Black love movies have always represented the good and the bad regarding the depths of relationships. 1990s classics like “Boomerang” and “Love Jones” showed viewers how to be upfront about their expectations, while 2000s flicks “Brown Sugar” and “Love & Basketball” focused on longtime friends that grew closer to each other in adulthood. Decades before, “Mahogany” and “Purple Rain” both starred music legends and were among their earliest acting roles.

Below, we journey through ten movies that make us fall in love at every watch.

“The Best Man”

An anticipated wedding turns into a friendship clash when it’s discovered that the best man, author Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs), had a brief affair with the bride, Mia Morgan (Monica Calhoun), who’s soon to marry his college best friend, Lance (Morris Chestnut). Full of drama and some laughs, the 1999 movie set the tone for its 2013 sequel, “The Best Man Holiday,” and limited series, “The Best Man: The Final Chapters.”

“Brown Sugar”

When did you fall in love with hip-hop? That’s the question between ambitious childhood buddies Sidney (Sanaa Lathan) and Dre (Taye Diggs), who begin separate relationships but still find themselves drawn to each other. Set in early-2000s New York, throwback hip-hop is the film’s metaphor of fulfilling an authentic, homegrown love.

“If Beale Street Could Talk”

Based on the 1974 book of the same name by novelist James Baldwin, the richness of Black love overcoming all obstacles is centered in the Barry Jenkins-directed “If Beale Street Could Talk.” With an ensemble cast of KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Colman Domingo, and Teyonah Parris, it's Regina King’s strong-willed performance of matriarch Sharon Rivers that earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

“Boomerang”

The irresistible Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy) is messily caught between multiple options in the 1992 romantic comedy “Boomerang.” But when he comes up against Jacqueline Broyer (Robin Givens), his man-eating coworker, Graham must decide if he wants to continue to live the player lifestyle or settle down.

“Love & Basketball”

As adolescents, neighbors and basketball players Quincy McCall (Omar Epps) and Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan) didn’t know that they were destined for each other, but it’s with growing pains, estrangement, and reconciliation in “Love & Basketball” that they strengthen their ties. The 2000 Gina Prince Bythewood-directed film is a classic of the aughts and of all time, and in 2023, was preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

“Love Jones”

In 1997, Theodore Witcher-directed movie “Love Jones” had everything fans wanted—affectionate spoken word sessions. Steamy love scenes. An iconic R&B-filled soundtrack. A look into romance and close friendships between Black Chicagoans. Helmed by Nia Long and Larenz Tate, “Love Jones” goes down in history as the first film to explore the poetic side of Black intimacy.

“Mahogany”

R&B and disco icon Diana Ross chases her dreams as fashion maven Tracey Chambers in the 1975 romantic drama “Mahogany.” However, when her designer ambitions unexpectedly lead her to become a model, she’s also faced with wanting to support her love interest, local activist Brian Walker (Billy Dee Williams).

“The Photograph”

An archival photo opens the door to a serendipitous love between art curator Mae Morton (Issa Rae) and journalist Michael Block (LaKeith Stanfield) in the 2020 romantic drama, “The Photograph.” The film exudes warmth and light humor as Morton and Block figure out how far they’re willing to go for each other, emotionally and distance-wise.

“Purple Rain”

1984 rock musical film “Purple Rain” set the precedent for Prince’s future iconic status. In the Albert Magnoli-directed film, The Kid (Prince) sets his sights on a blossoming music career in Minneapolis and meets his muse Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero).

“Two Can Play That Game”

A battle of the sexes goes down between Shanté Smith (Vivica A. Fox) and Keith Fenton (Morris Chestnut) in the 2001 romantic comedy “Two Can Play That Game.” While Smith thinks she knows how to keep men on their toes, her feeling for Fenton throws her into a spiral and tests her vulnerability.