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Best Black Biopics to Binge for the Holidays

Best Black Biopics to Binge for the Holidays

When Holiday Season rolls around, there's nothing better to do than to eat and watch movies and we've got the perfect list!

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Screenshot: IMDB.com

Now that it’s officially the holiday season and most folks’ brains are wired to focus on pies and good times, there’s no better time to kick back and get in a good binge session with some top tier movies.

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If you’re anything like us and lean more towards comfort classic biopics, then you’re in luck. We’ve got the perfect list of the best Black biopics to tickle your fancy during the festive times.

Whether you’re in the mood for something music-centric like “The Temptations” or something inspirational like “King Richard”—we’ve got something for every mood. So sit back, relax, and get ready for some good recommendations.

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2 / 16

“What’s Love Got to Do With It?”

“What’s Love Got to Do With It?”

1993 What’s Love Got to Do with It Offcial Trailer 1 Touchstone Pictures

Who: Tina Turner

Stars: Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Bell Calloway

Released: 1993

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3 / 16

“The Temptations”

“The Temptations”

The Temptations (1998) - trailer

Who: The Temptations (Otis Williams, Melvin “Blue” Franklin, Eddie “Cornbread” Kendricks, Paul Williams and David Ruffin)

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Stars: Charles Malik Whitfield, Leon, D.B. Woodside, Christian Payton, Jenifer Lewis, Terron Brooks

Released: 1998

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4 / 16

“The Jacksons: An American Dream”

“The Jacksons: An American Dream”

ITV (LWT) The Jacksons: An American Dream Promo (1993)

Who: The Jacksons (Michael, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and Randy)

Stars: Angela Bassett, Lawrence Hilton, Jason Weaver, Holly Robinson Peete, Vanessa Williams, Billy Dee Williams, Margaret Avery

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Released: 1993

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5 / 16

“The New Edition Story”

“The New Edition Story”

‘The New Edition Story’ Extended Promo | The New Edition Story

Who: New Edition (Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronny Devoe, Johnny Gill)

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Stars: Algee Smith, Woody McClain, Bryshere Gray, Elijah Kelley, Keith Powers, Luke Jams, Wood Harris

Released: 2017

(OK, so technically this is a biopic mini-series but we’d be dumb not to include it.)

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6 / 16

“One Night in Miami”

“One Night in Miami”

One Night in Miami... - Official Trailer | Prime Video

Who: Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Malcolm X and Sam Cooke the night of the Ali-Liston fight in 1964

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Stars: Leslie Odom Jr., Kingsley Ben-Adir, Aldis Hodge, Eli Goree, Lance Reddick

Released: 2020

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7 / 16

“Get On Up”

“Get On Up”

Get On Up Official Trailer #2 (2014) - James Brown Biography HD

Who: James Brown

Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Craig Robinson, Octavia Spencer, Tika Sumpter

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Released: 2014

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8 / 16

“Hidden Figures”

“Hidden Figures”

Hidden Figures | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX

Who: Katherine Jackson, Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, the three Black mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race

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Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Mahershala Ali, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Aldis Hodge

Released: 2016

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9 / 16

“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”

“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”

The United States vs. Billie Holiday - Trailer (Official) | Hulu

Who: Billie Holiday

Stars: Andra Day, Trevante Rhodes, Tyler James Williams, Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Released: 2021

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10 / 16

“Cadillac Records”

“Cadillac Records”

Cadillac Records (2008) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

Who: Leonard Chess, Chess Records

Stars: Jeffrey Wright, Beyonce, Cedric the Entertainer, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short, Yasiin Bey

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Released: 2008

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11 / 16

“Respect”

“Respect”

RESPECT | Official Trailer | MGM Studios

Who: Aretha Franklin

Stars: Jennifer Hudson, Forrest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald

Released: 2021

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12 / 16

“Ali”

“Ali”

Ali (2001) Official Trailer 1 - Will Smith Movie

Who: Muhammad Ali

Stars: Will Smith, Mario Van Peebles, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Mykelti Williamson

Released: 2001

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13 / 16

“Malcolm X”

“Malcolm X”

Malcolm X (1992) Official Trailer - Denzel Washington Movie HD

Who: Malcolm X

Stars: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee

Released: 1992

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14 / 16

“Ray”

“Ray”

Ray (2004) Official Trailer - Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington Movie HD

Who: Ray Charles

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Larenz Tate

Released: 2004

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15 / 16

“King Richard”

“King Richard”

KING RICHARD – Official Trailer

Who: Richard Williams, father to Venus and Serena Williams

Stars: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn

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Released: 2021

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