Authors like Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Terry McMillan have proven that black lit can make for great film. From period pieces and horror movies to dramas and provocative thrillers, the growing popularity of these releases demonstrates that films with predominantly black casts, or black leads, can still appeal to the masses.
While top films such as "Waiting to Exhale" and "The Color Purple" were famously in written form before coming to the big screen, other adaptations may surprise you. If you're in need of something new to read or something new to watch, then we've got you covered. Check out this list of urban films that were books first.
"Beloved"
"Beloved"
The prolific author Toni Morrison penned this Pulitzer Prize-winning horror drama in 1987. The protagonist is an escaped slave, haunted by the ghost of the daughter she murdered. Oprah Winfrey produced and starred in the film version, released in 1998. Although it was a box office failure, “Beloved” received an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design. The film also starred Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, and Kimberly Elise.
"Devil in a Blue Dress"
"Devil in a Blue Dress"
This 1995 detective film starred Denzel Washington as the smooth-talking Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, and also featured Tom Sizemore, Don Cheadle, and Jennifer Beals. The novel of the same name was published five years prior by Walter Mosley, best known for his Easy Rawlins mystery series. Although the film did poorly at the box office, Don Cheadle’s performance was heralded.
"Waiting to Exhale"
"Waiting to Exhale"
Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon proved to be a winning combination in this wildly successful romantic drama. The 1995 film was based on the best-selling novel by Terri McMillan, published in 1992. “Waiting to Exhale” sparked dialogues about male-female relationships, infidelity, and sisterhood in the black community, and also produced a dynamite soundtrack.
"The Color Purple"
"The Color Purple"
Many of us have seen this film a dozen times or more. “The Color Purple” made over $140 million at the box office on a $15 million budget when it was released in 1985, and projected issues such as racism and poverty onto the silver screen. Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover played unforgettable roles, and the film was nominated for a whopping 11 Academy Awards. The 1982 novel by Alice Walker was a winner as well, receiving the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction.
"How Stella Got Her Groove Back"
"How Stella Got Her Groove Back"
Terry McMillan did it again with her 1996 novel about a 40-something woman who finds sparks with a 20-something man. The book was made into a movie two years later with Angela Bassett and Taye Diggs in the lead roles, and Whoopi Goldberg and Regina King supporting. The film flipped the idea of May-December romances long before it was popular to be a “cougar.”
"Malcolm X"
"Malcolm X"
The critically-acclaimed biopic was based on Malcolm X’s autobiography, co-authored by Alex Haley. The book was published in 1965 after the civil rights leader’s assassination the same year. Nearly 30 years later, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” was adapted into a script and brought to the big screen. Directed by Spike Lee, “Malcolm X” starred Denzel Washington in the iconic title role. Unfortunately, the Academy Award for Best Actor went to Al Pacino that year for “Scent of a Woman.”
"Native Son"
"Native Son"
One of Richard Wright’s most popular novels is now required reading in many high schools. The book was a best-seller when it was published in 1940, and the tragic tale continues to stimulate conversations about race, class, and poverty. In 1986, “Native Son” was made into a film starring Victor Love, Oprah Winfrey, Matt Dillon, and Ving Rhames.
"Think Like a Man"
"Think Like A Man"
This 2012 rom-com was based on an award-winning book by comedian and actor Steve Harvey called “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.” The resulting film featured a predominantly black ensemble of newcomers and seasoned actors, including Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Gabrielle Union, Terrence J, Regina Hall, and Meagan Good. A sequel, “Think Like a Man Too,” was released in June.
"12 Years a Slave"
"12 Years a Slave"
One of the top films of 2013 was the historical epic “12 Years a Slave.” The movie won three Oscars and propelled Lupita Nyong'o to superstardom. Chiwetel Ejiofor played Solomon Northup, a black man born free in New York, but kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film is based on the true story of Northup, as detailed in his 1853 memoir of the same name. The best-selling narrative was dedicated to Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
"Antwone Fisher"
"Antwone Fisher"
Derek Luke made his silver screen debut in this 2002 dramatic film about a troubled young man serving in the Navy. The movie was also Denzel Washington’s directorial debut, and was a breakthrough role for actress Joy Bryant. Washington also starred in “Antwon Fisher” as Fisher’s psychiatrist. The successful film was based on the autobiography “Finding Fish,” published in 2001. “Fish” was the nickname of the real Antwone Fisher, who also wrote the film’s screenplay.