star-studded family holiday movie than “This Christmas.” With a cast including, Loretta Devine; Delroy Lindo; Idris Elba; Regina King; Sharon Leal; Columbus Short; Lauren London; Chris Brown; and Laz Alonso, there are no weak links in this chain, which makes every character feel crucial to the story.
‘Almost Christmas’ – Hulu, Disney+
If you ever feel bad about your holiday family drama, just watch “Almost Christmas’” classic dinner scene, and you’ll be instantly overcome with relief about your family’s shenanigans.
‘The Preacher’s Wife’ – Prime Video, Google Play, AppleTV
We’ll never stop missing Whitney Houston’s one-of-a-kind presence, but her performance in “The Preacher’s Wife” truly makes us grieve her extraordinary talent. Plus, it’s rare that we get to see a lightheared side of Denzel Washington, which is always fun.
‘Friday After Next’ – Tubi
Obviously, some parts of “Friday After Next” haven’t aged well. However, for fans of the “Friday” trilogy, it’s not really the holiday season until they get involved in Craig and Day-Day’s Christmas Eve shenanigans.
‘The Perfect Holiday’ – Peacock, Paramount+
Curling up in your favorite pjs with a cup of peppermint hot chocolate and a holiday rom-com starring Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut? Yes please. Everything about that sounds like a fantastic Christmas tradition.
‘Dashing Through the Snow’ – Disney+
A father and daughter help Santa unravel a Christmas conspiracy as the dad reconciles his dislike of the holiday season. Ludacris and Lil Rel Howrey lead this adorable, charming family comedy. This is one that everyone is guaranteed to enjoy.
‘Candy Cane Lane’ – Prime Video
We’re not going to claim the Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross comedy is a timeless classic. But it is a lot of sugary, family friendly holiday fun. If you want something that will offer a few laughs without offending anyone, this is a solid choice.
‘A Madea Christmas’ – Tubi
Come on, you know we weren’t going to make it through a whole list of Black holiday movies without Madea. Tyler Perry’s popular character brings her signature nonsense to the holidays as she must mend the relationship between two of her relatives and teach a valuable lesson about family.
‘Boxing Day’ – Prime Video
If you’re obsessed with “Love Actually,” but wish it had more Black characters, check out “Boxing Day,” which follows a British author as he introduces his fiance to his family during Christmas.
‘Black Nativity’ – Prime Video, Google Play, AppleTV
As young Langston reaches a crossroads in his life, his fractured family tries to find a path toward reconciliation. However, the real draw here is the amazing musical performances from Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige.
‘Last Holiday’ – Paramount+
Queen Latifah takes over Europe in this Christmas classic, which features her at her leading lady best.
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