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10 Blockbusters Featuring Black Leads That Are Worth Watching Again

It's no coincidence that Will 'Mr. Blockbuster' Smith has a few in this lineup.

Blockbusters have become synonymous with explosive action, gripping stories, and memorable performances. Here’s a look at the top 10 blockbusters of all time featuring Black leads who brought charisma, talent, and a strong presence to the silver screen.

Black Panther (2018)

  • Lead: Chadwick Boseman
  • Synopsis: In the wake of his father's death, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested.
  • Impact: Grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide, "Black Panther" became a cultural phenomenon and a milestone in representation for Black superheroes.

Men in Black (1997)

  • Lead: Will Smith
  • Synopsis: A secret organization called Men in Black polices extraterrestrial activity on Earth. New recruit Agent J, played by Will Smith, partners with the veteran Agent K to keep the world safe from intergalactic threats.
  • Impact: With its blend of science fiction and comedy, "Men in Black" grossed over $589 million worldwide and cemented Will Smith's status as a summer blockbuster star.

Independence Day (1996)

  • Lead: Will Smith
  • Synopsis: Humanity faces extinction from an overwhelming alien invasion on July 4th. Marine pilot Captain Steven Hiller, played by Will Smith, teams up with other survivors to save the planet.
  • Impact: This film was a massive hit, earning over $817 million globally, and showcased Will Smith as a leading action star.

Bad Boys (1995)

  • Lead: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence
  • Synopsis: Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett must protect a witness to a murder while investigating a case of stolen heroin.
  • Impact: "Bad Boys" became a cult classic, known for its action-packed scenes and chemistry between its leads, grossing over $141 million worldwide.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

  • Lead: Dwayne Johnson, Idris Elba
  • Synopsis: Lawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance to take down a cyber-genetically enhanced villain threatening humanity.
  • Impact: This high-octane spin-off of the "Fast & Furious" franchise grossed over $759 million worldwide, showcasing the action prowess of Dwayne Johnson and Idris Elba.

Get Out (2017)

  • Lead: Daniel Kaluuya
  • Synopsis: A young African-American man visits his white girlfriend's family estate, uncovering a disturbing secret.
  • Impact: "Get Out" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $255 million on a $4.5 million budget and earning Daniel Kaluuya an Oscar nomination.

Blade (1998)

  • Lead: Wesley Snipes
  • Synopsis: Blade, a half-vampire, half-mortal man, becomes a protector of the human race while slaying evil vampires.
  • Impact: "Blade" was a groundbreaking film that combined horror with superhero elements, grossing $131 million worldwide and paving the way for future Marvel films.

The Equalizer (2014)

  • Lead: Denzel Washington
  • Synopsis: A former black-ops commando who faked his death for a quiet life in Boston comes out of retirement to rescue a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters.
  • Impact: "The Equalizer" was a box office success, grossing over $192 million globally and proving Denzel Washington's enduring appeal as an action star.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

  • Lead: Shameik Moore (voice of Miles Morales)
  • Synopsis: Teenager Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his reality, crossing paths with five counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat to all realities.
  • Impact: This animated feature was both a critical and commercial success, earning $375 million worldwide and an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Creed (2015)

  • Lead: Michael B. Jordan
  • Synopsis: The illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, Adonis Johnson, seeks out Rocky Balboa and asks the retired champ to train him for a shot at the title.
  • Impact: "Creed" revitalized the "Rocky" franchise, earning $173 million worldwide and critical acclaim for Michael B. Jordan's performance.

These films not only dominated the box office during their releases but also highlighted the importance of diverse representation in Hollywood. From superheroes to action heroes and everything in between, these Black leads have made an indelible mark on the film industry and continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

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