It’s one thing to have Black people in front of the camera, but to be behind the camera is a whole other power.
2018 is making this clear with an impressive lineup of melanated talent. A diverse group of films led by Black directors cover everything from comedy to animated superheroes.
Swipe through to find out which movies are coming to the table and mark your calendar. It’s going to be an exciting year!
Step Sisters (January 19 on Netflix) dir. by Charles Stone III
A Black girl is enlisted to teach an all-White sorority how to step? This movie will definitely bring the heated discussion! Megalyn Echikunwoke, Naturi Naughton, and Dear White People‘s Marque Richardson star in a movie sure to bring some comedic commentary to campus life.
Black Panther (In theaters February 16) dir. by Ryan Coogler
The fictional nation of Wakanda is at stake and Chadwick Boseman is here to set everything right as the Black Panther. Add in an all-star cast including Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and Angela Bassett, and you have one of the most anticipated movies of 2018.
A Wrinkle in Time (In theaters March 9) dir. by Ava DuVernay
Based on a 1962 sci-fi novel, Ava DuVernay teams up with Disney and some major stars to bring this movie to life. A young girl must confront time and space to save her father. With Oprah looking epic in the trailer, it’s sure to be a powerful adventure.
Acrimony (In theaters March 30) dir. by Tyler Perry
Who doesn’t need a dramatic lover revenge flick every now and then. It seems Taraji P. Henson isn’t playing games in this intense thriller. Get ready and be very afraid.
God Particle – Cloverfield sequel (In theaters April 20) dir. by Julius Onah
This movie has been in the struggle camp for a while with the release date being pushed back multiple times. But it seems the flick is finally making its way to theaters…hopefully. It will follow a group of astronauts who find a dangerous energy source, and it’ll star Daniel Brühl, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and David Oyelowo. Let’s hope this is the final date for a much anticipated movie.
The Equalizer II (In theaters August 10) dir. by Antoine Fuqua
Denzel Washington is back to kick butt and take names in this action thriller. If you like your movies violent and intense, then this sequel to the 2014 movie is just for you.
Night School (In theaters September 28) dir. by Malcolm D. Lee
Source: Jerritt Clark / Getty
Led by Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish, a group of misfits are forced to attend adult classes in hopes that they’ll pass their GED. With Kevin and Tiffany in a classroom together, this most likely won’t go well. We’re here to enjoy every hilarious bit of it.
Widows (In theaters November 16) dir. by Steve McQueen
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12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen returns to the big screen after five years. This time, he’ll be directing Viola Davis as she joins a group of widows planning to finish a heist job started by their husbands. The concept alone gives us chills.
Creed II (In theaters November 21) dir. by Steven Caple Jr.
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Filmmaker Steven Caple Jr. will take over directing duties from Ryan Coogler for this sequel to his 2015 hit. Michael B. Jordan will return as Apollo Creed’s son for another boxing flick sure to turn up the tension.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (In theaters December 14) dir. by Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, and Rodney Rothman
Comic fans out there know that besides Peter Parker, there’s another Spider-Man known as Miles Morales who defends his neighborhood. Now, the afro-latino is getting his own animated movie! With voice talent like Shameik Moore and Mahershala Ali, it’s sure to be filled with personality and great superhero action!
If Beale Street Could Talk (Release date TBD) dir. by Barry Jenkins
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Director Barry Jenkins’ much anticipated follow-up to Moonlight will have him taking on a literary icon. Jenkins adapts a James Baldwin novel about a pregnant Harlem woman who fights to prove her husband’s innocence in a rape case. Considering Jenkins’ previous work, the movie is sure to be emotionally layered and filled with drama.
Black Klansman (Release date TBD) dir. by Spike Lee
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Spike Lee helms this film about a Black detective who infiltrates a Colorado chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, eventually becoming the head of the chapter. Jordan Peele is assisting the flick with a producer credit. With two filmmakers not afraid to talk about race at the lead, this will definitely be a movie worth discussing!
