Psychological-Thrillers Featuring ‘White People Problems’ That Make Black People Say, ‘Hell, That Wouldn’t Be Me’

Need a good holiday thriller that doesn’t feature Black people dying: Check out ‘Speak No Evil’ ‘Ponypool’ and more films where we are not going through it.

Let’s face it… Black life is often like a psychological thriller. People lie in our faces, team up against us, call us out our names and killing us for no reason. Bad things do happen to us, which is why we get annoyed by all those “Black struggle” films. In reality, we always make it through but do we really have to be reminded of the dark side? Aside from the annoying Black struggle films, being Black in any movie, especially in a thriller is never a good thing and it never shows our super powerful skill to survive: We die first, can’t outrun the slowest zombie and we are rarely the hero.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

In fact, movies don’t spread the wealth to showcase fear and struggle within white America. But lately, our white brothers and sisters have been going through it in these mind-bending thrillers. And to be honest, that gives us a mental break. So if you are looking for some great movies this holiday, but ones where Black people are not in imminent danger, than look no further. Sit back and relax and get ready to say ‘That could never have been me.”

“Speak No Evil”

Starting off with a recent release, “Speak No Evil” depicts an American family visiting a British family’s estate. Only to learn more about the horrific nature of the owners. All we have to say is Black folks would have never allowed this disrespect.

“Pontypool”

A disc jockey learns about the recent reports of a zombie apocalypse in Pontypool, Ontario. Main character, Grant Mazzy, locks himself in his radio booth and races against time to warn the rest of the world about the zombifying virus. An amazing movie, but believe us Black folks would have known something was up immediately.

“The Substance”

After an aerobics show host is fired, she makes a drastic move. In an attempt to maintain her youth, she does something so wild and crazy, but it comes at a cost. People swear Demi Moore will get a Oscar for this, but all we got to say is Demi looked far better than her younger self, so it was all for nothing.

“Caddo Lake”

A broken family realizes the true nature of their past after a young girl mysteriously vanishes from their town. This mind-bending movie will have you at the edge of your seat.

“Handling The Undead”

Three families’ fate becomes intertwined after their deceased loved ones come alive in Oslo. This movie explores the intricacies of death, grief and learning to let go. We can only say this. Sad and scary. You gotta see it to believe it.

“Hereditary”

After the death of main character, Annie’s, mentally ill mother, unleashes a terrifying chain of events that was handed-down to the rest of the family. This movie will freak you out and make you wish you were in a Black struggle movie.

“Heretic”

This A24 horror film follows two young, female missionaries that stumble upon a man by the name of Mr. Reed. As they enter his home, they fight for their lives to escape his sadistic games. First of all, Black parents teach their kids not to be going over no strangers house. Regardless, Hugh did his thing in this film.

“Knock Knock”

Keanu Reeves stars as an architect targeted in a seductive, yet sadistic game by two young girls. Later on, their true agenda is discovered. We love Keanu Reeves and we don’t appreciate no one messing with our boy.

“The Man In The White Van”

In 1970s Florida, a young girl begins to be stalked by a man in a strange white van. As the stalking intensifies, the young girl becomes more aware of the danger she truly is in. The events are loosely based on infamous serial killer Billy Mansfield Jr.

“Single White Female”

After main character, Allison Jones, breaks up with her boo she welcomes in a new roommate, Hedra Carlson. At first, they hit it off. But time soon tells Allison the violent nature of her new friend. This is an oldie but goodie. The film is still stylish and very New York City. Allison needed some Black girl friends to tell her “Girl, that is not your friend.”

“The Strangers”

This 2008 thriller follows a couple looking to enjoy a getaway at a family vacation home. Things quickly take a turn when three masked intruders torment the couple and their friends for the rest of the night. See…time that weird person knocked on the door, we would have known to bolt.

“The Roommate”

Similar to “Single White Female,” newly arrived college student, Sara takes on Los Angeles with her assigned roommate, Rebecca. After the two form a bond, three becomes a crowd after Sara meets and moves in with her boyfriend. Later, things take a turn for the worst.

“Black Swan”

A New York City ballet dancer grapples with the balance of reality after becoming the star of an opening production of “Swan Lake.” Great film, but we knew where this was headed.

“You’re Next”

An estranged upperclass, wealthy family are the targets of a murder plot where they have to put their personal issues to the side in order to survive. Sometimes it’s not good to be part o the upperclass, eh?

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Breaking Down Who's Playing Who In Michael Jackson Movie

Breaking Down Who’s Playing Who In Michael Jackson Movie

The highly-anticipated Michael Jackson movie hits theaters April 24. Let’s take a look at who’s portraying the famous faces! …
Everything You Need to Know About the KKK

Everything You Need to Know About the KKK

The Root is taking a closer look into the Ku Klux Klan, one of the most notorious terrorist organizations of all time …
Black Women Have Proven Their Worth. So Why Are They Being Targeted?

Black Women Have Proven Their Worth. So Why Are They Being Targeted?

Despite historic gains in degrees and entrepreneurship, nearly 600,000 Black women were “economically sidelined” in 2025 alone, according to Fortune. Credentials and hard work have not shielded them from glaring pay gaps, bias or stalled advancement …
Here's a Full Timeline of Trump's Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

Here’s a Full Timeline of Trump’s Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

If you’re not caught up with the latest beef between Trump and Letitia James, don’t worry. We have you covered with everything to know since 2022 …
HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

A new study shows that the HBCU experience may actually be connected to a lifetime of well-being …
Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

New details from Rihanna are emerging about her unfortunate home shooting from Let’s get into it …
Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on 'Conservative Women in America'

Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on ‘Conservative Women in America’

Fan-favorite comedian Druski transforms into a satirical “Christian conservative” character, sparking millions of views and a heated online debate …
82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross's Style Through the Years

82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross’s Style Through the Years

As ‘The Boss’ turns another year older, we thought it’d be fitting to revel in the fabulous fashions of the legendary singer over the years. Let’s take a look! …
TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

After stumbling across Jill Scott’s family photos in Goodwill, one TikToker user has returned the precious memories back to the singer …
New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce settlement details between ‘RHOA’ star Kandi Burruss and ex Todd Tucker have been released. Let’s take a look! …
Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Professor: It gave us everything we needed in 2020 and nothing we need now …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …
Lamar Odom's Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

Lamar Odom’s Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

While many know NBA star Lamar Odom for his famous relationship with Khloe Kardashian, his teenage sweetheart is finally opening up about their dynamic …
Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the 'Verzuz' Battle

Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the ‘Verzuz’ Battle

“Verzuz” is back, y’all! From “Sweet Lady” to “When We,” Tank and Tyrese are bringing all their hits to the stage. We curated the best playlist to get you ready to sing and slow dance for the show …
Black People Are Asking Why We Didn't Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black People Are Asking Why We Didn’t Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black folks are pissed after Zohran Mamdani’s wife’s old tweets resurfaced, painting her in a problematic light within the Black community …
The Numbers Don't Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

From the C-suite to entrepreneurship, Black women have had a record-breaking rise in recent years, even as they battle an uneven playing field …
Why a Comedian's Translation of 'The Lion King's' Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

Why a Comedian’s Translation of ‘The Lion King’s’ Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

The “Circle of Life” chant is one of the most recognizable sounds in Disney movie history! But right now, it’s the center of a $27 million legal war …
Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Reviews are mixed on whether maskless Black ICE agents are causing more harm than good in U.S. airports …
Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Shay Taylor-Allen shared a now-viral clip of the moment she learned that she would do her medical residency at Yale Hospital –where she once worked as a janitor …
We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

Usher and Justin Bieber allegedly got into a ‘heated exchange’ during an Oscars after-party. And now we’ve got insight into what really went down! …